Universal Archives - Page 55 of 56 - Orlando Tourism Report

December 18, 2014

OTR – Ep 20 – Gennaweys Takeaway

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On today’s special episode Kyle and Ken are joined by theme park historian and urban planner Sam Gennawey. He talks about his latest book. Then the guys geek out some chatting about urban planning at Disney World and around Central Florida. Sam tells some interesting stories that he uncovered while researching his books and gives his opinion on some local urban design topics including Celebration, Downtown Orlando’s renaissance and what he thinks it will take to make Downtown Disney a true success. Ken keeps bringing up the fact that Disney World lacks any true non-bus, comprehensive transit system. Sam talks about how Universal took as much market share as they did and where he thinks the parks will go from here. The Punch List is shortened this week but still includes Ken and Kyle discussing Meg Crofton’s retirement announcement, WestGate’s new steak house plus the SunRail announcement to run a late night train.

December 1, 2014

OTR – Episode 18 – MallPlasty Bay

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On today’s episode Viktor, Bob and Ken talk about all the recent news and rumors including that amazing new Jurassic World trailer, a new coaster possibly coming to Fun Spot, the Great Movie Ride’s new sponsor, those Avatar aerial shots that ThemeParx posted, #OtterGate at BGT, and One Daytona.

Then Ken and Kyle are joined by Mark of Orlando Mall Guide and Jason of Orlando Fun and Food for a detailed discussion on the future of retail in the tourist district with an extended focus on the brand new Artegon Marketplace that recently opened. Jason shares insights into what he sees as the future of Pointe Orlando being while Mark talks about the new megamall and its impact on the tourist district. American Girl’s new store, Hooters and I-Drive 360’s new Irish pub McFadden’s are all brought up as well.

The conversation ends with a quick discussion on the very latest regarding the Magnet Levitation train proposal with Ken giving details of why he thinks it might be extended to all the way to Universal Studios.

Hosts

Bob from Pixels at the Parks
Ken Storey
Viktor from The BGT Buzz
Kyle (Our host and reporter live on I-Drive)

Special Guests

Mark from Orlando Mall Guide
Jason from Orlando Fun & Food

Production

Episode Producer- Ken & Bob
Recorded- News Segment – Nov 30, 2014 | Interview Segment – Nov 22, 2014

November 12, 2014

OTR – Ep 17 – The Countdown is On

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We’re back with another episode of our hospitality podcast. This week the guys are getting ready for next week’s massive IAAPA convention that’s coming to town.

The OTR crew gets ready for IAAPA with a round-up of all the recent news including: #OtterGate, Construction at SEAS parks, Downtown Disney, Flamingo Crossing, I-Square, I-Drive 360. Kyle’s wardrobe choices are questioned, Ken calls 80% of IAAPA monotonous and then the guys get confused talking about Christmas at the Magic Kingdom.

Show Info

Hosts

Bob from Pixels at the Parks
Ken Storey
Viktor from The BGT Buzz
Kyle (Our host and reporter live on I-Drive)

Production

Episode Producer- Bob
Recorded- November 9th, 2014

September 30, 2014

OTR – Ep 14 – Kyle Phones in Halloween

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On today’s episode Bob, Ken and Viktor continue their Halloween conversation with Kyle joining the conversation for this Part 2 of all things Halloween. The guys also talk special events at Busch Gardens, IP vs Non-IP houses, launch vs drop towers and cell coverage in Orlando theme parks. It’s a grab-bag of topics that includes Ken talking malls, Bob and Viktor talking BGT while Kyle talks about drive-thru safari parks.

September 23, 2014

OTR – Ep 13 – This is Halloween Time

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For an extra scary Episode 13 Bob and Ken are joined by Viktor of The BGT Buzz for an in-depth comparison of Howl-O-Scream to Halloween Horror Nights. They talk about previous highlights and what they are most looking forward to this year. They also talk off-property scares in Central Florida. Brief mentions of SeaWorld’s Spooktacular Halloween and Lowry Park Zoo’s ZooBoo are also included.

Show Info

Hosts

Bob from Pixels At The Parks
Ken Storey
Viktor from The BGT Buzz
Kyle (Our host and reporter live on I-Drive)

Production

Episode Producer – Bob
Recorded – September 17, 2014