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Category: Podcast

Ep 158 – Dr Mary Jo Ross talks hospitality and future tourism trends

Dr. Mary Jo Ross talks about her time teaching at Rosen, serving as a consultant on numerous local hospitality projects, and what it was like to be a high ranking leader at Universal Orlando on 9/11. She uses her decades of experience in hospitality to share unique insights into what are the next big trends in local tourism and what we should be paying attention to on I-Drive.

We also discuss what we’re looking forward to at this year’s IAAPA Attractions Expo.

Recording Info – November 9, 2018, at the WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL

Producer- Robert Bearden

Hosts- Ken Storey and Ed Bearden

Guest- Dr. Mary Jo Ross

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Ep 157 – Mark B and the Orlando Flea

Mark Baratelli stops by the studio to talk about his upcoming Orlando Flea and tell insider stories from his time performing at Disney Cruise Line where he performed in the Hercules musical.

Ed Bearden discusses the election amendments and their potential impact on Florida tourism. We also discuss the wild story unfolding in Kansas City that involves a water park owner awaiting trial on murder charges being caught with meth and prostitute that he supposedly purchase via admission tickets to his water park.

Orlando Flea – Nov 18 at Celina in downtown Orlando

Recording Info – November 2, 2018, at the WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL

Producer- Robert Bearden

Hosts- Ken Storey and Ed Bearden

Guest- Mark Baratelli

 

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Ep 156 – Beth Cocchiarella talks about Holiday Inn Orlando’s Terror at the Inn

Today we have Beth Cocchiarella of EMC PR in the studio talking about the brand new Terror at the Inn at Holiday Inn Orlando Suites and Waterpark. We discuss what has changed at the resort since the transition from the Nick Hotel. The brand new family Halloween event that the hotel launched this year. Plus a connection to one of California’s biggest Halloween events and what that might mean to the future of the Holiday Inn Orlando’s Terror at the Inn.

Then in Hour 2, Ken and Ed discuss some of the week’s tourism news including an update to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ possible move to London.

Recording Date: October 19, 2018, at 10 AM in the WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL

Important Links

Terror at the Inn

Holiday Inn Orlando Suites and Waterpark

 

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Ep 155 – The Ed and Jake Show

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

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Ep 154 – Weeki Wachee mermaids Turnover Walt’s Frozen Head

In this jam-packed episode, we have tons of guests and interviews. A Weeki Wachee mermaid joins us in the studio to talk about their stint this month at Orlando’s Sea Life Aquarium. A representative from SeaLife Orlando also joins in.

Then Jay sits down with the band Turnover to discuss their new tour, their favorite spots to dine in Orlando, and how indie music is evolving.

In the second hour, Ben Lancaster of Walt’s Frozen Head calls in to discuss this weekend’s big Central Florida premiere of the indie film. Lancaster discusses the rise of gorilla filmmaking at Walt Disney World, why he went with a comedy, and the viral marketing around the film.

Recording Info – Recorded on Oct 5, 2018 at the WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL

Important Links 

Walt’s Frozen Head | Orlando Premiere Oct 13

Weekie Wachee Springs State Park

Weekie Wachee Mermaids visit SeaLife Orlando

SeaLife Orlando

Turnover

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