Universal parks chairman honored
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions inducted Tom Williams, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Parks and Resorts, into its hall of fame Wednesday during its IAAPA Attractions Expo.
Williams was on the opening team for Universal Orlando in Florida, which opened in 1990. Williams was named park president soon after the gates opened.
As head of Universal Parks & Resorts, he has led the teams that developed destinations in Hollywood, Orlando, Singapore, and Japan.
“Williams’ leadership and commitment to innovation have inspired his teams and an entire industry to develop amazing attractions and experiences for park-goers,” IAAPA said in a news release.
Also inducted were Fred Hollingsworth III, founder and former president of Omni Films International Inc., and Jack Lindquist of Disneyland.
Hollingsworth is the manufacturer behind Cinema 180 and Motion Master, two high-capacity, large-format, 70 mm point-ofview, film-based attractions for fairs, family entertainment centers, theme parks, and amusement parks.
Lindquist, a marketer, is known for creating Disney Dollars, giving away cars to Disneyland guests, and creating the “I’m going to Disneyland!” Super Bowl commercial.
Local attractions pick up IAAPA awards
Central Florida attractions garnered few of the Brass Ring Awards that were presented this week at the IAAPA’s expo this week at Orange County Convention Center.
The honors recognize many aspects of the tourism industry, ranging from souvenirs to marketing and new shows.
Orlando’s Holy Land Experience was a recipient in the retail category of hard good (under 1 million attendance) for its Noah’s Ark plush with removable animals.
Lake Mary’s Chalk Twins — Devon and Lexi Fulmer — were awarded best expo exhibit in the 100-199 square foot category. (They tied with Honolulu Hot Dogs of Hegins, Pa.)
Busch Gardens in Tampa was award for its “Opening Night Critters” show, named best edutainment performance act. Sally Corp. of Jacksonville was given the Impact Award, which “recognizes the best new product or service in the amusement parks and attractions industry.”
In the new products category, Indian Harbour Beach’s Water Safety Products Inc. won for its Big Easy Rescue Breathing Mask.
No attractions within Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando won 2015 Brass Rings, but some cousins were recognized. “Paint the Night,” presented at Disneyland in California and Hong Kong Disneyland, won for best multimedia spectacular, and “King Triton’s Concert” at Tokyo DisneySea nabbed the prize for best overall production with a budget of more than $1 million. Flash Band Beat of Universal Studios Japan was recognized as best overall production ($50,001-$100,000).
New records for state’s tourism
Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Visit Florida announced Florida set another record in tourism by welcoming the highest number of visitors of any nine months in the state’s history with 79.1 million visitors — a 5.5 percent increase over the previous year. In the third quarter of 2015, 25.5 million visi- tors came to the state, an increase of 6.8 percent over 2014 and Florida’s largest third quarter for visitation ever.
The average number of direct travel-related jobs in quarter three was also a record high, with 1.2 million Floridians employed in the tourism industry — up 5.2 percent over the same period last year.
Epcot Flower & Garden fest expands
The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World will expand from 75 days to 90 next year. It will run from March 2 to May 30.
Making their topiary debut at the park’s front entrance will be Donald Duck’s nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie along with Donald and Daisy. And to celebrate the