IAAPA #IAE16 Day One Episode. We cover the big news of the day including the press conferences from SeaWorld, Triotech, and Zamperla. Plus thoughts on the opening ceremonies, the food scene in 2016 and what the general feel on the floor this year is. VR is big yet again and so are water rides.
Our Halloween blowout episode includes two special guests. First up we have Dawn of Come See Orlando. She talks about what she’s learned from working as the media rep for numerous I-Drive attractions, including the failed CSI: The Experience. She also shares her thoughts on the boom in zombie laser tag attractions, why Orlando is such a Halloween hot spot and more. Ken and Robert give a trip report from Howl-O-Scream.
Then Ricky Brigante stops by the studio to chat about Catharsis, his new immersive haunted house experience. Ricky also shares his thoughts on why Orlando can’t seem to have a successful year-round haunt attraction and the changes he’s seen since he first founded Inside the Magic years ago.
We also talk about Central Florida’s reaction to Hurricane Matthew and what lessons we hopefully learned from this near miss.
On today’s show Ken, Robert and Ed are joined in Studio B by Simon and Susan Veness of Veness Travel Media. Simon is the author of ‘The Brits Guide to Orlando,’ the best-selling guide of its kind in the U.K. Simon and Susan discuss their observations in the changing demographics of Orlando tourism and how the larger trends in Florida are affecting it. Brexit and changes to the OCSC are both discussed in detail.
Today we come back from our break with a round-up of the news. Then during the Main Event we have the original Dreamfinder, Ron Schneider, join us to chat about Walt’s Frozen Head, his views on Orlando tourism and the future of the industry.
In SEAS News Wire Episode 2 (June 1) the crew talks Kids Bop at Sesame Place, Summer Nights at the various SEAS parks and ride construction at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Andy gives a trip report from BGW’s Food and Wine Event and the guys compare SheiKra to Griffon. It’s a news filled episode with plenty of rabbit trails. In the end everyone agrees on the important things; like the Taco Bell near SeaWorld Orlando is the best Taco Bell.
Yiscel, which means “beautiful girl” and is in honor of Yiscel Yanguez, the co-founder of APPC (Panamerican Conservation Association), who personally rescues, rehabilitates, and releases sloths as well as other naïve wildlife in Panama.
SWO
SEAWORLD RECEIVES THREE MANATEES FOR CRITICAL CARE: BOAT-STRICKEN MANATEE MOTHER, HER DEPENDENT CALF AND AN ORPHANED MANATEE
After presumed boat strike, manatee mother-and-calf pair is transported to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation along with an orphaned manatee; health improving after just one week
Mako Media Day 6/9
Summer Nights returning 6/18
Notable absence of Light up the night on show schedule
Only noted on one event page of a nighttime shamu spectacular
Length:3,188 ft Height:200 ft Inversions:1 Speed:70 mph Duration:2:20 Max Vertical Angle:90° Elements:200 ft tall Chain Lift Hill 145 ft tall Immelmann 138 ft tall Hill Tunnel Splash Effect
Cost:$13,500,000 USD Trains:3 cars per train. Riders are arranged 8 across in a single row for a total of 24 riders per train.
Griffon 5/18/2007
Length:3,108 ft Height:205 ft Inversions:2 Speed:71 mph Duration:3:00 Max Vertical Angle:90° G-Force:4.0 Elements:205 ft tall Chain Lift Hill Immelmann Hill with a 130 ft drop at 90° Immelmann Splash Effect Capacity:1,400 riders per hour
$15,600,000 USD Trains:3 cars per train. Riders are arranged 10 across in a single row for a total of 30 riders per train.