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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the recent uproar over Epic Universe preview ticket availability—and why Universal quietly opened the gates to everyone. Then they dive into the surprising retirement of Volcano Bay's TapuTapu system and the fascinating history behind the short-lived Triceratops Encounter at Islands of Adventure. Epic Universe preview tickets go public, frustrating some Annual Passholders What low crowds and Disney discounts might reveal about this summer's Orlando tourism outlook Universal's guest survey tactics—and how they're targeting Disney's “seamless” brand language Volcano Bay announces the retirement of TapuTapu and a five-month closure for overhaul Universal Hollywood FanFest reactions and Drew Taylor's tip for avoiding long lines The box office power of Wicked, Despicable Me, and Universal's 360-degree promo strategy The history of Triceratops Encounter and how a 1960s Easter special led to one of Universal's biggest animatronic swings Whether you're here for the latest theme park headlines or the long-forgotten stories behind Universal's creative gambles, this episode is packed with insights, speculation, and a few dinosaurs along the way. Support Our Sponsor: Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Book Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nikki aka Niksta is one of the sisters who is doing really well in the space she is in. Since our last conversation back in 2019 (episode 10) she has made some changes not just in her life but also her business. Pivotting her main focus from distributing homeware to graphic design and still under the umbrella of Taputapu (@taputapu_ltd). Her ability to be disciplined, to adapt and to stay positive enabled her to get to where she is now. Incredibly inspired by my mate and she has helped me in so many ways and I'm sure you will get a lot out of this kōrero! Hope you enjoy e te whanau.
Take a walk on the Waturi side at Universal's Volcano Bay. In this episode of Discover Universal, Kari and David share the must-dos, must-eats, and other helpful tips for a perfect day in paradise. Learn how to best utilize the TapuTapu wearable, your key to a care-free day at this innovative water theme park. Experience the thrills of Volcano Bay (without getting water in your ears) as our hosts chill around the island, drop from the top of the mighty Krakatau, and talk tiki with the Spirit of the Volcano. Remember, at Volcano Bay, “Water is Life and Life is Joy!” Additional Content:Ultimate Guide to Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort360 VIDEO: Krakatau Aqua Coaster | Volcano Bay360 VIDEO: Kopiko Wai Winding RiverKo'OKiri Body Plunge POV | Volcano BayMaku Puihi Raft Ride POV | Volcano BayRide Honu of Honu Ika-Moana from HomeRide Ohyah Drop Slide at Volcano Bay from HomeRide Taniwha Tubes at Volcano Bay from HomeHow to Spend One Day at Universal's Volcano Bay10 Things You HAVE To Do at Universal's Volcano BayCouple's Guide to Universal's Volcano BaySunrise at Universal's Volcano Bay Video How To TapuTapu VideoThe Story of Volcano Bay Video Links: Blog: https://blog.DiscoverUniversal.com/Universal Orlando Resort: https://www.universalparks.com/en/usUniversal Parks and Resorts: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/usFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniversalOrlandoResortTwitter: https://twitter.com/UniversalORLInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/universalorlando/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/UniversalOrlando/featuredEDITOR'S NOTE: The availability of some offerings may be temporarily limited, please check with guest services for current details.Must be 21 or older to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages with valid photo ID.Copyright & Trademark
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This week, Eric Stoen from Travel Babbo chats with us about Orlando's hottest new attractions, Universal Orlando Resort's new Volcano Bay waterpark. We get into the details on what to expect when you go, our favorite rides and food, and where you should stay. ON THE PODCAST 00:32 - Talking with Kim and Tamara about waterparks 13:17 - Eric Stoen from Travel Babbo 16:35 - Universal Orlando BlogSquad 18:27 - Eric’s experience at Volcano Bay 20:43 - Getting chairs at the waterpark 24:30 - What is the TapuTapu wristband 30:49 - Eric’s favorite rides/slides 32:54 - Foods at Volcano Bay 34:22 - Top tips 40:37 - Favorite hotels 43:42 - What can you bring into Volcano Bay 45:38 - Places for a family photo 46:55 - Eric’s favorite travel gear 50:16 - App of the week ABOUT ERIC STOEN Eric Stoen is a writer and photographer specializing in family travel, based in California. His goal is to encourage everyone to take their kids to unique destinations, and he provides first-hand information through travelbabbo.com to make it easier for people to plan those trips. He’s traveled with his three kids to forty-six countries and seven continents, with each of his kids getting to choose any destination in the world every year for a one-on-one trip. Follow Travel Babbo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. WHAT TO EXPECT AT VOLCANO BAY Volcano Bay is very popular so you can expect crowds. It is important to get there early. Volcano Bay has a lot of different areas where there are chairs. You can also reserve chairs and cabanas but these book up very quickly so you will need to book ahead with plenty of time. The TapuTapu wristband can be used to check in to lines and will vibrate when you are next. If you link the wristband to the app and to a credit card you can also use it to make purchases. Staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel you will let you get into the waterpark one hour earlier than the regularly admitted customers. Cabana Bay has a private entrance to the park, but you must show your room key so this entrance is only for guests staying at an on site hotel. If it is possible you should bring your own towels into Volcano Bay. They have places for you to purchase or rent them but this will just add more cost to your trip. You are not allowed to bring in coolers, but you can bring in water bottles and food in plastic containers (no glass) if you have a food allergy. While the TapuTapu will help reduce the amount of time you spend in line, don't expect no lines. Think about what rides to do first because there can be very long lines for popular rides and you can only check in to one ride at a time (plus the AquaCoaster.) BEST PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO The best place for a family photo would be right at the start of the park with a backdrop of the Volcano. It is also a good idea to take your family photo when you get there. Once you take your picture you can put you camera in a locker and enjoy the rest of your day. APP OF THE WEEK Be sure to download the Universal Orlando app and take advantage of the great features this provides including syncing with the TapuTapu wristband and Volcano Bay. MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST Eric’s post on his Volcano Bay experience Tamara’s must read tips for Volcano Bay FOLLOW US AND SPREAD THE WORD! If you liked this show, please be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play and leave us a review! Have a question or comment? Send us an email or leave us a voicemail at +1.641.715.3900, ext. 926035# You can also follow our travels on Stuffed Suitcase and We3Travel, or follow the Vacation Mavens on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for listening!
While on holiday in Orlando, it quickly became apparent that the good, the bad and the ugly side of technology were available for visitors. The Orlando Slingshot ride has become a viral success after it caught the imagination of users on social media and the videos of people riding it being seen by millions worldwide. Riders are given a USB wristband containing a video of their ride so they can share their experiences. Meanwhile, Universal Studios seem to confuse visitors with their locker system before allowing them to enter the line for the Hulk Ride. If you make it onto the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, you can also buy video footage of your experience and gain Social Media kudos points. But if you buy it and want to share it straight away, you would be sadly be disappointed as it's only available on DVD! What's all that about? At Universal, you go to a ride only to be turned away and told to hire a locker which has a long line of people scratching their heads trying to get to grips with the system while techies get frustrated at behind them. But this is the point, the world is not full of techies and it should not be designed for them. Simplicity is the key to everything. Predictably, Disney seems to be stepping up to the mark and are leading the way to create a pure friction and painpoint free world across all of their parks. Swiping your wrist against a Mickey Mouse mouse sensor to open your hotel room, get immediately onto a ride via a fast pass, pay for your food or send photos of your day directly to your phone, that is a universal language that we all get. However, Universals Volcano Bay is attempting to raise the bar in waterpark tech with TapuTapu wristbands will be able to alert riders when it's time for them to ride, something that the current generation of MagicBands can't do.
In this episode Alex and John have a surprisingly thorough conversation about TapuTapu colors.
We start this week's first drop by taking a look at Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay waterpark that is under construction. Check out this video that shows some of the new attractions and the innovative new TapuTapu wristband that could be a step above Disney's Magic Band. Next up, Disney received FAA approval to use drones as part of their night-time shows. The first will be premiering at Disney Springs in a few weeks. Take a look at what they are planning! With the shocking election results this week, a former President of the United States calls in with an idea to "unite the country." Plus, we have a Live Trip Report from Dollywood's Christmas event and a fantastic interactive converstaion where listeners tell us about their favorite memories from the 2016 season!
This week we are inspired by Matt S. to pitch a movie: WDW has Fallen. We also catch up on some news items including drones, private ferry boats, Once Upon a Time, Epcot entertainment, Twitter acquisition, and TapuTapu.