In a move that would put the two domestic Universal Studios theme parks back on the same track and under unified ownership, Comcast owned NBCUniversal has opted to agree to the Blackstone Group’s offer to sell their half of the Universal Orlando Resort. This also… Read More »NBCUniversal to Buyout Blackstone Group’s half of Universal Orlando Resort
Disclaimer: My wife is an employee of Gatorland, however we attended as part of the media for this story, and her employee status has not changed our editorial review of the attraction.
When visiting Orlando, don’t forget to schedule a day for some of the minor amusement attractions. Gatorland has just zipped out their newest attraction, which could move them to the top of many a traveler’s must do list. The Screamin’ Gator Zip Line is an exciting outdoor adventure that covers 1,200 feet of high flying thrills in an experience that lasts over two-hours. It opens officially June 16th, but is currently taking reservations based on availability starting this week.
“We spent a tremendous amount of time designing this incredible experience that combines the most modern safety features available in a zip line with the raw beauty and excitement of Gatorland’s natural exhibits and majestic animals,” says Mark McHugh, Gatorland’s president & CEO
The journey begins at the “Screamin’ Gator Adventure Depot” where participants receive their gear and meet their adventure guide for a short safety orientation. The “Gator Grunt Run” is an introductory zip line with speeds topping 15-mph. Named after the sound made by baby gators, this 247-ft. line launches from a 45-ft. platform and promises to provide participants with experience and confidence as they prepare for the thrills ahead.
Read about the whole experience below the jump:
Read More »Gatorland To Open Screamin Gator Zipline, over 1,200 feet of thrills
Lil’ Joe ain’t so little anymore. The Manatee, rescued by SeaWorld Orlando and returned to health by SeaWorld’s animal care team, grew to 1515-pounds before being released into Lake Dexter in Astor, Fl. There Lil’ Joe will find several other manatees who will help him… Read More »SeaWorld releases rescued Manatee “Lil’ Joe” into wild
Local news is reporting that a French chef who worked at Downtown Disney in Orlando was found shot dead outside a local car wash on Friday. The police aren’t releasing any other details other than they whole thing was caught on tape. They are, however,… Read More »Downtown Disney Chef found dead outside Car Wash in Orlando
EPCOT Center’s World Showcase famously duplicates some of the best known landmarks from around the world, so it makes sense that their big summer concert series would feature duplicates as well. Technically these are tribute bands, who are not necessarily impersonators, but close your eyes… Read More »“Sounds Like Summer” lineup revealed for EPCOT
Sometimes when a celebrity visits Walt Disney World they don’t really know what attraction to showcase him or her infront of. But when the guitarist from Aerosmith, Joe Perry, visits, it’s a no-brainer – Rock-n-Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith, of course. Here he is with an… Read More »Aerosmith Guitarist Joe Perry Rocks with Goofy at Disney World
Orlando welcomed a record breaking 51.455 Million visitors in 2010; a double-digit growth over 2009. Even though the numbers of 2009 were depressed by the economy, that’s still pretty impressive. With this record, Orlando is the first destination in the country to welcome more than 50 million visitors and remains the most visited destination in the U.S.
Congratulations to everyone involved in keeping the convention and tourism business flowing into Orlando. You’re keeping the Central Florida economy afloat. This despite the best efforts of the new Governor who refuses to spend money to build up business and tourism infrastructure and the TSA who erects as many barriers to civilized international travel as humanly possible. Still, I never had a doubt you could do it.
Click below the jump to find out how Orlando overcame the obstacles:
Read More »Orlando welcomes over 50 million visitors in 2010, breaks record
SeaWorld’s newest Killer Whale show One Ocean debuted in Orlando last month and is opening in San Diego this weekend. It will reach San Antonio in June, but they have to be patient as it was just announced that they’ll be getting their own Aquatica in the future too.
I’ve got two quick videos to peak your interest this morning. First is a look beneath the waves at how SeaWorld produced the show:
Then follow below the jump for my video from the grand opening show of One Ocean