Death Kissed Traveler dives into the dark history of theme parks, carnivals, circuses, and roadside attractions—where joy turned to tragedy, and the dead may still linger. From deadly ride malfunctions to haunted midway games and circus disasters, each episode uncovers the chilling true stories amusement tried to bury.
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The Full Ride: Lake Park
OUT NOW! The predecessor to Lagoon. The Original Lake Park, on the Great Salt Lake. The History, the Ghost Stories, and Drownings.
Sources https://www.heartofconeyisland.com/dreamland-coney-island.html https://www.coneyislandhistory.org/ask-mr-coney/luna-park-fire https://www.westland.net/coneyisland/articles/dreamlandfire.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com en.wikipedia.org.,newyorker.com+15nyfd.com+15bklyn-genealogy-info.stevemorse.org+15citylore.org. westland.net https://www.westland.net/coneyisland/articles/steeplechase2.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachute_Jump https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dreamland_Park_at_Coney_Island,_c._1905.jpg
The Full Ride: The Roller Coaster
At Lagoon, in Utah there stands a Roller Coaster that has stood for a century. From disasters to deaths, there lies a lost history. . . until now.
SOURCES: https://lagoonhistory.com/project/attractions/roller-coaster/ https://lagoonhistory.com/project/the-fire-of-53/ https://www.deseret.com/2018/7/7/20648532/the-scoop-on-lagoon-s-dipper-roller-coaster-and-stake-lagoon-day/ https://mysteryofutahhistory.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-dark-side-of-lagoon-amusement-park.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_Coaster_(Lagoon)#:~:text=In%201934%2C%2020%2Dyear%2D,were%20added%20the%20following%20year. https://www.deseret.com/1989/6/11/18810911/officials-probing-death-of-girl-13-who-fell-from-roller-coaster/?utm_source=chatgpt.com reddit.com+9deseret.com+9utahcommhistory.com+9. deseret.com+3utahcommhistory.com+3deseret.com+3. deseret.com+2utahcommhistory.com+2deseret.com+2. utahcommhistory.com+6deseret.com+6lagoonamusementpark.blogspot.com+6. reddit.com+11deseret.com+11deseret.com+11. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._Miller https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/1977/feb/10/cover-ups-and-downs-belmont-park/?utm_source=chatgpt.com en.wikipedia.org. https://www.santacruzghostdirectory.com/santa-cruz-part-3?utm_source=chatgpt.com sandiegoville.com reddit.com+15belmontpark.com+15nbcsandiego.com+15. en.wikipedia.org+8sandiegoville.com+8fox5sandiego.com+8. fox5sandiego.com+6fox5sandiego.com+6sdto sdnews.com+15belmontpark.com+15en.wikipedia https://news.beachboardwalk.com/the-boardwalks-most-popular-ride-the-giant-dipper/?_gl=1*183ddq1*_gcl_au*MTU3Nzk4MTg0Mi4xNzUwNTQxMTM0
03
Busch Gardens, Williamsburg
Before the screams of roller coasters echoed through the woods of Williamsburg, thousands of Native lives, colonial settlers, and enslaved people lived—and died—on this historic land. Beneath today’s cobblestones and coaster tracks are unmarked graves, lost cemeteries, and whispered stories the park was quite literally built over.
In this episode, we explore the stunning, story-rich Busch Gardens Williamsburg—not just as a theme park, but as a place where history and hauntings collide. From colonial-era skeletons discovered during construction to ghosts reported on coasters, something ancient stirs beneath the Old World charm.
Sources: vacationsmadeeasy.com. newyorker.com+2wired.com+2reddit.com+2. bgwmemories.com+12colonialghosts.com+12facebook.com+ en.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15gbtimes.com+15. en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2becauseyouwanttowin.com+2becauseyouwanttowin.com. reddit.com+15colonialghosts.com+15parklore.com+15en.wikipedia.org+5parkfans.net+5mrwilliamsburg.com+5. colonialghosts.com. en.wikipedia.org+15carouselofchaos.com+15reddit.com+15en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1 bgwmemories.com+12colonialghosts.com+12facebook.com+ https://colonialghosts.com/the-forgotten-graves-of-williamsburg/?utm_source=chatgpt.com youtube.com+5colonialghosts.com+5colonialghosts.com+ en.wikipedia.org+15parklore.com+15. en.wikipedia.org darkridedatabase.com coasternation.com seaworld-parks-entertainment.fandom.com themeparktourist.com https://parklore.com/main/curse-of-darkastle/?utm_source=chatgpt.comscoutingny.com+4colonialghosts.com+4bgwfans.com+4.
Lake Shawnee
In this episode of Death Kissed Traveler, we uncover the chilling history of Lake Shawnee Amusement Park—a seemingly innocent place built over an ancient Native American burial ground and the site of multiple tragic deaths. From a 1700s family massacre to eerie ride accidents in the 1950s, this West Virginia park is steeped in sorrow, superstition, and unsettling paranormal activity.
reddit.com+11reddit.com+11grunge.com+11.reddit.com+13wvlakeshawnee.com+13reddit.com+13. grunge.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2theclio.comreddit.com+14abandonedonline.net+14theclio.comreddit.com+15theclio.com+15abandonedonline.net+15.blackravenparanormal.com+11residualwhispers.wordpress.com+11wvliving.com+11.https://theclio.com/entry/20080?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://abandonedonline.net/location/lake-shawnee-amusement-park/?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.detroitparanormalexpeditions.com/single-post/2017/04/08/Lake-Shawnee-Amusement-Park-The-Holy-Grail?utm_source=chatgpt.comtuscaloosaparanormal.com+1visitmercercounty.com+1.https://fliphtml5.com/wimb/rocf/M.A.P.I._Lake_Shawnee_Amusement_Park_Investigation/?utm_source=chatgpt.comghostlandia.media+5phillyghosts.com+5theghostinmymachine.com+5.en.wikipedia.org+10detroitparanormalexpeditions.com+10phillyghosts.com+10.visitmercercounty.com+1reddit.com+1.reddit.com+1reddit.com+1.reddit.com+1theghostinmymachine.com+1.m.facebook.com+8abandonedspaces.com+8theghostinmymachine.com+8.residualwhispers.wordpress.com+1en.wikipedia
County Fairs Part 1-3
"Tragedies at the Fair," we delve into the evolution of county and state fairs over the last 200 years. Despite the integration of modern technology, safety incidents continue to cast shadows over these beloved events. Join Marissa, your morbidly curious host, as she explores the balance between tradition and innovation, and uncovers the hidden dangers lurking beneath the neon lights. From advanced ride technology to chilling tales of oversight and tragedy, this episode reveals the sobering truth behind the thrills. Tune in to "Death Kiss Traveler" for a captivating journey through the past and present of fairground safety.
Sources en.wikipedia.org+15time.com+15nbc4i.com+15wosu.orgwosu.org+2foxnews.com+2washingtonpost.com+2. fox19.com+4fox6now.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4 nbc4i.com. reddit.com+1weisradio.com+1wkyc.com+11fox6now.com+11wosu.org+11. en.wikipedia.org+9washingtonpost.com+9clevescene.com+9. teenvogue.com+1clevescene.com+1. en.wikipedia.org+15wosu.org+15washingtonpost.com+15. en.wikipedia.org+9fox6now.com+9wosu.org+9. teenvogue.com+15foxnews.com+15wosu.org+15. wosu.org. clevescene.com+3nbc4i.com+3nbc4i.com+3. wsls.com+1reddit.com+1. en.wikipedia.org+9teenvogue.com+9nbc4i.com+9. nbc4i.com+3nbc4i.com+3washingtonpost.com+3 UNI — leparisien.fr, May 21, 2013, Laurent Mauron and C.Ma reddit.com+8rmc.bfmtv.com+8scribd.com+8scribd.com+1reddit.com+1. tf1info.fr. worldmetrics.org+6accidents.thedoanlawfirm.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6. en.wikipedia.org. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/09/25/Settlement-reached-in-skyride-accident/9245370238400/ https://www.deseret.com/1988/11/24/18785430/teen-killed-at-least-6-injured-when-ride-collapses-in-florida/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enterprise_(ride) https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/12/08/Family-of-girl-killed-at-youth-fair-sues-for-10-million/2144597560400/
The Ghost of Walt Disney
Step into the after-hours magic with "Ghosts of Walt’s Kingdom", a chilling yet nostalgic podcast uncovering the haunted side of Disneyland. From phantom footsteps on Main Street to the lingering scent of Walt’s cigars in his firehouse apartment, each episode blends park history with eerie firsthand accounts from cast members and guests. Whether it’s animatronics coming to life at night or shadows slipping through Fantasyland, we explore the legends that keep Walt’s spirit alive — and roaming — in the Happiest Place on Earth.
Sources: disneyavenue.wordpress.com Walt Disney’s Cryogenically Frozen Urban Legend Explained – disneyavenue Eliot’s biography, which dwells unrelentingly on every salacious incident and rumor connected with Walt Disney’s name, is fairly easy to dismiss. Charitably described as “speculative,” it contains a s... pbs.org How a strange rumor of Walt Disney’s death became legend | PBS News PBS News By — Dr. Howard Markel Dr. Howard Markel HOW A STRANGE RUMOR OF WALT DISNEY’S DEATH BECAME LEGEND Health Dec 17, 2018 3:46 PM EDT When you hear “Disney on Ice,” you may think of the wild... snopes.com Was Walt Disney Frozen? | Snopes.com The subject of cryonics was further brought to the public's attention with the publication in 1964 of Robert C.W. Ettinger's book, The Prospect of Immortality. Ettinger's book, drawing on much of the... medium.com Debunking Myths: Is Walt Disney Frozen? | by Alessandra Gorla | Medium Still, the reporter could have opened the lid of a random cryogenic metal cylinder in a storage room and recognized Disney’s through the nitrogen gasses… * In 1969, a provocative US supermarket tablo... disneylandtoday.com Investigating the Urban Legends of Disneyland - Disneyland Today B. LEGEND 2: WALT DISNEY WAS CRYOGENICALLY FROZEN One of the most intriguing urban legends surrounding Disneyland is the claim that its visionary creator, Walt Disney, was cryogenically frozen after... More ctinsider.com How frozen Walt Disney became the internet's favorite myth There’s almost no chance this legend is actually true, though. So how did the idea of a frozen Walt Disney become such a pervasive urban legend? It all started just after Walt Disney’s death, accordi... sfgate.com How frozen Walt Disney became the internet's favorite myth TOP STORY Berkeley hills residents urged to leave amid 'extreme fire weather' conditions Travel|Disneyland WHY EVERYONE WANTS TO BELIEVE IN WALT DISNEY'S FROZEN HEAD, EVEN THOUGH IT'S NOT TRUE By... sfgate.com How frozen Walt Disney became the internet's favorite myth Advertisement Article continues below this ad Was cryonics part of the future technology he was studying? No one knows, but the timing and location of the first man to be cryogenically frozen points... polygon.com 9 wild Disney conspiracy theories that will never die | Polygon 1. WALT DISNEY’S HEAD IS IN CRYOGENIC STORAGE A CENTURY OF DISNEY We’re deconstructing the monolith all year long Read more This might be the most widespread and popular of all myths concerning Wa... medium.com Debunking Myths: Is Walt Disney Frozen? | by Tomorrow Biostasis GmbH | Medium DEBUNKING MYTHS: IS WALT DISNEY FROZEN? Tomorrow Biostasis GmbH Follow 5 min readJan 5, 2022 -- Listen Share Walt Disney is probably the most famous “frozen” person (or, to say it in a more tec... wdwmagic.com MYTH:Walt Disney is frozen | WDWMAGIC - Unofficial Walt Disney World discussion forums Eliot's biography, which dwells unrelentingly on every salacious incident and rumor connected with Walt Disney's name, is fairly easy to dismiss. Charitably described as "speculative," it contains a s... insidethemagic.net Solving the Theory That Claims Walt Disney Was Cryogenically Frozen Cryonics is regarded with skepticism within the mainstream scientific community. It is generally
The Last Ride: Verruckt
In this gripping episode of "Death Kiss Traveler," host Marissa delves into the chilling story of the Verrückt water slide. Once hailed as a marvel of engineering, this record-breaking attraction became a symbol of unchecked ambition and tragic oversight. Discover the design flaws, ignored warnings, and the devastating consequences that led to a heartbreaking loss. Join us as we uncover the dark side of thrill-seeking and the lessons that must never be forgotten.
Sources: Time Magazine – Provided comprehensive coverage of the incident, including details about Caleb Schwab's death and the subsequent investigations. The Guardian – Offered insights into the circumstances surrounding the accident and the aftermath. ABC News – Reported on the tragic event and its implications for amusement park safety. The Kansas City Star – Provided in-depth local reporting on the incident and its aftermath. Boston.com – Covered the details of the accident and the ensuing investigations. Boston.com ⚖️ Legal Documents & Court Proceedings Kansas City Star – Detailed the grand jury proceedings and the legal challenges faced by those involved in the incident. KSHB 41 Kansas City News+1 Spetsas Buist Law Firm – Discussed the whistleblower lawsuits and the legal ramifications of the case. Spetsas Buist Accident Injury Lawyers 🏗️ Ride Design & Engineering Insights Wikipedia – Offered a detailed overview of the Verrückt water slide, including its design, operation, and the tragic accident. Wikipedia Esquire Magazine – Provided insights from former employees and engineers about the ride's design flaws and safety concerns. 🎥 Visual & Audio Resources ABC News – Featured aerial footage and interviews related to the incident. YouTube – Hosted news clips and documentaries providing visual context to the event. https://www.spetsasbuist.com/blog/caleb-schwab-and-the-verruckt-water-slide-incident.cfm?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.scribd.com/document/374904858/Indictment-for-Jeff-Henry-Tyler-Miles-related-to-Verruckt-water-slide?utm_source=chatgpt.com .Wikipedia+1 https://dharam01.blogspot.com/2014/06/verruckt-worlds-tallest-water-slide.html Indictment of Tyler Miles People.com https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/schlitterbahn-kansas-city-announces-verruckt-water-slide-to-be-removed-after-child-death-in-august pinterest.com https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article220856200.html
The Full Ride: Disneys Forgotten Park
In this episode, host Marissa takes listeners on a journey back to the 1970s to explore Disney's first water park, River Country. Opened in 1976 and closed in 2001, River Country was a place of innovation, tragedy, and mystery. The park was known for its natural swimming experience, using water from Bay Lake, and its rustic charm reminiscent of Tom Sawyer's adventures. However, the park's history is marred by tragic incidents, including a rare brain-eating amoeba infection and multiple drownings, which cast a shadow over its idyllic image. Despite its closure, River Country remains a haunting memory, with stories of ghostly echoes and whispers of its past lingering in the air. The episode delves into the park's rise and fall, its impact on Disney's legacy, and the eerie tales that continue to surround it.
Sources https://abandonedfl.com/disneys-river-country/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney%27s_River_Country?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.mamamia.com.au/disney-river-country-theme-park-deaths/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://themouselets.com/river-country-disneys-abandoned-water-park?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/private-vip-tours/?ef_id=74e465bc9cc415aae5c40d0af55eb6a7:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!5060!10!80882953556172!!!!80883198282255!!419048196!1294125580614287&CMP=KNC-FY25_WDW_TRA_DOM_W365_TKT_VIPG_WDWVIPTours%7CB%7C5251213.RR.AM.01.01%7CMYNFMKM%7CBR%7C80882953556172&keyword_id=kwd-80883198282255:loc-190%7Cdc%7Ctour%20of%20disney%20world%7C80882953556172%7Cp%7C5060:10%7C&msclkid=74e465bc9cc415aae5c40d0af55eb6a7 https://www.redbookmag.com/life/news/a43241/abandoned-disney-world-park-river-country-photos/ https://dvcinfo.com/forum/threads/disney-draining-river-country-water-park-pool.1475/
Painted Faces in the Dark
In this episode of Death Kiss Traveler, Marissa explores the haunted history of Baraboo, Wisconsin, once home to the Ringling Brothers Circus. The conversation delves into the circus's legacy, the eerie tales surrounding its former performers, and the ghostly encounters reported by visitors at the Circus World Museum and along Highway 12. The episode captures the juxtaposition of the circus's vibrant past with its haunting present, inviting listeners to ponder the spirits that may still linger in the shadows.
Sources: American Ringling H Unexplainedrea https://monroecountyherald.com/stories/wisconsin-legends-and-lore-the-ringling-mansion-baraboo%2c102091/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.hauntedrooms.com/wisconsin/ghost-hunts/ringling-house?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.boogeymanboutique.com/post/the-phantom-hitchhiker-of-highway-12-wisconsin-s-most-elusive-ghost?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanishing_hitchhiker?utm_source=chatgpt.com
The Dark Side of Lagoon
Lagoon is one the oldest amusement parks in the United States. It has dark secrets with its age. From accidents, to German spies, Lagoons history is a rich tapestry woven together with time and stories.
Sources: https://www.deseret.com/1989/7/2/18814045/2-negligence-suits-filed-against-lagoon/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ryan+beckstead+on+puff+decapitaed&view=detail&mid=8202F650F74648E501E98202F650F74648E501E9&ru=%2fsearch%3fFORM%3dARPSEC%26PC%3dARPL%26PTAG%3d30248%26q%3dryan%2520beckstead%2520on%2520puff%2520decapitaed&mmscn=vwrc&FORM=WRVORC https://mysteryofutahhistory.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-dark-side-of-lagoon-amusement-park.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.deseret.com/1989/5/3/18805374/youngster-killed-by-coaster-had-thought-ride-was-over/
HHN 1986
Every fall, Universal Studios transforms into a world of fear, thrills, and spine-tingling fun—welcome to Halloween Horror Nights. Known as one of the most intense Halloween events in the country, HHN brings together haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows that push the limits of imagination and fright. From the moment you step through the gates, the sights, sounds, and screams pull you into a night where horror comes alive and every corner hides a new surprise.
Sources: https://themeparknostalgia.blogspot.com/2013/09/halloween-horror-nights-xiii-2003.html#:~:text=All%20Nite%20Die-In%2C%20where%20guests%20entered%20through%20an,and%20Leatherface%27s%20kitchen%20from%20The%20Texas%20Chainsaw%20Massacre. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-11-02-me-15522-story.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://halloweenhorrornights.fandom.com/wiki/Halloween_Horror_Nights_1986?utm_source=chatgpt.com