Sunshine State of Mind

This week we focus on Universal Studios in Orlando to list, discuss (and argue!) about some of the things that we think Universal Studios does better than Walt Disney World.  What do you think?  Let us know!  

This show includes:

• What does Universal Studios do better than Walt Disney World discussion.

It's that time of year again...Shark Week!  In this episode we share some recent sharky news from our shark surrounded state, and then list off some great places around Florida to experience sharks; either through glass, on a boat, in the water, or just with a cocktail in your hand on the beach.  

This show includes:

• Florida researchers discover new shark species, name it for founder of Sarasota's MOTE Marine Labratory & Aquarium

• https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2018/07/17/new-shark-species-genies-dogfish-squalus-clarkae/788109002/

• https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article215224205.html

• https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/florida-keys/article215027715.html

• https://www.floridabeachbar.com/sharkys-on-the-pier

• https://www.visitsarasota.com/parks/caspersen-beach-park

• http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/20180206/volusia-county-remains-world-shark-bite-capital

• http://shark-con.com/

• https://www.flaquarium.org/

• https://mote.org

• http://floridasharkdiving.com

This week we visited John’s Pass in Madiera Beach, and stopped in to review the Florida Air Museum in Lakeland, one of those "brown sign on the interstate attractions" that you might have driven past a hundred times.  We also discuss a bunch of water themed news, from a new underwater art museum in the Panhandle to an exciting new way to celebrate "Shark Week".  It's a packed show!

This show includes:

• A trip to Madiera Beach & John's Pass

• http://johnspass.com

• https://umafl.org/the-nations-first-underwater-museum-of-art-is-officially-open/

• http://www.southflorida.com/events/sf-jaws-shark-movie-screenings-dania-beach-miami-20180712-story.html

• http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2018/07/discovery-cove-tickets-no-longer.html

• https://www.flysnf.org/ace/

We talk about how we spent Fourth of July this year and give our thoughts on Walt Disney Worlds new Florida resident annual pass option. Then we checked the box on one of our Summer Bucket List items this weekend by taking a ride on the Orlando Starflyer, and give our full review on this massive new attraction in Orlando.

This show includes:

• Fourth of July at Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota

• https://attractionsmagazine.com/universal-orlando-cinematic-celebration-debut

• http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2018/07/walt-disney-world-introduces-new-annual.html

• Contact us!

The brand new Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios has finally opened this week, and then we discuss some of Florida's State Parks to visit during the hot Florida summer.

This show includes:

• New Toy Story Land finally opens up Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios

• Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

It's already deep into June and the weather here is heating up!  So we think it's time for a Disney World waterpark war!  It's another Florida Face-Off between both of the Walt Disney World waterparks, Blizzard Beach vs. Typhoon Lagoon.  We compare both parks based on water rides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and overall atmosphere.

This show includes:

• The Busch Gardens parking lot situation

• https://www.wsj.com/articles/florida-officials-approve-plan-to-build-largest-u-s-mall-1529406001 

A jellyfish invasion hits Florida's East Coast beaches, new details are coming out on the upcoming Harry Potter roller coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure, our favorite 4th of July destination and where else to find Florida fun this 4th of July.

This show includes:

• Over 1,200 people stung as jellyfish bloom invades Florida's East Coast

• https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/state/1-200-florida-beach-goers-stung-by-jellyfish-within-days-local-officials

• http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-et-universal-harry-potter-roller-coaster-20180612-story.html

• https://www.floridatravellife.com/articles/4th-july-celebrations-florida

• http://sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org/

This week we visited and review Topgolf Tampa, with locations all over Florida, it's a lot more than just a driving range.  We also discuss some great Florida beach bars, a new attraction at ZooTampa, and an incredible new cruise ship will soon be sailing out of Miami.

This show includes:

• https://www.floridabeachbar.com/2018-award-winner

• https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-07/go-karts-on-deck-19-laser-tag-coax-cruisers-to-open-wallets

• https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/roaring-springs-brings-old-florida-charm-cool-thrills-to-zoo-tampa/67-561943894

• http://www.topgolf.com