Universal 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 Hallowe…

Sadly, 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 ab…

The 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…

SeaWorld 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 Aquariu…

On 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 …

The 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 par…

Annual 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 f…

“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 …

At 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. Al…

Welcome 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 …

Universal 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…

Topiaries 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 chang…

Half 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 …

Excitement 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) T…

Mardi 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 …

Orlando 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)…

It’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:…

It’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 Mor…

Legoland 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…

The 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…

It’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…

The 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…

Orlando 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 bla…

The 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 reporter…

There 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 c…

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 …

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 rid…

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 far…

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 …

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! ret…

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 tou…

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 (…

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) T…

“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: Wi…

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 Co…

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)…

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)Oleh Orlando Sentinel

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 th…

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.Oleh Orlando Sentinel

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 /…

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 ma…

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 i…

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…

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) Phot…

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 Barbe…

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. How the Disney relationship evolved (1:38) Are Disney locations different? (3:49) Flavors & ingredients take you on journey (6:25) Rotating m…

“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)Oleh Orlando Sentinel

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)Oleh Orlando Sentinel