Theme Park Rangers

This 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) Se...

Mickey 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 reactio...

The 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 & sunflow...

Orlando 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 op...

Orlando 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) Fr...

Fans 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 ind...

Orlando 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)...

The 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 id...

"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) Hous...

The 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)

As 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)

Halloween 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 zon...

Orlando 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+ 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...

It'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 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...

Disney'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)

The "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) Mis...

Michael 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)

Orlando 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)

Three 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...

Orlando 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...

The 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.   H ow 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 (13:2...

"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)

The 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)