In today’s SideChat we’re joined by Simon and Susan of Veness Travel Media. Simon is the author of The Brits Guide to Orlando, the #1 selling Orlando travel guide in the U.K. For this special SideChat though we pick his brain on soccer. He is a regular writer for MLS.com and SkySports.com. He has also written about American sports for most major British newspapers and has been featured on the BBC. Today we discuss the Orlando City Soccer Club’s first MLS season, what this new team means to Orlando tourism and how Kaka will impact Brazilian tourist’s vacation plans.
Today we have Bob Sehlinger, Founder of The Unofficial Guides. He discusses the history of Unofficial Guides and Touring Plans, his thoughts on current events in Central Florida’s tourism industry and the future of Unofficial Guides. Along the way interesting tidbits related to Disney World, South Florida, Busch Gardens and Len Testa are all brought up.
On today’s show Kyle and Ken cover some recent news including that dreadful SEAS earnings report, a recent shooting at Fun Spot, the new Avatar renderings and a new restaurant planned for Magic Kingdom. Then they spend the rest of the show discussing what Universal will do after Wet n’ Wild closes. The usual suspects like the megamall, The Orlando Eye, and (of course) Taco Bell are all mentioned.
We are proud to announce Orlando Tourism Report has now hatched and has launched out on its own. Please make sure to check out our brand new website, OrlandoTourismReport.com . You’ll be able to find all of our restored Show Notes, a few archived articles and the brand new Gossip Line.
When you have rumors you want to share the Gossip Line is here to give you an anonymous option.
We’ll be announcing a few more special features that help celebrate Orlando tourism over the next few days. Make sure to tune-in later this week for TWO brand new episodes; including one with the founder of the Unofficial Guides. He talks about the history of tour books in Orlando, the future of Touring Plans and more!
On this grab bag of news Ken and Kyle talk about the latest news from the Disneyland 60th Anniversary with what they expect from it to make its way eastward. Night of Joy and Mardi Gras is discussed. They give an update to Universal’s rumored water park. They touch on some pretty big local hotel rumors and news before finishing out the episode with news on Circus World’s reunion, Enzi at BGT, Aqutica’s $8 tickets and Tin Roof Orlando marketing strategy.
