Know the city | Know the industry

Tag: SeaWorld

Ep 131 – Scott Swenson talks SeaWorld Parks

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

 

Continue Reading

Ep 128 – Viva la Mexico

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

Continue Reading

Ep 126 – Artegon Cars, Deadly Trains, and Artsy food

Artegon has a new owner with Trump connections and tons of cars, the Convention Center Wars heat up with Caribe Royale announcing plans to double their convention space, and Brightline has a deadly first week in operation. Ken talks about the good news and not so good news Haitians were given this week. Plus trip reports from Marvel Universe Live and Epcot’s Festival of the Arts.

Recording Date– January 19, 2018 live on WPRK 91.5

Show Notes

Artegon has a new owner and he’s talking big

The Convention Center Wars heat up with two major new announcements,

Brightline has a deadly first week in operation,

Haitian workers gets an extension, future still very uncertain- http://www.fox25boston.com/news/trending-now/central-florida-workers-relieved-as-work-authorization-extended-for-haitian-refugees/685800208

http://www.news965.com/news/national/central-florida-workers-relieved-work-authorization-extended-for-haitian-refugees/RoaEyKqSRNPjwNqPeqIp4O/

 

Hit List-

Orlando declares intent to bid to host the 2020 U.S. Olympic marathon trials

Wyndham buys La Quinta

VooDoo Doughnuts confirmed for CityWalk

Starwood’s Le Meridien coming to new hotel beside OCCC

Drone saves swimmers in Australia

New Disney patent combines merchandise and interactive experiences, putting “magic” into the hands of guests, hints at Frozen interactive experience

Will Talking Mickey Mouse in the Magic Kingdom be losing his voice?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates Hippo Birth

PR executive leaving Carnival for Travel Leaders Group

Drone saves swimmers

 

Trip Reports:

Marvel Universe Live

Epcot’s Festival of the Arts

Continue Reading

OTR at IAAPA #IAE17 The Floor is OPEN! Day 2

With the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 Trade Show Floor opening this morning we have tons of news to talk about plus interviews with Guy Nelson of Dynamic Attractions, Brian Marrow of SeaWorld, and our first reactions to this year’s event.

Recording Date– 11/14/2017 7:30PM

Today’s Guests

Brian Marrow- VP Theme Park Experience Design, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment

Guy Nelson- CEO, Dynamic Attractions

 

Continue Reading

Ep 123- Wallack World Rises, SeaWorld Sinks, and Universal Goes All In

In this news round-up from one of the most eventful fall seasons Orlando has seen in years we talk about those awful new attendance numbers coming out of SeaWorld, we review Mango’s new menu and talk Skyplex, we cover all the new hotels and attractions heading to Disney, and try to read the tea leaves on what the future holds for Universal Orlando.

Recording Date- November 7, 2017

Continue Reading