January 13, 2018
Ep 125- Orca sex being banned, guests blamed for broken monorails, and slavery themed dinner shows
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On this episode of Orlando Tourism Report, Ed and Ken discuss the latest news including the closing of Green Meadows, the law making its way through Tallahassee that could hurt SeaWorld’s future, the future of beer advertising inside Florida’s theme parks, and the latest fight over Florida’s tourist tax. Plus Ken rants about the awful cast member response to broken monorails, Ed gives a trip report from Edison, and both discuss SeaWorld Orlando’s first Three Kings Day festival.
Recording Date: January 11, 2018
Punch List
Disney
Runoff Rapids Reopens at Disney’s Blizzard Beach After an Extended Refurbishment
Harley-Davidson Motor Cycles opens in new location at the Town Center in Disney Springs
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Debuts New Background Music Loops
New Multi-Use Arena to Open at ESPN Wide World of Sports today
Minnie Mouse Gets Her Own Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Norway Pavilion Bakery Set to Undergo Refurbishment
Orlando Tourism
Green Meadows Petting Farm closing while it looks for new location
Orca breeding bill might end entertainment shows, breeding in Florida
Holy Land Experience announces free day
Florida Tourism
Key Lime Festival coming to Merritt Island
Allegiant Air coming to Sarasota-Bradenton Airport
Elite Airways cancels Pittsburgh service to Sarasota-Bradenton
The Villages inks deal with robotaxi startup
Controversial beer bill moves forward that will allow beer advertising inside Florida theme parks
Legoland Gives LEGO trophy To Last Project X Roller Coaster Rider
Dixie Stampede dropping ‘Dixie’ to become ‘Dolly Parton’s Stampede’
Brightline’s ‘higher speed’ train service will begin this weekend in Florida
January 12, 2018
Ep 124- We’re back!! 2018 News Summary
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Ken and Ed are back in the studio and back on the radio. In this episode, the guys talk about the highlights of 2017 and what they’re looking forward to in 2018.
Orlando Tourism Report’s Twitter
Recording Date- January 5, 2018
December 3, 2017
SideChat – The Florida Project Review (with lots of spoilers)
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Ken, Ed, and Kevin discuss the locally produced film The Florida Project. Ed talks about some of the backgrounds of the actors and Ken goes on a rant against Disney.
Recording Date- November 7, 2017
Show Notes
November 25, 2017
4DX Review- Coco
This is a *mostly* spoiler-free review of Coco in 4DX format. This isn’t designed to a be a review of the movie as much is it’s a review of the 4DX experience for this movie.
Coco is Pixar’s latest blockbuster and for a good reason. The stunningly beautiful film is filled with stories of how family is important, why we should never judge others, and the importance of true friendship. The 4DX does a great job with the wind effects and the motion seats, while minimal, add a nice sense of movement to a few key scenes. As is typical with 4DX the motion seats shine best during the fight scenes. The use of the leg ticklers during these fight scenes added a surprise not typically used during most 4DX fight scenes, and one that I hope is used more during them in the future.
The in-seat air cannons were also used sparingly but helped with the scenes they were in.
Sadly, there was little if any (I didn’t notice any at all) scents used in the film. This seems like such a big missed opportunity for a movie where nearly every scene is filled with flowers. The scenes involving the bridge especially would’ve really been enhanced by scents.
There also seemed to be little to no smoke and snow effects. Again, there are scenes where both of these effects could’ve been used. The bubble effects were used at the very end of the movie, practically as the credits began to roll. This was a fun way to end the film but other scenes, such as the large party scene, could’ve used the bubble effects better.
Overall, the effects used in Coco was great, but they used way to sparingly and many effects were simply just left out. Coco is a must see in 3D, but you can skip the 4DX for this one
-Review Summary-
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Use of 4DX Effects- 2 out of 4
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Movie Overall- 4 out of 4
November 17, 2017
#OTRatIAAPA #IAE17 Day 5- VR Coasters, Falcon’s Creative Group, and The Gravity Group
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The IAAPA Attractions Expo has wrapped up its 2017 run. Ed and Ken discuss what they were most impressed with over the last week. VR industry pioneer Thomas Wagner of VR Coasters discusses their new project with Legoland and what the future of VR attractions in theme parks are. Saham Ali of Falcon’s Creative Group discuss project mapping, how to keep high-tech attractions relevant with age, and how they deal with clients who might not have the biggest budgets. Then the episode wraps up with an interview with Gravity Group co-founder and lead engineer Chad Miller. Miller discusses Mine Blower at Fun Spot, Oscar’s Wild Taxi at Sesame Place, and the role of roller coasters at local parks and FECs.
Recording Time Stamp: 7PM November, 17 2017
Today’s Guests-
Thomas Wagner- Co-Founder and Managing Partner / CEO, VR Coasters GmbH & Co. KG
Saham Ali- Director of Technology, Falcon’s Creative Group
Chad Miller- Engineer and Principal, The Gravity Group