OTR Archives - Page 23 of 26 - Orlando Tourism Report

February 3, 2015

OTR – Ep 23 – Diamond Signals and Settling Dirt

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On this grab bag of news Ken and Kyle talk about the latest news from the Disneyland 60^th Anniversary with what they expect from it to make its way eastward. Night of Joy and Mardi Gras is discussed. They give an update to Universal’s rumored water park. They touch on some pretty big local hotel rumors and news before finishing out the episode with news on Circus World’s reunion, Enzi at BGT, Aqutica’s $8 tickets and Tin Roof Orlando marketing strategy.

Show Info

Ken Storey

Kyle

Recorded Jan 29, 2015

Show Notes

UFOs in West Palm Beach

Rick Scott statement from Nov 20 on Florida’s record tourism numbers

January 27, 2015

OTR – Ep 22 – The 43.7 Million Dollar Question

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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 30, 2014

OTR – SideChat 6 – Blame Eisner, Yearn For Eisner

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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

Opening Audio One | Two

IOA Preview Center Video

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.

Closing Song

December 23, 2014

OTR – Ep 21 – The Epic Incredible Unforgettable Monumental End of the Year Roundup with Derek Burgan and Richie

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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

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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.