Overheard in Orlando: King Kong and Kesha

Tall, Dark and Hairy
Although this sounds like the headline for a Scruff or Grindr profile, we’re just describing the new resident arriving at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong is a brand new attraction nestled in between Island’s Toon Lagoon (which really hasn’t seen much progress since the park’s opening) and Jurassic Park.

The multi-sensory immersive attraction has guests boarding a 1930s truck to explore depths of the jungles of the mythical Skull Island which happens to be loaded with prehistoric creatures, including the big guy himself. Think of a spin-off of the King Kong movie remake’s first act.

Universal recently announced that, unlike the Hollywood version, riders will encounter a fully functioning animatronic version of Kong, where they said you can feel his breath on your skin. The new attraction is set to open this summer with a rumored soft opening in the coming weeks. Hopefully this will happen by Gay Days weekend. The anticipation has us going bananas!

Keeping it Kesha
Hey Crazy Kids, it was rumored, then retracted, then rumored, well – Tik Tok – it has finally been confirmed: Kesha is coming to Central Florida for Gay Days via One Magical Weekend on Saturday, June 4.

It’s a big get for OMW, and we’re super excited. Tickets are going fast for the party that returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Visit www.OneMagicalWeekend.com for details and tickets for “The Main Event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios” and other One Magical Weekend events.

Milk and cereal
The 4th Annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast has a serious mission: to recognize those fighting for LGBT equality and encourage other advocates to do the same. But there were some laughs. Orlando attorney and LGBT advocate Mary Meeks, who was honored with the Champion of Equality Award, realized that she was wearing the same suit to the breakfast that she wore in her official photo that was projected onto the screen during her speech. Meeks had the crowd roaring when she said it was “embarrassing… even for a lesbian,” and jokingly chastised her wife, Vicki Nantz, for allowing it to happen. The event’s other humorous moment was a little more cringe-worthy, when Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan remarked that Florida’s Legislature “isn’t the most enlightened.” Representative Darren Soto put his hands up in the air and retorted, “Hey, how many [LGBT-friendly] bills do I have to sponsor?” Patty’s remarks were during her speech honoring Mayor Buddy Dyer, recipient of the LGBT Lifetime Achievement Award and about whom Patty confessed, “Mayor Buddy Dyer is my longest relationship.”

Bear Bustin’
Bear Bust is still several months away, but they just announced that the UK bear with the beautiful voice, Paul M. will be appearing in October. Known for his covers, Paul has been a big hit across the pond. Bear Bust 2016 will run from October 20 – 24.

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