Latest news with #SevenDwarfsMineTrain
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Thrill ride manufacturer who made rides for Walt Disney World and Universal opens HQ in Orlando
Get ready for even more innovation in the world of theme park thrills! Vekoma Rides, the global powerhouse responsible for designing and manufacturing some of the most iconic roller coasters and attractions worldwide, has officially opened its new and expanded Americas headquarters right here in Orlando. Known for their cutting-edge designs and quality engineering, Vekoma has been a key player in the attractions industry for decades. You've likely experienced their magic firsthand on popular Orlando rides like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the exhilarating TRON Lightcycle Run at Walt Disney World, as well as the Freedom Flyer at Fun Spot America and Flight of the Hippogriff at Universal Orlando. Company CEO Anne-Mart Agerbeek emphasized the strategic importance of this move, stating, 'We are a company. We are making roller coasters, but also other attractions, and we are really happy to do so.' She further noted Orlando's central role in the industry, saying, 'Well, this is the place to be for our industry.' The new headquarters, located in downtown Orlando, signifies Vekoma's commitment to the growing America's market and will allow them to be closer to their clients. This expansion is also expected to bring new job opportunities to the Orlando region over the next 18 months. The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) played a crucial role in facilitating Vekoma's move to the City Beautiful. According to OEP President and CEO Tim Giuliani, 'They chose Orlando to put their American headquarters here in downtown Orlando.' This exciting development underscores Orlando's position as the undisputed Theme Park Capital of the World, not just for the incredible experiences it offers visitors, but also as a hub for the innovative companies that power the magic behind the scenes. Stay tuned to our website for more updates on Vekoma Rides and the exciting future of Orlando's attractions industry. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I wore this $12 belt bag at Disney World and it made my visit so much easier
If you're a frequent Disney-goer, like me, you absolutely need a belt bag. In a bout of midlife-crisis nostalgia some years back, I returned to Walt Disney World for my 40th birthday for the first time in two decades, and I've found myself there multiple times a year, ever since. I am no novice. And I can tell you, you need to lighten your load as much as possible for a full day in the parks. I just returned from a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth, and this time I brought with me an amazing life hack I will never go without: the Ododos Mini Belt Bag, and it's just $12 at Amazon (price varies by color). The affordable belt bag looks and functions just like a certain Lululemon version. I can tell you that it's essentially the same, sans logo. And, yes, I am officially a convert. Here's the skinny: The Ododos is the same size as Lulu's wildly popular belt bag and has similar dividers and pockets. It features a large mesh pocket inside that fits any size phone and two smaller mesh pockets, which were perfect for my lip balm and hand sanitizer. Another zipper pocket on the exterior sits close to your body, ideal for credit cards or your phone. This little wonder was so spacious that it even fit a small water bottle. (Not shown: my sunglasses and a half-eaten churro.) The other feature I love is its ability to easily adjust from a fanny pack to a shoulder bag. The strap lengthens when I want it over the shoulder, which was a good option when going on certain rides, like Thunder Mountain or the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. More importantly, it was comfortable for both me and Eeyore, but I regress ... I mean, digress. Really, I barely noticed I was wearing it, so light is this bag! The strap is wide enough that it's comfortable and stable — no digging into your shoulder or hip. An unobtrusive bag, yet everything was at my fingertips when I needed it. I opted for black, so it would blend in, but it comes in a bevy of beautiful colors — 44 shades to be exact! I might just get another. My traveling companion, age 11, wore this bag at times, as well, and the size fit him just as comfortably. He commented, "I love this bag," on more than one occasion, allowing him to carry his own set of necessities, like water, a snack and Mickey Mouse lip balm. I'll be taking this belt bag with me on all of my vacations going forward, for sure. I give it five stars — I couldn't find any flaws! Just like Disney World itself, it allows you to live in the moment and hakuna matata. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
