Subscribe to our new Patreon for BONUS content

Philip Hernandez, ICAE

Philip Hernandez, ICAE Profile Photo

CEO of Gantom, Publisher of Haunted Attraction Network

Philip is a journalist reporting on the Haunted House Industry, Horror events, Theme Parks, and Halloween. He is also the CEO of Gantom Lighting and Founder / Publisher of the Haunted Attraction Network, the haunted attraction industry's most prominent news media source. He is based in Los Angeles.

The US Has a Branding Problem: Tourism Decline Threatens Theme Parks
March 31, 2025

The US Has a Branding Problem: Tourism Decline Threatens Theme Parks

International tourism to the US is projected to decline by at least 5% this year instead of the expected 9% growth, threatening a $72 billion reduction in total travel spending.
Guests: Scott Swenson, ICAE , Philip Hernandez, ICAE
Park Power Play: Herschend's Bold Acquisition Reshapes the Theme Park Landscape
March 24, 2025

Park Power Play: Herschend's Bold Acquisition Reshapes the Theme Park Landscape

This week we analyze Herschend's strategic acquisition of Palace Entertainment's U.S. properties, potentially establishing them as a major third-place challenger in the theme park industry.
Guests: Scott Swenson, ICAE , Philip Hernandez, ICAE
Tariffs & Terror: Why and How Universal is Diversifying in an Unpredictable Market
March 16, 2025

Tariffs & Terror: Why and How Universal is Diversifying in an Unpredictable Market

Amid tariff concerns and market volatility, we explore how Universal is strategically diversifying its entertainment portfolio.
Guests: Scott Swenson, ICAE , Philip Hernandez, ICAE
Six Flags & United Parks Earnings: Optimism or Trouble?
March 8, 2025

Six Flags & United Parks Earnings: Optimism or Trouble?

Six Flags reported a $206 million net loss for 2024—but investors are cautiously optimistic.
Guests: Scott Swenson, ICAE , Philip Hernandez, ICAE
Will Horror Unleashed Succeed? And, Is China’s Tourism Coming Back?
March 2, 2025

Will Horror Unleashed Succeed? And, Is China’s Tourism Coming Back?

Universal’s Horror Unleashed is officially opening in Las Vegas on August 14th—but will it succeed? Meanwhile, China’s tourism industry is rebounding, but will it be enough?
Guests: Scott Swenson, ICAE , Philip Hernandez, ICAE
SPECIAL: LIVE From The IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit in Riyadh
Feb. 23, 2025

SPECIAL: LIVE From The IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit in Riyadh

Come with us to IAAPA's Middle East Trade Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Guests: Scott Swenson, ICAE , Philip Hernandez, ICAE
Fantasy Springs Boosts Tokyo Disney as Universal Tests LARPing
Feb. 16, 2025

Fantasy Springs Boosts Tokyo Disney as Universal Tests LARPing

Tokyo Disney Resort is thriving with Fantasy Springs and seasonal events driving record-breaking revenue, while Universal Studios Hollywood is experimenting with a bold new event: Fan Fest Nights.
Guests: Scott Swenson, ICAE , Philip Hernandez, ICAE
Disney Q1 FY25 Earnings Deep Dive: Parks, Streaming, and ESPN’s Next Moves | Green Tagged
Feb. 10, 2025

Disney Q1 FY25 Earnings Deep Dive: Parks, Streaming, and ESPN’s Next Moves | Green Tagged

Is Disney’s success unstoppable? Despite rising ticket prices, hurricanes disrupting domestic parks, and the looming Epic Universe, Disney still delivered a strong quarter.
Guests: Scott Swenson, ICAE , Philip Hernandez, ICAE
Merlin Slashes Entertainment Jobs as Trump’s Tariffs Loom
Feb. 3, 2025

Merlin Slashes Entertainment Jobs as Trump’s Tariffs Loom

Trump’s proposed tariffs could drive up costs for theme parks, and Merlin Entertainment is cutting live entertainment across multiple locations—but what does it all mean for the industry?
Guests: Scott Swenson, ICAE , Philip Hernandez, ICAE
Trump Policies and Theme Parks: Labor, Tariffs, Drones, and Ride Safety
Jan. 26, 2025

Trump Policies and Theme Parks: Labor, Tariffs, Drones, and Ride Safety

Immigration reform, tariff hikes, federally controlled ride safety, and drone regulations - The Trump Administration's policies will shake up the theme park industry, and we must be ready.
Guests: Scott Swenson, ICAE , Philip Hernandez, ICAE
California Wildfires & TikTok Shutdown: Lessons for Attractions
Jan. 20, 2025

California Wildfires & TikTok Shutdown: Lessons for Attractions

This week, we connect two seemingly unrelated stories—the devastating California wildfires and TikTok’s temporary shutdown—to explore a common theme: crisis planning.
Guests: Scott Swenson, ICAE , Philip Hernandez, ICAE