Theme Park Rangers
191 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 25 ratingsLet the Orlando Sentinel’s Theme Park Rangers guide you on your visit to Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld and all the other must-see attractions in Central Florida.
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Episodes
Universal's Minion Land blasts off and HHN's spooky expectation (Ep. 191)
August 11, 2023 19:49 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MBUniversal Studios officially opened Minion Land. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil and Central Florida Explorer Patrick Connolly discuss the new interactive attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, and the tasty treats offered: Think banana-flavored popcorn and banana bread beer. They then switch gears and focus on Halloween Horror Nights, the after-hours ticketed event that begins Sept. 1. Minion Land (2:32) Minion Blast (5:03) Minion Cafe (10:00) Character ...
Saying goodbye to a Theme Park Ranger (Ep.190)
May 17, 2023 15:16 - 30 minutes - 28 MBSadly, Theme Park Rangers podcast says goodbye to Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Katie Rice. Katie is leaving her post covering the business side of Central Florida attractions at the Sentinel. She is off on another adventure that will most definitely include fewer theme parks. But before she leaves, she talks with her colleague Dewayne Bevil about some of her favorite rides, how to pack for the parks and some personal pet peeves at area attractions. Favorite rides, park (2:15) Theme p...
Disney vs. DeSantis — What you need to know (Ep. 189)
May 12, 2023 17:28 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBThe battle between Walt Disney Co. and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over the fate of the former Reedy Creek Improvement District continues to heat up, but what does that mean for park guests? Orlando Sentinel reporters Katie Rice and Skyler Swisher have been covering this story since the beginning. They condense 14 months of developments into a 25-minute episode discussing what led us here, where the district stands now, are park guests feeling the impact of the turmoil and what’s next for ...
SeaWorld set to preview surf coaster, great hammerheads and Mess Fest arriving soon at Orlando Science Center (Ep. 188)
May 05, 2023 15:21 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBSeaWorld Orlando‘s annual passholders will get their first rides aboard Pipeline roller coaster starting May 12. The "surfing" coaster will open to the public May 27. Also new to SeaWorld are two great hammerhead sharks now living at the Shark Encounter attraction. The young male sharks, named Dutch and Dillon, were transferred from Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta in a collaborative effort to protect endangered species. Lastly, Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice prev...
Disneyland dragon fire, BBot security robot rolls into town and Icon Park debuts retro game (Ep. 187)
April 28, 2023 13:30 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBOn this episode of Theme Park Rangers, Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss the fire that damaged the Maleficent dragon at Disneyland and its impact on Disney World shows. They also introduce listeners to BBot, one of the latest security employees at the Orange County Convention Center. And the Wheel at Icon Park debuted an onboard gaming element called The Great Florida Road Trip. Disneyland fire (:38) Security robot at convention center (8:13) Great...
Poseidon’s Fury at Islands of Adventure closing and Disney’s Animal Kingdom turns 25 (Ep. 186)
April 20, 2023 18:35 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MBThe Theme Park Rangers say goodbye to Poseidon’s Fury at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and celebrate Animal Kingdom’s birthday. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice share memories about the show that is closing May 9 (a replacement attraction has not been announced) and highlights from 25 years at Disney’s youngest park. Also discussed is a new immersive experience on I-Drive at the Orlando International Premium Outlets. Lonely Dog features New Zealand artist Iv...
Disney annual pass sales return and Star Tours ride to get new characters, scenes (Ep. 185)
April 13, 2023 18:16 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBAnnual passed are back! Walt Disney World will start selling three levels of its annual passes to it theme parks again as of April 20. Coming back this month are the Incredi-Pass, the Sorcerer Pass and the Pirate Pass — all of which saw price increases of $50-$100 in December. The sales were suspended in November 2021. Disney guests can also look forward to new scenes and characters being added to the Star Tours attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios next year. Will “Mandalorian” be respre...
12 Disney theme parks. 12 days. Every ride. (Ep. 184)
April 07, 2023 13:04 - 34 minutes - 32 MB“I was absolutely flabbergasted,” Nathan Firesheets said about the people around the world — on social media and in person — cheering him on in the high moments and offering support in the low ones. Nathan, 34, an avid theme park fan from Georgia, watched those fans grow as he visited every Disney theme park worldwide and rode every operating ride in a marathon trip, giving himself roughly one day to complete each park and travel to the next. “It was equal parts travel logistics, physical en...
Disney unveils robotic rabbit and Tron enters soft opening phase at Magic Kingdom (Ep. 183)
March 24, 2023 12:58 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBAt a recent Disney panel at the South by Southwest conference, Imagineers introduced a robotic rabbit wearing a helmet and roller skates. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Katie Rice and Dewayne Bevil discuss the robot, modeled after the character Judy Hopps from Disney’s 2016 animated film “Zootopia,” and when it might show up at Disney parks. Also on this episode, Tron Lightcycle / Run enters its soft opening phase before the Magic Kingdom ride’s official debut April 4 and construction wo...
New Toy Story Land restaurant opening soon at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Figment character appearances on the way at Epcot (Ep. 182)
March 16, 2023 19:20 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBWelcome to a Spring Break edition of Theme Park Rangers podcast where you can expect packed theme parks, heavy traffic and sunburnt tourists. In this episode, Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss the new “Toy Story” barbecue restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Roundup Rodeo BBQ is scheduled to open March 23 and will surround diners in a “Toy Story” setting from floor to ceiling. Also on the horizon at Disney World parks are a Figment character meet an...
Universal Hollywood’s Super Nintendo World and what it means for Orlando’s Epic Universe (Ep. 181)
March 10, 2023 18:23 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBUniversal Studios Hollywood’s Super Nintendo World officially opened Feb. 17 after weeks of previews and fan anticipation. The land, featuring characters from the Japanese video game company Nintendo’s Mario franchise, is the only land that Universal Orlando has confirmed is coming to Epic Universe. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Katie Rice and Dewayne Bevil discuss the immersive elements of the land, how it compares to Harry Potter’s popularity and what can be expected when it opens loc...
Epcot flower and garden fest in full bloom and Disney’s reservation system to loosen a bit (Ep. 180)
March 03, 2023 16:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBTopiaries are on display at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. New this year are Luisa, Mirabel, Antonio and Isabela from “Encanto” and Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog.” Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss the visual elements, menu and musical lineup. They also discuss upcoming changes to the Disney parks reservation system and Tron Lightcycle / Run annual passholder previews. New and returning topiaries (:46) Food offering...
Riding Tron Lightcycle, swinging on Busch Gardens’ Serengeti Flyer and celebrating Peppa Pig Theme Park anniversary (Ep. 179)
February 24, 2023 20:53 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBHalf of our Theme Park Rangers duo successfully secured at spot on the Tron Lightcycle / Run passholder preview. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice reveal the results from last week’s virtual queue waiting game. Meanwhile Dewayne joined a cast member on the yet-to-open Magic Kingdom ride and shares his experience. Tron officially opens to the public on April 4. He also visited Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to ride their new Serengeti Flyer (opening Feb. 27) and Peppa P...
Disney fans scramble for early look at Tron and ‘Splash Mountain water’ pulls in big profit (Ep. 178)
February 17, 2023 19:14 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBExcitement for Tron LIghtcycle / Run is mounting as Walt Disney World annual passholders began registering to preview the Magic Kingdom ride. And across the park work is happening on the rebranding of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Tron preview (:34) Restraint system (6:08) The queue (12:52) ‘Splash Mountain water’ for sale (19:43) Tiana’s Bayou Adventure progress (27:06)
Universal’s Mardi Gras doesn’t disappoint with parade, food and concerts (Ep. 177)
February 10, 2023 20:05 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBMardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is in full swing at Universal Studios. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss the celebration that runs nightly through April 16. They offer tips on how best to navigate the parade (lots of beads and mythical creatures), festival foods (offerings go beyond typical Mardi Gras fare), and concerts (on select nights). Mardi Gras: First impressions (:38) Food offerings (3:32) Tribute store moves (11:54) Cursed C...
Tron virtual queue announced, Chester the gator RIP, and ICON Park’s Wheel still closed (Ep. 176)
February 03, 2023 17:52 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBOrlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice tackle Tron Lightcycle details, a Gatorland goodbye and the power outage at ICON Park in this episode of Theme Park Rangers podcast. Tron ride virtual queue (1:35) RIP, Chester (7:54) Wheel at ICON Park (14:14) Garden Rocks concerts (17:26)
Epcot arts fest shines with Figment, brie and bread in France and a $4K painting (Ep. 175)
January 27, 2023 19:28 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBIt’s the most brows-able of the Epcot fests. The International Festival of the Arts showcases Disney artists, culinary dishes that look as good as they taste and Broadway musicians. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss Figment grape smoothies, a $4,000 painting and pin tables from 1982. Most browsable festival (1:21) $4,000 painting (4:28) Disney artists (8:14) Walk-in masterpieces (10:14) Figment front and center (11:20) Tasting the art (13:13) ...
Festival season ramps up at area theme parks (Ep. 174)
January 20, 2023 17:38 - 25 minutes - 23 MBIt’s festival season at area theme parks. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss Universal’s Mardi Gras concert lineup and parade theme, new topiaries planned for Epcot flower and garden fest and other notable happenings at Central Florida attractions. Universal’s Mardi Gras (1:42) CityWalk hosts “Premier League Mornings Live” (10:52) Rock the Universe (13:59) Flower and Garden at Epcot (17:49) Splash Mountain closing this weekend (21:42)
Disney relaxes some reservation requirements and Legoland opens new boat ride (Ep. 173)
January 13, 2023 19:38 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBLegoland Florida theme park launches a new boat ride and Disney World and Universal share some surprising news about park reservations, a big ride's opening date and new projects. Disney AP park-hopping news (1:01) Tron opening date (6:16) Return of firework shows (9:03) Legoland boat ride opens (11:10) Universal projects in Texas and Las Vegas (21:49)
Theme parks 2023: New rides, land and haunt (Ep. 170)
January 03, 2023 16:56 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBThe new year is here and with it brings exciting changes to area theme parks. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss new rides opening in 2023 and several attractions that will close for good. Legoland Pirate River Quest (1:19 ) Disney Tron (4:31) Splash Mountain closing (8:39) Epcot changes: Moana & new spectacular (12:28) SeaWorld Surf coaster (14:05) Universal KidZone revamp (16:54) New Minions Land (19:26) New Passholder area at Islands ...
The year in theme parks 2022 — from head-spinners to meh (Ep. 171)
December 21, 2022 14:44 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBIt’s time to honor the highs and lows in 2022 theme parks news. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice compiled a list of notable happenings at Central Florida attractions and slotted them into the categories Biggest Head-spinners, Most Meh, and the Incomplete Trophy (aka Too Soon to Say). A new ride, a sudden departure and a visit to a galaxy far, far away all made the list Biggest Head Spinners (1:31) Most Meh (7:37) The Incomplete Trophy (aka Too Soon to Say)...
Universal Orlando, ICE at Gaylord Palms go green for Grinch (Ep. 170)
December 14, 2022 20:15 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBThe live-stage musical “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” returns to Islands of Adventure and, after a two-year absence, ICE is back at Gaylord Palms with an ice-sculpture exhibit that portrays Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” In this episode of Theme Park Ranger, Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice pop open a can of Who Hash and dish on all the holiday offerings at Universal Orlando and Gaylord Palms. Grinchmas at Universal (1:39) Set your expectati...
Universal announces Minion ride and opens escape rooms in CityWalk (Ep. 169)
December 09, 2022 22:25 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBOrlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss a Minions-base attraction coming to Universal Studios in summer 2023 and the newly opened Great Movie Escape at Universal CityWalk where participants solve brainteasers based on the “Jurassic World” and “Back to the Future” film franchises. More Minions coming (1:39) Minion blaster ride (3:36) Escape room first impressions (10:29) Variable experiences (16:20) Lobby design/2 bars (19:20) The Groove remnants (2...
Splash Mountain closing date and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure makeover details (Ep. 168)
December 02, 2022 12:46 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MBThe clock is running if you want to ride Splash Mountain one more time before it closes. You have until Jan. 22 to experience the log ride in its current form. Then it will close and the transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will begin. The new ride based on “The Princess and the Frog” will open in late 2024. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss details about the makeover and other news about holiday festivities at Disney World attractions. Splash Mo...
Disney CEO Iger is back, ticket prices set to increase and tweaks to holiday mainstay (Ep. 167)
November 23, 2022 18:38 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBThere is a lot going on at Disney and Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Katie Rice and Dewayne Bevil are on top of all the happenings. The two discuss Walt Disney’s Co.’s decision to oust CEO Bob Chapek and reinstate former longtime CEO Bob Iger. Disney World also revealed increases in theme-park ticket prices and said for the first time it will charge extra for one-day tickets based on which park a customer reserves. Lastly, there are some changes to some holiday festivities offered at Epc...
A look inside IAAPA theme park expo (Ep. 166)
November 18, 2022 15:06 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBThis week members of the theme park industry descended on the Orange County Convention Center to display their work, make a few deals and break a little news. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss the happenings at IAAPA Expo (that’s the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions for those not in the know). IAAPA: Wall-to-wall exhibitors (:00) SeaWorld reveals surfing ride vehicle (7:29) SeaWorld park in Abu Dhabi (13:10) New Icon Pa...
Updated ‘Fantasmic’ returns at Disney and Universal plans to close 5 KidZone attractions (Ep. 165)
November 04, 2022 19:32 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBMickey and pirates and scares, oh my! Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss the return of an updated “Fantasmic” to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Universal Orlando’s plans to close five KidZone attractions, an early Halloween Horror Nights announcement and a new opening date for Legoland’s Pirate River Quest boat ride. ‘Fantasmic’ returns (:31) Intense crowd reaction (5:51) Spectacular changes (7:33) Universal closing 5 KidZone attractions (15:48) Uni...
When tourism and agriculture meet fall festivals sprout on farms (Ep. 164)
October 28, 2022 15:09 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBThe Theme Park Rangers venture outside the parks this week to look at the intersection of tourism and agriculture in Central Florida. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice welcome the cool-for-Florida weather by breaking down some of the fall festivities at area farms. When tourism & agriculture meet (:00) A day on the farm (2:12) Pandemic push (6:21) Corn mazes & sunflowers (7:34) Hurricane Ian damage (9:03) Farmers pivot to agritourism (13:22) Centra...
SeaWorld’s surfing roller coaster to simulate riding the waves (Ep. 163)
October 20, 2022 15:46 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBOrlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss Pipeline: The Surf Coaster coming to SeaWorld Orlando in spring 2023. The roller coaster's restraint system, surfing stance and inversion will help guests feel like they are riding the waves. Pipeline: The Surf Coaster at SeaWorld (:00) 'Moana' attraction at Epcot (11:51) Tron at Magic Kingdom (14:09) ‘Fantasmic’’s official opening date (16:58) Pirate River Quest at LegoLand Florida delayed (20:10) Mardi Gras ...
Gatorland to reopen after flooding, Disney’s Genie+ pricing goes up and Orlando Free Fall updates (Ep. 162)
October 14, 2022 17:27 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBOrlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss flooding caused by Hurricane Ian at Gatorland, Disney Genie+ pricing, Busch Garden’s new ride and the investigation and planned dismantling of Orlando Free Fall. Gatorland flooding (1:13) Gatorland reopens with Halloween event (8:33) Disney Genie+ pricing (14:09) Fantasmic! returning (19:50) Busch Gardens swing ride (21:35) Free Fall coming down (25:51)
Artist behind Halloween Horror Nights’ Lil’ Boo on the lore of the nervous pumpkin (Ep. 161)
October 07, 2022 21:21 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBFans of Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights have embraced a nervous little pumpkin that first debuted at the 2017 event. Now featured prominently in merchandise for this year’s HHN by name, Lil’ Boo has become the event’s unofficial mascot. His creator, Emory Alvarado, a transgender Venezuelan-American artist talks with Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Katie Rice about advocating for independent artists and showing others there is space in the theme park design industry for diverse ...
SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream returns with sirens, sparking ghouls and sea goddess/drag queen (Ep. 160)
September 22, 2022 15:24 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBOrlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss innovative ideas at SeaWorld's Howl-O-Scream such as sparking ghouls, incorporating height to enhance scares and a sea goddess/drag queen show that will cost an additional $10. Tips: Maps & bag policy (:49) Lessons learned from inaugural year (6:44) Kiddo’s Spooktacular moves (8:00) Houses: New, re-imagined, returning (9:47) 7 scare zones (14:41) 4 shows (18:21) Add ons: Drag show & No Boo necklace (21:51) ...
Disney dishes on Tron, Moana, Figment, spectaculars at D23 Expo (Ep. 159)
September 14, 2022 16:15 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBThe gathering of D23, Disney’s official fan club, brought some answers and just as many questions. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss Tron, Moana, Figment, Hatbox ghost, Tiana and blue sky ideas. Tron opening (1:08) Spectaculars returning (4:16) Moana & Figment at Epcot (11:05) Haunted Mansion addition (14:50) Tiana’s Bayou Adventure details (17:48) Blue sky ideas (23:27) Disney 100 Years of Wonder (31:48)
Universal’s Horror Nights features standout haunted houses, immersive scare zones and freaky food (Ep. 158)
September 07, 2022 14:12 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MB“Going through 10 houses in one night is probably not recommended by your doctor,” Central Florida Explorer Patrick Connolly explains about the scares he experienced at the 31st edition of Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. He joins OS tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discussing the spooky event. House #1: Dead Man’s Pier: Winter’s Wake (1:45) House #2: Halloween (4:10) House #3: Universal Monsters: Legends Collide (8:06) Live stage shows (11:49) House #4: The...
Roller coaster updates: Mummy at Universal, Disney's Tron and SeaWorld’s 7th (Ep. 157)
September 02, 2022 14:04 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBThe Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios is now in “technical rehearsal” after closing for scheduled maintenance in January. People have been spotted on Disney’s Tron ride and construction has begun on SeaWorld Orlando’s seventh roller coaster. Revenge of the Mummy returns at Universal (:37) Tron at Magic Kingdom (14:51) SeaWorld: Orlando’s Coaster Capital (23:01)
Ho! Ho! Holiday plans taking shape at area attractions (Ep. 156)
August 25, 2022 21:14 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MBAs theme parks gear up for Halloween extravaganzas, Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss the next holiday celebrations — and the Grinch plays a big role. The Grinch is back in a big way (1:05) ICE! returns at Gaylord Palms (2:15) Universal Orlando’s holiday offerings (13:48) Disney World’s Christmas plan (17:58)
Mickey's Not-So-Scary ramps up at Disney; Universal reveals Halloween Horror Nights details (Ep. 155)
August 18, 2022 17:17 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBHalloween is kicking into high gear at area theme parks. Find out all the details on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Universal Orlando's HHN and SeaWorld's Howl-O-Scream event. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary (:00) “Hocus Pocus” generation (4:40) Meet Max Goof - Goofy’s son (5:38) Halloween overlays on rides (8:47) Spooky, spicy food offerings (12:13) HHN info dump: 6 new houses (18:22) HHN scare zones (25:00) HHN live shows (28:13) SeaWorld reimagines a house (30:57)
Universal, Disney visitors get crafty with theme park scavenger hunts (Ep. 154)
August 05, 2022 18:51 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBOrlando Sentinel tourism reporter Katie Rice discusses scavenger hunts created by and for Universal and Disney visitors. Rules for hunt (1:19) How it works (2:59) Creation of Universally Crafted (5:38) The goods (9:29) A community of love, support (12:52) How to get involved (17:01)
Disney’s MagicBand+: What does it do and is it worth the price? (Ep. 153)
July 29, 2022 18:42 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBDisney's MagicBand+ interactive wristband “talks” to the 50th anniversary statues, creates a personal light show during some spectaculars and enables wearers to play a Star Wars game in Hollywood Studios — but is it worth the price? MagicBand+: Statue interaction (1:15) MB+: Star Wars game (6:52) MB+: Personal light show (10:37) MB+: Is it worth the price? (12:45) The Weeknd at HHN (24:06) Horror Nights tickets packages (28:44)
Talking Epcot Food & Wine with food reporter Amy Drew Thompson (Ep. 152)
July 22, 2022 23:08 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBIt’s time again for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which can dominate the theme park for months. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil and food reporter Amy Drew Thompson talk about this year's event, which runs through Nov. 19.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to replace Splash Mountain. What you need to know (Ep. 151)
July 07, 2022 19:21 - 30 minutes - 29.2 MBTiana gets a new look and and a new story that picks up where “The Princess and the Frog” ends. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice dive into the latest news about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the ride set to replace Splash Mountain at Disney’s Magic Kingdom in late 2024. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure announcement (1:26) Tiana’s / Frozen Ever After parallels (6:45) A love letter to New Orleans (9:01) The new look (11:55) Food & Wine menus (15:38) Food & Wine conc...
Disney’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue returns at Fort Wilderness (Ep. 150)
June 24, 2022 21:34 - 34 minutes - 32 MBDisney’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is back and Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil has the scoop on the hokey, high-energy show. A familiar feel (1:19) Tweaks (4:27) Hokey with high energy(9:10) Menu updates (12:01) The details (14:35) Guest experience (17:56) Fort Wilderness campout (20:55) Is it really camping? (24:14) No bugs and maid service (30:12)
Disney’s ‘Nemo’ show returns with changes and Universal adds escape rooms at CityWalk (Ep. 149)
June 17, 2022 18:24 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBThe “Finding Nemo” show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom returns with a new name and shorter format and Universal Orlando will introduce escape rooms themed to “Jurassic World” and “Back to the Future.” Finding Nemo show: New name, format (:36) Changes: Missing characters, shortened (3:27) Technology updated (6:37) Festival of the Lion King coming back in full (12:27) Universal escape rooms (13:05) Missed opportunity or possible expansion? (16:45) No room for nostalgia (19:56) Vict...
Universal announces 2nd HHN house, SeaWorld teases new coaster and Kennedy Space Center opens new experience (Ep. 148)
June 10, 2022 19:05 - 27 minutes - 26.6 MBMichael Myers will bring scares to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, SeaWorld teases a new roller coaster and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to open a new experience. Second HHN house (:48) SeaWorld teases new coaster (7:47) Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex new experience (18:22) “Soarin’ in outer space” (22:09)
Staffing at theme parks, Disney’s I-Drive presence and a ‘Princess and the Frog’ ride update (Ep. 147)
June 03, 2022 16:50 - 22 minutes - 22 MBOrlando Sentinel tourism reporters Katie Rice and Dewayne Bevil take a look at theme park staffing, Disney’s new presence on I-Drive and some news from Princess Tiana about the “The Princess and the Frog” ride. Staffing at the theme parks (1:18) I-Drive Disney Store (8:50) Large, curved Disney video billboard (12:24) ‘Princess and the Frog’ ride to open in 2024 (16:33)
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — ‘Space Mountain on steroids’ (Ep. 146)
May 26, 2022 19:06 - 32 minutes - 30.9 MBThree reporters. Seven trips around the galaxy. Orlando Sentinel writers Dewayne Bevil, Katie Rice and Patrick Connolly break down Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the new ride opening May 27 at Epcot. What song? (1:21) Nausea factor? (3:14) Preshow: Getting to know Xandar (8:18) Plot uncertainty (14:35) Ride vehicle limitations (19:14) Photo opportunity (25:39) Virtual queue (27:44) Grand opening (29:49)
Universal shares HHN details, Disney changes Genie+ and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique brings the glitter (Ep. 145)
May 20, 2022 17:01 - 27 minutes - 27.2 MBOrlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss the first 2022 Halloween Horror Nights house, changes to Disney’s Genie+, a parade that is leaving and the return of some establishments that bring the glitter. First HHN house announced (:30) Universal’s Superstar parade ends (5:41) Change to Genie+ (12:40) Magic Kingdom Barbershop reopening (15:35) Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques plans (18:00) Guardians of the Galaxy virtual queue (22:06)
Guests go on taste adventure at Disney Spring’s new ice cream shop Salt & Straw (Ep. 144)
May 11, 2022 14:33 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBThe latest sweet thing that people are lining up for at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs is ice cream at Salt & Straw. Here to give us the scoop are the cofounders — and cousins — Kim Malek and Tyler Malek. How the Disney relationship evolved (1:38) Are Disney locations different? (3:49) Flavors & ingredients take you on journey (6:25) Rotating monthly menu (9:24) It started with a cart (13:26) A pint a day ... (16:30)
We took 5 spins on Guardians of the Galaxy ride. Here’s what you need to know (Ep. 143)
May 06, 2022 17:51 - 33 minutes - 32.4 MB“If you are spin weary, proceed with caution,” Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil says of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, opening to the public at Epcot on May 27. Storyline (:43) The songs (7:53) Spin factor/Nausea tips (12:38) The highlights (19:12) Epcot expansion (27:12)
Connections Eatery opens at Epcot and Mickey gets his fill of hugs (Ep. 142)
April 29, 2022 18:14 - 27 minutes - 26.9 MBThe visual appeal of Epcot’s new Connections Eatery and Cafe stands out and character meet-and-greets are back at Walt Disney World theme parks. Connections Eatery and Cafe (:44) Theming/Decor (5:05) Menu (10:02) Character meet-and-greets (15:58) Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (23:14)