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Tag: Disney

July 10, 2017

Ep 115 – D23 Predictions with Nick Ilasi

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Nick Ilasi, better known as the Dad on Disney, joins Ed and Ken for a discussion on all the latest WDW rumors and what we might hear from each at this week’s D23 event. Jenny calls in for a some small talk and we finally announce the winner of our June giveaway!

Hosts

Recording Date- July 7, 2017, on WPRK 91.5 Winter Park (10AM-Noon)

Important Links

WPRK

D23

Tom Morrow’s Mouse

Ken’s D23 predictions article

 

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June 12, 2017

Ep 110- Our 3rd Birthday Blowout

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On this special extended episode of #OTRonFM we celebrate our 3rd birthday with a new intro and a massive timeline of all the news that has happened in Central Florida tourism since we launched in 2014. This look back at the last three years is mixed with personal stories and inside jokes. Jake calls in to discuss a new double-decker bus tour that’s opening in Orlando then Kevin Brewer calls in to discuss his recent foodie adventures.

Hosts

Recording Date- June 2, 2017, on WPRK 91.5 Winter Park (10AM-Noon)

Important Links

Double Decker buses come to Orlando

Jake’s History Hunters on Splendid China

 

Ken’s insane 72 point timeline of the last three years

  1. Transformation of Downtown Disney to Disney Springs (concept announced Aug, 2014)
  2. Skyplex announced (June 5, 2014)
  3. Diagon Alley opens at USF (July, 2014)
  4. I-Square megamall announced (July, 2014)
  5. Crayola comes to town (announced July, 2014)
  6. Kong comes to IOA (we broke the news of the project # (340) with Florida Thrill Parks)
  7. Falcon’s Fury opens at BGT (August, 2014)
  8. Sapphire Falls announced (Sept, 2014)
  9. Old Town announces remodel (Sept 2014)
  10. Philips Center opens (Nov, 2014)
  11. Artegon opens and closes (Dec 2014, Feb 2017)
  12. Jim Atchison leaves SW (Jan 2015), Manby comes on (announced Mar, 2015, started in Apr)
  13. Walburgers announced for Downtown Orlando (Dec, 2014)
  14. Flea World closed (Dec, 2015)
  15. Gwazi Closed (Feb, 2015)
  16. Shooting at Fun Spot I-Drive (Feb, 2015)
  17. Ringling retires the elephants (Mar, 2015)
  18. #OtterGate (Nov 2014, BGT issues statement Mar 2015)
  19. OTR spins out on its own (Mar, 2015)
  20. Epic McDonalds announce (Mar, 2015)
  21. Hub opens at MK (Mar, 2015)
  22. SW has social media meltdown (Mar 2015)
  23. Gator Spot comes to Fun Spot (April, 2015)
  24. Caption EO leaves Epcot (April 2015)
  25. SW announces Mako, Cobra’s Curse (May, 2015)
  26. I-Drive 360 opens (May 2015)
  27. Universal announces Nitendo partnership (May 2015)
  28. Legoland Florida Hotel opens (May 2015)
  29. House of Blues rape incident (July 2015
  30. Dining Pavilion at The Florida Mall opens (July, 2015)
  31. Fast and Furious leaked at USF (Aug, 2015)
  32. Margaritavilla announced for 192 (Aug, 2015)
  33. Skipper Canteen opens at MK (Aug, 2015)
  34. Soarin’ around the World, Frozen details released (Aug, 2015)
  35. OTR goes on FM radio (Oct, 2015)
  36. CSI abruptly closes on I-Drive (Oct 2015)
  37. iFly announces new location (Nov, 2015)
  38. Great Wolf Lodge announced (Nov, 2015)
  39. Fun Spot tests outs VR during IAAPA (Nov, 2015)
  40. Dynamic Attractions announces Orlando office (Nov, 2015)
  41. Skyplex is approved (Dec, 2015)
  42. Fun Spot announces big expansion (Jan 2016)
  43. Nick Hotel closes (Jan 2016)
  44. Mango’s has its grand opening (Jan 2016)
  45. Cuba opened to daily flights (Feb, 2016)
  46. Toothsome’s confirmed (Mar, 2016)
  47. SeaWorld announces end of orca breeding (Mar, 2016)
  48. Legoland confirms second hotel (Mar, 2016)
  49. Tidal Wave closes at BGT (Apr, 2016)
  50. Visit Florida gets first big review (Apr, 2016)
  51. Gatorland files permits for swamp buggy ride (May, 2016)
  52. Orlando announces plans to lure Pro Bowl to town (May, 2016)
  53. SeaWorld partners with Guy Harvey (May, 2016)
  54. Fun Spot and Old Town announce partnership (June, 2016)
  55. Pulse (June, 2016)
  56. Heroes and Legends announced for KSC (July 2016)
  57. Fat Ones opens at Florida Mall (Sept 2016)
  58. IAAPA announces HQ move to Orlando (Sept 2016)
  59. Anderetti breaks ground (Oct 2016)
  60. Hurricane Matthew hits (Oct 2016)
  61. SeaWorld announces new rides for all their parks (Nov 2016)
  62. Closure of Wet n Wild (Dec 2016)
  63. Tilikum dies (Jan, 2017)
  64. Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach expansions, gondolas announced (Feb 2017)
  65. Rivers of Light opens (Feb 2017)
  66. Hogan’s announced for I-Drive (Feb, 2017)
  67. 4DX opens at Pointe Orlando (Mar 2017)
  68. Fallon opens at USF (Mar 2017)
  69. Miss Adventure Falls opens at TL (Mar 2017)
  70. Blue Horizons ends at SW (Mar 2017)
  71. Pandora opens (May 2017)
  72. Volcano Bay opens (May 2017)
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May 17, 2017

Ep 105- Ken and Ed Do the News plus some clarifications on Ripley’s

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Ken and Ed sit down to do a quick run-through of all the latest news and rumors. Lots of talk about Disney World and what to expect over the next few years. Ken gets emotional over fireworks and Ed asks why Ripley’s has so much land they own in the tourist district.

Hosts

Recording Date- April 28, 2017 on WPRK 91.5 Winter Park (10AM-Noon)

 

  1. Holiday Inn Club Vacations starts $16M expansion to Cape Canaveral resort         
  2. Ritz Carlton planning $6.6 million upgrade
  3. Tampa Bay History Center grows up and out, stays on track with $11M expansion
  4. Ferrari brand to grace Norwegian Joy race track
  5. SeaWorld San Diego’s polar bear dies unexpectedly
  6. Star Wars hotel rumor causes internet frenzy     
  7. No fines issued after OSHA investigation into Cirque du Soleil at Disney Spring performer’s fall    
  8. Freeform Makes Major Announcements at Upfront Presentation
  9. Emirates scales back flights, including Orlando routes, citing Trump policies in part
  10. Character Changes at Walt Disney World including Moana moving to MK
  11. Rumor- Moana themed roller coaster attraction coming to MK
  12. Orlando airport shuttle breakdown impacted 14,000, officials say
  13. BOGO Fun Card Deal Ending Soon at Busch Gardens Tampa 
  14. Disney princesses get drunk, twerk in ‘Disenchanted’      
  15. Disney Ranked as the World’s Most Successful Licensor 
  16. Orca at SeaWorld San Antonio gives birth to last baby
  17. SeaWorld San Diego ending nightly fireworks, neighbors rejoice
  18. First permits for HHN 2017 pulled
  19. Major Tomorrowland update rumored, including up to 4 new rides and new music loops
  20. RUMOR: New Menu Coming to Sci-Fi Dine In Restaurant ~ Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  21. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” will have its world premiere at Shanghai Disneyland
  22. Amenities expansion underway at HGVC’s Las Palmeras hotel on Universal Blvd
  23. With Incredibles Dance Party gone Mr Incredible is now meeting guests at MK
  24. Wild rumor of a new haunted mansion themed restaurant coming to MK
  25. Ripley’s moves forward with one of its two local projects
  26. 8 new improvement districts on 192
  27. Tavares might be getting a train after all
  28. Mickey Mouse mouse ears looking celebration cakes debut at WDW
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March 21, 2017

Ep 98 – @JLBNerdy Visits Orlando & Ken Tries to Talk Nintendo

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One of OTR’s oldest and most dedicated fans stops by the studio as part of a grand non-Disney weekend she planned with Ken. News involves confirmation of two rumors from the previous week’s show and Ken gives exclusive new details on what Nintendo at UOR will look like.

Hosts

Special Guest- Jenny (@JLBNerdy)

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

Punch List

 

Osceola leaders: Smart sensors, resorts and training programs to generate more jobs

Omni Orlando Resort execs foresee big payoff from expansion set to open in May

GOAA’s Kruppenbacher, Villages’ Lester among Scott’s picks for constitution panel

Omni Orlando Resort execs foresee big payoff from expansion set to open in May

Orlando airport contractors helped fund board member’s campaign

La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil Will Host Its Final Disney Springs Performance This December

Taste of the Nation Becomes Taste! Central Florida and Sets a 2017 Date

Caribbean Carnaval Coming to Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Bike Week set to roll into Daytona Beach

Florida Mall unveiling high-tech children’s ‘Play Park’ in spring

Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge names firm to design new building

Creative City Project renames annual event

Amendments governing heights of airport-adjacent developments to change

Give Kids The World gets Intergalactic makeover and pays tribute to Founder

Miami’s SkyRise unveils crown jewel attraction with Skyway observation pods @SkyRiseMiami

Mayor Buddy Dyer unveils giant WrestleMania title belt at Lake Eola

Brightline installs new CEO, reveals 2.5-year delay on Orlando leg

Regal Pointe Orlando debuts 4D movie technology today

House gives tentative approval to abolishing incentives

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March 21, 2017

Ep 97 – Nick Ilasi Talks Disney & Callers talk Fallon

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Nick Ilasi (@DadonDisney) stops by the studio to talk about his Florida Plunge story, what excites him the most in the next few years at WDW, and how he began podcasting. Callers join the show to talk about Fallon and SeaWorld’s Food & Wine Fest. And during the news the guys discuss the latest rumors coming out of Disney Springs.

Hosts

Special Guest- Nick (@DadOnDisney)

Recording Date- March 3, 2017 on WPRK 91.5 Winter Park (10AM-Noon)

Punch List

Disney

  1. Cars 3 Extended Look Debuts at Daytona 500 (Will we see a Florida version of Cars Land themed to Daytona Beach? PLEASE!!!)
  2. RUMOR: Cirque Du Soleil – La Nouba Coming to an End at Disney Springs (is a West End remodel about to happen?)
  3. Second Fort Wilderness Food Truck Coming to Disney

(On the local food truck front, there has been a major backlog for truck build-outs as one of the main food truck builders has a supposed mystery client who has rush ordered 10 highly themed food trucks.  The new trucks will be ready by mid-summer)

  1. RUMOR: 10-Story Tower, Waterfront Dining, and More Changes Coming to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  2. Miss Adventure Falls opening at TL on March 12
  3. ‘Avatar’ merchandise available at Disney World

SeaWorld

  1. SeaWorld attendance, revenue dip in fourth quarter(When will we see positive numbers coming out of SEAS?)
  2. Blue Horizons is confirmed to be ending, more educational show starting next month
  3. Busch Gardens new president faces headwinds in amusement park industry
  4. New Book Chronicles Busch Gardens Tampa History

Universal

  1. Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon opens at USF and the reviews aren’t good
  1. (OW) Universal is testing a room service droid at Cabana Bay Beach Resort

I-Drive/Tourist District

  1. O’Connor Capital updates 69-acre retail center plans on Daryl Carter Pkwy
  2. Gaylord Palms Resort finishes water park improvements
  3. Large hotels planned for construction will break Orlando’s current growth plan (Sentinel seems to indicate that iSq is still happening)
  4. 100-plus permits for local commercial projects pulled in past 3 weeks
  5. Osceola’s W192 Development Authority ups grant money to $3M in 2018 budge
  6. DeBartolo Development to build new apartments in Reunion Resort (Is the coalesce between the tourist and non-tourist distinctions finally coming to an end?)

Beyond the tourist district

  1. Drive Shack leases Lake Nona land, awaits permits to break ground on golf facility
  2. Orange County tourist tax collection up in January
  3. Groundbreaking Ceremony for the 1,700 Seat Acoustical Hall Set for Next Week
  4. Orlando Museum of Art acquires more art for their collection
  5. First of Four New Trains at Orlando International Airport is Installed and Running
  6. (OW) Art31 sets Maitland aglow for the month of March
  7. Spooky Empire Mid-Season Convention announces Malcolm McDowell, Dee Snyder, and other ‘retro’ guests

Beyond Orlando

  1. 44 Florida hotels land Forbes Travel Guide ratings
  2. Tourists to the U.S. Set a New Spending Record Last Year ($247.1 billion international travelers spent in the U.S. last year is a 0.4 percent increase from the $246.2 billion they spent in 2015)
  3. Hard Rock Hotel Malta Announced for 2020
  4. Downtown Miami Site for 1700-room Convention Center Hotel Expected to Close in Weeks, Per Report (1700-room hotel with 600,000 square feet of convention space)
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