Attractions Insider
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Have fun like the experts! Get the inside scoop on your favorite Florida attractions, from new rides and special events to helpful tips and tricks. Find out everything you need to know with Ashley Carter and Allison Walker every Friday on the Attractions Insider podcast.
Available episodes
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Dec 2, 2022
A recap of IAAPA Expo
IAAPA Expo is always a busy time for the attractions industry — there’s always so much to do and see. The expo has come and gone, but this week, hosts Ashley and Allison are recapping their time at the expo — from the odd things on display to the announcements that were shared.
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Nov 23, 2022
Disney Shakeup: Bob Iger returns as CEO
In news that shocked Hollywood and Wall Street, The Walt Disney Company announced late Sunday that Bob Iger would be returning as CEO and Bob Chapek would be leaving. In this week's podcast episode, Ashley and Allison discuss the big news, Chapek’s departure and what Iger’s return means for the company.
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Nov 18, 2022
The frigidly fun return of Gaylord Palms' ICE!
After a two-year absence, ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms. And this year, the frigid exhibit features hand-crafted ice sculptures inspired by Dr. Seuss’s "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." We talk with the people behind it all! Plus, Ashley and Allison check in on some of the holiday offerings now underway.
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Nov 11, 2022
Fantasmic! returns to Disney World with updates
After a nearly three-year hiatus, Fantasmic! has returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In this week’s episode, digital journalist Ashley Carter and entertainment reporter Allison Walker discuss the updates made to the show. Plus, Universal Orlando is closing multiple KidZone attractions, and we get an early Halloween Horror Nights announcement.
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Nov 4, 2022
Theme parks prepare to unwrap holiday events
It’s time to shift into holiday mode at least at the theme parks, anyway. With Halloween in the rearview mirror, the parks are now getting ready for their holiday events, and some already have the decorations up. In this week’s episode we break down the different holiday offering this season. Plus, a few news items to share.
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Oct 28, 2022
Trip Report: SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream
It's not quite Christmas season yet, so Ashley and Allison take a trip to Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando to bring you the Attractions Insider's take on what's different one year since the spooky event's debut.
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Oct 21, 2022
Diving into the details of SeaWorld new surf coaster
SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have revealed more details about their upcoming 2023 attractions. In this week’s episode, we dive into everything the parks shared about the new thrill rides they’re building. Plus, we discuss Disney Genie+ pricing and Gatorland reopening.
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Oct 14, 2022
Theme Park News Roundup: Cosmic Rewind holiday overlay, new Universal show and more
There’s always so much going on at the theme parks, and it can be hard to keep up. That's why we're here! In this week's episode, Ashley and Allison round up the biggest attractions news from the past couple of weeks to keep you in the know.
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Oct 7, 2022
EPCOT turns 40: Looking back — and to the future
EPCOT recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. When it first opened on Oct. 1, 1982, it became Disney's second Florida theme park. In this episode, Ashley and Allison discuss the celebration, take a look back at some of their favorite EPCOT memories and look ahead to what's next.
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Sep 23, 2022
An insider's take on all of LEGOLAND Florida's upcoming attractions and events
Brick by kid and family-friendly brick — From new attractions to special events, there's a lot happening at LEGOLAND Florida. Banks Lee, the resort's marketing support specialist, joins Ashley and Allison to share his insights on a new Attractions Insider podcast episode.
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Sep 16, 2022
D23 Expo debrief: Breaking down Disney’s big park reveals
Huge announcements and an exciting look into the future — Disney's D23 Expo is in the books, after executives shared what's coming to theme parks around the world, including Disney World. And Attractions Insider was there! Digital journalist Ashley Carter and entertainment reporter Allison Walker break down all the big reveals.
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Sep 9, 2022
Universal's Halloween Horror Nights returns with Halloween at the center
Halloween Horror Nights is back — and going back to the basics for its 31st year! Digital journalist Ashley Carter details all the haunted houses and scare zones that await terrified guests and shares tips for helping them make the most of the crowded event. Plus, Spectrum Bay News 9 entertainment reporter Virginia Johnson joins in to talk about the special preview they got before the event kicked off!
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Sep 6, 2022
D23 Expo Preview: Q&A with D23's Michael Vargo
Get the ultimate insider's take on D23 Expo! Disney’s massive fan event starts soon, and VP Michael Vargo joins the Attractions Insider podcast for a special bonus episode to offer a preview of what to expect this weekend.
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Sep 2, 2022
Roundup of Halloween events at area attractions
As Halloween Horror Nights, Howl-O-Scream — and events all over Central Florida and Tampa Bay — gear up for a scary start to the season, Ashley Carter and Allison Walker break down all the biggest theme park events, plus nighttime haunts and family-friendly attractions. This week's episode is your guide to getting your scare on!
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Aug 26, 2022
Gaylord Palms to welcome back ICE! and Universal drops full Halloween Horror Nights lineup
ICE!, the holiday-themed attraction, is returning to Gaylord Palms after a two-year absence, and we’re diving into all the details about this year’s theme. Plus, Universal Orlando has revealed the full lineup for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, so we're breaking down everything we know about the haunted houses, scare zones and more.
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Aug 19, 2022
Exploring the Food Festivals at the Theme Parks
A number of food festivals are underway at the theme parks, and this week, hosts Ashley Carter and Allison Walker take a deeper look at them. For the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, we hear from one of the Disney chefs, who talks about what went into crafting the menu for this year’s event. We also hear from the chef responsible for the new menu at SeaWorld Orlando's Craft Beer Festival. And we share details about Busch Gardens' Bier Fest. But first, a few updates on Disney Genie+ and Universal's holiday plans.
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Aug 12, 2022
Piece by terrifying piece: A preview inside SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream
Halloween season begins early in Central Florida with theme parks kicking off their Halloween-themed events in August and early September. As SeaWorld Orlando gears up for a second year of Howl-O-Scream, Attractions Insider host Ashley is joined by Kyle Smith, the park’s creative show operations manager, who shares details about the haunted houses, scare zones and other offerings planned for the event.
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Aug 5, 2022
Halloween Horror Nights updates and Disney's MagicBand+
As Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights creeps closer, Ashley and Allison share some noteworthy updates. Speaking of Halloween, Legoland Florida has “monster” plans for its Brick-or-Treat. And finally, Disney has launched its new MagicBand+ device. Ashley took it for a spin and shares what she learned.
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Jul 29, 2022
Trip Report: Epcot Food and Wine Festival
Get your first taste of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival as Ashley and Allison dig into the menu and share their thoughts on this year's most flavorful offerings from their recent trip to the theme park.
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Jul 22, 2022
Update on Disney's TRON attraction and Shrek's new meet-and-greet spot
In case you didn’t know Disney World is getting a TRON attraction. The ride has been under construction for a few years now, but in the last few months, it’s really taken shape. Hosts Ashley and Allison talk about the latest details released about the attraction while we wait for it to open.
But first, Ashley and Allison pay their respect to the former Tower of Terror billboard. And for the Shrek fans out there, they have an update on the character meet and greet at Universal.
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Jul 15, 2022
Disney’s upcoming Princess and the Frog attraction and SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream
A Princess and the Frog attraction is replacing Splash Mountain at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. In this episode, digital journalist Ashley Carter and entertainment reporter Allison Walker talk about the latest details released for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. There are also some updates on Howl-O-Scream at both SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. And is it too early to talk about Christmas? Disney World has shared its holiday plans, including the return of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
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Jul 8, 2022
Inside the Disney Wish cruise ship
Disney Wish, the newest cruise ship from Disney Cruise Line, is getting ready to officially set sail. Digital journalist Ashley Carter recently had a chance to go aboard the ship for its christening cruise. In this week’s episode of the Attractions Insider Podcast, she recap’s her time on the ship, sharing what it has to offer — from the live shows and new dining experiences to the AquaMouse attraction.
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Jul 1, 2022
Disney's revamped 'Finding Nemo' show and Universal's upcoming escape rooms
In this week’s episode of the Attractions Insider Podcast, hosts Ashley Carter and Allison Walker discuss the revamped “Finding Nemo” show over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the escape rooms planned for Universal CityWalk and the reopening of Disney World’’s fine dining location Victoria & Albert’s.
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Jun 24, 2022
Q&A with Jeff Hornick, SeaWorld's VP of attractions design
Have you ever wondered what it takes to develop theme park attractions? In this week’s episode of the Attractions Insider Podcast, digital journalist Ashley Carter talks with Jeff Hornick, vice president of attractions design and development for SeaWorld Parks. Jeff shares what he likes most about his job as well as what go him interested in the theme park industry.
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Jun 17, 2022
SeaWorld’s 2023 coaster and an update on Disney’s 'Princess and the Frog' ride
SeaWorld is hard at work on a new coaster for 2023 — but splashing around only a few details.
And Disney finally makes a big reveal for the "Princess and the Frog" transformation of its Splash Mountain attraction.
In this week’s episode, digital journalist Ashley Carter and entertainment reporter Allison Walker take you for a deep dive.
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Jun 10, 2022
Inside Universal's summer Tribute Store and KSC's new Gateway attraction
Universal Studios Florida has a new Tribute Store that pays homage to movies, and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is ready to open a new attraction that takes a look at the future of space travel. Digital journalist Ashley Carter and entertainment reporter Allison Walker discuss what you can find inside the new tribute store and how you can take a trip to space.
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Jun 3, 2022
Summer Theme Park Guide
We’re now in the summer season, and people are planning or getting ready to trips. Central Florida is always top destination, especially the theme parks. That means it’s going to be busy. Digital journalist Ashley Carter and entertainment reporter Allison Walker discuss navigating the parks in the summer — what to know before you go and how to make the most of your day. They also share tips, tricks and information about some of the special events going on at the parks during the summer.
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May 27, 2022
Universal reveals HHN house and Monsters Cafe Closes
It’s a monsters-heavy episode this week, as digital journalist Ashley Carter and entertainment reporter Allison Walker discuss Universal Monsters: Legends Collide, the first Halloween Horror Nights house revealed for 2022. They also talk about the closure of Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Cafe. And then it’s over to Adventure Island Tampa Bay, where there aren’t any monsters, but there are two new water slides.
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May 20, 2022
Inside Epcot’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
A new attraction is opening soon at Epcot and it’s called Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Spectrum News digital journalist Ashley Carter and entertainment reporter Allison Walker had a chance to experience the attraction earlier this month during a media preview. In this episode they talk about what to expect, including the in the queue, the playlist of songs and those coaster rotations. They also dive into Epcot’s massive transformation which is still underway.
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May 13, 2022
Character hugs and the return of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary
You can hug Mickey Mouse again. Yes, traditional character meet and greets have returned to Disney World and more offerings are on the way. In this week’s episode Ashley and Allison talk about meet and greets as well as details about the return of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. They also discuss some of the live shows coming back this year and how Disney is changing them up.
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May 6, 2022
Countdown to Halloween Horror Nights 31 is on
Halloween Horror Nights will return to Universal Studios Florida this fall. And since it’s never too early to talk about Halloween, in this week’s episode, Ashley and Allison dive into what’s been shared so far about this year’s event, including dates, ticket prices and more. They also share a tip or two for attending the event.
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Apr 29, 2022
MegaCon Orlando: What's in store for this year's event
MegaCon Orlando draws tens of thousands of fans to the Orange County Convention Center every year, and the massive event returns in just a few weeks. Ashley Carter and Allison Walker talk about what's in store for this year's event, including celebrity guests, different activities attendees can experience, cosplayers, shopping and more.
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Apr 22, 2022
New Attractions Open at Florida Theme Parks in 2022
For Florida theme parks, 2022 is shaping up to be a big year. Many parks have already opened or are getting ready to open new attractions, ranging from roller coasters to an entire park. Ashley Carter and Allison Walker break down the new attractions at the parks this year.
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Apr 15, 2022
Navigating Disney World
Visiting Disney World soon, but haven't been in a while? There are some changes you should be aware of before you go. Join Ashley Carter and Allison Walker as they discuss what's changed at the parks over the pandemic.
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Apr 8, 2022
Introducing "Attractions Insider" with Ashley Carter and Allison Walker
Have fun like the experts! Get the inside scoop on your favorite Florida attractions, from new rides and special events to helpful tips and tricks. Find out everything you need to know with Ashley Carter and Allison Walker every Friday on the Attractions Insider podcast.
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