Orlando Archives - Page 92 of 93 - Orlando Tourism Report

March 30, 2015

OTR Ep 27 – Skeletons and Presidents

Subscribe: Email | RSS

On today’s extra long episode Ken and Kyle start off with huge news coming out of SeaWorld. Then Lissa joins in for rest of the Punch List. The wave of recent hotel announcements is covered along, yet more announced for Skyplex, the new bus-only lanes coming to I-Drive, and the latest on Miami’s megamall.

Then Mark Brisson, Executive Director of Skeletons: Animals Unveiled, calls in for a discussion on I-Drive 360, the future of the region and much more. The conversation focuses on safety, the future of the SLR-I-Drive intersection and what it takes to be successful in the most intense tourist district in the nation.

Show Info

Ken
Kyle
Lissa of Magical Enchanted Vacations | Lissa’s introduction SideChat
Special Guest- Mark Brisson of Skeletons: Animals Unveiled

Recording Info

SEAS President Reactions Recorded – Mar 21
The Punch List Recording – Mar 17
Mark Brisson Interview – Mar 13

Song One | Song Two

Show Notes

::Punch List::

SEAS

New President is announced and he looks like the right choice.
Is Bloomin’ Brands coming to SeaWorld?
BGT releases a statement regarding its otters. #OtterGate isn’t mentioned in it.

Tourist District and Related News

Planet Hollywood condo hotel coming to Lake Bryan/535
11 story condo hotel and retail project coming across from SWO
DPPAC might get fancy hotel
Hyatt Place at Church St proposed
Patel hotels bought
Skyfall at Skyplex announced at State of I-Drive
The property that Chuck Whittall mentioned at State of I-Drive that he will be developing over next 5 years
American Maglev confirms expansion plans beyond I-Drive
BRT coming to I-Drive?

Outside of the region

DollyWood readies to open its DreamMore Resort
Miami Megamall gets 1^st approval

::Main Event::

Interview with Mark Brisson of Skeletons: Animals Unveiled

5 Take-Aways from the Interview

Skeletons: Animals Unveiled is working with Boy and Girl Scouts to have badge programs at the museum
They’re aiming for attendance in the 100K-400K range
Special Events will be a central funding source for Skeletons: Animals Unveiled
Mark predicts a day when parts of I-Drive will be pedestrian plazas
He doesn’t seem to expect the Tourist Development Tax distribution plan to change anytime soon

March 12, 2015

OTR – SideChat 7 – Here Come The Lions

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Email | RSS

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.

Show Info

Ken Storey

Kyle

Jay

Special Guests – Simon & Susan of Veness Travel Media

Show Notes

Orlando City Soccer Club

Kaka

South Florida Condo Sales

MLS Largest attended games

Atlanta confirmed as an expansion

SunRail

Church Street Station

Mag-lev I-Drive plans | Overall plans

David Beckham’s plans for a Miami MLS expansion

January 27, 2015

OTR – Ep 22 – The 43.7 Million Dollar Question

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Email | RSS

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

Ken Storey

Kyle

Jay

Recorded Jan 22, 2015

December 18, 2014

OTR – Ep 20 – Gennaweys Takeaway

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Email | RSS

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.

December 9, 2014

OTR – Ep 19 – Interviews with Eric Davis and Frank Torres

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Email | RSS

On today’s show political analyst Frank Torres calls in from the Orlando City Council meeting where rideshare, like Uber, is being discussed. Then Kyle and Ken talk about some of the other big stories around town, including the leadership shake up at Wet ‘n Wild and the new home for the Arabian Nights horses. Eric Davis then joins the show to discuss recent news regarding SEAS, what he would like to see changed in Orlando and what he thinks the future of the company will be. Viktor gives details on the new Express Dine feature plus the latest from Christmas Town at BGT.