Universal's Minion Land blasts off and HHN's spooky expectation (Ep. 191)

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 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 meet and greet (14:32) HHN houses (15:30) HHN scare zones, shows, taste of terror (26:12)

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 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 park bag essentials (11:19) Hidden hotspots (19:07) Theme park pet peeves (23:47)

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-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 Disney World. How Reedy Creek Improvement District came about (1:45) The dissolution of Reedy Creek (4:34) New board is not like the old board (7:25) The big plot twist nobody saw coming (9:55) Disney files federal lawsuit; Board countersues (12:32) Inside DeSantis’ mind (17:02) How will it impact future of Disney World? (20:32) Will this issue quietly go away? (23:50)

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 Aquarium in Atlanta in a collaborative effort to protect endangered species. Lastly, Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice preview Mess Fest at the Orlando Science Center coming May 13-14. From slime to fizzy paint, guests can get hands-on with the ooiest, gooiest, messiest activities. SeaWorld's "surfing" coaster (1:00) Great hammerhead sharks (8:36) OSC Mess Fest (13:11)

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 debuted an onboard gaming element called The Great Florida Road Trip.  Disneyland fire (:38) Security robot at convention center (8:13) Great Florida Road Trip at Icon Park (15:43)

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 park. Also discussed is a new immersive experience on I-Drive at the Orlando International Premium Outlets. Lonely Dog features New Zealand artist Ivan Clarke’s work animated and put to music in a unique setting. Poseidon’s Fury closing (:35) Animal Kingdom turns 25 (11:19) Loney Dog (19:11)

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 forward to new scenes and characters being added to the Star Tours attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios next year. Will “Mandalorian” be respresented? Also on this episode of Theme Park Rangers podcast, Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss how home advantage may have helped a “Jeopardy” contestant. Disney annual pass sales return (:47) Reservations loosening up? (7:18) Star Tours ride update (13:23) “Jeopardy” famous names category (18:51)

“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 endurance and Disney stuff.” Nathan discussed his global ride challenge and what’s next with Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Katie Rice.  Inspiration (1:19) Ride strategy (4:03) Travel logistics (9:42) Physical endurance (12:49) Focus on fun (17:37) Making trip personal (21:50) Going viral (25:37) What’s next? (28:14)

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. Also on this episode, Tron Lightcycle / Run enters its soft opening phase before the Magic Kingdom ride’s official debut April 4 and construction work continues on Villain-Con Minion Blast, an attraction based on “Despicable Me” characters, at Universal Studios theme park. Disney rabbit robot (:45) Technology coming to park near you? (4:50) Tinkerbell technology (9:15) Tron soft opening tips (14:06) Energy Bytes kiosk (24:43) Universal: Minion Land & KidZone developments (28:08) SeaWorld testing Pipeline (32:19)

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 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 and greet, Tron Lightcycle / Run’s opening day and progress at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Roundup Rodeo BBQ (2:12) Family-style food offerings (10:03) Tron media event (16:06) Characters meet and greet: Figment (18:48) Progress at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (19:33) Epcot fireworks & Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom (20:37) Figment vs. Orange Bird (22:02) FreeFall dismantled (24:16)