hospitality Archives - Orlando Tourism Report

April 21, 2016

Ep 70 – It’s a Great Big Beautiful Space

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On today’s show we’re joined by Brendan Byrne, 90.7 WMFE’s Space reporter. He shares his experiences from reporting on Kennedy Space Center and talks about the future of space tourism in the Central Florida market.

During the Punch List Andy and Jim talk about big news coming out Busch Gardens plus Clearwater Aquarium’s massive new expansion plans.

Show Notes

Hosts

Ken Storey
Robert of Mickey Updates
Brian of Orlando Park Pass
Jim of Wild Gravity Travels
Andy of Theme Parks and Travels
Online Trends Correspondent-Jake of Orlando Park Pass
Hotel Correspondent-Kyle
Show Researcher – Jay
Show Historian – Kevin Yee
Touring Shows and Media Correspondent- Richie
Special Guest-Brendan Byrne

Recording Date: Main Event- 4/6/16 | Punch List- 4/13/16

Music: Song 1 | Song 2

Punch List

Adam Sandler IS NOT moving Melbourne Florida

I-Drive Bazaar (SW corner of SLR and I-Drive) could be rebuilt (Rich at OBJ reporting based on discussion filings)

Orlando’s hotel supply to increase by 2.8% in the next two years (45.6 mill room nights available in 2017)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium goes on the defensive about new expansion plans

Florida HQ’d Carnival Cruises to use reality shows, game shows to promote cruising

Legacy Florida money approved for Lake Apopka ($5 Mill per yr), Everglades ($200 Mill per yr)

North Florida’s Apalachicola River named the most endangered river in the nation

BGT closes Tidal Wave, is something new coming to Stanleyville?

Mako gift shop readies to open

Disney

Grand Florida gets new carpet, new $15 tour

Ample Hills Creamery coming to Disney’s Boardwalk resort

Olaf to begin meeting guests at DHS

Tower of Terror might be getting a bar and/or a Guardians of the Galaxy overlay

Disney Springs Town Center to open May 15

Ep 39 – John Frost Talks Orlando

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John Frost of The Disney Blog stops by to talk Disney, Marvel and the future of Orlando’s theme parks. Living wage initiatives, SeaWorld, Gatorland and, yes, even casinos are all brought up in the conversation. During The Punch List Lissa and Ken get into it over parking at Disney World. Mr Brian weighs in on the new interactive shots bar coming to downtown Orlando and asks ‘are food trucks still a trend?’ LGBTQ rights in Osceola County are discussed ahead of an important vote there. Old Town announces a redo. Plus we recommend some upcoming events around the region.

Show Notes

Hosts

Ken
Lissa
Brian
Special Guest- John Frost of The Disney Blog

Song One (Punch List)

Song Two (Main Event)

Song Three (Closing)

Recording- The Main Event July 30, 2015 | The Punch List Aug 3, 2015

The Punch List

OCSC unveils new stadium. 25,500 capacity, fan plaza next door, canopy covering every seat, $155 Million fully privately funded.

New renderings and details for iSquare megamall.

Skyscraper changes ride manufacture: S&S out, Intamin in.

Old Town gets $10 Million in improvements.

Osceola County looks to add sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to protection from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.

Orlando celebrates being a Paper Town and proves they didn’t read John Green Day’s book (now a movie!)

Lissa was correct. Some scenes were filmed in Orlando.

Busch Gardens shuts down because of the rain

Gatorland hatches 19 Nile Crocodiles. First time in 2 years.

World’s 5^th largest cruise ship – Norwegian Epic – to sail from Cape Canaveral in November 2016

Swan & Dolphin gets into the food truck game

WDW gets new Director, Parks Arrival Experience, Program Management and Park Support. Valeria Bunting was the GM of Port Orleans and has worked previously at both MK and DAK.

DTD maps now list it as ‘Transforming into Disney Springs’ and districts are using new names finally. Save PI pointed out The Tunnels are being worked on.

Figment comic Series 2 heads to Epcot