Will Epic Universe be a World Class Theme Park? (With Theme Park Stop) • FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT

FYA and Alicia Stella (Theme Park Stop) take a journey through the Chronos, to discuss what lies within this decade's most highly anticipated theme park: Universal Epic Universe!
Go to MagicSpoon.com/FYA and use Promo Code: FYA for $5 off your order of protein packed cereal!
Check out more of Alicia's work!
KZbin @ThemeParkStop and orlandoparkstop.com
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CREATED & HOSTED BY
Ryan Bergara & Byron Marin
EDITOR
Byron Marin
PRODUCER
Matt Real
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Steven Lim
Ryan Bergara
Shane Madej
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/ byronamarin
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FYA Logo by Arthur Kierce (@theonekierce)
Watcher Logo Designed by Jennet Liaw
Watcher Logo Sound Design by Yuta Endo (@yuuutaendo)

[@rachelnak]

I cannot emphasize enough how much this podcast is my shit; I would individually increase my patreon subscription to keep this alive forever

[@ready2cry]

agreed!!

[@STSGuitar16]

I’m confused as to why they couldn’t just keep doing the pod indefinitely even if they had no sponsors. I mean, plenty of podcasts don’t make any money but they still stick around. Podcasts in general don’t necessarily have to make money in order to continue. Unless Ryan and Byron are both getting paid to do this pod (which I feel like they probably aren’t), I see no reason why they couldn’t just keep doing it for free. Move to a cheaper set or separate this pod from the Watcher brand or something like that if need be, but there’s no reason it has to be financially viable unless Watcher is just spending a ton of money to keep this pod going (which I also don’t think is the case; pods are cheap to make). Obviously I hope and pray for sponsors every week, but if push came to shove, I hope Ryan and Byron can just do whatever they need to do to be able to keep it going. Most podcasters out there do it for free anyway, so I hold out hope that it would continue every week if they have to stop doing it on Watcher because of finances.

[@MollyMA13]

@@STSGuitar16yes, if they truly enjoy it as a hobby. But discounting the time and effort that the podcast requires would be doing Ryan and Byron a disservice.

[@STSGuitar16]

@@MollyMA13 I mean, there are plenty of well-researched podcasts out there that operate on much lower budgets and retain similar production quality. I think the whole streaming service thing has revealed that Watcher truly is spending way more money than they should across the board. A podcast doesn’t need to have movie level production. Apparently they had a different theme park pod back during covid and did that for fun as a hobby, so I’m sure they both absolutely do enjoy doing the pod. All of Watcher just needs to downsize a bit and this wouldn’t be an issue to begin with. They just have stupidly inflated production costs on stuff that could be done for much less while still being professional production.

[@michaelwise9857]

Alicia is the PERFECT narrator for her channel. She shares information with such clarity, without gushing or going on and on. She comes across as as professional honestly, but with a strong hint of excitement in her voice. Love listening to her. Others could learn from how she delivers updates.

[@fourlittlebirds6166]

I totally thought she was employed by universal actually until this podcast. I had no idea. She’s good.

[@averyeml]

She says she basically has to remind herself that when it says the hotel rooms are “themed” that it isn’t themed to an IP because “this is a theme park, they just mean it matches the park’s theme” But like, nowadays, the fact that it DOESNT mean themed to an IP is wild and new and awesome. If anything I hope that the thing Disney tries to copy is not fear-shoving IP into literally everything

[@kentslocum]

Exactly! There's an awesome family-run theme park in Oregon (Enchanted Forest, if you're curious) that has an awesome Western Town, and an incredible Haunted House, and a fantastic Medieval Village--and all of them are highly immersive without being linked to a particular IP. 😊

[@itsme_taylorlee]

I’m addicted and I’m not a big theme park person (mainly because of my proximity to theme parks). This is such an entertaining podcast.

[@Lillyyyy433]

I am once again asking for a top 5 beatdown theme park/rides please 🫶🏻 love this podcast, yall are the best!

[@aiyanabartolome7928]

Check out Saddest Podcast on Earth!

[@Lillyyyy433]

@@aiyanabartolome7928 Thank you!!!!!!

[@gr33ngirlsea]

Alicia's research skills are so good! Imagine what she could do for a court case or an archive project! 😮

[@ThemeParkStop]

If only I used my powers for good lol

[@gr33ngirlsea]

@@ThemeParkStop ah, well. You're not obligated to use things you're good at for "noble" causes. But, I'll bet your materials would make a fascinating book!

[@wesleygaris7061]

Please never stop doing this podcast. This and Pod Watcher have been literally the best Monday - Tuesday wombo combo for improving my mental health! Y'all rule!

[@herrelladventures]

Alicia Stella is the Punxsutawney Phil of Theme Parks. The future construction prognosticator! haha

[@norsemaiden1108]

Getting to live vicariously through this podcast has become a weekly treasure!

[@Bulldozer4000]

I don't think there was ever any doubt Alicia Stella would pop up at some point, but a whole discussion on Epic Universe is not what I imagined and I love it. She's an absolute legend in the theme park sphere.

[@omgsicle]

i completed a couple callbacks for epic universe entertainment this week and listened through this video on my flight home. there's some stuff y'all shared in here that i didn't even know about. i was already pretty stoked, but now -- holy SHIT am i SO EXCITED and HONORED at the prospect that i could help open this park in some capacity. wish me luck, y'all!! 😍

[@themepark101]

Universal should be paying Alicia a ton, as she has single-handedly hyped this park for all of us. As always, great podcast guys!

[@louisianimal24]

Seriously lol feels like she’s doing all their promo 😂

[@Zveebo]

A tonne of people in Universal get their news from Alicia because she knows more than most employees do 😂

[@DeanGoldbarry-jo7fd]

They ain't paying her shit! Hopefully she'll get free admission/season pass when they open.

[@themepark101]

@@DeanGoldbarry-jo7fd She deserves more than that.

[@MrKelvin2230]

She is getting paid, by you tube.... just like any other vlogger posting videos from different themed parks.

[@faithgill9634]

Came here from Spotify to share that, as a WDW cast member, I have talked with so many people about this podcast! I even met other listeners in line for ToT the other day, all because I overheard them talking about it and joined in! I’ve also learned more about some attractions here than I had on their backstage tours! For Your Amusement is very beloved and it definitely hits the mark (especially here at WDW and especially with cms)

[@morgantencza2710]

I need Ryan to vlog his first visit to epic universe so we can all witness his reactions

[@watcherpodcasts]

Yeah Universal, that sounds like a great idea, right? Right? Hello? You there? - Ryan

[@floridafamilyfun1597]

Alicia is the queen of theme parks! She speaks of finding "her people;" I am her people! I love this podcast and Theme Park Stop so much! Thanks Alicia!

[@daniethegirl029]

This is the best podcast ever. Literally the only one I can listen to consistently. Please never stop. ❤❤❤

[@fantasticfaart]

Tuesday is now my favorite day of the week

[@MotorcoachTony]

So...I've never seen this podcast before, but since I'm a HUGE fan of Alicia Stella of ThemeParkStop, this came up in my feed. WOW! Absolutely loved this episode. And yep, I subscribed. Downloaded it before my flight from Shanghai to Dallas took off, and it made part of that long flight go by a bit faster. I didn't want it to end. (The podcast, not the flight.) It was my first time actually SEEING Alicia talk at length. I'm used to hearing her on the podcast & news updates, and it made me an even bigger fan. She's so enjoyable & likable to watch. Love her sense of humor. Her laugh and smile are infectious. 😊 I'm glad it introduced me to you guys. You had me laughing the whole time. Really enjoyed the whole show, and the questions were perfect. Can't wait to see more.

[@jocelynsantiago7154]

I am a 46 yo mother of 4 sons, ages 24,'19,16 and 13 and they are excited but me and their Dad are way more excited then they are 😆. We are 2 big kids that will never grow up and never stop riding roller coasters and rides. I have ate , slept and breathed everything Alicia has put out about Epic Universe the last few years! Especially Dark Universe! I came across your pod cast on her channel today and it was great!

[@Rebecajean]

I genuinely look forward to this every week. I. Love. This. Showwwwww.

[@francesleones4973]

Please continue this. As someone who hasn't visited theme parks in a while, this is reigniting my childhood love for them. It's also helping me plan out my theme park trips when I visit the US.

[@derekjamesjack92]

Tuesdays are for the theme parks.

[@cmbluey98]

OUR PLEAS FOR ALICIA HAVE BEEN ANSWERED

[@GreatTracksWithTravis]

I would love more content on the economics of theme parks and how construction cost has increased.

[@katcalico9142]

Alicia is a legend! I love this podcast so much!

[@Bee-td4ir]

I literally RUN to watch Alicia’s videos every time they release. It’s so cool to learn more about her process and even her as a person. I haven’t been this excited for a youtube upload in a long time!!

[@brittany753]

I just want to say I love this podcast. Byron and Ryan have the best chemistry. Even when it’s just the two of them, it’s amazing. 😊

[@metf314]

Love how she starts all humble but you two hype her up so much that by the end of the video she's referring to herself as the nostradomus of theme parks

[@humorityxo]

I LOVE THIS PODCAST, NEVER STOP I'm jealous of Alicia's amazing detective skills and reporting, and I can't wait for Epic Universe! ! Also, you shouldtotally do a Villain Con video because it would be hilarious.

[@goergeblah6678]

Everything talked about for this park sound so amazing and even the expansion rumors. Like this just seems like it’s going to be mind blowing and universal is truly going all out. I hope it lives up to the hype and Disney then tries to answer, a win win for us theme park sickos

[@EveryCrazyDay]

This podcast is just sweeping up the YT Parks news commentary community like wildfire. Don’t stop it!

[@scottcaldwell2786]

I’ve been watching Alisha’s videos for literally years and was convinced she was a voice actor someone had hired. She’s incredible and has an amazing voice to deliver information. She’s incredible!!!

[@dumpsterpanda88]

looks like Ryan finally found a way not to get embarrassed at the Premature Detrackulation test 😂

[@watcherpodcasts]

I'm getting better at hiding it. Every week it feels like a personal punishment to have a dumb ass bit of my own making rubbed in my face lol it's penance - Ryan

[@bbj4041]

Yes, Theme Park Stop!! The predictor extraordinaire herself, Alicia! Congrats on getting her on the pod, Ryan.

[@twijinx]

Legit this pod gives me the theme park fix that my location/brokeness keeps me from 🥹 planning a bday party next year at the nearest theme park too hehe

[@gordosloan]

ELITE GUEST!!!!!

[@cammysan]

Alicia posted about their appearance on your pod, so now expect a good chunk of the Theme Park Stop audience (which just hit 100k subs), to come accross and listen. ❤❤❤❤

[@TidalVex]

So glad you guys talked about Epic Universe without ducking on the Disney parks. I swear sometimes the theme park community gets too competitive when if you ask me, both parks are great and have historically pushed each other to go bigger and better.

[@ratbones620]

I have been hoping for this specific podcast ever since the Epic announcement video. Definitely did not disappoint.

[@GOODdeels]

I'm obsessed with Alicia. Such a queen she is.

[@MaikoRules]

Byron's cuts are always so well timed

[@ReikaSensei]

So a few months from now in Japan at the end of April until the beginning of May is Golden Week which is a week long gauntlet of national holidays here when A LOT of people take a vacation. If Donkey Kong is opening in Spring, it'll be open by Golden Week.

[@Mintymagicality]

This is such a great podcast! Honestly never had a huge interest in theme parks before, but hearing you guys talk about things with such passion and knowledge has definitely sparked something. Thanks for being the inspiration for booking my first Disney trip and greetings from Frontierland in Paris! :)

[@watcherpodcasts]

Congrats and welcome to the circus. - Ryan

[@Vantastic789]

I think my biggest "Concern" for Epic Universe will definitely be operations. It could all go sideways if the park isn't run well, if attractions aren't maintained, staff isn't treated well and aren't willing to go the extra mile. All these complex, cutting-edge attractions are hopefully able to operate smoothly without constantly breaking down due to all the fiddly moving parts required.

[@watcherpodcasts]

An interesting thought, and something that I'm mildly concerned about. I guess the only way to truly find out is to go at least 50 times just for a sample size, of course. - Ryan

[@DavidLopez-nr7wp]

As a theme park person since I was a young child, discovering this podcast has made me feel like I wasn’t alone in my nerd-ism. Thank you guys! I’m inspired to start my own Themed Entertainment KZbin channel thanks to you guys and other KZbinrs!

[@ZuZu-bb3jz]

we know it might not be the biggest venture for watcher, but I look forward to this every week

[@natthelittlebat]

This one will be such an interesting comparison for when you all get to finally go and seeing the results. Please do this all together again after the park opens!!

[@pattiethompson2620]

Very little motivates me to want to pay for theme parks these days, but Epic Universe just might. It sounds incredible.

[@briansmoviesandmadness7415]

Universal is the least of evils financially and everything they do is such an experience!!

[@SNORKYMEDIA]

Come to Europe instead

[@wordledad]

Now I want to see a Villain Con episode just to see a ride totally fail the world class test. What other rides would miserably fail the FYA World Class Test?

[@therealventures]

Fast and Furious

[@emilybrown135]

best podcast ever i’m serious it scratches my brain so good

[@casco04]

Okay but plz bring Alicia back to talk MIB cause that episode would be FUN!

[@Jason-lw7tk]

I can't wait to see all your reactions once you actually get to visit the park. It sounds incredible and it's so great seeing your enthusiasm for it. When I was 13 (I'm now 50) my family did a grand theme park vacation of Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Magic Mountain. It was an amazing experience but that was the last time I've been to one. They're not really accessible to me now but I love to live vicariously through this podcast. It's so much fun!

[@Rwebs]

Expansions for Luigi’s Mansion and Legend of Zelda would make my inner child so freaking happy. Throwing out all the manifesting for Legend of Zelda somewhere in the future!

[@kentslocum]

I absolutely loved this podcast episode! What a fantastic and fun conversation; the time absolutely blew by! 😊

[@sha2596]

I’m a theme park fan, not a Universal fan particularly, but when I tell you I’m chomping at the bit for info on UEU. My son and I have been following news since the opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Japan. He was 5!! He is 7 now and by the time he gets to UEU he will be 9 and tall enough to ride all the important rides to him. We have been following TPS updates so closely and are so thankful for her dedication!

[@averyeml]

Oh my GOD have her back on for MIB, that ride is incredible

[@lolz6409]

dark universe sounds incredible!!! love the pod

[@Lexilollis]

I WAS HOPING YOU GUYS WOULD HAVE A WHOLE EPISODE JUST TALKING ABOUT EPIC UNIVERSE. AND WITH THEME PARK STOP???

[@randolphwilliams2365]

Big difference to me is the fact that the park will be a beautiful park with interesting water features, etc.

[@digitalsoop]

I laugh every time Byron casually says meow instead of now. it's so corny, never stop.

[@jasmine-rose18]

Just discovered this podcast but I am obsessed with theme parks. So happy to see y’all working with my favorite theme park creators 😭 it truly makes me so happy

[@raynacarraway440]

Really appreciate this as someone who didn't know Epic Universe was even a thing until the announcement vid dropped. I'm so happy they finally decided to make a HTTYD world and ride, like I audibly gasped in excitement when they revealed it. I understand they were probably waiting for the technology to be more advanced before making it, but having a movie franchise with dragon riding seems like a gold mine for a theme park. It's crazy they waited THIS long to make something for it, especially when it's one of Dreamworks' most successful properties, but it's happening nonetheless and I can't wait to watch vids from afar with how expensive this park is gonna be 😭

[@drdremd]

MIB with Alecia is NEEDED

[@marcussheen]

Yes, I love this ride, it doesn't get the love it deserves.

[@mygirl737g2]

it took me awhile to get on board with this podcast but now I love it!

[@josephferrara6309]

Alicia's explanation of Universal announcing new stuff shows the major difference between Universal and Disney. Disney wants to drag out the PR for years but we see the Blue Sky plans that change a lot by the time it opens. Universal waits as long as they can to announce what is being built. We don't know if cuts were made to Universal's plans.

[@AuRoBoss]

I think Universal’s food options have been improving significantly. Not only has quick service quality and selection improved, but the new concession offerings have been nice. Don’t even get me started on the Mardi Gras booths, some of those options are amazing and wish they were year round

[@thomasoldham2237]

Alicia is the GOAT of theme park coverage

[@sunsun5005]

now this is church 👏

[@jstewwbu]

Love this podcast and can’t wait for this park!

[@deletedaccountdnd]

"Kinda dorky" -me loving that phrase they chose LMAOO

[@Lillyyyy433]

Also I'm incredibly excited for this park!! Live in Florida and it's going to be so cool watching this open

[@lyshbennett2595]

I listen to this and Pod Watcher weekly, and they just get better and better. Love you guys. Keep up the great work. Also, I can't wait for the epic universe. It's going to be life changing

[@watcherpodcasts]

thanks for keeping up with both! appreciate it! - Ryan

[@isabelladefine8414]

This is my favorite podcast ever!!! Been listing since the third episode every Tuesday.

[@oneslikeme]

A part of me would like to see some of those interactive elements, like the wands, implemented into the ride queues. But the other part of me knows that it would just hold up the line more lol. I just think it would be so fun and kill some time in line if you could do things like that. I absolutely LOVE Universal and the concept of theme parks. We keep going back to Universal because of Harry Potter, but I'd love to do Disney too. For some reason, I've never thought to look up podcasts for these things. I would absolutely look up Alicia's podcast! I had no idea that all the information I was getting about Epic Universe these last few year was from one person and they have a podcast. I would love to hear more things from her and be of her people!

[@sidneybloch9352]

pls pls pls never stop making this show !! the highlight of my tuesdays :,3

[@projectnightfall6882]

Shout out to Alicia for breaking the news on Universal Great Britain. Great bit of investigation there!

[@josephmorris7447]

love the podcast! and I'm so hype for Epic Universe. Just waiting for them to drop the dates and I'm immediately booking my trip!

[@P3nguinButtInfection]

This is literally the only thing I watch now thanks guys

[@watcherpodcasts]

thank YOU - ryan

[@BougieBigE]

Yayy, Alicia Stella! She’s amazing!!!!!

[@T.Florenz]

Thanks for reminding me to like the video! 🧡 It's nice to feel like I can do something to express appreciation for the pod :)

[@witchygrrl]

OMG ALICIA!!! And you guys geeking out for almost 2 hours over Epic Universe???!! HECK YEAH

[@MissFanCulture]

This whole video makes me so happy because I love Alicia so much

[@todayisanewday7]

Universal is going to rolling in the money for years on this park.

[@marlenivarela6930]

I’ve only ever been to one Theme Park and that’s in BC Canada 💀 BUT I love this podcast, love how passionate everyone is

[@BobAtEvermore]

favorite videos i love these

[@kevinfraser7815]

This podcast was so much fun- you earned a subscriber:)🖤✊🏿

[@gamerd16]

Yay, Alicia Stella is finally on the pod!! 😅

[@therealventures]

Yes, im a shareholder of Comcast 😊 I think I can say most of us are very excited for Epic Universe!!!

[@watcherpodcasts]

lol - ryan

[@dobbyfangirl]

oooh, i'm so glad you're covering this! really excited to listen

[@joeygassmann5595]

Theme park stop has been my go to source for all things epic universe since the beginning. I’m so grateful for all the effort and news!

[@Wilkins325]

I had no idea Ryan was on a theme park podcast. Looking forward to both of you putting out some great episodes.

[@watcherpodcasts]

I'm a psychopath - Ryan

[@mwatson7474]

Universal Studios Orlando is the only theme park to give me food poisoning so uh yeah the food at the fast casual places is iffy at best. Lol.

[@susanthrush9714]

Thank you so much for this ❤️❤️ thought we’d have to wait to hear you guys talk about epic universe

[@RankingTheMouse]

To get to 13 attractions, im assuming that includes the 2 huge shows. If so, that gives us: SNW - 3 Monsters - 2 Celestial - 3 HTTYD: 4 WWoHP: 1

[@megan-mr9vk]

AMUSED WATCHERS RISE UP

[@Resist3rdbass]

My favorite video you’ve all done so far! Love the video! Also laughed at the Big Dog reference at the very beginning lol

[@flyingsaucereyes777]

so glad to see a bunch of humans out in the world also Love theme park everything so god damn much 💘

[@watcherpodcasts]

We're out there! - Ryan

[@supernova4760]

I'll be damned, I met this girl and had a conversation with her but it was short. I had no idea she had a youtube channel

[@courtney104]

this podcast brings me great joy!! and the announcement of epic universe has made me feel just a little bit more alive- i can't WAIT to have a new park to explore 🥹

[@maiiraaah_]

this is my favorite podcast ever