SWO Archives - Orlando Tourism Report

October 27, 2018

Ep 155 – The Ed and Jake Show

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Ken skips town so Ed and Jake host the show themselves. They talk KidsZone rumors, how to do Mickey’s Not So Scary, and tons of local tourism news.

Recording Date – October 12, 2018 at the WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL

Important Links

Jacksonville Jaguars may move to London

Major security update, expansion rumored for WDW

Sister Hazel Replaces Smash Mouth on Eat to the Beat Concert Series Schedule

A website incorrectly announced Jedi Training Academy closing at DHS (it is closing at Disneyland). So everyone please stay calm regarding any rumors about Spaceship Earth

New restaurants announced for Disney Springs West Side – Is this part of the NBA Experience? Going on the undeveloped lot beside Cirque?

BGT celebrates baby animals! (The Legend will be happy about this one!)

Full Sail is building a $6 million esports arena

Theme park fabrication company Nassal announces global re-brand

Disney Announces New Recreational Activity for Guests Ages 10-16 at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney Cruise Line Named Top Large-Ship Line in Condé Nast Traveler 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards

Bakeshop from Build-a-Bear coming to Florida Mall

IAAPA promotes former Busch/SeaWorld executive to its top job

Come Out With Pride is this weekend Oct 8-14

The Magic Kingdom’s Tom Sawyer Island to Close Soon for 2-Month Refurbishment

Jack Sparrow Meet and Greet Has Replaced Defunct Pirate Tutorial Show at the Magic Kingdom

Trees on the Lawn of Haunted Mansion Removed

Carnival’s Brewmaster Is Trying to Bring Craft Beer Culture to Cruising

Senate Passes Bill to Set Minimum Size for Airplane Seats

March 14, 2018

Ep 131 – Scott Swenson talks SeaWorld Parks

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It’s a SeaWorld heavy show when Scott Swenson, former Director of Creative Services at Busch Gardens Tampa, stops by the studio to discuss his more than 20 years with the company. The first hour is filled with insider stories for the past twenty years at Busch Gardens Tampa including never before shared details on the beginning of Howl-O-Scream, the background to that well known photo of the Howl-O-Scream and Halloween Horror Nights teams joining together, plus a ton of stories from the early days of Rhino Rally and Akbar’s Adventure Tours. Hour Two is focused on the current company with Swenson’s reactions to the huge leadership shake-up currently happening at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment.

Recording Date: Friday, March 2, 2018, in WPRK’s Studio B in Winter Park, Florida

Special Guest: Scott Swenson

February 21, 2018

Ep 128 – Viva la Mexico

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In this Mexico focused special episode Ken and Ed take the first hour to discuss all the latest news, including the latest on SeaWorld Orlando’s Sesame Street plans, the rumors on the return of Ringling Brothers, and the retail tenants of Margaritaville.

Hour Two is filled with news and reports from one of Orlando’s biggest competitors, Mexico! An exclusive interview with officials from Mexico’s new resort Amikoo gives never before shared details on what this massive complex will include. Then Robert calls in and gives a trip report from his recent vacation at one of Mexico’s all-inclusive resorts.

Recording– Feb 9, 2018, in Studio B at WPRK 91.5 Winter Park, FL

Show Notes

New details on SeaWorld Orlando’s Sesame Street

BGT closes Jungala but has a great summer concert line-up

Margaritaville Resort Retail Village, Sunset Walk, lists the retail tenants

Epcot might be getting a new name

Vivo planned for Universal Studios Hollywood

Amikoo Resort

Travel and Leisure

Dreamworks replaced by new IP

June 22, 2017

Ep 111 – SeaWorld’s Big Day (Kraken VR, Electric Ocean, and more)

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SeaWorld Orlando goes all in on Virtual Reality and EDM to bring back the fans. We have interviews with Steve Welch, Creative Director for Entertainment Productions at SeaWorld Orlando; Erik Essig, Experience Design Manager @ SeaWorld’s Deep Blue Creative Studio; and Bryan Nadeau, Vice President of Operations at SeaWorld Orlando.

Hosts

Ken Storey
Robert
Ed
Andy of Theme Parks and Travels
Jake of Orlando Park Pass
Hotel Correspondent – Kyle
Show Researcher – Jay
Food Reporter- Kevin Brewer
Vlog Correspondent- Kevin Fox
Show Historian – Kevin Yee

Recording Date- June 16, 2017, on WPRK 91.5 Winter Park (10AM-Noon)

May 31, 2017

Ep 108 – Ringling’s last curtain call

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Former Ringling employee Chad Ridge joins us to discuss the final curtain call of Ringling Brothers. He shares stories of his time on the train with Ringling Brothers and his life story with the circus. It’s an emotional episode with lots of great behind the scenes stories.

Hosts