#088 - From Orlando to Manila: A Conversation with the Falcon's Philippines Team

🎙️🌈 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 falconscreativegroup.com   FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/  Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/  X: 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 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 falconscreativegroup.com   FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/  Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/  X: 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 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 falconscreativegroup.com   FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/  Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/  X: 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 falconscreativegroup.com   FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/  Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/  X: 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 falconscreativegroup.com   FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/  Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/  X: 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 falconscreativegroup.com   FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/  Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/  X: 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 falconscreativegroup.com   FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/  Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/  X: 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 falconscreativegroup.com   FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/  Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/  X: 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 falconscreativegroup.com   FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/  Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/  X: 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 falconscreativegroup.com   FOLLOW FALCON'S ON SOCIAL: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/falconscreativegroup/ Instagram: instagram.com/falconscg/  Facebook: facebook.com/falconscreativegroup/  X: 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.