The only constant is change

INDUSTRY VOICE: Chris Gray, Skyline Attractions

Well, it's that time of year for all of us who bleed roller coasters, cotton candy, waterslides and everything else that entertains humans. As someone who lives in Orlando, the show has become just another day in the land of make-believe and tradeshows. IAAPA Expo is not just another tradeshow here in town, though. It also gets a lot of attention from our local media, but as a local, I enjoy taking our clients out to dinner at places that only we locals know about. It always seems to slow the night down a bit when you are not in the liquid-light chaos that is our grand tourist district.

I would like to offer — to anyone visiting — a few of my favorite haunts for dinner or lunch while in town. First on the plate is Delaney's Tavern, which is in the SODO District and offers a new twist to American cuisine. The food and drinks will always impress. You will need a one to two-day reservation.

The second one up is Linda's La Cantina. Maybe the best steak in town. Oh, and look for the flaming fountain in the bar. It's our old-school steak house with aged steaks; there's nothing more to say here. You will need a three to four-day reservation for this one. The 25-minute drive will be worth it.

Lastly, there is an entirely unknown restaurant that most of you will walk under leaving the airport. This one is on the top of my list and the top floor of the Hyatt Regency in Terminals A&B at MCO, overlooking the entire east side of the airport. Hemisphere has it all: great view, excellent service and amazing food and drinks. You will not go wrong entertaining clients or associates. It is one of our hidden gems in Orlando cuisine, and it's just over your head every time you land in town.

So Enjoy O-town — my town — and try to get off the beaten-down tourist row and enjoy some of this local's favorite eats.

It is time to come home

AT NOTEBOOK: John W.C. Robinson, jrobinson@amusementtoday.com

Much like farming and local shops, the amusement industry is rooted in family businesses and filled with members who have been active working in it — quite literally — since they could walk. The aisles of the IAAPA Expo have long been filled with the youthful eyes and quick-footed steps of the next generation of our industry, walking alongside their family members who are currently keeping our turnstiles turning.

Forty years ago, my eyes were those youthful ones I mentioned. I was a kid who first came to IAAPA Expo more excited by the accompanying visits to Walt Disney World that my family would take. However, it was not long into my first visit to the show floor that I was pulled in by the allure of our unique industry. Those eyes were quickly filled with the magic of the lights and new technology, my feet would move faster to see the latest in theming and my imagination was driven wild by the sites of the forthcoming ideas and creative theming concepts. And, yes, my tastebuds came alive with my first taste of the — then brand new — Dippin' Dots.

I've returned to IAAPA Expo virtually every years since. As a guest of my father, as someone looking to carve his own way in the industry and now as a dedicated part of the Amusement Today family. But whether I was a teen, a young man or my rapidly-approaching 50 year-old adult ... I've always walked into IAAPA Expo with those youthful eyes of amazement, eager to turn the corner and feel like I am a child once more. And, I know I'm not the only one.

To the second, third, fourth and even fifth generation family members who are walking the aisles of IAAPA Expo ready to keep this industry thriving today and bring it into the future, I just want to take the time to say to every one of you, "Welcome home!"