OTR Archives - Orlando Tourism Report

January 10, 2019

Ep 165 – Ken says goodbye

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On this special episode of OTR Ed, Jake, Jay, and Ken chat about their winter trips. Ken reviews Dollywood and why he hated Lightning Rod. Then in Hour 2 Ken gives his top 9 under the radar stories to follow in 2019 before saying goodbye to Orlando.

Recording Date: Dec 28, 2018 at the WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL

Ken’s Top 9 Under the Radar Stories of 2019

Port Canaveral
KSC
Virgin trains/hyperloop
Miami megamall
Cruise ships at destinations
Old Town area investments
Wekiva Parkway
T2 at USF
Skyplex

December 24, 2018

Ep 164 – The Escape Effect and SeaWorld Holidays

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Ken and Ed are joined by Dan Suleski, Founder and CEO of The Escape Effect. Dan shares how he went from being a game developer at EA to opening one of Central Florida’s most ambitious escape room attractions. From a 90 minute escape room, the longest in Central Florida, to a new group one that will require up to four people to work together to solve the puzzles, The Escape Effect is making a name for itself by bringing bold new ideas to the crowded escape room industry.

Ken and Ed also discuss this year’s SeaWorld Christmas Celebration with two short interviews. SeaWorld’s Executive Chef Hector Colon talks about the sweet and savory food at this year’s Christmas event and SeaWorld Orlando Art Director Filipe Riviera shares some of his favorite decor at this year’s event.

Recording Date: December 7, 2018 at the WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL

Important Links

The Escape Effect

SeaWorld Orlando

December 1, 2018

Ep 161- Planes, Trains, and Cruise Ships (plus a megamall)

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Ken and Ed discuss Brightline’s higher speed train and Virgin hyperloop, Then they talk about the latest cruise ship news from Celebrity, Royal Carribean, Canaveral, and Norweigan. Plus they discuss why to watch Miami’s upcoming mega-mall and the super high-tech Island H20 Live! water park reading to open in Kissimmee’s Margaritaville Resort.

Recording Date: 11/30/2018 at WPRK studios in Winter Park, Florida

November 30, 2018

Ep 160 – Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island

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The owners of Wekiva Island stop by the studio to discuss their winter offerings at the famous eco-tourism spot in Seminole County. During Hour 1, Ken and Ed discuss the latest news including all of the D23 announcements that were recently made.

Recording Date: November 23, 2018 at the WPRK Studios in Winter Park, FL

Important Links

Wekiva Island – Winter Wonderland

November 14, 2018

#OTRatIAAPA #IAE18 Trade Show Day 2 – LEGOLAND, Oceaneering, 2getthere, Brass Ring Awards

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Ed and Ken discuss all the news from Day 2 of the IAAPA Attractions Expo Trade Show. Press events from the day include the Brass Ring Awards, which included numerous Florida winners. FELD announces they’re wanting to expand their IPs beyond arena shows and hint at a Monster Jam roller coaster. Falcon’s Creative Group announces a new partnership with PBS. Ken and Ed discuss what this new PBS Experience will likely be.

Interviews include a Master Builder from Merlin discussing the new Leogland Florida land and Oceaneering/2GetThere.

Recording Time Stamp: 10 PM on November 14, 2018. Legoland interview recorded on Nov. 14, Oceaneering/2GetThere interview recorded on Nov. 13

Today’s Guests-

Merlin Magic Making/Legoland