The Daily Sunday Special: The Enduring Power of Amusement Parks
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Oct 5, 2025 
Brooks Barnes, a Hollywood reporter for The New York Times, and Mekado Murphy, an assistant film editor and unofficial roller-coaster correspondent, dive into the fascinating world of amusement parks. They share childhood memories of carnival life and discuss how it shaped their love for theme parks. The duo explores the competitive landscape between Disney and Universal, highlighting innovations like Epic Universe and safety concerns stemming from ride tragedies. They also reveal their favorite parks, emphasizing the emotional connections these attractions foster among families.
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Epic Universe's Themed Lands And Rides
- Epic Universe includes lands for How to Train Your Dragon, Nintendo, Harry Potter, and classic monsters.
- Mikado praises Hiccup's Wing Gliders for strong theming and Stardust Racers for thrill design.
Accidents Undermine The Fantasy
- A fatal incident on Stardust Racers undermined the park's carefree image and raised safety concerns.
- Safety scares quickly erode guest trust and affect workers and visitors alike.
IP Drives Modern Park Design
- Parks increasingly center around recognizable IP because it reliably attracts younger audiences.
- Disney and Universal monetize film and TV franchises by translating them into park experiences.
