January 27, 2015
OTR – Ep 22 – The 43.7 Million Dollar Question
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In the first episode of 2015 Kyle and Ken are joined by Jay of Orlando Tourist Blog. The guys cover all the news they’ve missed over the past month including Artegon’s Christmas Eve death, Gwazi’s closing, the coaster rumors at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa, Universal Orlando’s non-stop construction, restaurants at Disney Springs and more before sharing their thoughts on pay at Walt Disney World compared to that of Bob Iger’s.
Show Info
Recorded Jan 22, 2015
January 18, 2015
5 Things to Look Forward To In UOR’s New Diagon Alley
After 15 years in service Gwazi, one of only three wooden coasters in Central Florida, will be close on February 1 of this year. The ride, found in the Morocco section of Busch Gardens Tampa, holds the title for the most fly-bys on a dueling roller coaster.
In recent years the ride has gotten noticeable rougher with the lack of wait on even busy days pointing to a lack of interest from most park guest. Busch Gardens did install new trains in 2010, this helped some with the roughness but many still seem to complain about the roughness. Park merchandise has noticeable not included the ride in recent years as well.
The coaster had a Lion and a Tiger side with the Tiger side being closed near the end of the 2012 season. Since then only the Lion side has run. (Check out the video below to see a ride-thru on both sides.)
“No decisions have been made about what lies ahead for Gwazi or for the future plans of that area of Busch Gardens,” said Park President Jim Dean. “But, we are always looking for ways to enhance guests’ experiences, so stay tuned for more news.”
Also closing at Busch Gardens is the Pantopia Grill. The dinner theater is found in the spectacularly themed Pantopia land yet inside it remained similar to how it looked for many years. Busch Gardens has confirmed that the dinner theater is being remodeled and will reopen with a new food court model, similar to the Expedition Cafe found in Antarctica at SeaWorld Orlando. The new restaurant will offer windows with Italian, America, Asia and Mexican cuisine. The Busch Gardens Tampa blog mentioned menu items at the new restaurant including; “rotisserie chicken, flatbread pizza, teriyaki chicken, shrimp lo Mein and panini’s.”
Craft beer and Starbucks coffee will be also be available in the new dining pavilion. The new restaurant will be known as Dragon Fire Grill and is expected to open later this year.
December 30, 2014
OTR – SideChat 6 – Blame Eisner, Yearn For Eisner
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
This time of year is always a good time to look back at where we’ve come from. Today OTR does just that with Sam Gennawey sharing details on the history of Universal Orlando.
On today’s SideChat Sam Gennawey talks about the history of Universal Studios Florida that he included in his new book and why Islands of Adventure looks the way it does. Kyle asks about Michael Eisner’s impact on Universal Studios while Ken keeps sharing memories of his childhood. After the parks are covered the three turn to CityWalk vs Downtown Disney where Sam’s expectations of Disney Springs might surprise. Urban design is brought up some more and they talk about the amazing new parking garage at Disney Springs.
Today’s SideChat is pulled from the larger conversation taped on Dec 16. Check out the rest of the conversation in Ep 20 – Gennaweys Takeaway.
Show Info
- Ken Storey
- Kyle
- Special Guest – Sam Gennawey
- Recorded- Tuesday, Dec 16, 2014
Show Notes
Disney Springs on WDW Magic
Disney Springs Parking Garage video tour
Gennawey’s believes Disney Springs will fail due to a lack of density, design and diversity.
December 23, 2014
OTR – Ep 21 – The Epic Incredible Unforgettable Monumental End of the Year Roundup with Derek Burgan and Richie
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The eggnog was flowing on today’s episode! Kyle and Ken are joined by Derek Burgan and Richie for a review of the year’s news. Ken shares the Top 5 tourism stories of the year for Central Florida Top 5. The guys then talk I-Drive, the ongoing issues with SeaWorld, Richie goes off on how Disney is going to beat Universal with Star Wars (and everyone else seems to disagree). Kyle then starts a feud with Derek over the hot topic of on-site vs off-site hotels. Richie keeps talking about The Interview, Ken gets Unofficial Guides and Touring Plans mixed up and Kyle apologizes to Parkscope.
*Today’s episode features some more colorful language than usual. It might be wise to listen when the kiddies aren’t around.*
December 18, 2014
OTR – Ep 20 – Gennaweys Takeaway
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
On today’s special episode Kyle and Ken are joined by theme park historian and urban planner Sam Gennawey. He talks about his latest book. Then the guys geek out some chatting about urban planning at Disney World and around Central Florida. Sam tells some interesting stories that he uncovered while researching his books and gives his opinion on some local urban design topics including Celebration, Downtown Orlando’s renaissance and what he thinks it will take to make Downtown Disney a true success. Ken keeps bringing up the fact that Disney World lacks any true non-bus, comprehensive transit system. Sam talks about how Universal took as much market share as they did and where he thinks the parks will go from here. The Punch List is shortened this week but still includes Ken and Kyle discussing Meg Crofton’s retirement announcement, WestGate’s new steak house plus the SunRail announcement to run a late night train.