Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite theme park attractions were designed and created? Jessica & Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) are joined by special guest, award winning attraction designer/creative executive/producer/filmmaker/inventor Eddie Newquist to discuss what really goes into the making of a successful attraction. As someone who worked on some of the world’s most success attractions like Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Kongfrontation, Twister, Jaws, and Terminator 2: 3D, Eddie has fantastic stories to share! 2:05 - Meet Eddie Newquist! 6:05 - How Eddie started working in theme parks and helped build Universal Orlando 10:24 - The Horror Make-Up Show, Steven Spielberg, and unearthing legendary props on the Universal Hollywood backlot 16:30 - Eddie = King Kong?! 19:13 - A Monster of a Soundbite! 20:57 - Jurassic Park: The Ride, Iwerks Entertainment, and going back to Universal 25:00 - The process of creating an attraction from a brand 28:18 - Waterworld - Universal Studios Hollywood’s #1 show 25 years running 32:33 - Why dreaming big during brainstorming or “sparks” sessions are so important when creating attractions like Twister…Ride It Out 37:40 - Working with film directors and producers on attractions like Terminator 2: 3-D 43:40 - What makes a “successful” theme park attraction 47:18 - Why Eddie doesn’t feel sad when attractions he’s worked on are replaced or changed 51:00 - Looking back at some of his favorite professional memories and forward at some exciting upcoming exhibitions he’s working on with MinaLima LA 54:12 - Eddie’s advice to anyone who wants a career like his 58:15 - The Theme Parkettes 5 Questions for Eddie Newquist! 64:09 - What Eddie’s working on right now and how to follow his work Twitter: @enewquist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enewquist www.minalima.com www.themeparkettes.com Instagram - @thethemeparkettes Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

The Theme Parkettes

Episode 26 - Behind the Scenes of Your Favorite Theme Park Attractions with Special Guest Eddie Newquist

With the pandemic still in full swing, many theme parks are testing out different ways to open their gates this holiday season. Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) attend two types of these holiday events - a completely contactless drive-thru park experience at Six Flags Magic Mountain and a mostly contact-free outdoor food festival at Knott's Berry Farm - and report their findings. Is it worth it for theme parks to pivot to these type of events and are they worth your $$$? By the end of this episode, hopefully The Theme Parkettes help you decide. 1:30 - A little disclaimer… 2:40 - The parks that are currently “open” and why they may feel busy even though capacity is limited 7:17 - The brand new “drive-thru” experience a few parks are experimenting with this holiday 7:52 - Jessica’s evening at Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park 2020 16:13 - The third way some parks are pivoting to partially open their gates 19:24 - Jessica’s day at Knott’s Berry Farm Taste of Merry Farm 2020 26:10 - Why the Knott’s app might be the best of all theme park apps we’ve used and why it was great for Taste of Merry Farm 35:02 - Some other ways a theme park fan could celebrate the holidays without going to a park right now www.themeparkettes.com Instagram - @thethemeparkettes Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Episode 25 - SPECIAL EDITION - Theme Park Holiday Events 2020 - Should You Go?

Jessica & Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) are joined by special guest, theme park journalist Arthur Levine from AboutThemeParks.com. They discuss their favorite rides, parks, and themed lands from around the world—any one of them worth planning a trip for! If you love roller coasters, Arthur's recommendations will have you dreaming about your next vacation. Plus, find out what they still have yet to experience on their "theme park bucket lists." 0:57 - Meet Arthur Levine! 8:23 - An Ohio rollercoaster you must ride. 13:23- Arthur (and Jessica's) overall favorite coaster! 18:36 - The most thrilling, freakiest coaster. 21:13 - The Best Roller Coaster Park in the USA? 21:50 - Arthur's criteria for evaluating and reviewing coasters. 22:52 - The wooden coaster and park Arthur likes to recommend. 28:00 - Historic coasters and parks that are living pieces of history. 30:15 - A spinning coaster you'll flip for. 31:50 - Arthur's favorite steel coaster and wooden coaster 34:40 - Ashleigh and Jessica's favorite coasters. 38:39 - Bucket List Coasters yet to try 40:10 - Bucket List Parks yet to see 44:56 - Dark Rides - the favorites and the bucket lists. 53:01 - What many of the best dark rides have in common (hint: Imagineers!) 57:41 - Themed Lands 1:05:20 - The Theme Parkettes Five Questions for Arthur Levine! Read Arthur's work: AboutThemeParks.com Connect: twitter.com/aboutthemeparks www.themeparkettes.com Instagram - @thethemeparkettes Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Episode 24 - Building Your Theme Park Bucket List with Special Guest Arthur Levine

In their first bonus episode, Jessica & Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) discuss Ashleigh's big contest win and her Zoom meet and greet with Mark Ruffalo, Paul Rudd, Scarlett Johannson, Don Cheadle, Robert Downey, Jr., The Russo Brothers, and...Senator Kamala Harris. Hear them break down the audio from the zoom, find out what Ashleigh spoke to everyone about, and why Cedar Point and Don Cheadle tweeted The Theme Parkettes after the event. #votersassemble iwillvote.com www.themeparkettes.com Instagram - @thethemeparkettes Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

BONUS EPISODE 1 - Ashleigh Meets The Avengers and Kamala Harris!

If you’ve never been to Universal Orlando or haven’t been in many years, this is the episode you need to hear! Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) with special guest Yuri Rodriguez chat about Universal Studios Orlando, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, Universal CityWalk Orlando, and more. 1:10 - Meet Yuri Rodriguez! 4:38 - What IS Universal Orlando? 6:00 - Transportation to the parks 7:10 - Resorts! 8:34 - Yuri’s resort Hot Tip for those traveling with pets 12:09 - Tickets! 15:00 - How many days do you need? 16:28 - Why you want to be at the park early/Virtual Queues 19:40 - The Must-Do Rides at Universal Studios, IOA, and Volcano Bay 26:58 - Park ticket add-ons including a VIP experience The Theme Parkettes really want to try 31:24 - Must-Do Rides for kids 32:22 - Food! 35:46 - Must-Try Universal Orlando Snacks 37:51 - Favorite CityWalk restaurants 38:46 - Shows and Entertainment! 41:40 - Holidays and Festivals! 43:46 - Something you’ll see at Universal Hollywood that you may not see at Universal Orlando 45:59 - Booking your travel and saving $ 49:36 - The Theme Parkettes 5 Questions for Yuri Rodriguez! 59:56 - Where to find Yuri Rodriguez @yuriefr Feed The Need Orlando - https://feedtheneedfl.org/ www.themeparkettes.com Instagram - @thethemeparkettes Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

EPISODE 23 - Vacation Like You Mean It - Universal Orlando 101 with special guest Yuri Rodriguez

Disney Parks and Disney fans online use SO many acronyms. Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) want to know how many you know! Take their quiz! Don’t worry if you don’t know all of the acronyms and terms; by the end of this episode, you’ll be an expert. 3:30 - DISNEY ACRONYM TRIVIA! 1:03:49 - How did you score? Tell us on Insta @thethemeparkettes Knew less than 10: Parkette Cadet Didn’t know 9-8: Parkette Scout Didn’t know 7-6: Parkettes 1st Class Didn’t know 5-4: Parkette Pilot Didn’t know 3-2: Parkette Ace Only didn’t know 1: Parkette Commando Knew all 30: Official Honorary Disney Theme Parkette! www.themeparkettes.com Instagram - @thethemeparkettes Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song and trivia music by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Episode 22 - Can YOU Speak Disney?

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) chat about all things Dollywood and Dolly Parton with special guest, Dollywood performer, Tony Feole. 1:30 - Meet Tony Feole! Learn about his audition for Dollywood and how he became a Gem Tone. 6:13 - How many days should you plan on spending in the park? 7:00 - Best time of year to visit Dollywood 8:08 - The DreamMore Resort 9:12 - All about Dolly Parton! 12:23 - The Eagle Sanctuary 13:07 - Rides! 14:24 - The snack you MUST try 15:25 - Food and Dining! 20:00 - Entertainment! 23:45 - The must-do for the Dolly fans 25:05 - Doggywood! 27:50 - Tickets and the Time Saver 29:55 - The chapel 31:50 - The gospel festival 34:10 - The Theme Parkettes' Five Questions for Tony Feole! 41:50 - Where to find Tony Feole online- @tonyfeole and in the park - Jukebox Junction www.themeparkettes.com Instagram - @thethemeparkettes Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Episode 21 - It's Dolly’s World - Dollywood 101 with special guest Tony Feole

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) are joined by special guest, bestselling author Farrah Rochon, to discuss planning a girlfriends trip to Walt Disney World. Whether you want to feel young at heart, have some peace and quiet, spend time in nature, or indulge and party hard, Farrah and The Theme Parkettes are here to help you plan the perfect vacation you and your best girls will never forget. *Disclaimer: Even though we are calling this episode "girlfriends trip," our advice could be for any gendered friends trip! Our goal is to be as specific and helpful for your vacation planning as possible. Since we identify as female, and are strong supporters of female friendships, that is where our knowledge lives, and our specific focus for this episode. Thank you!* 0:59 - Meet Farrah Rochon! Learn a little about her newest book, "The Boyfriend Project" and her fans who call themselves The Rochonettes. Farrah is also a WDW annual passholder, DVC member, and platinum Disney cruiser. 5:03 - Figuring out the TYPE or VIBE of the trip you want to have. 7:38 - What are we wearing? 9:00 - The "Young at Heart" Girls Trip 14:38 - Why we need to #SaveStevenTyler 16:06 - The Relaxing and Unwinding Girls Trip 24:15 - The "Treat Yourselves" Indulgent Girls Trip 24:46 - Farrah's Hot Tip for EPCOT's Food and Wine Festival! 33:16 - The Party Girls Trip 38:21 - The Outdoorsy/Active Girls Trip 42:36 - The Theme Parkettes' Five Questions for Farrah Rochon 46:43 - Where to find Farrah @farrahrochon www.farrahrochon.com More about Farrah: USA Today bestselling author Farrah Rochon hails from a small town just west of New Orleans. She has garnered much acclaim for her Holmes Brothers, New York Sabers, Bayou Dreams and Moments in Maplesville series. When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Farrah spends most of her time reading, cooking, traveling the world, visiting Walt Disney World, and catching her favorite Broadway shows. An admitted sports fanatic, Farrah feeds her addiction to football by watching New Orleans Saints games on Sunday afternoons. Special thanks to Forever Books www.read-forever.com @readforeverpub www.themeparkettes.com Instagram - @thethemeparkettes Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Episode 20 - Planning a Girls Trip to Disney with special guest Farrah Rochon

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) are celebrating their one year anniversary of podcasting! Join them for an episode packed with questions from listeners. 2:35 - The Disney Princess discussion. 3:43 - How far in advance should I plan my Disney vacation? Is it possible to start planning too early? If I want to work with a Vacation Planner, when should I reach out? 7:20 - How quickly can a Vacation Planner help plan a trip to Disney if I suddenly come into some “cash and free time?” 8:54 - Are there days of the week that have better hotel rates? 10:55 - What are the best ways to save money on a Universal Orlando vacation? 15:38 - Should I purchase my park tickets through a different retailer and not directly from the park? 20:35 - I’ve never been on a popular ride because I haven’t been able to get a Fast Pass for it. Help! 24:38 - Theme Park naps! 28:31 - Do I need to bring cash, travelers checks, credit cards to theme parks? Are parks promoting cashless payment methods? 36:29 - Have you ever gotten “Pixie Dust” or had a “Magical Moment” at a Disney park? 39:53 - Can I get a tour of Cinderella Castle? 42:58 - Are The Theme Parkettes members of Club 33? www.themeparkettes.com Instagram - @thethemeparkettes Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

EPISODE 19 - LISTENER QUESTIONS

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) are joined by special guest Sparkly Nicole from SparklyEverAfter.com. Vegans and people with dietary restrictions should know they don’t have to miss out on all the fun and delicious theme park food! Find out Sparkly Nicole’s hot tips and best recommendations for plant-based eaters planning their Disney vacation, with advice for visiting Universal, the Orlando area, and Disneyland as well. 0:15 - Meet Sparkly Nicole from SparklyEverAfter.com 5:40 - The park we all think is currently handling dietary restrictions the best (probably not a surprise to our listeners!) 6:30 - Sparkly Nicole’s advice for prepping to go to the parks 9:15 - Top WDW restaurant recommendation for vegans 11:52 - Sparkly Nicole’s Hot Tip! 12:30 - Table service recs at WDW Resorts, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs 23:34 - WDW vegan quick service recs 25:20 - SNACKS!!!! The two Disney snack staples that might surprise you are VEGAN! 27:16 - Special events - the best EPCOT festival for vegans to check out 29:46 - How to encourage more plant-based options at the parks 33:18 - Top Universal Studios recommendations 35:31 - Plant-based Orlando restaurants close to the parks 38:05 - Disney Springs bakery you must visit 43:09 - The Theme Parkettes' Five Questions for Sparkly Nicole 48:20 - Where to find Sparkly Nicole @sparklynicole 49:30 - Sparkly Nicole’s favorite charity - Give Kids the World www.gktw.org www.themeparkettes.com Instagram - @thethemeparkettes Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

EPISODE 18 - The Best Vegan Eats at Disney (and more!) with special guest Sparkly Nicole

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) do their very first Instagram live stream of a podcast. They share everything they know about theme park closures, including what will happen to park tickets, resort stays, and annual passholders. Ashleigh has advice for anyone planning any trip this year. They also discuss what happens during any emergency in a Disney park and how to always book a vacation with confidence. 0:05 - Our theme song played LIVE by Thomas Gardner, Jr. 1:11 - Why we chose this topic 4:30 - Status of the major theme parks 7:27 - For those who had tickets during the closure 8:28 - Annual passholders 8:55 - Are ANY parks open? 10:00 - Recommendations for those who had trips booked in March, April, May, or June 13:50 - What happens when you cancel or reschedule a Disney vacation? 15:47 - Live stream question about DVC points 17:02 - What if you booked a trip through a third party vendor ? 19:04 - Ashleigh’s best advice for those feeling anxious about what’s happening with their vacation 20:08 - Booked a trip in the fall? Thinking of booking a trip in the fall? 21:04 - Should you get Travel insurance? 23:30 - Rescheduling vs Cancelling 26:45 - Emergencies in Orlando WDW Parks 33:45 - A well needed laugh and helpful photo advice 36:00 - Best advice for planning with confidence and some hot tips www.mainstreetinpirations.com Instagram - @mainstreetinspirations Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Episode 17 - THE THEME PARKETTES LIVE! - Trip Cancellations, Emergencies, and Park Closures

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) talk about Ashleigh’s adventures at the 2020 WDW Marathon Weekend. They discuss which runDisney races she ran, her first ride on the gondolas, new culinary encounters, the wacky weather that always seems to accompany this weekend, and then, Ashleigh gets personal about an imperfect race and resort experience and what she learned from both. 0:44 - Race overview 2:10 - Driving to Orlando and having a car at WDW, getting to the expo 8:15 - Taking ALL the transportation to the parks. ALL OF IT! 16:20 - Why does this race weekend always have wacky weather? 20:33 - The runDisney flag system, the road closures, and how the marathon was affected 23:56 - Ashleigh’s 5K 26:05 - Hot tip for getting the best race photos 27:34 - Ashleigh’s (emotional) Half Marathon and the “Sea of Green” 44:38 - Eating at Sebastian’s Bistro, Beaches & Cream, California Grill, the EPCOT Forever Rose & Crown Dining package 49:00 - Staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort 55:00 - Tips for reaching out to Disney if there is an issue with your stay We found the magical foot roller! (not an ad): rollrecovery.com/product/r3/ www.mainstreetinpirations.com Instagram - @mainstreetinspirations Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Episode 16 - Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 2020

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) discuss Jessica’s recent trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain for Holiday in The Park and Taste of Holiday in The Park. 1:18 - About “Taste of Holiday in The Park” 5:45 - The answer to a previous mystery! 7:50 - Holiday in The Park specs - times and dates, lights, “snowpe,” crafts, S’mores Stations, the light shows, entertainment, stilt walker toy soldiers, walkthroughs, photo ops, holiday merch, charity 21:40 - Taste of Holiday in The Park tasting passports 23:05 - Allergy and dietary considerations and options 24:55 - Meeting and interviewing Neal Thurman, the President of Six Flags Magic Mountain! 30:21 - Other Taste of Holiday in The Park food options 31:40 - Overall thoughts on Holiday in The Park For those who don’t remember the S’mores scene from “The Sandlot” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlddDZkkxCc www.mainstreetinpirations.com Instagram - @mainstreetinspirations Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Episode 15 - SPECIAL EDITION - Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in The Park 2019

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) tell you about all the magic that happens on both coasts at Disney during the Holiday Season. Is it worth it to brave the insane crowds? What's it like on Christmas Day? The Theme Parkettes discuss the seasonal food, lights, events, special entertainment, the ride overlays, the scavenger hunts, and, of course, the “snowpe.” As usual, they give their best travel tips and advice on how to make sure your holiday vacation is as magical as possible. 1:40 - When do the “Holidays” start at Disneyland and Walt Disney World? 3:40 - A brief discussion of Thanksgiving at Disney 7:15 - Magic Kingdom, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 14:36 - EPCOT 20:12 - Animal Kingdom 22:13 - Hollywood Studios 25:40 - Disney Springs 27:55 - Grand Californian Hotel (and other Disney resorts) 29:28 - Disney’s California Adventure, including Festival of the Holidays 32:03 - Disneyland 35:57 - An explanation of the “phases” of park closure - What you need to know so you can make sure you get in, even on the busiest days 38:46 - Tips for braving Disney during the Holidays www.mainstreetinpirations.com Instagram - @mainstreetinspirations Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Episode 14 - Should You Visit Disney During the Holidays?

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) continue the second half of their discussion on all the Walt Disney World Resorts by delving into the luxurious Deluxe resort options. What are each of the hotels like? What size rooms do they offer? How’s the pool? What are the transportation options for getting to the parks? Any restaurants or entertainment on property? Which ones are dog friendly? The Theme Parkettes answer all these questions! At the end of this episode, the Theme Parkettes play a game where Ashleigh shares her resort recommendations for all different types of trips. (0:28 - 34:48) The Deluxe Resorts 2:50 - Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 6:02 - Disney’s Wilderness Lodge 8:54 - Disney’s BoardWalk Inn 12:06 - Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts 14:56 - Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort 18:25 - Disney’s Contemporary Resort 22:38 - Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa 34:49 - Briefly regarding the Swan, Dolphin, and other resorts that aren’t wholly Disney resorts 36:13 - Quiz time! Ashleigh helps you pick the best Disney resort for your trip *Please note: Disney Vacation Club Resorts will be discussed in a future episode! Stay tuned. www.mainstreetinpirations.com Instagram - @mainstreetinspirations Jessica - @actorjessicagardner Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Episode 13 - ALL the Walt Disney World Resorts! ALL OF THEM! (Part 2)

Disney nerds, theme park aficionados, and best buds Jessica and Ashleigh (aka The Theme Parkettes) from MainStreetInspirations.com know that navigating the most Magical places on earth can be overwhelming. With humor and a little pixie dust, they share their tried-and-true tips from coast-to-coast. Join them on their adventures.

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The Theme Parkettes

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