Full Sail’s Jacob Kaplan and Casey Tanous stop by to discuss the school’s role in launching The Monarch Initiative. This new program is filling Central Florida with beautiful murals and plants to help bring awareness to the plight of pollinators. National Geographic has taken note of how Audubon Park has taken a lead in the program. The conversation includes deep dives into the role of eco-tourism and how local businesses contribute to the area’s general wellbeing.
Then Orlando Film Commissioner Sheena Fowler calls in to discuss the area’s film industry. The conversation includes mentions of the new ‘Deal or No Deal’ filmings set to take place at Universal Orlando, the role local governments had in getting Tomorrowland to film here, and why Georgia and Louisiana are now better known for their film industry than Florida.
Recording Date: May 18, 2018 in Studio B at the WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL
Jeannine of the Orlando Science Center shares details on how this local educational museum stays relevant in one of the most competitive markets for families in the nation. Details are given on updates to events, exhibits and future plans.
During the Punch List Jim and Ken talk about Disney World’s latest hard ticket events, Legoland’s announcements and rules bloggers should follow. The show starts with a rumor regarding Attractions Magazine and ends with an update to Kong.
Note- There is an unusual amount of static in today’s episode.
Today we are joined by BriMan of Orlando United for a discussion on the past, present and future of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando. Miami’s new megamall, Mango’s and Columbian burgers are brought up in this fun chat. During the punch list we talk about those shocking Q2 results from SEAS, updates to Magic Kingdom, Zagat’s latest Orlando rankings and a new museum opening in town devoted to pencils. In the pre-Punch List chat Ken reviews Taste of the Nation 2015 while Lissa tells of some bad service she recently received at DHS. Ken admits to disliking Kickstarter while Jay admits to not listening to the show.
The Guardian reports new details on the Russian belugas that NOAA blocked The Georgia Aquariuam getting. Some of those would be headed to SeaWorld too.
John Frost of The Disney Blog stops by to talk Disney, Marvel and the future of Orlando’s theme parks. Living wage initiatives, SeaWorld, Gatorland and, yes, even casinos are all brought up in the conversation. During The Punch List Lissa and Ken get into it over parking at Disney World. Mr Brian weighs in on the new interactive shots bar coming to downtown Orlando and asks ‘are food trucks still a trend?’ LGBTQ rights in Osceola County are discussed ahead of an important vote there. Old Town announces a redo. Plus we recommend some upcoming events around the region.
Osceola County looks to add sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to protection from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.
On this week’s SideChat Ken convinces the guys to talk about malls some more. First the Megamall is covered, then the guys talk about the future of The Florida Mall. Mentions of the outlet malls, Fashion Square and West Edmonton are all included. Then Kyle and Ken talk about their favorite local movie theaters before the inevitable Taco Bell mentions. Then the guys talk Tampa’s hotels, retail and what Tampa needs.
