From the OBJ:
Generally, secrets are nonexistent in the collegial tourism industry, where everyone knows everyone, and everyone knows something.
That's not the case with Pow Wow. What the area's major theme parks have in store for the 6,000 travel delegates flooding into Orlando remains a riddle.
To recap: Pow Wow is the single most influential gathering of travel professionals. Host cities typically go all-out to make an impression with parties and activities, which could translate into more travel bookings.
Now it's Orlando's turn, and the area's well-known attractions are expected to pull out all the stops.
But details are remarkably sketchy. What is known is that each park will host an after-hours party. Walt Disney's party will be at Epcot. There are some rumors that Sting or the Backstreet Boys will play at the Disney party. The Kennedy Space Center's Visitors Complex party will be at the Saturn V exhibit and will feature astronauts and the Commodores.
That's it.
At least the Travel Industry Association of America is forthcoming about the keynote speaker: Former Vice President Al Gore -- an unusual choice for the Republican-leaning hospitality industry.
No numbers. Pow Wow isn't the only thing that's hush-hush. As a result of the merger with Vivendi, we may never know exactly how Universal Orlando is performing financially.
When it was co-owned by Seagram Co. and Rank Group, the resort's financials were broken out and reported separately from the owners' other interests.
No more. Not only does Vivendi Universal's first quarter report fail to mention Orlando, the only reference to Universal theme parks was the opening of a new attraction in Japan.
Building up. It's taken five years, but construction is under way again on the hotel shell off Universal Boulevard.
Construction halted on the project in 1996, and backers have tried to get it going again ever since. Until now, the big pile of gray cinder block remained untouched. But the hardhats are back, and the 400-room Crowne Plaza at Universal now is planning an opening in April or May of next year.
In other construction news, look for the old King Henry's Feast castle to be torn down soon. The restaurant closed about a year ago when its Las Vegas owners shuttered its Orlando business interests.
Orlando's Darden Restaurants stepped in and bought the prime piece of International Drive real estate.
Now, the company is set to build a new Olive Garden on the property. The restaurant, which will feature the newer "Tuscan Farmhouse" design, is scheduled to open early next year.
Generally, secrets are nonexistent in the collegial tourism industry, where everyone knows everyone, and everyone knows something.
That's not the case with Pow Wow. What the area's major theme parks have in store for the 6,000 travel delegates flooding into Orlando remains a riddle.
To recap: Pow Wow is the single most influential gathering of travel professionals. Host cities typically go all-out to make an impression with parties and activities, which could translate into more travel bookings.
Now it's Orlando's turn, and the area's well-known attractions are expected to pull out all the stops.
But details are remarkably sketchy. What is known is that each park will host an after-hours party. Walt Disney's party will be at Epcot. There are some rumors that Sting or the Backstreet Boys will play at the Disney party. The Kennedy Space Center's Visitors Complex party will be at the Saturn V exhibit and will feature astronauts and the Commodores.
That's it.
At least the Travel Industry Association of America is forthcoming about the keynote speaker: Former Vice President Al Gore -- an unusual choice for the Republican-leaning hospitality industry.
No numbers. Pow Wow isn't the only thing that's hush-hush. As a result of the merger with Vivendi, we may never know exactly how Universal Orlando is performing financially.
When it was co-owned by Seagram Co. and Rank Group, the resort's financials were broken out and reported separately from the owners' other interests.
No more. Not only does Vivendi Universal's first quarter report fail to mention Orlando, the only reference to Universal theme parks was the opening of a new attraction in Japan.
Building up. It's taken five years, but construction is under way again on the hotel shell off Universal Boulevard.
Construction halted on the project in 1996, and backers have tried to get it going again ever since. Until now, the big pile of gray cinder block remained untouched. But the hardhats are back, and the 400-room Crowne Plaza at Universal now is planning an opening in April or May of next year.
In other construction news, look for the old King Henry's Feast castle to be torn down soon. The restaurant closed about a year ago when its Las Vegas owners shuttered its Orlando business interests.
Orlando's Darden Restaurants stepped in and bought the prime piece of International Drive real estate.
Now, the company is set to build a new Olive Garden on the property. The restaurant, which will feature the newer "Tuscan Farmhouse" design, is scheduled to open early next year.
