This week we complete our October in Florida Halloween Trilogy and take you on a road trip of famously haunted places full of ghost stories and creepy occurrences. This show includes: Hurricane Michael and how you can help. https://www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf/ Spaceship Earth at Epcot closing for two years for renovation and reimagining. Thank you's and shoutout's to Patreon supporters. A haunted Florida road trip The Lodge at Wakulla Springs Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine Don Ce...
Oct 15, 2018•55 min•Ep 51•Transcript available on Metacast This week we keep the Halloween and haunted house theme alive, as we play some Haunted Mansion trivia! How much do you know about one of the Magic Kingdom's most popular and iconic attractions? You might learn some secrets and little known facts about this home for 999 happy haunts! This show includes: Forever Florida closes without warning. Weeki Wachee Mermaids will be performing at Sea Life Orlando for a limited time. How to support the podcast. www.SunshineStatePodcast.com https://www.patreo...
Oct 08, 2018•50 min•Ep 50•Transcript available on Metacast October is finally here! And that means lots of scary events and haunts all around the state. We list and discuss some of the most frightful events in Florida to get you ready for Halloween. This show includes: Infiniti Falls will finally be opening this week at Sea World What's going on with Gwazi at Busch Gardens. Best Halloween events in Florida The Haunt at Old Town in Kissimmee https://myoldtownusa.com/events/haunt-old-town Petrified Forest Scare Trail in Altamonte Springs https://www.apetr...
Oct 01, 2018•43 min•Ep 49•Transcript available on Metacast This Saturday was Museum Day, where many museums across the country open their doors for free. So we checked out the Tampa Bay History Center in downtown Tampa, then on Sunday hit up another free event, the Tampa Bay Lightning Fan Fest. This show includes: We visted the the Tampa Bay Lightning Fan Fest on Sunday. Two more long time Disney attractions are set to close. We checked and review the Tampa Bay History Center for Museum Day. https://www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/ Contact us! Website: ww...
Sep 24, 2018•45 min•Ep 48•Transcript available on Metacast Our weekends planned boating trip was cancelled due to this summers especially nasty Gulf Coast red tide, so let's talk about a new roller coaster coming next year to Busch Gardens, attendance levels at Sea World, and a new addition to the world famous rocket garden at Kennedy Space Center. This show includes: We caught a case of the Red Tide Blues this weekend. Here's a link to the latest information on which beaches are effected. http://myfwc.com/redtidestatus A new launch coaster is revealed ...
Sep 17, 2018•37 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast The Florida State Park system introduces it's "Every Stamp is a Story" passport stamp collection game, and then we discuss all the new rumored Nintendo themed rides and attractions coming to Universal Studios. Are you ready for some real life Mario Kart? We are! This show includes: Florida State Park system's "Every Stamp is a Story" passport challenge https://www.floridastateparks.org/every-stamp-story-program New details emerging on Universal's plans for new attracions based on Nintendo classi...
Sep 10, 2018•40 min•Ep 46•Transcript available on Metacast This show includes: Disney announces that the new Star Wars Galaxy's Edge will include the infamous cantina bar. Hurricane season looks like it might start to ramp up. We talk about our visit to Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival. Contact us! Website: www.SunshineStatePodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com...
Sep 03, 2018•48 min•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast Shannon talks about her recent trip to Tallahasee and some hidden gems she discovered in Florida's capital. Then we go through a list of more hidden gems all over the state and talk about our experiences at some of them. This show includes: Shannon visits MoMo's Pizza and Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahasee https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Maclay-Gardens We talk about a list we found online called "14 More Hidden Gems In Florida That Everyone Must Visit" https://www.onlyinyou...
Aug 27, 2018•48 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast Halloween events are already getting started around Florida. Too soon? A long running show at Universal's Islands of Adventures comes to an end. Then we talk about and review our recent cruise aboard the Carnival Sensation out of Miami. This show includes: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween opens at the Magic Kingdom New haunted houses planned for Universal's Halloween Horror Nights. Eighth Voyage of Sinbad’ to close at Universal’s Islands of Adventure https://attractionsmagazine.com/sinbad-show-cl...
Aug 20, 2018•47 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast This week we visited the newly opened Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios! We talk about what we liked, what we didn't, and how we think this new themed area impacts the overall experience at Hollywood Studios. This show includes: Review and discussion about Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios. Contact us! Website: www.SunshineStatePodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com...
Aug 13, 2018•41 min•Ep 42•Transcript available on Metacast This week we take on the other side of the debate and look at Walt Disney World to talk about some the things we think makes Walt Disney World the better experience over Universal Studios. This show includes: What does Walt Disney World do better than Universal Studios discussion. Contact us! Website: www.SunshineStatePodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com...
Aug 06, 2018•36 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Contact us! Website: www.SunshineStatePodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com...
Jul 30, 2018•45 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast 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/...
Jul 23, 2018•48 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast 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 The country's first underwater museum ...
Jul 16, 2018•45 min•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration nighttime lagoon show makes its debut https://attractionsmagazine.c...
Jul 09, 2018•37 min•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast 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 An overnight visit to Wakulla Springs State Park and the (haunted?) Lodge at Wakulla Springs. Great Florida State Parks for Summertime Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Blackwater River State Park Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State...
Jul 02, 2018•42 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Florida Officials Approve Plan to Build Largest U.S. Mall https://www.wsj.com/articles/florida-officials-approve...
Jun 25, 2018•44 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast 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 New details on Harry Potter roller coast...
Jun 18, 2018•38 min•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast 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: Sharky's at the Pier in Venice voted Florida's best beach bar https://www.floridabeachbar.com/2018-award-winner Norwegian Bliss cruise ship, with Go-Karts, Laser Tag, and a crazy scary water slide to sail out of...
Jun 11, 2018•40 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast This week we visited Adventure Island waterpark in Tampa, then talk about some lesser known beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast. More speculation and details emerged this week about the rumored third major theme park from Universal Orlando, and we discuss some of our own ideas we'd like to see in the new park. This show includes: Adventure Island waterpark discussion Travel & Leisure article - "These State Parks Have All the Beauty of National Parks — and None of the Crowds" http://www.travelandleis...
Jun 04, 2018•40 min•Ep 32•Transcript available on Metacast We learned that one of the things on our " Summer of 2018 Florida Bucket List " has hit a little snag, talk about Disney food, then get into a detailed review of Legoland Florida. We discuss the rides, the atmosphere, the water park, and if it's worth the price of a ticket. This show includes: Opening for massive man-made lagoon on hold for now. http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/opening-for-massive-man-made-lagoon-on-hold-for-now The food at Pixar Fest https://www.buzzfeed.com/keelyflaher...
May 28, 2018•45 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast We breakdown and discuss a list we found online titled "The 11 worst tourist traps in Florida and where to go instead", offering our own take and opinions of some of these places that made the list. This show includes: Wallethub's 2018’s Best Summer Travel Destinations https://wallethub.com/edu/best-summer-travel-destinations/3792 Beer and Wine expands at the Magic Kingdom https://www.eater.com/2018/5/18/17368102/disney-world-alcohol-sit-down-restaurants "The 11 worst tourist traps in Florida an...
May 21, 2018•42 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast In our first "Florida Face-off" we compare Florida's two premiere zoological theme parks; Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom and Busch Gardens Tampa. Which park has the better rides and attractions? Better theming and atmosphere? Better animal exhibits? And which park offers the most value for your money? This battle turned out to be a lot closer than we expected! Let us know your thoughts, or recommend a "Florida Faceoff" that you'd like us to discuss in the future. Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Fol...
May 14, 2018•46 min•Ep 29•Transcript available on Metacast A trip to Walt Disney World is certainly not cheap; admission, hotels, food, drinks, all that stuff can add up to a lot in a hurry! But there are a few ways to help take some of the pressure off your wallet when you visit. As a couple of Florida theme park veterans and annual pass holders, we've learned a few tricks over the years to make our own visits a little less expensive, and in this episode we're going to share a little of what we know with you. This show includes: Universal Orlando is of...
May 07, 2018•42 min•Ep 28•Transcript available on Metacast Sea World announces a new Sesame Street land for Spring of 2019, free beer returns to Busch Gardens, and "Fast & Furious: Supercharged" at Universal Studio opens to lukewarm reviews. We also visit Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park in Port Richey for a kayaking trip that included a close encounter with a pod of dolphins. Sea World's new Sesame Street land is on the way for Spring of 2019 https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2018/05/02/seaworlds-sesame-street-will-open-in-orlando-spring...
Apr 30, 2018•32 min•Ep 27•Transcript available on Metacast Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World turns 20 years old this week! To celebrate we list off twenty fun facts that you might not have known about the park; like what happens to all that elephant poop? And what's really at the center of the Tree of Life? Link to YouTube video mentioned on this episode: Ten Things you didn't know about Disney's Animal Kingdom - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4hiZ3aMgfk Contact us! Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Follow us on Facebook Email: SunshineStatePodcast@gmail.com...
Apr 23, 2018•39 min•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast We traveled the state from coast to coast to find destinations all over Florida that native (and transplanted!) Floridians would rather keep to themselves. These are the non-Disney Worlds, the lesser known gems that aren't advertised all over those tourist brochures you see in the hotel lobby. These are Ten Amazing Places Floridians Don't Want You to Know About. Link to the YouTube video that we reference to give you a look at each of of these locations; https://youtu.be/Rjro7-6bkUI Lake Jesup, ...
Apr 19, 2018•52 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast We each came up with a list of the top five things we want to do around Florida this Summer, and reveal them to each other here. We look forward to reporting back, reviewing and sharing our experiences with these as the Summer of 2018 gets rolling. Link to mentioned Washington Post article about St. Petersburg Once-sleepy St. Petersburg, Fla., awakens with vibrant arts and nightlife scenes World's tallest swing, the StarFlyer soon to open in Orlando http://www.wfla.com/news/florida/worlds-talles...
Apr 18, 2018•33 min•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast We love the theme parks of Central Florida, but there are a handful of attractions that we would rather see bulldozed, updated, or replaced with something better. We discuss which attractions we'd like to see retired, and suggest some updates we'd like to see to improve others. The story of Alien Encounter. www.themeparktourist.com/features/20150310/30034/depth-retrospective-extraterrorestrial-alien-encounter Do you have your own "Least Favorites"? Let us know your thoughts and opinions! Email: ...
Apr 17, 2018•41 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Universal Studios Florida just began showing off their new Fast & Furious: Supercharged attraction during technical rehearsals this week before the grand opening in May. What do we think of Universal's decision to base a major attraction around this franchise? Does Universal Orlando rely too heavily on motion simulator rides? And we discuss, debate, and list our favorite motion simulator rides across Central Florida. Thanks to @thetimtracker for giving us all a sneak peak of the new ride during ...
Apr 16, 2018•43 min•Ep 24•Transcript available on Metacast 
