March 2016 - Orlando Tourism Report

March 29, 2016

Ep 68 – Big Tourism, Local Science

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Jeannine of the Orlando Science Center shares details on how this local educational museum stays relevant in one of the most competitive markets for families in the nation. Details are given on updates to events, exhibits and future plans.

During the Punch List Jim and Ken talk about Disney World’s latest hard ticket events, Legoland’s announcements and rules bloggers should follow. The show starts with a rumor regarding Attractions Magazine and ends with an update to Kong.

Note- There is an unusual amount of static in today’s episode.

Show Notes

Hosts

Ken Storey
Robert of Mickey Updates
Brian of Orlando Park Pass
Jim of Wild Gravity Travels
Andy of Theme Parks and Travels
Online Trends Correspondent-Jake of Orlando Park Pass
Hotel Correspondent-Kyle
Show Researcher – Jay
Show Historian – Kevin Yee
Touring Shows and Media Correspondent- Richie
Special Guest –Jeannine of the Orlando Science Center

Recording Dates: Jeannine’s Interview – 3/15/16 | Punch List – 3/25/16

Music: Song One Song Two Song Three

Punch List

I-Drive

Epic McDonald’s Grand Opening

iSquare had 2^nd hearing

Uniq hotel seeks entitlements

Hawaiian Rumble mini golf demo begins

DRIP has local art night

Around Town

IOA approves 2^nd terminal and tram

ASH opening in Mills50, chef de cuisine from Hell’s Kitchen

Legoland has 5 big announcements-

Beach Retreat Hotel
Ninjago
Summer fireworks
Waterpark
4D movie

Disney

Epcot VP moves to Hong Kong

Haunted Mansion surprise package

Preferred Parking testing at MK, Epcot

Port Orleans gets a pool upgrade

Club Villain extended…again

New Indiana Jones film coming in 2019

Planet Hollywood Observatory renderings

Universal

Toothsome Chocolate Factory & Savory Feast Emporium

Rumor- UOR looking at new Xmas entertainment

The Walking Dead coming to USH year-round

Other News

Gambling deal died in Florida Senate (Sun Sentinel’s take on it)

Angry Birds inks deal with Madame Tussauds London

Dinosaur Planet theme park coming to Bangkok

Ep 67 – SEAS Orca Reactions from Eric Davis, Safari Mike and Erin Sullivan

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SeaWorld announced a major change in the brand late last week that includes the ending of the orca breeding program. SeaWorld’s unofficial ambassador Eric Davis calls in to give his take on the news and the fan community’s reaction to the news. Safari Mike stops in to talk about what this decision at SeaWorld means for the aquarium and zoo community. Erin Sullivan, the former Editor of Orlando Weekly and, for a short time, the San Antonio Current. Erin talks about the how the local communities in Orlando and San Antonio reacted to the news. Jim and Andy give their insights into the news including what this means for the nearby SeaLife Aquarium.

Hosts

Ken Storey
Robert of Mickey Updates
Brian of Orlando Park Pass
Jim of Wild Gravity Travels
Andy of Theme Parks and Travels
Online Trends Correspondent-Jake of Orlando Park Pass
Hotel Correspondent-Kyle
Show Researcher – Jay
Show Historian – Kevin Yee
Touring Shows and Media Correspondent- Richie

SeaWorld’s Orca Announcement

Interview One

Recorded 3-18-16

Orlando Weekly’s Blackfish piece

Song on Outro

Interview Two

Song on Intro

Safari Mike

Recorded 3-19-16

gp’ Everyone

OTR Ep 42 – Safari Mike Hopes For A Train But Not For a Monkey Island

Song on Outro

Interview Three

Eric Davis

Recorded 3-20-16

Awesome Ocean

Unofficial SeaWorld Podcast

ZooNation

OTR – Ep 19 – Interviews with Eric Davis and Frank Torres

Ep 49 – The Big Blue Super Long Whale of Show With Eric Davis

March 15, 2016

Ep 66 – Robert Moves In at WDW

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Robert gives us a mega-update from WDW including trip reports from DAK Lodge, Saratoga Springs and Wilderness Lodge. Plus the very latest on Tilikum’s declining health. News on a brand new, first in the region water slide and you won’t believe where it’s going. Also, Jim and Ken discuss Kylie Jenner and the Goo Goo Dolls.

Show Notes

Hosts

Ken Storey
Robert of Mickey Updates
Brian of Orlando Park Pass
Jim of Wild Gravity Travels
Andy of Theme Parks and Travels
Online Trends Correspondent-Jake of Orlando Park Pass
Hotel Correspondent-Kyle
Show Researcher – Jay
Show Historian – Kevin Yee
Touring Shows and Media Correspondent- Richie

Date of Recording: 3/11/15

Music- Song One | Song Two

Punch List

Tilikum’s status

Mako’s track is finished

Goo Goo Dolls cancel BGT concert

Fun Spot’s new lift hill LEDs are now installed

Sugar Factory has a VIP opening

Cody Simpson comes to Madame Tussauds

Daytona Lagoon gets an update

JetBlue pilot training center opening in Orlando

Embassy Suites downtown is sold

New details on the OCSC stadium

Glass slide in L.A.

March 7, 2016

SideChat – Mr Entertainment Talks WWE Rumors and Holy Land Free Day Trip Report

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Mr. Entertainment calls in to chat about the latest WWE rumors regarding Orlando. He then gives a first-hand account of what the Holy Land was like on this year’s free admission day.

This audio was originally broadcast on #OTRonFM on WPRK 91.5 FM on Mar 5, 2016.

Show Notes

Hosts

Ken Storey
Robert of Mickey Updates
Brian of Orlando Park Pass
Jim of Wild Gravity Travels
Andy of Theme Parks and Travels
Online Trends Correspondent-Jake of Orlando Park Pass
Hotel Correspondent-Kyle
Show Researcher – Jay
Show Historian – Kevin Yee
Touring Shows and Media Correspondent- Richie
Special Guest- Mr Entertainment

Music- Song One

March 3, 2016

Ep 64 – WWoHP East vs West with Universal Core

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Today Ben of Universal Core stops by to share his thoughts on Wizarding World of Harry Potter East versus West. He talks about his trip to Universal Orlando resort and then chats about what it means to be a local covering Universal Hollywood. Disneyland, California Adventure and CityWalk are also discussed. During the Punch List Ken, Jim and Andy talk about the spying program SEAS announced it’s ending. News coming out of Merlin is also discussed. UCF Downtown is touched on and that massive crowd that came out of Fall Out Boy is talked about in detail.