Know the city | Know the industry

Ep 123- Wallack World Rises, SeaWorld Sinks, and Universal Goes All In

In this news round-up from one of the most eventful fall seasons Orlando has seen in years we talk about those awful new attendance numbers coming out of SeaWorld, we review Mango’s new menu and talk Skyplex, we cover all the new hotels and attractions heading to Disney, and try to read the tea leaves on what the future holds for Universal Orlando.

Recording Date- November 7, 2017

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Ep 122 – Busch Gardens and SeaWorld do Halloween

We give trip reports from opening night at Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa including a food review of the cricket tacos. We also talk about SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween offerings including a Sesame Place themed character breakfast. There’s also a few fun rants along the way.

Recording Date- September 24, 2017

Punch List

Howl-O-Scream Busch Gardens Tampa

Ken samples the cricket tacos

SeaWorld Orlando Spooktacular 

Count Von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast

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Ep 121- We’re back!

On this much-anticipated return of OTR Ken Storey addresses the controversy regarding his tweet about Texas. Then Ed and Kevin join the show and discuss all the news we’ve missed over the past month including Fashion Square Mall, T2 closing, a $20 million cash deal on 192, and much more. At the end of the show, we review the tourism industry’s response to Irma.Here i

Recording Date- September 24, 2017

Punch List

Slinky Dog testing at DHS

DHS Xmas Plans

Braves leave WDW

Flamingo Crossing update

Union push for $15 per hour at WDW

T2 closing at UOR

Legoland VR

Magic Place pays cash for Old Town project

SW AD to be indoors

JYP Days Inn sold for $6.05 mill

Fashion Sq for sale

I-Drive launches study on street car system

Old Spanish Mill staying open

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A message from Ken Storey

As most are now aware, last week I posted an unfortunately worded tweet that has since gone viral for all the wrong reasons. I first want to apologize for all those I’ve hurt with my words, that was never my intention. I also want to thank all of those who’ve reached out to me during this extremely difficult time, your words of support helped me more than you could ever imagine.

While my focus is now on my future, I wanted to take a few minutes to answer some questions regarding the future of Orlando Tourism Report. The show will continue. We are no longer affiliated with WPRK, meaning our FM radio show #OTRonFM is currently off-air until I can find a way to return to local airwaves.

The podcast via the RSS will continue. When I began OTR over three years ago, I wanted to create a place where bloggers, competitors, could find common ground to share their news and analysis of Orlando’s largest industry. From the very beginning, OTR has been dedicated to being a welcoming place for numerous opinions, often times opposing views. I value the importance of open dialogue, and that includes dialogue that individually we may disagree with.

What I said is not a reflection on anyone except myself. I accept what I did was wrong, but I also believe one bad decision shouldn’t ruin a person. I’m more than ever focused on making OTR the best it can be.

Myself and the team at OTR are still dedicated to reporting on all aspects of Central Florida tourism.

I will be taking a few weeks off as I refocus. Orlando Tourism Report will begin regular episodes via the podcast at the end of September.

Thank you,

Ken Storey

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Ep 120- Steve Glum of Ace Cafe and the odd story of the fertility statues

Steve Glum, the Chief Marketing Officer, Ace Cafe North America, joins us in the studio to talk about his role at the motorcycle-focused café in downtown Orlando. He shares stories from his time at Ripley’s including a run-in with the famed fertility statues, his time at Hard Rock, and what it was like being part of the opening staff at WDW’s Pleasure Island.

We also discuss TASTE! Central Florida. The annual event that helps raise funds for Second Harvest Food Bank and Coalition for the Homeless. Taking place August 19, 2017, at the World Center Marriott on 536 TASTE! is the premier foodie event of the year and this year is no exception. We also get new details on BOTH Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ joints coming to Central Florida and hear new details on future of the Ace Café brand.

Hosts

Recording Date- August 18, 2017, on WPRK 91.5 Winter Park (10AM-Noon)

IMPORTANT LINKS

TASTE! Central Florida

Tickets to TASTE! Central Florida

Ace Café Orlando

Orlando Park Pass

WPRK

Adventures in Charity Adventurer’s Club reunion

Joel Manby’s Tampa Bay Times interview

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