September 9, 2014
OTR – Ep 12 – Hotels, Motels and DVCs
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On today’s episode the guys start off with talking about the new revelations about DVC that Jim Hill recently mentioned. They then go into a detailed conversation about off-property hotels, local transit options and timeshares. Downtown growth, Jackie Siegel and (of course) Taco Bell all are mentioned. Downtown and Winter Park area hotels are discussed before they close out of the conversation with Ken going off on adding hotels to malls….
Show Info
Hosts
Ken Storey
Bob from Pixels at the Parks
Kyle Gary
Richie (But he was busy obsessing over Feld’s new Disney on Ice: Frozen show instead…)
Show Notes
- Opening Song
- The Unofficial Guide’s Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 63: DVC Rumors
- Show Notes Bonus Link – Derek Burgan’s Saturday Six Inspired by DDwJH Ep 63
September 2, 2014
OTR – Ep 11 – Stine’s Eye Candy
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On this episode Bob and Ken interview John Stine, Director of Marketing and Sales at I-Drive 360 and Unicorp National Developments. Stine gives plenty of details about The Orlando Eye and I-Drive 360. He also talks about how mass transit will help I-Drive and what the future of the area will look like. The usual conversation topics of megamall, Polercoaster and Mango’s make their way into the interview. Bob talks about local restaurants and Ken confesses his love for Wawa and Shake Shack. Then they close out the conversation talking about the Mega-McDonalds that Ken thinks is coming soon.
Show Info
Hosts
Ken Storey
Bob from Pixels at the Parks
Kyle Gary
Richie (He’s anti-twitter so no link for him)
Show Notes
- Opening Song
- Bob and Ken Interview John Stine, CTC – Director of Marketing and Sales, I-Drive 360/Unicorp National Developments.
- Pixels at the Parks coverage of The Orlando Eye
- I-Drive 360 has a 7-story parking structure with free parking and security.
- Sand Lake Road Expansion Project (from 4 lanes to 6 lanes)
August 4, 2014
OTR – Ep 9 – My Whales Adore You
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The guys start with some big news regarding the future of SeaWorld. It now looks like the richest man in mainland China might be announcing a new partnership with SEAS very soon. After they discuss that they get into cover Falcon’s Fury and the future of local retail with mentions of the new Megamall and The Crayola Experience.
Show Info
Hosts
Bob from Pixels at the Parks
Jay
Ken Storey
Kyle Gary and Richie
Show Notes
- Intro Song
- The Wanda Group
- SEAS stock
- SWO attendance report (from March ’14)
- The Wanda Group is aiming to be the world’s largest developer
- Wanda Group plans to buy 1 to 2 large international entertainment companies
August 4, 2014
Is the Wanda Group Interested in Buying SEAS?
The Orlando Tourism Report now believes that The Wanda Group from China are interested in a new partnership with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. The Wanda Group, backed by the richest man in mainland China, has previously expressed interest in American entertainment companies.
Wanda looks to be currently building SeaWorld style parks in China with an Aquatica style park currently under construction. SEAS has struggled recently with slipping attendance and there has been much speculation that Blackstone was looking to sell their shares of the company.
OTR has also learned that an official announcement from SeaWorld is being planned very soon.
We have contacted SeaWorld PR requesting a statement regarding their future and Comcast; as of now there has been no response back.
For the entire run down of the Wanda– SeaWorld partnership make sure to check out the newest episode of The Orlando Tourism Report. For the entire list of documents and news articles mentioned on the podcast make sure to
July 25, 2014
OTR – SideChat 5 – In A SideChat Far Far Away
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In today’s SideChat Richie, Kyle and Ken sit down to discuss the future of Star Wars land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They start with the leaked Dubai Disneyland plans, then talk about Disney California Adventure and Avatar. After that they talk about what Disney learned from Potter that they will use in Star Wars land. The conversation ends with true confessions surrounding Disney attraction merchandise.
Know someone who works in or is interested in Central Florida hospitality? Make sure to recommend the show.
Show Info
Hosts
Ken Storey
Bob from Pixels at the Parks
Jay from Theme Park Insite
Kyle Gary and Richie
Show Notes
- Opening Song
- Dubai Disneyland Plans
- Kyle Recommends- Disney and More’s article on Star Wars at Disney California Adventure
- Disney and More article on Star Wars overall
- D&M article on Star Wars at DLP
- Ken (with major rain outside of his window)- “I wouldn’t be surprised to see Star Tours in the final Star Wars plans [for DHS]”
- Kyle- “If you want to want to ride Star Tours go to SeaWorld and ride Wild Artic”
- Richie Recommends- The Marvel Experience | Details
- Then Richie gets lost in his own argument
- Richie- “Star Wars [Land] will be very abstract.” Compares it to Avatar in abstract design.
- Ken- “The big issue with Disney right now is it takes too long to get something done.”
- Kyle- “Disney is asking for your whole vacation, 5 to 7 days. Universal is asking for 2 to 3.”
- Richie Recommends – Ken’s article on the future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Ken- “Universal Fans, you guys need to chill out. You talk about Disney fans but you’re getting much worst…You’re giving the Southern California fans a good run for their money.”
- Kyle- “Guess what, the giant [being Disney] has awoken and it’s looking at Central Florida.”
- Merchandise inspired by attractions at Disney, Ken notes the Tiki room merchandise
- Tiki Room Gets No Love -> Touring Plans | WDWMagic | DisBoards
- Richie Recommends- Adventureland Tiki Room Glass cups
- Closing Song
End