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Author: KLStorey

Ep 125- Orca sex being banned, guests blamed for broken monorails, and slavery themed dinner shows

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

Epcot Monorail doors break, placing guests a danger, then the guest get screamed at for being on a broken monorail

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

Club-Level Guests Can Buy More FastPasses, 90-Day Booking Window, & Preferred Nighttime Show Viewing with New Theme Park Extra Offering

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

Carnival Cruise Lines hires Shaq as new Chief Fun Officer

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Ep 124- We’re back!! 2018 News Summary

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.

Ken Storey’s Twitter

Ken’s OW articles

Ed Bearden’s Twitter

Orlando Tourism Report’s Twitter

 

Recording Date- January 5, 2018

Ken’s OW 2018 Preview article

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SideChat – The Florida Project Review (with lots of spoilers)

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

The Florida Project

Slate Review

GQ Review

Hollywood Reporter Review

Intersection Episode

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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-

  • Use of 4DX Effects- 2 out of 4

  • Movie Overall- 4 out of 4

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#OTRatIAAPA #IAE17 Day 5- VR Coasters, Falcon’s Creative Group, and The Gravity Group

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

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