Disney Archives - Page 57 of 69 - Orlando Tourism Report

August 10, 2018

Ep 147 – Ozark Meth heads, Ripleys, and SeaWorld’s Big Blue World

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Rumors say SeaWorld is about to go all in with its San Antonio park. Ripley’s looks to be in a not so good place after the accident in Branson. And Feld’s newest venture might be a ray of hope for America’s dying malls.

Recording Date – July 27, 2018 at the WPRK studios in Winter Park, FL

Important Links

Behind The Thrills’s article regarding SeaWorld San Antonio

Zhonghong troubles might mean bad things for SeaWorld

The future of Epcot’s Illuminations

Feld’s big Trolls experience

Falcon’s Creative Group launches new podcast series, ‘Experience Imagination’

I-Drive Aquatic Center renamed for hotelier Harris Rosen, credited with saving it

Castaway Cay Named Best Private Island Again by Cruise Critic Readers

Walt Disney World Set to Launch Minnie Van Transportation Service to Port Canaveral

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex raises ticket prices

The opening of Caribbean’s first adventure theme park increases tourism potential for Trinidad

Japan Legalizes Casino Gambling in a Boon to Resort Developers, approves 3 casino resorts to start out

Branson’s amusement park shuts down, tweets out that “No, we didn’t have meth heads working for us.”

Cirque du Soleil acquires VStar, makers of ‘Paw Patrol Live!’

June 22, 2018

Ep 143 – Orlando Comedy Festival with Matt Gervia

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Matt Gervia comes on the show to talk about this weekend’s Orlando Comedy Festival. 90 mins of laughter, stories of how comedy theater is used in local theme parks, and some interesting insights into his work at local attractions such as Fun Spot, Crayola Experience, and 360’s 7D Theater.

Ken also gives a review of Jurassic World: Lost Kingdom in the 4DX format and talks about some new legal action now being taken after last week’s horrific roller coaster accident in Daytona Beach.

Ed says hi.

The Orlando Comedy Festival takes place June 23, 2018. Workshops begin at 10 AM, performances begin at 5 PM. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.

Recording Date: June 22, 2018 at WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL

Important Links

Power 2 Improv

Orlando Comedy Festival

June 15, 2018

Ep 142 – DJ Elliot talks Star Wars mixes and movie star cars

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First hour is filled with DJ Elliot, known for his Star Wars mixes that can be heard throughout WDW and at area conventions, talking about his career as a geeky culture DJ, his wild car collection (that even Universal uses!), and the changes he’s seen over the years in Orlando’s tourism industry.

Then in the second hour Ken and Ed discuss all the week’s news, including big changes heading to Busch Gardens, Bernie Sanders taking on Disney, and the wild Indiana Jones adventure that might be in the works.

Recording Date- June 8, 2018 at WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL

News and Links

DJ Elliot

River Country DVC rumor

Tishman buys 3 more area hotels

Coronado Springs removes statues

Richard Gerth at Grand Flo passes away, had been a GF staple since 1991, John Stamos tweeted it https://twitter.com/JohnStamos/status/1004889799977623552?s=19

Walt Disney World Switching to Digital Rider Switch Pass (or Baby Swap) at Attractions to Combat Fraud

Disney gives apology letters to guest at DHS

Disney drops OpenTable

Bernie Sanders vs Disney bonuses

Nighttime show at UOR leaked

HHN details (10 even with F&F), HOS details (no zombie laser tag)

ZooTampa flume ride opens

Paid parking at Outlet malls

Pirates reopening

June 15, 2018

Ep 141 – Eric Oh’s Big Orlando Trip

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Eric Oh drops by the studio during his vacation in Orlando. We chat with him about his vacation, some of the unique things in Central Florida he’s experiencing for the first time, and get his hot takes on all the big news stories of the week.

Recording Date- June 1, 2018 at WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL

News and Links

Eric Oh’s Twitter

Disney agrees to pay some Disneyland cast members $15 an hour by 2020 ahead of California’s change to the rate in 2022
Labor Unions in Vegas prepare to strike
Animal Kingdom testing out new color-coordinated stroller parking system
Hard Rock Tampa, already one of the largest casino floors in the world, announces $750 million expansion that includes an events center, retail corridor, and a new 15-story tower
Eustis looking to bring watercraft rentals to lakefront
Planet Hollywood resort to be built in St. Maarten
Pirates Dinner Adventure to debut revamped show after hurricane, fire damage fixed
Live Shooter Hoax at Walt Disney World Resort Lands Arizona YouTuber in Jail
Busch Gardens Williamsburg retains “World’s Most Beautiful Park” status
Shanghai Disney Resort to launch their first marathon event this fall
Disney looks to be moving forward with the long-rumored River Country DVC hotel
Oscar’s Wacky Taxi family friendly wooden coaster opens at Sesame Place
Home-sharing platform for gay men misterb&b to start paying Orange County taxes
Dynamic Attractions announces new 5-year partnership with an Asian theme park developer, multiple groundbreaking rides to be designed at their Orlando design center

May 31, 2018

Ep 140 – Madame Tussaud’s Orlando talks Justice League

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Todd Andrus, Merlin’s Head of Marketing for its’ Orlando attractions, joins Ken, Ed, and Jake in the studio to discuss Madame Tussaud’s Orlando museum’s new Justice League attraction. The conversation includes details on the development of the new exhibit, the history of the attraction, and what we can expect next for Merlin in the Orlando market.

Then in Hour 2, Jake shares exclusive new details regarding updates happening at both the former Artegon mall and WonderWorks. Ken discusses the Hyperloop that might soon be connecting Orlando to Tampa. Then the guys talk about all the recent Universal rumors, including Star Trek, James Bond, and the most recent news regarding Nintendo. A new stage show rumored for DHS, updates at The Crayola Experience, and many other news items are discussed as well.

Recording Date- May 25, 2018 in Studio B at WPRK in Winter Park, FL