Experience Imagination: A Themed Entertainment Podcast

What makes a scare worth paying for? 👻On the latest episode of Experience Imagination, haunted attraction designer and immersive entertainment expert Scott Swenson takes us behind the scenes of designing fear. He shares lessons from decades in the industry, including his work on Busch Gardens' Howl-O-Scream, The Vault of Souls, and Terror Roulette.

Discover how story, psychology, performance, and guest participation come together to create scares that stick with us long after we've escaped.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

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The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

🎙️🌈 We're thrilled to welcome "Public Joy Creator" Mike Bennett, to our podcast! 🎨🦕🐙

On the latest episode of Experience Imagination, Audrey DeLong chats with Mike, the creative mind behind whimsical attractions like Portland Aquarium, Wonderwood Springs, Dinolandia, and A to Zoo. 🎢🌟

From front-lawn art projects and immersive monster museums to fantasy mini golf and an aquarium without live animals, Mike's work proves that a little imagination, a lot of creativity, and a passion for bringing people together can create something truly unforgettable.🐠✨

Check out the full episode webpage to read and listen.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

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The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

What does it take to turn Saudi Arabia's desert landscape into a groundbreaking water theme park? At Aquarabia in Qiddiya City, the answer is 250,000 square meters of immersive storytelling, bold design, and record-setting attractions. As the first water theme park in Saudi Arabia, Aquarabia brings eight uniquely themed zones to life, each inspired by indigenous desert animals, and features 22 rides and experiences, including five first-of-their-kind attractions. In this episode of Experience Imagination, we explore the creative vision and design process behind Aquarabia with in-house creatives Bruce Sereta, Andrew Tober, and Eric Loperena. We also hear firsthand perspectives from content creator Saroosh Shadid and Brian Machamer, Park President of Six Flags & Aquarabia.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

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The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

We are back with another episode of Experience Imagination!🎧 📸 We're coming to you straight from the 32nd Thea Awards & TEA Inspire with red (well, pink) carpet moments, big industry insights, and a look at what's next for themed entertainment. From the largest Thea Awards ever, to exciting global plans ahead, this episode is packed with inspiration from the people shaping the industry. Featuring: Melissa Oviedo, CEO of Themed Entertainment Association (TEA); Shawn McCoy, SVP of Business Development & Creative Strategy at Imagine; Marc Zachary, President of Experiential Advisors; and Russell Alexander, CEO & Co-founder of Hobbiton™ Movie Set.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/

X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Why Manila? 🗺️ Join our Falcon's Creative Philippines team and CEO Cecil D. Magpuri as we discuss the incredible talent in the Philippines that is shaping our world‑class experiences. Special thanks to our Senior Design Manager Miguel Antonio and Director of Business Operations Claire Jamias-Ricasata for being part of this episode!

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

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X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Walk through IMMERSE Fest with us in the latest episode of Experience Imagination! 🎨🎭 Special thanks to Cole NeSmith from Creative City Project for joining the podcast and giving our listeners an inside look at what it takes to create an epic interactive art festival. We were thrilled to speak with a variety of guests who showcased exhibits at the festival, including Zachary Mailhot from the Orlando Science Center; Claire Johnson of New Cool Art; Nic Kessler from Hawkmooon; and our own team members Mikayla Winger and Caitlin Sprague from Falcon's Creative Group.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/

X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

In this episode of Experience Imagination, we sit down with Mitchell Magill, President of Falcon's Creative Group and a powerhouse in our industry. Mitchell brings a rich background in themed entertainment, spanning immersive attractions, live productions, and global destination development. We dive into his career journey, lessons on empowerment, standout moments from his time as Senior Creative Director, Executive Producer, and IP Guardian for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and yes… even his favorite marine animal. It's an inspiring, insightful, and fun conversation you don't want to miss.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/

X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

We're kicking off the ninth season of Experience Imagination with a deep dive of the themed entertainment industry. We sat down with Jakob Wahl, President & CEO of IAAPA, and Melissa Oviedo, CEO of TEA, to reflect on 2025, the evolving industry challenges, and the future of the industry worldwide.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/

X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Coaster Studios and Park Pros join us for an ALL-NEW podcast episode, "Behind the Thrills with Content Creators"! Learn the secrets of crafting great theme park content, trends in the industry we're continuing to see, and how channels like theirs are reaching audiences not just in the U.S., but the entire world.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/

X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

We're awakening the Curse of DarKastle on this spooktacular episode of Experience Imagination! Cecil Magpuri and Dave Mauck, the creators of this THEA award-winning dark ride, share their exclusive knowledge and behind-the-scenes stories that had never been told publicly...until now! Also hear how audio was used to help craft the mood of this terrifyingly memorable experience.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/

X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

🎙️ Make sure to "queue" up our latest podcast episode, all about theme park attraction queues! 🎢 Join the conversation as Audrey sits down with our team of experts to share how queues set the stage for the ride, immerse guests in the story before it even begins, and use clever design tricks to make the wait time fly by.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

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X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

🎢 So... How does someone land a job designing theme parks? In the latest episode of our Foot-in-the-Door series, we're talking with team members from various parts of our company to learn how they broke into the themed entertainment industry, the surprising skills that helped them succeed, and what they thought they'd do to earn a living back when they were young.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/

X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Casandra Matej, President & CEO of Visit Orlando, joins us in today's new episode! 🎙️ With the long-anticipated opening of Universal Epic Universe, Casandra shares how Visit Orlando is helping to position this monumental moment on the global stage. We also dive into the impact on the local economy and the power of the experience economy as a whole.

Plus, you don't want to miss our lightning round with our Media Production Coordinator Jaysa Ramirez ⚡

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

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X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

🎧 Our latest podcast episode is ALL about the engineering side of entertainment! Every unforgettable themed experience starts with brilliant behind-the-scenes problem solving. Great engineers turn ideas into reality. Hear it firsthand from our Falcon's Attractions team! 🎢

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/

X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Season 8 of Experience Imagination is here, and our first episode focuses on the importance of diversity when designing successful themed experiences. Join Audrey as she leads the conversation with influential women in the themed entertainment industry and what they've learned through their careers. It's an honor to welcome special guest Jenefer Brown, EVP and Head of Global Products & Experiences at Lionsgate, whom we had the pleasure of working with when The Hunger Games was brought to life at MOTIONGATE Dubai. Also joining is our EVP of Marketing and Branding, Toni Caracciolo, who brings over 30 years of experience in the themed entertainment space.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

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X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

🚨 Check out our all-new 25th Anniversary podcast episode! 🎙️✨ This episode features behind-the-scenes stories from our team over the years, showcasing what it was like to start and build a successful themed entertainment design company. 🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms and watch our director's cut video version on our YouTube!

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/

X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

We're kicking off the year with theme park LEGEND Bob Ward, in an all-new episode of Experience Imagination! With an illustrious 50-year career, including co-founding Universal Creative and earning the THEA Lifetime Achievement Award, Bob has shaped some of the most iconic destinations and attractions worldwide. 🌍🎢

Joining the conversation is Falcon's very own visionary founder, Cecil Magpuri, as they dive into Bob's incredible journey and how he was one of Cecil's most impactful mentors early in his career.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

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X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

🎙️Join us for a fascinating chat with three of our talented theme park designers, where we tackle all things master planning. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!🎢

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

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X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

What's it like attending the premier event of the attractions industry?🎢🤔🎡 Well you're in luck! We're taking you with us to the IAAPA Expo in our latest podcast episode! Check out our insightful show floor discussions with Una de Boer of Whitewater, Benett Hays of CoasterDolphin, Shane Joseph and Eric Wooley of Coaster101, Brian Kirkwood of Briantreks, and Kim Murray from Virality Boost.

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

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X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Lights, camera, action!🎬✨ Check out our IAAPA Expo press event, "Late Night With Experience Imagination", where we announced our plans to become the exclusive worldwide provider of OES (Oceaneering Entertainment Systems) products and services!

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

"Experience Imagination" is a Themed Entertainment Podcast presented by Falcon's Creative Group, a design studio and media house that works to create immersive experiences around the world. Learn more about us at https://falconscreativegroup.com/

FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falconscg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/

X: https://x.com/falconscg

The views expressed by our guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.