Orlando Attractions Area News & Developments

[spenser1058]

Kessler Collection To WDW?

Here's a rumor with an intriguing local tie in and one I never would have imagined- a Kessler Collection (Grand Bohemian) boutique hotel on the site of the Swan/Dolphin tennis courts just in time for Star Wars Land at DHS?

From WDW News Today:

http://wdwnt.com/blog/2017/06/kessler-collection-likely-open-new-grand-bohemian-hotel-near-hollywood-studios-site-swan-dolphin-tennis-courts/

The Kessler Collection HQ is here in Orlando and founder Richard Kessler has longtime ties to the area making this all the more interesting.

Edited June 24, 2017 by spenser1058

[shardoon]

5 hours ago, WAJAS98 said:

An update on Epcot future plans:  Permits have been filed for pre-construction prep for new attractions at both the France Pavillion (Rumored Ratatouille ride from Disneyland Paris) and Universe of Energy (rumored Tron/GotG).  Innoventions is currently completely closed and not expected to reopen with new attractions till AT LEAST the 50th Celebration in 2021.  Epcot is rumored to be getting most of the new additions as a part of the 50th Celebration for WDW in 2021, so I wouldn't expect anything significant till then to open here.

Damnit......... I remember the 15th Anniversary and I'd like to think I'm not that old lol

[spenser1058]

*sings* "15 years, we're havin' a party..."

Remember the free giveaway of a GM car or truck every day at EPCOT (still an acronym back then) for a year during the 15th ("It's a Lumina!)?

Yep, I'm old.

[Boomer136]

I still have my 15 year name tag somewhere in a memorabilia box. 

[popsiclebrandon]

On 6/23/2017 at 6:44 PM, spenser1058 said:

Speaking of tourist tax money, here's something that will benefit downtown - $350K for the MLS All Star game.

From the Sentinel:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-orlando-mls-all-star-game-20170623-story.html

It will put heads in beds and Orlando City didn't ask for TDT to build the stadium, so I assume the I-Drive crowd will be supportive.

This isn't going to be bringing people in from all over the country. Its an exhibition game. Most people who come live within driving distance. Waste of money.

[spenser1058]

More growth for the UCF Rosen hospitality school thanks to a 1.5m grant from the Willard and Alice Marriott Foundation.

The school continues to prosper and is well on its way to becoming one of UCF's most important areas of specialization and is increasingly well-regarded nationwide also.

From the Sentinel:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/brinkmann-on-business/os-ucf-s-rosen-college-to-build-new-training-kitchen-20170626-story.html

[spenser1058]

More on TDT funds for sports events OC Mayor Teresa Jacobs is proposing a $5m fund to attract such activities.

Since a large chunk of such activities may be expected to take place at the downtown venues, this represents a further detente between the I-Drive/County leadership and City Hall. At least for the remainder of Teresa's term, we may all sing a rousing chorus of "the times they are a changin'."

From Orlando Rising:

http://orlando-rising.com/teresa-jacobs-outlines-5-million-sports-bid-fund-for-orlando/

[spenser1058]

On 6/24/2017 at 7:13 PM, spenser1058 said:

Kessler Collection To WDW?

Here's a rumor with an intriguing local tie in and one I never would have imagined- a Kessler Collection (Grand Bohemian) boutique hotel on the site of the Swan/Dolphin tennis courts just in time for Star Wars Land at DHS?

From WDW News Today:

http://wdwnt.com/blog/2017/06/kessler-collection-likely-open-new-grand-bohemian-hotel-near-hollywood-studios-site-swan-dolphin-tennis-courts/

The Kessler Collection HQ is here in Orlando and founder Richard Kessler has longtime ties to the area making this all the more interesting.

UPDATE: Orlando Weekly now adding to the rumor mill by saying it's Swan/Dolphin adding a boutique hotel, not Kessler.

https://m.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2017/06/27/a-new-hotel-is-rumored-to-be-headed-to-wdw-but-disney-might-not-be-building-it

[TRENCH]

Can't see much, but a quick snap of JY and SandLake construction. They have cleared a lot of tree on the other side 

[spenser1058]

So, which is Orlando's Beach? St Pete/Clearwater wants you to believe they are.

From the Tampa Bay Times:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/where-are-orlandos-beaches-pinellas-tourism-pitch-urges-visitors-to-head/2328883

Personally, that pitch may work with the tourists and even newbie residents, but most of the folks I grew up with were more likely to have weekend condos at New Smyrna.

Although NSB is my default beach town, it has usually depended on the kind of weekend we were shooting for. Tampa/St Pete had the best bars for the preppy crowd I used to party with (plus museum trips

on Sunday), Daytona was great for dive bars and the Boardwalk and St Augustine was a whole other adventure. Some of the cool kids insisted on the trek to SoBe.  And for the surfers, Ponce and Sebastian usually won out.

With tourists, the family market should love Pinellas.

Now's the time to stand up for your favorite beach!

 

[dcluley98]

Cocoa or New Smyrna. St. Pete/Clearwater Sucks. Too many people. If you are gonna drive that far for a Gulf side beach, might as well do it right and go to Siesta or Lido in Sarasota! Siesta is by far the best all-around.

[metal93]

I'll cast a vote for New Smyrna, though this is more because it's far closer to me (I live up in Altamonte Springs). I've been to Cocoa a few times now but still prefer New Smyrna.

Speaking of road construction, does the county/city have any plans for linking Holden Ave to Millenia Blvd? In the Skyplex thread there was talk about the urbanization of I-Drive and a stronger connection to Downtown, and the Holden/Millenia link is crucial in doing this.

[JFW657]

On 6/30/2017 at 2:15 PM, spenser1058 said:

So, which is Orlando's Beach? St Pete/Clearwater wants you to believe they are.

From the Tampa Bay Times:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/where-are-orlandos-beaches-pinellas-tourism-pitch-urges-visitors-to-head/2328883

Personally, that pitch may work with the tourists and even newbie residents, but most of the folks I grew up with were more likely to have weekend condos at New Smyrna.

Although NSB is my default beach town, it has usually depended on the kind of weekend we were shooting for. Tampa/St Pete had the best bars for the preppy crowd I used to party with (plus museum trips

on Sunday), Daytona was great for dive bars and the Boardwalk and St Augustine was a whole other adventure. Some of the cool kids insisted on the trek to SoBe.  And for the surfers, Ponce and Sebastian usually won out.

With tourists, the family market should love Pinellas.

Now's the time to stand up for your favorite beach!

 

Speaking strictly from the perspective of shortest, most convenient travel distance, I'd say it depends on whether you live in the northern, central or southern part of the metro area.

If you live "up north" (Altamonte, Longwood, Lake Mary, Sanford) I'd say the Volusia County beaches. New Smyrna, Daytona.

If you live in the central part of the metro area from say, WP through Central and South Orlando, Taft etc, I'd say Cocoa Beach.

For those in the "deep South" end of the Metro area like Kissimmee, I'd say Melbourne Beach, Indiatlantic and even Sebastian.

I consider the St Pete/Clearwater beaches to be more of a "do something different for a change" type of choice for anywhere in the Orlando metro area.

[spenser1058]

Cirque du Soleil is purchasing Blue Man Group. It will be interesting to see if it will have a local effect - Cirque's long-running show at Disney Springs is ending this year while BMG continues to perform at Universal.

From the Sentinel:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-disney-cirque-soleil-blue-man-group-20170706-story.html

[JFW657]

1 hour ago, spenser1058 said:

Cirque du Soleil is purchasing Blue Man Group. It will be interesting to see if it will have a local effect - Cirque's long-running show at Disney Springs is ending this year while BMG continues to perform at Universal.

From the Sentinel:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-disney-cirque-soleil-blue-man-group-20170706-story.html

Could the Cirque du Blue Man Soleil Group be far behind?

[jrs2]

1 hour ago, spenser1058 said:

Cirque du Soleil is purchasing Blue Man Group. It will be interesting to see if it will have a local effect - Cirque's long-running show at Disney Springs is ending this year while BMG continues to perform at Universal.

From the Sentinel:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-disney-cirque-soleil-blue-man-group-20170706-story.html

Wow.  Well, that's interesting...

I lost my train of thought.

Um, I guess this has no bearing on what's to happen with the Cirque arena at the Springs?  Might they get Orlando a second BMG show?

[spenser1058]

It's definitely interesting to ponder if the end of La Nouba this year was based on this being in the works. Today's headline was the first I knew of it being a possibility although some of our entertainment folks might have backstory on it.

[jrs2]

5 minutes ago, spenser1058 said:

It's definitely interesting to ponder if the end of La Nouba this year was based on this being in the works. Today's headline was the first I knew of it being a possibility although some of our entertainment folks might have backstory on it.

Very very good point; the timing of it all. 

[spenser1058]

Chip & Company is reporting that MK's Tomorrowland Speedway is to be reimagined as the TRON Lightcycle Power Run in time for the WDW 50th Anniversary in 2021:

http://www.chipandco.com/tomorrowland-speedway-replaced-tron-lightcycle-power-run-274719/

Look for confirmation at the D23 event but most importantly for us is that it appears MK will be participating in all the changes coming to Disney's Florida parks in the next few years.

Since nowhere is the idea that "If you build it they will come" more true than in the theme park business, this bodes well for our local economy for years to come.

[jrs2]

2 hours ago, spenser1058 said:

Chip & Company is reporting that MK's Tomorrowland Speedway is to be reimagined as the TRON Lightcycle Power Run in time for the WDW 50th Anniversary in 2021:

http://www.chipandco.com/tomorrowland-speedway-replaced-tron-lightcycle-power-run-274719/

Look for confirmation at the D23 event but most importantly for us is that it appears MK will be participating in all the changes coming to Disney's Florida parks in the next few years.

Since nowhere is the idea that "If you build it they will come" more true than in the theme park business, this bodes well for our local economy for years to come.

I like it.  At it's core, it's like Space Mountain Part II.  Fantastic architecture.  I would do it differently though.

[prahaboheme]

In a more recent development, the rumor is now that the speedway will not be replaced and Tron will be an addition in the expansion pad behind it. Of course, we will find out in due time.

Great to see that Disney is finally making major investments in their parks again.

[Boomer136]

No real insider info but it makes sense from the producers angle, they can share back of house operations, add BMG shows into established Cirque markets. There is an audience crossover. Share marketing strategies etc.

[jrs2]

16 hours ago, prahaboheme said:

In a more recent development, the rumor is now that the speedway will not be replaced and Tron will be an addition in the expansion pad behind it. Of course, we will find out in due time.

Great to see that Disney is finally making major investments in their parks again.

like where do you mean? 

[prahaboheme]

^i have no insider information, just what gets leaked to other forums. Spectulation is that Tron may go into the space due east of speedway and north of Space Mnt with a possible reconfigured speedway. 

[jrs2]

16 hours ago, prahaboheme said:

^i have no insider information, just what gets leaked to other forums. Spectulation is that Tron may go into the space due east of speedway and north of Space Mnt with a possible reconfigured speedway. 

gotcha.  I had heard that Tron might go to Epcot...