Know the city | Know the industry

Ep 142 – DJ Elliot talks Star Wars mixes and movie star cars

First hour is filled with DJ Elliot, known for his Star Wars mixes that can be heard throughout WDW and at area conventions, talking about his career as a geeky culture DJ, his wild car collection (that even Universal uses!), and the changes he’s seen over the years in Orlando’s tourism industry.

Then in the second hour Ken and Ed discuss all the week’s news, including big changes heading to Busch Gardens, Bernie Sanders taking on Disney, and the wild Indiana Jones adventure that might be in the works.

Recording Date- June 8, 2018 at WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL

News and Links

DJ Elliot

River Country DVC rumor

Tishman buys 3 more area hotels

Coronado Springs removes statues

Richard Gerth at Grand Flo passes away, had been a GF staple since 1991, John Stamos tweeted it  https://twitter.com/JohnStamos/status/1004889799977623552?s=19

Walt Disney World Switching to Digital Rider Switch Pass (or Baby Swap) at Attractions to Combat Fraud

Disney gives apology letters to guest at DHS

Disney drops OpenTable

Bernie Sanders vs Disney bonuses

Nighttime show at UOR leaked

HHN details (10 even with F&F), HOS details (no zombie laser tag)

ZooTampa flume ride opens

Paid parking at Outlet malls

Pirates reopening

 

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Ep 141 – Eric Oh’s Big Orlando Trip

Eric Oh drops by the studio during his vacation in Orlando. We chat with him about his vacation, some of the unique things in Central Florida he’s experiencing for the first time, and get his hot takes on all the big news stories of the week.

Recording Date- June 1, 2018 at WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL

News and Links

Eric Oh’s Twitter

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Ep 140 – Madame Tussaud’s Orlando talks Justice League

Todd Andrus, Merlin’s Head of Marketing for its’ Orlando attractions, joins Ken, Ed, and Jake in the studio to discuss Madame Tussaud’s Orlando museum’s new Justice League attraction. The conversation includes details on the development of the new exhibit, the history of the attraction, and what we can expect next for Merlin in the Orlando market.

Then in Hour 2, Jake shares exclusive new details regarding updates happening at both the former Artegon mall and WonderWorks. Ken discusses the Hyperloop that might soon be connecting Orlando to Tampa. Then the guys talk about all the recent Universal rumors, including Star Trek, James Bond, and the most recent news regarding Nintendo. A new stage show rumored for DHS, updates at The Crayola Experience, and many other news items are discussed as well.

Recording Date- May 25, 2018 in Studio B at WPRK in Winter Park, FL

Important Links

Madame Tussaud’s Orlando

ICON Orlando 360

POV of the boat ride at Madame Tussaud’s Singapore that Ken seems obsessed with

Madame Tussaud’s Ghostbuster attraction

NEWS

New details on Artegon’s replacement

The Crayola Experience gets a new exhibit

Hyperloop between Orlando and Tampa might be in the works

Mickey and the Magician stage show might be coming to WDW

James Bond might be heading to Universal Orlando

Star Trek land might be heading to Universal Orlando

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Ep 139- Monarchs and Movies

Full Sail’s Jacob Kaplan and Casey Tanous stop by to discuss the school’s role in launching The Monarch Initiative. This new program is filling Central Florida with beautiful murals and plants to help bring awareness to the plight of pollinators. National Geographic has taken note of how Audubon Park has taken a lead in the program. The conversation includes deep dives into the role of eco-tourism and how local businesses contribute to the area’s general wellbeing.

Then Orlando Film Commissioner Sheena Fowler calls in to discuss the area’s film industry. The conversation includes mentions of the new ‘Deal or No Deal’ filmings set to take place at Universal Orlando, the role local governments had in getting Tomorrowland to film here, and why Georgia and Louisiana are now better known for their film industry than Florida.

Recording Date: May 18, 2018 in Studio B at the WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL

Important Links

The Monarch Initiative

Orlando Film Commission

Full Sail University

News

I-Drive 360 is now ICON Orlando 360

American Dream Miami megamall is approved

I-Drive’s megamall isn’t dead

New 1,200 room hotel heading to Universal Boulevard

U.S. Special Olympics coming to Orlando in 2022

Gambling Amendment gets hit by a lawsuit

Disney denies AR windows on monorails

Burger bar Hopdoddy’s heading to Pointe Orlando

Redefine Gallery partners with Ripley’s

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Ep 138 – The Queen of Medieval Times

We’re joined in studio by one of the Medieval Times queens and a show designer. They share their behind the scenes stories from over the years at Medieval Times, including the incredible work that went into the latest show. This new show is one of the company’s most ambitious and most historic.

Hour Two is filled with news including an update to the Florida Mall story we talked about a few weeks back. We also touch on the latest news from WDW including Dan Cockerell’s retirement and the end of Night of Joy.

Recording Date- April 27, 2018 in Studio B at WPRK Winter Park, FL

Show Notes

Hour One

Medieval Times Orlando

Article on the new queen

Hour Two

Pandora closed April 24-26

Update to monorail story

Florida Mall panic at Apple store prompts a lawsuit

Trolls Topia- 4th park land, Kids Zone?

Night of Joy confirmed cancelled for WDW

Dan Cockerell, VP of Magic Kingdom Suddenly Departing Company

accesso gets a new ceo

Fun Spot Orlando gets a Headrush 360

I-Drive’s high-flying StarFlyer debut pushed to June

Ride-sharing Safr coming to Orlando, focuses on women’s safety

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