For the thrillseekers amongst you or those who simply love theme parks, you can now land a dream job as a professional ride tester – and we’re not just talking about a domestic fairground…
Don’t get us wrong, Alton Towers and Thorpe Park are great, but how do you fancy an all-expenses paid trip to Florida?
As too good to be true as it might sound, we’re not having you on with this one: the role of ‘Professional Theme Park Tester’ is currently up for grabs and, if successful, it’ll see you flown out to Orlando to try Universal’s newest addition, the upcoming ‘Epic Universe Park’ (EUP).
Being offered by theme park specialists and package retailer, Attraction Tickets, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will see you spend a full week at the world-famous resort and essentially cram in as many rides and amusements as possible. So what’s the deal?
What does the role of an official theme park tester entail?
Well, for starters, you’ll be spending plenty of time on every ride there is to try at the soon-to-open Universal Epic Universe, and indeed all the other attractions at the wider Universal Orlando Resort.
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As well as reviewing each ride and getting lots of pictures and videos for social media whilst sampling the amusements, you’ll also be tasked with rating the best snacks, the best places for a photo op and the very best of the other entertainment offerings around the parks.
Oh, and if you’re wondering how much all of this will cost and whether you can afford it, don’t spare another thought: the company will not only be paying for your flights and transfers, as well as stay at the onsite hotel, but they’ll also be giving you a tasty £1,000 spending money during your time in Florida.
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Literally sounds like the perfect week if you ask us.
What are the requirements?
Now, to be shortlisted for the chance to become a theme park tester for a week, you’ll need to demonstrate that you’re willing to try all the rides and give detailed reviews of each, be camera-ready and get plenty of footage that may be used on Attraction Tickets’ social media channels and the website.
Oh, and you’ll also obviously need to be willing to fly – to Florida, specifically, meaning you’ll also need to take time off work to spend the full week in Orlando; have an up-to-date passport, ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization – essential for US travel) and valid travel insurance valid for 2025.
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Basically, so long as you’re eligible to fly to America and are willing to fully immerse yourself in the experience, you stand as good a chance as anyone else.
The ‘Dark Universe’ is part of the resort’s new EUPUniversal Helios Grand HotelCredit: Supplied (via Attraction Tickets/Loews Hotels)
What is the application process?
To apply for this role, all you need to do is film a short video (no longer than three minutes) explaining why you think you’d be a great Theme Park Tester. Send it via email to [email protected].
Please note: applications will close on Friday, 15 November 2024 and anyone applying after this date will not be considered, so don’t miss out on this golden opportunity.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of internal experts at Attraction Tickets, who will then decide who will be chosen as a professional Theme Park Tester by Friday, 10 January 2025.
You can begin your application process and find the full terms and conditions HERE.
Featured Images — Drew Hastings (via Unsplash)/Supplied
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Manchester City reach ‘agreement in principle’ to sign winger Antoine Semenyo
Danny Jones
Yes, if the latest reports are to be believed, Man City are further bolstering their offensive options with a deal for another wide forward in Bournemouth star, Antoine Semenyo, now virtually done.
Having emerged as one of the Premier League’s hottest properties over the past couple of years, Antoine Semenyo has gone from not only being an extremely prolific winger, but beyond a flavour of the month, with multiple teams expressing their interest in recent months.
That being said, despite being linked with local rivals Manchester United, current champions Liverpool and an already heavily staffed Chelsea side, it looks as though City have now won the race to sign Semenyo – one they seem to have been leading since the start.
According to sports journalists Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, the Blues have now reached an ‘agreement in principle’ for the Ghanaian international, meaning it is merely just a case of crossing Ts and dotting Is.
🚨 BREAKING: Antoine Semenyo's move to Manchester City from Bournemouth is now agreed in principle. Clubs in process of drafting paperwork.
Clarity on Semenyo's move date expected in the next 24 hours.
As per the update on New Year’s Day (and the opening 24 hours of the 2026 January transfer window), the talkSPORT correspondents claim that while final personal terms are still to be fully confirmed, the deal is effectively done.
Semenyo’s release clause was set at £65 million, which is approximately the same figure they sold former striker Dominic Solanke to Spurs for, but inevitable add-ons and bonuses are likely to set a club record fee in terms of player sales.
Writing on social media, Crook said: “Semenyo move from #AFCB to #MCFC pretty much done now. Deal agreed in principle, and contracts being drafted by the two clubs.”
Moreover, Semenyo joining City could also set a few other dominoes in motion once officially over the line and fully announced…
However, it is also thought that manager Andoni Iraola’s insistence that the draw against Chelsea was “definitely not” his last game suggests that City fans will still have to wait some more before they see him in the sky blue strip.
The Cherries’ boss has been clear that he wants his attacking talisman to feature in their upcoming game against Arsenal this weekend.
As a result, this will most likely see completion of the albeit all but done transfer delayed even further, hence why Pep Guardiola and co. will have to wait to try him in the starting XI.
It’s also worth noting that although the 25-year-old made it clear he doesn’t just want somewhere he can win trophies, but has already named the Etihad Stadium as his desired destination, many have suggested that he could end up losing momentum amid the wealth of attackers being rotated.
Happy with the business, Blues? And as for you neutrals, do you think it’s the right next step for him?
Manchester United recall three youth academy players from loan moves
Danny Jones
Manchester United have recalled three academy graduates from their respective loan spells.
With the January transfer window now officially open and Man United facing a mini injury crisis, it’s possible that at least one of them could remain with the squad.
Based on the positions that the first team is currently suffering from absentees, it’s possible that a pair could be restored to the wider squad.
First and foremost of those is Toby Collyer, who made his debut last year and has already made a baker’s dozen appearances for the Red Devils.
As you can see, Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion confirmed that Collyer would be returning to his parent club on New Year’s Day 2026.
The 21-year-old Worthing-born and 251st United academy graduate could be a useful rotation option for Ruben Amorim for the rest of the season.
With creative cogs Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo currently out injured, not to mention Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, fellow youngster Jack Fletcher, and even once again fit defender Lisandro Martinez sharing roles in the middle of the park, the midfielder could come in handy.
Fletcher’s twin brother, Tyler (both sons of former player Darren Fletcher), could also be set to play his first game for his boyhood club very soon.
As for the other two youth players having their loans cut short, BBC Sport has reported that defender Sonny Aljofree and goalkeeper Elyh Harrison are being recalled to the Carrington Training Complex.
United have officially recalled Toby Collyer from his loan spell at West Brom. Will be a few similar moves this month with Elyh Harrison and Sonny Aljofree also coming back to the club. United exploring various loan exits in January #mufc
In addition to Collyer having his progress hampered by injury problems, Aljofree and Harrison simply haven’t enjoyed enough regular playing time.
Despite making promising starts, both Aljofree and Harrison haven’t been part of the starting XI for Notts County and Shrewsbury Town, respectively, since September.
Who do you think could stay for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign and who do you think is likely to leave before the end of the month.
Beyond that, do you think Man United should bring anyone else in this winter?
Danny Jones -
28th October 2024 
