Theme Park Rangers

It has been a huge year for Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. The Theme Park Rangers discuss the highs and lows of Central Florida’s attractions in 2019.

• Favorite story of the year (1:10)
• When big news finally happens (2:28)
• Two major attractions open (3:21)
• Virtual line: Disney vs. Universal (4:17)\
• Sesame Street at SeaWorld (5:01)
• Disney outlaws smoking in parks (5:59)
• Pet peeve of the year (7:53)
• Breaking news (9:16)
• Leadership changes at SeaWorld, Disney (11:48)
• New fireworks shows at Disney parks (12:38)
• Favorite 2019 memory (17:28)

We challenged our panel to compile a list of Disney World's 10 best rides. Orlando Sentinel theme park reporters Gabrielle Russon and Dewayne Bevil, with Attractions Magazine publisher Matt Roseboom, discuss their favorite rides. Listen to find out where Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance landed and what iconic ride was omitted.

• The ground rules (1:15)
• No. 10 – Animatronics vs. real life (2:13)
• No. 9 – Family-friendly thrills (5:15)
• No. 8 – The gloves come off (7:38)
• No. 7 – Old-school favs (10:19)
• No. 6 – Politically correct vs. not so much (12:23)
• No. 5 – A mixed bag (15:45)
• No. 4 – Sentimental attachment (19:16)
• No. 3 – Three-way tie (22:09)
• No. 2 – A disagreement (23:20)
• No. 1 – The best Disney ride is … (24:55)
• Worst rides (28:27)
• Last chance to make adjustments (31:26)

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Disney’s new ‘Star Wars’ ride is open and the Theme Park Rangers have returned from Batuu, the base planet of the parks’ Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area, with tales of their journey on the new attraction.

Surprises (2:00)

“It’s massive” (3:14)

Technological masterpiece and challenge (5:00)

"It’s huge and its intimate” (9:08)

AT-ATs up close (11:11)

The drop – how scary? (13:46)

The most memorable parts (16:32)

Advice for those going to ride s

Universal Orlando’s holiday favorites are back ... with a few tweaks.

“The keeper of Christmastime” (:57)

Christmas tradition with a twist (4:10)

What’s new at “Grinchmas"? (4:57)

The evolution of Grinchmas (8:38)

Harry Potter Christmas: decor, projection show (9:34)

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s (11:34)

Mannheim Steamroller concerts (13:25)

Balancing Halloween Horror Nights and holidays (16:00)

“The coolest job in the universe” (18:47)

Every aspect of the theme park industry is on display at the IAAPA Expo. Theme park reporter Dewayne Bevil and tech reporter Marco Santana discuss exhibits that stood out at this members-only event.

Tech - games, virtual reality, simulators (3:08)

Rollercoaster vehicles unveiled (8:33)

Let it snow, let it snow, no no no! (12:37)

Axe throwing – for kids? (14:48)

Tech aims to be bigger and better (18:10)

Sustainable water playground (20:04)

The gamification of everything (22:57)

Christmas is in full swing at Walt Disney World. The Orlando Sentinel's Dewayne Bevil and John Saccheri, who runs bigfatpanda.com, break down all the new experiences (fireworks, rides with 'holiday twists' and adorable puppets) and some old favorites.

Minnie’s fireworks show (3:23)

Rides with ‘holiday twist’ (5:21)

Exclusive desserts (7:28)

Animal Kingdom: 'It’s amazing’ (15:11)

Pandora welcomes the holiday (21:23)

Christmas in Star Wars land? (24:45)

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail (

Amy Drew Thompson dishes on the latest food news at Disney World with theme park reporter Dewayne Bevil. 

Most recent noshes at Disney World (1:44)

Disney embraces plant-based-dining in a big way (5:12)

New Epcot Food & Wine Festival additions (9:18)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge simplifies menu names (15:55)

Pumpkin spice hot dogs? The jokes on us (20:34)

‘Frozen 2’ sweets on the horizon (23:30)

Faron Kelley, vice president of Disney Sports, dishes on runDisney events, the new marathon course, coveted medals, Disney songs that will motivate and the infamous Balloon Ladies.

Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (:24)

Runner swag (1:57)

Tips for new runners (4:13)

Balancing your vacation and race (5:20)

Marathon Weekend: A new course (6:42)

Dopey Challenge (9:13)

The Balloon Ladies (12:48)

Star Wars Rival Run Weekend (14:05)

Disney songs for playlist (19:38)

With the the Halloween season nearing its end, the Theme Park Rangers focus on family-friendly events: SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins, Legoland’s Brick or Treat, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom.

 

SeaWorld’s Spooktacular (2:06)

Legoland Brick or Treat (8:03)

Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins (10:42)

Mickey’s Not So Scary (14:31)

Christmas is already here?!? (21:31)

Theme park headlines: Universal announces ‘Bourne Stuntacular,' Disney Skyliner reopens, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ bar debuts, Gatorland opens White Gator Swamp, six James Bonds at Madame Tussauds, and how much does it cost to eat one of every item at the Epcot Food & Wine Fest?

Universal’s ‘Bourne Stuntacular’ (4:18)

Disney Skyliner reopens (6:38)

‘Beauty and the Beast’ bar (9:14)

Gatorland opens White Gator Swamp (10:41)

James Bond x 6 at Madame Tussauds (13:47)

Epcot Food & Wine fes