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Dustin and Ashley are back for Season 2, sharing updates on their lives, the transition from Florida to Tennessee, and the challenges that come with significant change. They discuss social dynamics, job adventures, unexpected dramas, and reflections on technology, all while inviting listeners to share their own journeys.

• Recapping major life changes after a long break 
• Navigating friendships from a distance 
• Sharing memorable New Year’s Eve experiences 
• The realities of car troubles and financial stress 
• Job experiences in retail during the transition period 
• The impact of AI and technology on daily life 
• Reflecting on the past and what lies ahead for the podcast

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Ever wondered how witty banter and hurricane jokes fit into a podcast finale? Join Dustin and Ashley as they hilariously navigate their way back into the studio after some much-needed (yet unplanned) time off. This episode of "Orlando Unplugged" is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and reflections on the impact of Hurricane Helene on Orlando’s iconic attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. They share their mixed feelings about taking a break and give you a sneak peek into the mini-episodes and TikTok content we have planned for the interim.

Looking back, we reminisce about our journey over the past year, celebrating memorable moments like surpassing initial doubts, having guest speakers, and Dustin's one-year anniversary in Orlando. From adjusting to life in a new city and forging new friendships to managing finances and professional challenges, we cover it all. Our candid conversations reveal the ups and downs of our friendship and the social circle drama that comes with it. We also reflect on the unique joy of recording this season finale and our excitement for what’s next.

Wrapping up with gratitude, we thank our dedicated audience for their unwavering support and look forward to bringing you more compelling episodes in January. Buckle up for an even more thrilling and emotionally engaging season two of "Orlando Unplugged"!

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Prepare yourself for a spine-tingling exploration of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights 33! We break down this year's hair-raising IP houses, from the eerie silence of "A Quiet Place" to the demonic horrors of "Insidious: The Further" and the frosty fears of "Ghostbusters Frozen Empire." Don't miss our deep dive into the all-female, all-fatal "Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines," featuring classic female monsters locked in a deadly battle against a new Van Helsing descendant. We also provide tips for first-timers and celebrate Universal's trend of strong female leads, promising an episode filled with thrills and chills.

As Halloween Horror Nights 2024 looms on the horizon, we're giving you an exclusive sneak peek into next year's spine-chilling attractions and extended hours. Discover the returning fan-favorite shows like "Nightmare Fuel: Nocturnal Circus" and the interactive Death Eaters in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. From themed lounges at Universal's hotels to the unique food offerings inspired by Ghostbusters, we speculate on what surprises await horror fans. Tune in for an episode packed with high-energy performances, eerie decorations, and a preview of the Halloween spirit that will engulf Universal Studios.

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Imagine navigating a haunted convention center filled with horror icons, spooky vendors, and eerie performances. This episode of "Orlando Unplugged" is packed with personal stories and thrilling moments as we take you through our adventures at CreepyCon Halloween and Horror Convention in Knoxville, Tennessee. From meeting David Howard Thornton, the terrifying Art the Clown, to heartwarming encounters with vendors and fans, we've got a spooky season kickoff you won't want to miss.

As we approach the grand finale of Season One, join us for an inside scoop on upcoming events like Halloween Horror Nights and the latest D23 Expo announcements. From potential new attractions at Avengers Campus to the exciting growth of CreepyCon, this episode is brimming with anticipation and excitement. We reflect on the incredible journey of CreepyCon, the engaging workshops, and unforgettable performances, making it a highlight of our year. So grab your pumpkin spice latte and tune in for an episode filled with spooky season fun and heartfelt reflections!

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What if packing for a trip could be as entertaining as the journey itself? Join us for the first-ever "Mini Mic Edition" of Orlando, Unplugged, where Dustin and Ashley catch you up on our whirlwind preparations for another Knoxville adventure. From Ashley's last-minute packing frenzy to celebrating her recent birthday, we keep things light and fun. We'll give you a sneak peek into our Knoxville plans, including visiting my favorite spots and spending quality time with family. We’re grateful for your support and can’t wait to bring you more exciting episodes soon!

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What if you could turn a trip to SeaWorld into an adventure filled with roller coasters, dolphin encounters, and delicious food? Join us in this high-energy episode of Orlando Unplugged, where despite Ashley's bout with allergies (possibly the flu), we keep the excitement alive with witty banter and stories from our jam-packed schedules. From celebrating Ashley's birthday to upcoming trips to CreepyCon and a coaster adventure, we share our latest food obsessions, including Crumble Cookies and Knoxville favorites like Cookout and Osaka Japanese Grill.

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Ever wondered how a weekend at Universal Orlando Resort can turn into an adventure filled with twists, laughter, and unexpected challenges? Join us as we navigate through the highs and lows of our recent escapades, from the chaos of Ashley's "Hell Week" to the refreshing moments at Universal's Aventura Hotel. We’ll dive into our review of the mesmerizing "CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular" nighttime show and get you up to speed with the latest Halloween Horror Nights announcements. Plus, we’ll share our personal updates, including the struggle of renewing apartment leases and embracing the relentless Orlando heat.

Our stay at the Aventura Hotel, amusingly dubbed the "fidget spinner hotel," comes with plenty to talk about. From high-tech room controls and the quirky Relay the Robot in the lobby to the delightful food and drink options at the Urban Pantry, we’ve got it all covered. Hear about our cocktail adventures at Backwater Bar and our fun-filled day at Universal's Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios featuring everything from intense heat to high-flying drone shows. Wrapping up, we celebrate our newest friendships, memorable moments, and the anticipation of Halloween Horror Nights. Don't miss out on our candid stories, insightful reviews, and heartfelt experiences!

Links:
Orlando Unplugged Website:http://www.orlandounpluggedpodcast.com
Universal Aventura Hotel: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/places-to-stay/universals-aventura-hotel
Universal Backwater Bar: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/dining/backwater-bar
Universal Finnegan's Bar & Grill: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/dining/finnegans-bar-grill

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Curious about what Universal's Epic Universe has in store for you? Discover the spine-chilling secrets of the newly announced land, Dark Universe. Set to open in 2025, as we bring you an exclusive look at Darkmoor. Join us in episode 25 of Orlando Unplugged as Dustin and Ashley walk you through the foggy cemetery entrance, sinister scientific experiments, and encounters with legendary monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman. We'll give you a firsthand glimpse into thrilling attractions such as Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Curse of the Werewolf, and even introduce you to unique character meet and greets. Don't miss out on the eerie excitement and intricate details that make this new land a must-visit.

You'll hear why Universal Creative’s dedication to honoring their classic monsters has us buzzing with excitement. We break down the meticulous attention to detail, from the intricate architecture of the manor to the awe-inspiring animatronics. This isn't just another Halloween Horror Nights rehash; it's a fully realized, family-friendly (yet thrilling) PG-13 adventure that promises originality and depth. Get ready for an immersive experience that’s perfect for both monster enthusiasts and those new to the tales of Universal's iconic creatures.

Finally, we explore the immersive dining experiences awaiting you at the Burning Blade Tavern and Das Steakhouse. Imagine savoring a meal in a vampire-lorded environment or interacting with themed characters like the hound hunters. We also take you on a tour of the Universal CityWalk Epic Preview Center, where QR codes and augmented reality bring the park's model to life. From merchandise must-haves to launch timeline predictions, we cover all the elements that make Dark Universe an essential addition to Universal's Epic Universe. Listen in and start planning your visit today!

Need a link:
Website:https://orlandounpluggedpodcast.com
Dark Universe Webpage: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/epic-universe/worlds/dark-universe?__source=PS_C2N0MVDOZG_1921:NoOfferDEST&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwyo60BhBiEiwAHmVLJTPMiM8FWJzIHErJCh5B0zFTl33YbFBSDTtK8JtDLEG7pXOfDtzPwBoCFvoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

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Join us as we navigate the colorful celebrations, heartfelt stories, and amusing personal updates from Ashley's hilarious tech mishaps and "boomer" moments to Dustin's recent travel back home. Our journey through Universal Studios Florida's "Love is Universal" pride merchandise and their year-round commitment to LGBTQ+ representation showcases both creativity and inclusivity. We explore the impact of themed food and drinks, like the Pride Roll and Pride Smoothie, and discuss Disney's historical support for the LGBTQ+ community, spotlighting influential figures such as Imagineer Bob Gurr and writer Howard Ashman. Dive into the historical significance of Gay Days at Disney World, starting as a response to the AIDS pandemic and evolving into a beloved community event.

Resources
Orlando Unplugged Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297840/share
Orlando Pride: https://thecenterorlando.org/
Rose Dynasty Foundation: https://www.rosedynastyfoundationinc.org/
Pineapple Healthcare:  https://www.pineapplehealthcare.com/

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Get ready for a wild ride on this episode of Orlando Unplugged! Ashley opens up about her chaotic Father's Day adventure downtown, where a night of bar hopping led to her losing her phone and experiencing sheer panic. Through laughter and heartfelt moments, we talk about the importance of friendship and staying safe while navigating the ups and downs of a night out. Trust us, you'll be glued to your seat as Ashley recounts every unexpected twist and turn.

Switching gears, we dive into a juicy Reddit "Am I the Asshole?" post that sparks a heated discussion on family dynamics. Imagine being a bride-to-be who feels overshadowed by her sister's pregnancy announcement. We pick apart this emotional scenario, offering candid opinions and advice on how to handle such delicate situations. With humor and thoughtful insights, we explore how communication and setting boundaries can help in balancing shared family milestones and individual celebrations.

Lastly, we tackle some weighty topics about trust and inclusivity within relationships and the LGBTQ+ community. We dissect a listener's dilemma about maintaining a friendship with a gay friend and examine the role of straight allies at Pride events. Wrapping things up, we celebrate the iconic Dolly Parton for her embodiment of Christian values and give a special shoutout to Christine from the Sloppy Taco Palace for her stellar service as our Bartender of the week This episode is packed with emotional reflections, relationship advice, and a whole lot of heart, so don't miss it!

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