Sunshine State of Mind

Latest Episodes:

Why Walt Disney World is better than Universal Studios Aug 06, 2018

Show notes

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

Why Universal Studios is better than Walt Disney World Jul 30, 2018

Show notes

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

How to celebrate Shark Week in Florida Jul 23, 2018

Show notes

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/
Giant goliath grouper eats shark in one gulp (video)
- https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article215224205.html
Texas woman arrested for taking 40 live conch shells in Key West.
- https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/florida-keys/article215027715.html
It's Shark Week! Our best places in Florida to experience and see sharks in the Sunshine State.
Sharkys on the Pier in Venice, FL - voted best beach bar in Florida.
- https://www.floridabeachbar.com/sharkys-on-the-pier
Caspersen Beach in Venice, FL - "Shark Tooth Capital of the World"
- https://www.visitsarasota.com/parks/caspersen-beach-park
New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County - "Shark Attack Capital of the World"
- http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/20180206/volusia-county-remains-world-shark-bite-capital
Shark-Con - yearly shark, scuba, and ocean conservation event
- http://shark-con.com/
Florida Aquarium in Tampa, FL
- https://www.flaquarium.org/
MOTE Marine Labratory & Aquarium in Sarasota, FL
- https://mote.org
Florida Shark Diving in Jupiter, FL
- http://floridasharkdiving.com
Contact us!
Website: www.SunshineStatePodcast.com
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast
Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com

See planes, Sea World, and Undersea Art Jul 16, 2018

Show notes

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 of art is now open off the coast of Florida
- https://umafl.org/the-nations-first-underwater-museum-of-art-is-officially-open/
Watch 'Jaws' on the water in South Florida
- http://www.southflorida.com/events/sf-jaws-shark-movie-screenings-dania-beach-miami-20180712-story.html
Sea World quietly removes ticket perk for Discovery Cove
- http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2018/07/discovery-cove-tickets-no-longer.html
New details on Disney's Florida Resident Theme Park Select annual pass option
We visit and review the Florida Air Museum in Lakeland
- https://www.flysnf.org/ace/
Contact us!
Website: www.SunshineStatePodcast.com
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast
Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com

Taking flight on the Orlando Starflyer Jul 09, 2018

Show notes

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.com/universal-orlando-cinematic-celebration-debut
Walt Disney World Introduces New Annual Pass option for Florida residents
- http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2018/07/walt-disney-world-introduces-new-annual.html
A visit to ICON Orlando 360
Orlando StarFlyer Review

Contact us!
Website: www.SunshineStatePodcast.com
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast
Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com

Florida Summertime State Parks Jul 02, 2018

Show notes

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 Park
- John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
- Cayo Costa State park
- Caladesi Island State Park
- Egmont Key State Park
- Sebastian Inlet State Park
- Honeymoon Island State Park
Contact us!
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Follow us on Facebook
Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com

Florida Face-Off: Blizzard Beach vs. Typhoon Lagoon Jun 25, 2018

Show notes

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-plan-to-build-largest-u-s-mall-1529406001
Blizzard Beach vs. Typhoon Lagoon debate and discussion
Follow us on Facebook
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Instagram: sunshinestatepodcast
Email: Contact@SunshineStatePodcast.com

Jellyfish & Fireworks: Fourth of July in Florida Jun 18, 2018

Show notes

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 coaster at Universal Island of Adventure
- http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-et-universal-harry-potter-roller-coaster-20180612-story.html
- Track layout and details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Q9-CG8AxM
Our Fourth of July tradition at Siesta Beach
More Fourth of July celebrations across Florida
- https://www.floridatravellife.com/articles/4th-july-celebrations-florida
Panama City Beach: Star Spangled Spectacular
Napes fireworks at the pier
Key West: The Key Lime Festival
Fourth of July at Florida State League minor league ballparks
Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival
- http://sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org/
Contact us!
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Follow us on Facebook
Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com

Topgolf review, beach bars, and a crazy new cruise ship. Jun 11, 2018

Show notes

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 Miami this fall.
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-07/go-karts-on-deck-19-laser-tag-coax-cruisers-to-open-wallets
- https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/norwegian-bliss-cruise-ship-review
New Roaring Springs water ride opens at ZooTampa
- https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/roaring-springs-brings-old-florida-charm-cool-thrills-to-zoo-tampa/67-561943894
We visit and review Topgolf
- http://www.topgolf.com
Contact Us!
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Follow us on Facebook
Email: Contact@SunshineStatePodcast.com

Coming soon? Universal Orlando's new theme park Jun 04, 2018

Show notes

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.travelandleisure.com/attractions/parks-gardens/uncrowded-state-parks-for-summer
- Cayo Costa State Park
Outside Magazine article - "North America's 16 Best, Most Overlooked Beaches"
- https://www.outsideonline.com/2312091/coast-clear
- Gasparilla Island
- Loggerhead Key
New rumored "Star Trek Land" could be part of Universal's plans for new park
- https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2018/05/29/everything-we-know-about-universal-orlandos-heavily-rumored-star-trek-area
Contact Us!
Twitter: @FloridaPodcast
Follow us on Facebook
Email: SunshineStatePodcast@gmail.com

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected