Podcast appearances and mentions of dewayne bevil

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)

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)

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)

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 Dewayne Bevil discuss the immersive elements of the land, how it compares to Harry Potter's popularity and what can be expected when it opens locally. Super Nintendo World opens in Hollywood (:00) Hollywood vs. Japan (2:31 ) ‘Blown away by the level of detail' (7:46) Harry Potter vs. Nintendo (10:53) Epic Universe facts and rumors (15:07)

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 changes to the Disney parks reservation system and Tron Lightcycle / Run annual passholder previews. New and returning topiaries (:46) Food offerings (13:43) Orange Bird kicks Figment to the curb (18:19) Musical lineup extensive (22:09) Disney park reservation changes (27:31) Tron passholder previews (31:31)

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 officially opens to the public on April 4. He also visited Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to ride their new Serengeti Flyer (opening Feb. 27) and Peppa Pig Theme Park in Winter Haven to celebrate the attraction's one-year anniversary (”Turning One” party Feb. 24-26). Tron virtual queue results (:00) Locker system (3:17) Getting on the lightcycle (4:40) The ride experience (8:01) Theming (11:55) Storing backpacks vs. phones (14:08) Busch Gardens new ride (16:34) Peppa Pig birthday (23:49)

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 Gras fare), and concerts (on select nights). Mardi Gras: First impressions (:38) Food offerings (3:32) Tribute store moves (11:54) Cursed Coconut Club (16:36) Parade & costumes (18:55) Concerts (28:17)

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 (1:21) $4,000 painting (4:28) Disney artists (8:14) Walk-in masterpieces (10:14) Figment front and center (11:20) Tasting the art (13:13) Voices of Liberty (20:25) Figment popcorn buckets & pin tables (21:18)

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 Mornings Live” (10:52) Rock the Universe (13:59) Flower and Garden at Epcot (17:49) Splash Mountain closing this weekend (21:42)

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 (12:28) SeaWorld Surf coaster (14:05) Universal  KidZone revamp (16:54) New Minions Land (19:26) New Passholder area at Islands of Adventure (20:42) HHN Chucky house (25:26)

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 a visit to a galaxy far, far away all made the list Biggest Head Spinners (1:31) Most Meh (7:37) The Incomplete Trophy (aka Too Soon to Say) (15:05)

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 can of Who Hash and dish on all the holiday offerings at Universal Orlando and Gaylord Palms. Grinchmas at Universal (1:39) Set your expectations high (4:19) Changes over the years (9:36) Meet and greet with Grinch (15:12) Universal Studios festivities (18:27) Earl the Squirrel  (21:05) ICE at Gaylord Palms (23:57)

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 blaster ride (3:36) Escape room first impressions (10:29) Variable experiences (16:20) Lobby design/2 bars (19:20) The Groove remnants (22:23) Is there a guaranteed escape? (24:18)

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 reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss details about the makeover and other news about holiday festivities at Disney World attractions. Splash Mountain closing date (1:41) Tiana's Bayou Adventure update (4:28) Candlelight Procession tweak (10:09) Festival of the Holidays (14:17) Guardians: ‘Run, Run, Rocket' (17:32) Magic Kingdom festivities (22:09 Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios (23:09) Decorations at resorts, Disney Springs (24:25) Universal's Escape Rooms (25:26)

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 charge extra for one-day tickets based on which park a customer reserves. Lastly, there are some changes to some holiday festivities offered at Epcot. Chapek is out. Iger is back. (:00) Reaction to Iger's return (6:05) Ticket prices increasing (9:23) Annual passes going up (15:53) Very Merry sold out (17:47) Candlelight Processional changes (19:07) ‘Guardians of the Galaxy' ride overlay (19:36)

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) SeaWorld reveals surfing ride vehicle (7:29) SeaWorld park in Abu Dhabi (13:10) New Icon Park game (17:17) Local IAAPA Brass Ring Award winners (23:55)

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 reaction (5:51) Spectacular changes (7:33) Universal closing 5 KidZone attractions (15:48) Universal announces first HHN 2023 house (24:43) Legoland ride has new opening date (28:23)

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 & sunflowers  (7:34) Hurricane Ian damage (9:03) Farmers pivot to agritourism (13:22) Central Florida Zoo reopens (14:56)

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 opening date (16:58) Pirate River Quest at LegoLand Florida delayed (20:10) Mardi Gras at Universal Studios (23:10)

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) Free Fall coming down (25:51)

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) 7 scare zones (14:41) 4 shows (18:21) Add ons: Drag show & No Boo necklace (21:51) Elsewhere: Legoland & Gatorland (29:30)

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 ideas (23:27) Disney 100 Years of Wonder (31:48)

“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) House #3: Universal Monsters: Legends Collide (8:06) Live stage shows (11:49) House #4: The Horrors of Blumhouse (14:41) House #5: Bugs: Eaten Alive (15:42) Scare zones (18:35) Cocktails and zombie brains (25:12) House #6: The Weeknd After Hours Nightmare (26:49) House #7: Fiesta de Chupacabras (30:23)

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)

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 to New Orleans (9:01) The new look (11:55) Food & Wine menus (15:38) Food & Wine concerts (20:12) Another HHN house (23:02)

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)

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 opening (29:49)

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 plans (18:00) Guardians of the Galaxy virtual queue (22:06)

“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)

Writer, director and former Walt Disney World cast member Greg Triggs chats with Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil about his days at Comedy Warehouse and his new novel, “That Which Makes Us Stronger.” Comedy Warehouse at Pleasure Island (1:56) Adventurers Club (7:11) Comedy then & now (11:34) Coming to Disney (13:54) Super Soap Weekend (18:27) Thanks, Walt (21:07) Novel: ‘That Which Makes Us Stronger' (23:30) Pandemic writing (27:26) WDW lightning round (30:54)

Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss when Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will make its debut at Epcot and details coming out about Universal's Halloween Horror Nights event. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (:59) Wonder of Xandar pavilion (3:28) Marvel at Disney (10:15) Roller coaster details (13:26) More Epcot changes (14:27) Universal's Halloween Horror Nights (20:45) Dewayne & Katie's Scary House (26:42)

Orlando Sentinel theater writer Matthew J. Palm joins tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil to discuss the longevity of the frontier-styled dinner show, likely tweaks and the strawberry shortcake. “This brings me joy” (1:24) Dinner theater show (2:15) Elevating the experience (6:48) Tweaks over the years (12:46) The cost (13:54) Dad jokes galore (16:04) Dole Whip at Disney Springs (18:30)  

Orlando Sentinel food writer Amy Drew Thompson and tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil discuss their favorite bite, the rotating menu, a dish that brings the heat and a couple standout desserts at the 2022 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Epcot chef speaks (:45) New and spicy (2:05) Rotating menu (3:52) Generous portions (5:52) Cheapest thing at the park (8:09) Weird but best new offering (10:15) Sugar rush (15:36) Long lines (21:21)

“The pandemic took a lot of entertainment away from the parks,” Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil explains. “It has slowly come back step by step.” “Disney Festival of Fantasy” parade (:42) “Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire”(4:31) Aquatica's Reef Plunge (7:04) Gatorland Photographer Pass (13:13) Grad Bash at UOR (20:24)

The 2022 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is in full bloom at Walt Disney World with festive topiaries, a fresh menu and a return of the Garden Rocks concert series. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil discusses the interactive Blossoms of Fragrance garden, a giant Goofy topiary celebrating Disney World's 50th birthday, dishes that are worth the sometimes long waits and mush more. Landscape masters (1:06) Gardens new and old (7:21) Merchandise: Orange Bird (14:06) Garden Rocks concert series is back (17:55) Food options worth the wait (21:32)

Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil discusses his maiden voyage aboard the Starcruiser, a two-day, two-night experience near Disney World's Hollywood Studios theme park.  Entering the Halcyon (:56) The immersion factor (5:00) Intergalactic meals (8:36) Batuu excursion (10:37) How much does it cost? (16:30) Costumes are encouraged (21:48) Bridge & lightsaber training (23:37) Is it worth it? (30:43) Starcruiser merchandise (33:36) The cabins (37:23) Safety features (41:30)

Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice tackle two theme park happenings in this episode, merging the two into “Mardi Gwazi.” Planet Mardi Gras (1:04) Expanded food (6:32) Lanyard system changes (10:18) Tribute & Monsters stores (11:26) Concerts (19:05) Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens (26:20)

“You won't be bored on Ice Breaker,” Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil shares after riding SeaWorld Orlando's newest roller coaster. The 90-second experience packs a lot of airtime — 13 moments to be exact. First impression (1:11) Seats is different than anything we have in town (3:11) Intensity: Family thrill (5:40) Gwazi = Family Thrill? (11:27) Theming & location (16:38) Premier rides (17:45) Rider reaction (18:47) Coasters on the horizon (20:52)

Universal Orlando's new theme park continues to take shape and Epcot's art fest is off and running. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Katie Rice and Dewayne Bevil discuss construction at Epic Universe and the allure of the Epcot International Arts Festival. Universal's Epic Universe (:55) Epcot International Festival of the Arts (15:13) Upcoming festivals at Universal, SeaWorld (25:18)

Two new rides, touted as the tallest attractions of their kind in the world, just opened at Icon Park on International Drive. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil discusses the SlingShot and FreeFall. These thrill rides aren't made for everyone so listen before you commit. Icon Park (:39) Orlando Slingshot (2:42) Orlando Freefall (13:22) SeaWorld Ice Breaker (19:15) Theme Park Insider Awards (20:36) Theme Park Ranger Radar (25:28)

Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss what is ahead for area attractions in 2022, including new roller coasters at Epcot, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. Typhoon Lagoon reopens (:54) Universal shuttering Shrek 4-D (3:02) Revenge of the Mummy ride temporarily closing (4:11) Peppa Pig Theme Park (5:13) Ice Breaker at SeaWorld (7:12) Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi (8:52) Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (10:29) Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (13:27) More construction news (18:39)

Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil and food writer Amy Drew Thompson discuss the party atmosphere at Mango's Tropical Café on International Drive and the Latin American-inspired fare. The party atmosphere (1:04) Sexy show (4:08) Revamped menu (8:22) Pandemic relief (14:58) Dynamic digital art mural (16:47)