Join Holli, a longtime Universal enthusiast and dedicated travel professional, as she takes you on an exciting journey through the magic of Universal Orlando. In each episode, you’ll discover the latest news, practical tips, and hidden gems that will elevate your next visit.If you’re a seasoned park-goer or just starting to explore the wonders of Universal, Holli’s insights and insider knowledge will empower you to plan an unforgettable adventure.From in-depth reviews and expert advice to an ...
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What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions United Methodist team in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those neglected by the conventional forms of church.
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18. Unlocking Express: Your Key to Shorter Lines at Universal Orlando
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10:46Send us a text Ever stared at a list of Universal Orlando Express Passes and thought, “Wait… what do I actually need?” You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down every type of Express Pass—from the basic single-park add-ons to the multi-day options that (finally) include Epic Universe. We’ll talk perks, pitfalls, and the planning hacks th…
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17. Your Epic Universal Questions Answered - Volume 1 | Universal Orlando
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19:41Send us a text New Park. New Questions. From Express Pass dilemmas to the great Single Rider debate, we’re diving into YOUR Epic Universe questions – the ones you texted me. Is Express really worth the splurge? Should you brave Super Nintendo World first or zig when everyone else zags? And what’s the secret to squeezing the most out of just one day…
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16. Beyond the Thrills: Unlocking Universal Orlando for the Chill-Seekers
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15:24Send us a text Think Universal Orlando is just for coaster fanatics and thrill junkies? Think again. In this episode, Holli is unlocking the slower, softer, still-magical side of Universal—designed for those who’d rather wave a wand than white-knuckle a ride. From immersive Wizarding World experiences and live entertainment to resort relaxation, ge…
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15. Unlocking Epic Universe: My First Visit - Celestial Park, Dark Universe & What I Didn’t Expect |Universal Orlando
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10:04Send us a text 🎆Get a No-Obligation Quote HERE! My Epic Universe plans didn’t exactly go as expected—and that turned out to be the best thing ever. In this first episode of my new mini-series, Unlocking Epic, I take you inside my first visit to Universal Orlando’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe. I’ll walk you through my original strategy (spoi…
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14. Planning 101: How Many Days Do You Need for Universal Orlando Now with Epic?
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18:27Send us a text Four parks. Almost a dozen hotels. Endless opinions on Facebook. Now that Epic Universe is joining the party, the answer to the big planning question has changed: How many days do you actually need to experience Universal Orlando? In this episode, we unlock it all—from realistic park pacing to hotel perks, Volcano Bay myths, one of m…
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13. Epic By the Numbers | Universal Orlando's Biggest Leap Yet!
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9:41Send us a text How big is Epic Universe? Big enough to need new roads, new hotels, and a whole new way of thinking about theme parks. In this episode, we’re breaking it all down—from acreage to animatronics, portals to power grids—with the jaw-dropping numbers that prove Universal isn’t just opening a park... they’re launching a universe. You’ll he…
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12. Universal Orlando for the Senses: Unlocking the Magic of Immersion
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17:53Send us a text What is it that makes Universal Orlando so unforgettable? It’s not just the thrill rides or epic IPs—it’s how the parks feel. In this episode, we're diving into the sights, sounds, scents, tastes, and tactile touches that turn a simple visit into full-on sensory immersion. From butterbeer mustaches to the roar of the T-Rex, join me a…
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11. Don't Let These 3 Myths Sabotage Your Dream Trip | Universal Orlando
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17:46Send us a text In this episode of Unlocking Universal, Holli dives into three significant myths that might be ruining your Universal Orlando vacation plans. Discover why the traditional 'slow season' no longer exists and how year-round promotions and changing school schedules affect crowd levels. Learn why Universal is much more than just a collect…
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10. Single-Day Epic Universe Tickets Are Here—What You Need to Know
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12:17Send us a text Epic Universe is opening in just 70 days—and now, single-day tickets are available for everyone! But before you hit that “buy now” button, let’s talk strategy. In this episode, I’ll break down why booking a package is still the smartest move (hint: Early Park Access is a BIG deal). Plus, I’ll share sample itineraries for both a full-…
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9. Butterbeer Season Returns; More Powerful Wands, and Epic Universe Myths Busted
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31:22Send us a text Not everything is as it seems... Magic is evolving, monsters are stirring, and some of the biggest stories about Universal’s next chapter? They’re just plain wrong.In this episode, we’re diving into Butterbeer Season at Universal Orlando—celebrating the Wizarding World’s most iconic brew with new treats, exclusive collectibles, and a…
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8. More New Fun Coming in 2025 as Volcano Bay Nights & Horror Unleashed Opening Date Announced | Universal Orlando and Las Vegas
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19:57Send us a text 🌊 Volcano Bay After Dark & Universal Horror Unleashed Opening Date! 🌙Universal Orlando just announced something brand new—a limited-capacity, separately ticketed nighttime event at Volcano Bay! 🌋✨ For the first time ever, guests can experience this stunning water park after dark with shorter wait times, a live DJ, DreamWorks characte…
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7. Only 99 Days to Go! - Get the 411 on Epic Universe | Universal Orlando Resort
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8:00Send us a text 🚀 Get the 4-1-1 on Epic Universe 🚀The countdown is on—99 days until Universal Epic Universe opens its gates and changes theme parks forever! But what makes this park such a game-changer? In this episode, I’m breaking down the 4-1-1 on Universal Orlando’s biggest expansion yet:🔹 4 Parks—Universal Orlando is officially becoming a four-…
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Join us every third Tuesday of the Month for a new episode! In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome Rob Hutchinson. Rob has been in full-time pastoral ministry for over 27 years, serving in diverse settings that range from bustling church plants to intimate congregational gatherings. Currently, he is the Director of Church Development…
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6. Spring Break is Different This Year - You Can't Afford to Miss This! | Universal Orlando Resort Deals and Promotions
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27:08Send us a text 🌟 Universal Orlando wants to fill rooms and this is how they do it! 🤯 Ready to unlock a Universal Orlando vacation that’s easy, stress-free, and full of epic savings? This spring, Universal is rolling out first-ever deals that’ll make you feel like a VIP! From stackable discounts and game-changing dining promos to brand-new hotel dea…
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5. Planning 101 - Unlocking Universal Hotels: Picking the Right Fit for Your Trip!
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23:50Send us a text Which Universal hotel is right for you? Whether you're planning a budget-friendly getaway, a family adventure, or a luxury escape, this episode of Unlocking Universal has you covered.Holli breaks down the benefits of staying onsite, including perks like Early Park Admission, complimentary Express Pass (at select hotels), and seamless…
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4. Planning 101: Do We Even NEED to Plan Ahead? | Universal Orlando
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16:35Send us a text Welcome to the first episode in our Planning 101 series! In this episode, Holli answers some of the most frequently asked questions from Disney World guests who are curious about Universal Orlando. If you're wondering how Universal planning compares to Disney, how many days you should spend at the parks, or what ticket types are avai…
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3. Making the Most of Holiday Fun in the Parks | Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure
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28:58Send us a text 🎄 Ready to turn your Universal Orlando visit into the ultimate Holli-day celebration? Join me as I share my top 5(-ish) must-dos to maximize holiday fun in the parks! From magical moments in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the dazzling Macy’s Parade to all things Earl the Squirrel, Grinchy goodness, and the incredible Univers…
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Join us every third Tuesday of the Month for a new episode! In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome Christopher Wells. Christopher Wells is a seasoned technologist and strategy consultant with nearly 20 years of experience in AI and machine learning, specializing in generative AI, NLP, and data-driven transformation across industries …
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2. Planning Overwhelm & Expert Tips to Simplify the Process | Universal Orlando
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12:45Send us a text Does planning a trip to Universal Orlando feel overwhelming, even intimidating?Maybe you’re used to Disney’s complex planning process, anxious about navigating unfamiliar parks, or stressed by the sheer volume of advice (and opinions) online...Sound familiar? You’re not alone!In this episode, I’m here to simplify it all. Think of me …
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1. You NEED TO KNOW about Photo Validation Entry at Universal Orlando (because it is changing how we experience the parks. forever!)
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14:53Send us a text Have you heard about the new Photo Validation Entry System at Universal Orlando Resort? This state-of-the-art system is getting ready to change how we theme park in some extraordinary ways! I'll walk you through what it is, what it is NOT, and how to make it work for your next visit. I'll also share some super exciting ways it may sh…
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Join us every third Tuesday of the Month for a new episode! In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome Bishop Tom Berlin. Tom Berlin serves as Bishop of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Prior to being elected Bishop, he served as lead pastor of Floris United Methodist Church in suburban Washington, D.C. Tom is a gra…
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In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome a true pioneer adventurer and a key figure in the Fresh Expressions Movement, Rev Leslie Newton. Born and raised in Lancaster, in the north of England, Leslie studied Accountancy & Law at University before training and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. His local Methodist Church nurtured his…
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In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome a true pioneer adventurer in church planting and a key figure in the Fresh Expressions Movement, Rev Graham Horsley. Graham began his ministry journey in 1980, and by 1992, he had taken on the role of British National Church Planting Officer while simultaneously leading a church that successfull…
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In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we are joined by Reverend Thea Curry-Fuson, an ordained elder in the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Reverend Thea's journey is a testament to transformative faith and ministry. Growing up unchurched with only a nominal faith and relational exposure to God overseas, she entered into…
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In Episode 34, we are joined by Lori Jennings, Vice-President of American Baptist Churches of PA and DE (ABCOPAD), Head Coach of the Leadership Team, and Home Church leader for GraceCrossing Community Church in Phoenixville, PA. Lori also serves as a short-term missionary in Uganda, where she combats the prosperity gospel by sharing truth with past…
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In Episode 33, we’re joined by Laceye Warner. Rev. Laceye C. Warner, PhD is Royce and Jane Reynolds, Associate Professor of the Practice of Evangelism and Methodist Studies and Associate Dean for Wesleyan Engagement at Duke University Divinity School. An elder in the Texas Conference, Dr. Warner was appointed to the faculty at Duke Divinity School …
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In Episode 32, we’re joined by Danielle Buwon Kim. Danielle was born in South Korea and moved to the United States during her middle school years. She is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and is currently appointed as the Associate Director of Research and Development at the North Texas Annual Conference. She is the pastor of Ka:ll C…
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In Episode 31, we’re joined by Isaiah and Daniel Park. Isaiah and Daniel are pastors at Restoration Church in Reston, VA, a campus of Floris United Methodist Church where Isaiah also serves. At Restoration Reston, fresh expressions are being launched and cultivated as they actively mobilize and equip laity to co-create communities of faith that are…
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In Episode 30, we’re joined by Matt Stout. Matt is an elder in the United Methodist Church serving Garden City UMC near Savannah, GA. He has a wife, three kids, and an elderly dachshund. Matt is a nerd who enjoys fantasy and sci fi, tabletop games, and playing the banjo. In this episode, we discuss gaming and spirituality, building community from o…
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In Episode 29, we’re joined by Angelic Williams. Angelic is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and is currently bi-vocational, pastoring St. Luke UMC in Baltimore and working full-time in insurance investigations. She is also a seminary student at St Mary’s Seminary. She has served the church in administration, youth ministry, and prayer ministry, bu…
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In Episode 28, we’re joined by Dr. Brian Russell. Brian is an award-winning professor of biblical studies and a transformational coach for pastors and spiritually-minded professionals. He is the author of multiple books including his latest, Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation, and the host of the podcast, Deep Dive Sp…
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In Episode 27, our guest is Martyn Atkins. Martyn is a minister, professor, and leader within Methodism and the Fresh Expressions Movement. He has served in the Methodist Church of Great Britain in a variety of appointments for over 40 years. In this episode, we discuss the history of the Fresh Expressions, the future of the movement, and his new b…
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For Episode 26, our guest is Charles DiRico. Charles is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church who currently leads a network of meal-based fresh expressions of church that is known as Word on the Street, building community for persons who are experiencing homelessness and in a bilingual setting in a local mobile home community in the Char…
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Ep. 25 with Emma and Mark Cotterill
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1:08:56In Episode 25, we are joined by Emma and Mark Cotterill. They work for the Salvation Army, planting spiritual communities and equipping leaders in Manchester, UK and now Helsingborg, Sweden. Emma and Mark founded a network for pioneer leaders called Venture12. Mark is a coach and consultant with 5Q, a resource for leaders that uses the ministry ass…
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In Episode 24, we are joined by Woo Kang. Woo is an Associate Pastor of the Nett Church, a multisite United Methodist Church located northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also the Lead Pastor of At The Table, a dinner church in Historic Norcross, Georgia that was planted in February of 2023 as a campus of The Nett. In this episode, we discuss multic…
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In Episode 23, we are joined by Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand. Previously an executive for a Fortune 500 company, Stephanie is a United Methodist minister and Vitality Strategist for the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church Metro district service 126 churches. She has launched innovative ministries, developed new faith c…
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In Episode 22, we are joined by Chris and Jaidy Smith. Chris and Jaidy are a pastoral team serving in central North Carolina at Jordan Memorial UMC and La Luz De Cristo IMU. Jaidy was born and raised in Puerto Rico while Chris is a native to North Carolina. They met in Puerto Rico and began a life together nearly 14 years ago. Their marriage reflec…
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In Episode 21, we are joined by Amie Martin. Amie is an ordained elder in the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church and planting pastor of 80-Twenty United Methodist Church in O’Fallon, MO. In this episode, we discuss the unique structure of 80-Twenty, communal care, church in community spaces, and the role of the church in society. Le…
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Our guest for Episode 20 is Brett Dehart. Brett is the Senior Pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Augusta, Georgia. Through his passion for reaching new people, community engagement and missional outreach increase in each congregation he has served throughout his 20 years as a pastor. In this episode, we discuss the blended ecology, Fre…
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In Ep. 19, our guest is Tiffany McCall. Tiffany is the senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church in downtown Jacksonville. Rev. McCall has an extensive background in leadership development and is a practitioner of Fresh Expressions. In the last year, she has established Pillars Plus Foundation Inc. to help connect the church with the community…
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In Ep. 18, our guest is Andrés Pérez González. Andrés is a Latinx fellow at Duke Divinity School and the founder of a bilingual latino/a faith community called Brazos Abiertos UMC based in Greensboro, NC. In the episode, we discuss cultural differences around the Americas, the beauty of bilingual worship, creating communities of belonging before be…
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In Ep. 17, we are joined by Tracy Rose. Tracy is the Lay Leader at Good Samaritan UMC in Tallahassee, FL, a fresh expressions practitioner, and a recent graduate of the Adventurers Leadership Academy. In the episode, we discuss church hurt, the importance of lay people in innovative ministry, the Adventurers Leadership Academy, and creating an incl…
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In this episode, we are joined by Susan Arnold. Susan is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, currently serving in the Holston Conference in Kingsport, TN. She is also a wife, mom, grandmother, educator, and loves spending time in prayer. In the episode, we discuss the blended ecology, the circuit riders of today, living in a network s…
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For Episode 15 we are joined by Tiffania Icaza Willetts. Tiffania is a former missionary, ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, and pastor of Seminole Heights UMC in Tampa, FL, where the church connects with their community through shared meals, family fun, and more. In the episode, we discuss the importance of listening in mission, cultur…
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In Ep. 14, we are joined by Luke Edwards. Luke is the Associate Director of Church Development for the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, a trainer for Fresh Expressions North America and Fresh Expressions United Methodist, and a professionally trained ministry coach. He is the author of “Becoming Church: A Trail Guid…
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For Ep. 13 of New People // New Ways, we are joined by Rev. Dr. Heather Jallad. Heather is the Pastor of Community Engagement at Cannon United Methodist Church outside of Atlanta, GA. She serves as Fresh Expressions Specialist for the North Georgia Conference as well as a Missions Strategist and Trainer for Fresh Expressions NA. She recently earned…
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Ep. 12 of New People // New Ways is available now! Our guest is Rosario “Roz” Picardo. Roz grew up in western New York as a first-generation Sicilian-American. In 2003, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Houghton College and in 2007 a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. He graduated with a Doctor of Ministry from Unite…
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Episode 11 of New People // New Ways is out now! We are joined by guest, Romal Tune. Romal is an author, speaker, and minister who lives by this six-word sentence: “he helps people heal their stories.” Romal is an ordained minister, Magna Cum Laude honor graduate from Howard University and Duke University School of Divinity. As a speaker, he travel…
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Check out Episode 10 of New People // New Ways! Our guest today is Micah Blanks. Micah is the Director of Adult Ministries at Trinity UMC in Gainesville, Florida. Micah has a BA in Humanities/Pre-Law from Bluefield State College and a M.Div from United Theological Seminary. Prior to Trinity he served as a Licensed Local Pastor in The West Virginia …
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In this episode of New People // New Ways, we are joined by Justin Cason, Online Campus Pastor of Monticello UMC in Monticello, Indiana. He believes that the church's future lies in “phygital” ministry, where we are bringing people into a deepening relationship with Jesus leveraging technology and community. The conversation explores creating sacre…
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