Robert Niles

About

Hi, and welcome to Theme Park Insider! I am the site's founder and editor, as well as a former attractions host at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, where I worked at Pirates of the Caribbean, Tom Sawyer's Island, Country Bear Jamboree, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

In addition to editing Theme Park Insider, I have covered theme parks as a freelancer for Orange County Register and Los Angeles Times and commented about theme parks as a guest on CNN, NPR, CBS, and the BBC. Please contact me via themeparkinsider@gmail.com.

Recent Activity

Recent 'Blog Flume' posts from Robert:

• Rope Drop: It's almost time for Bluey (2026-03-15)
• Walk Time: Putting the pieces in place (2026-03-14)
• Sesame Street looks to get out of its SeaWorld deal (2026-03-13)
• Disney patent application details new off-road ride system (2026-03-12)
• Universal adds Sailor Moon for 2026 Fan Fest Nights (2026-03-12)
• Walt Disney World sets new attraction debut dates (2026-03-12)
• Universal Orlando extends Stardust Racers closure (2026-03-11)
• Mazloum takes over for D'Amaro to lead Disney's theme parks (2026-03-10)
• IAAPA cancels 2026 Middle East Expo (2026-03-10)
• Silver Dollar City opens its new Showboat experience (2026-03-10)
• Six Flags to auction pieces of Kings Island history (2026-03-09)
• Why Disney calls its employees 'cast members' (2026-03-09)

Recent Discussion Board threads from Robert:

• Which theme parks could get the U.S. license for Sesame Street? (2026-03-13)
• What's happening with IAAPA in the Middle East? (2026-03-10)
• Anyone reconsidering travel plans? (2026-03-06)
• Let's talk about the Paramount/Warner Bros. deal (2026-03-04)
• Best family roller coasters? (2026-03-03)
• US urges citizens to evacuate Middle East (2026-03-02)