JellyBean Business

Tag: travel

  • The Park Plate

    I hope you’re all having a wonderful week and an even better start to holiday adventures! October was such a whirlwind for my husband and me — busy, but so full of joy. We just returned from our honeymoon in Orlando, Florida, where we spent our days hopping between Disney parks and exploring Epic Universe. It was an absolute dream come true! As sad as I was to leave, I’m also happy to be back home and excited to share some delicious food reviews with you all.

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    Before I dive in, I just want to say that these reviews are entirely based on my own opinions and experiences — they’re not meant to discourage anyone from trying all the fantastic food and wine Epcot has to offer during its International Food & Wine Festival. I’d like to encourage everyone to taste, explore, and form their own opinions, while keeping in mind that hearing others’ experiences can sometimes help shape your own!

    The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant

    The food was honestly so amazing! I was ridiculously excited to sit down for a real meal for a change — usually when I’m at Universal or Disney, I’m power-snacking and sprinting to the next ride. But this place? Totally worth slowing down for. It’s located in Universal’s Epic Universe, and I’d absolutely recommend giving it a try. These were just a few of the dishes we got to sample from their menu, and everything hit the spot. Overall, I’d give the experience a solid 8.9 out of 10!

    Around the World at Epcot!

    • China (image 2; top to bottom)
      Smoked Duck Bao Bun with Pickled Cucumber, Scallion, and Hoisin Sauce: 7.4, Super good, and my first time trying duck!
      Beijing Zhajiang Noodles with Stir-fried Minced Beef, Cucumber, Chili, and Carrots in a savory Douban Sauce: 7.2, Lots of good flavor!
      Frozen Strawberry-Jasmine Cocktail: Light Rum, Jasmine Tea, and Strawberry Syrup: 7.8, OMG so good! I love a fruity and sweet drink!
    • Milled & Mulled (image 3; top to bottom/left to right)
      Butternut Squash and Ginger Bisque with Cinnamon Cream, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, and Pumpkin Seed Oil: 7.9, It tasted like fall on an 80 degree day! LOVE!
      Fall Fruit Cheesecake featuring Boursin Fig & Balsamic Cheese with Pomegranates and Candied Pecans: 7.8, Fig, honestly, never tasted better! One of my favorite treats overall.
      Unfortunately, I’m not sure which wine that was, and it wasn’t all that memorable, so it doesn’t seem fair to rate it.
    • Mexico (image 3; top to bottom/left to right)
      Tostada de Carnitas: Braised Pork atop a Fried Corn Tortilla with Chipotle Black Beans, Salsa Ranchera, Crema Mexicana, and Queso Fresco: 7.5, Again, lots of flavor and rich in Mexican spice.
      Flan de Cajeta: Creamy Mexican Custard with Caramel Sauce and Toasted Almonds: 7.6, Super good, super creamy!
      Strawberry-Pomegranate Margarita: 100% Agave Blanco Tequila, Joven Mezcal, Pomegranate Liqueur, Strawberry Purée, and Spicy Agave: 8.2, Love a margarita that’s well balanced!
    • Australia (image 3; top to bottom/left to right)
      Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewer       with Sweet-and-Sour Vegetables and Coconut-Chili Sauce: 7.2, My husband enjoyed it, but there were others he favored more.
      Roasted Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Crushed Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips: 8.0, I LOVE lamb, so this was amazing.
      Mixed Berry Pavlova with Crunchy Meringue Shell, Macerated Berries, and Whipped Cream: 3.4, We SOOO badly wanted to enjoy this, but it was not what we were expecting.
      Unfortunately, I’m not sure which wine that was, and it wasn’t all that memorable, so it doesn’t seem fair to rate it.
    • Karamell Küche (image 4; top to bottom/left to right)
      Mickey Marshmallow: Chocolate-dipped with caramel drizzle: 9.0, How can you go wrong with a chocolate dipped marsh?! LOVE!
    • Coastal Eats (image 4; top to bottom/left to right)
      Peruvian Ceviche with Mahi Mahi, Shrimp, Sweet Potato, Chulpe, Choclo, and Leche de Tigre: 6.5, My husband thought it was quite refreshing and it was my first time trying it. Not too bad!
      Boyd & Blair Pomegranate Codder, Glenshaw PA: 6.7, Not too bad. I’m not a big wine or beer gal, so this was a tasty experience!
    • Belgium (image 4; top to bottom/left to right)
      Beer-braised Beef       served with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes: 7.6, I love mashed potatoes. They are honestly one of my favorite sides to almost any dish!
    • Canada (image 5; clockwise)
      Cheddar and Bacon Soup served with a Pretzel Roll: 7.3, Very basic, but still so good!
      Filet Mignon with Mushrooms and Mashed Potatoes featuring Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese: 8.0, Steak is one of my favorite indulgences, so it’s the perfect little snack for me!
    • Japan (image 5; clockwise)
      Peachy Mango Boba      : Crafted Calpico Peach Juice with Mango Popping Boba (non-alcoholic): 7.3, Very refreshing and tasty!
      Osakana Karaage: Crispy-fried Pollock with Spicy Mayonnaise and a Sweet-and-Creamy Yuzu Sauce: 7.8, These were actually so good! I wasn’t even sure what they were, but super delicious!
    • Earth Eats (image 5; clockwise)
      Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib       with Goat Cheese Polenta, Puttanesca Sauce, Shaved Pecorino Cheese, and Petit Herbs: 7.2, This was all my husband! I’d say he enjoyed it.
    • Forest & Field (image 6; top to bottom/left to right)
      Autumn Chili featuring Impossible Beef with Root Vegetables, Plant-based Cheddar, and Plant-based Sour Cream in a Bread Bowl: 4.0, Listen, don’t come for me, okay? I’m all for a vegan/vegetarian dish, but this was cold and believe it or not, dry!
    • Brazil (image 6; top to bottom/left to right)
      Feijoada: Black Beans with Pork Belly and Brazil Nut Pesto, featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain White Rice: 8.2, The pork was delicious!
    • Gyozas of the Galaxy (image 6; top to bottom/left to right)
      Street Corn-style Dumplings: Chicken Dumplings with Tomatillo Salsa Verde, Street Corn Salad, Cotija Cheese, Lime Crema, and Cilantro: 7.6, This was super good and was the first dish we got to try!
      Pineapple Colada: White Rum, DOLE Pineapple Juice, and Sweetened Coconut Milk: 8.2, No brainer here. Super yummy!

    We didn’t get to try everything on the menu, but it was such a treat to be able to sample these few items. To think — there were countries we didn’t even make it to! I’m really looking forward to going again soon and trying different foods from around the world, budget-friendly style!

    -JellyBean

  • Marketing Perspective with Ordinary Adventures!

    I watch a wide variety of influencers, mostly on YouTube, but the two that I resonate with the most would have to be Peter and Kitra from Ordinary Adventures. These two have been creating content for the past six years, sharing their love for theme parks, travel, and pop culture adventures. Although I only discovered them a few years ago, I feel like I’ve been a part of their journey all along, from watching them explore new parks to celebrating milestones with their audience. Their authenticity and enthusiasm make every video feel like you’re tagging along with friends, which, I think, is a huge part of their appeal and success as influencers.

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    One thing I’ve noticed about Ordinary Adventures’ marketing style is how transparent and honest Peter and Kitra are in their reviews, whether they’re visiting theme parks, different states, or even new countries. I always get so excited when they release a new episode on YouTube or Patreon because I know I’m about to see a high-quality, thoughtfully made video from creators who truly love what they do.

    What stands out most is their authenticity. They don’t just show the highlights; they share the full experience — the good, the not-so-great, and everything in between. That kind of honesty builds trust with their audience, which is one of the most powerful marketing tools there is.

    Personally, their videos have completely changed the way I think about travel. I was never someone who dreamed of exploring the world, but now, because of Ordinary Adventures, I’ve developed a genuine desire to travel, especially to Disney and Universal theme parks. Once I finally got to experience one for myself, I was hooked!

    Their style of marketing has a unique way of connecting with a wide variety of people: from those who are already frequent travelers to those, like me, who might be a little hesitant but curious. And for viewers who can’t travel, Peter and Kitra provide the next best thing — the chance to live vicariously through their adventures.

    Peter and Kitra do an awesome job of advertising different ways their audience can connect with them. For example, their subscribers can join their Patreon, which not only helps support their channel but also offers extra opportunities for engagement. It’s a smart way to build community beyond YouTube. Personally, I love that they use both platforms — when I need a little pick-me-up, I have two places to go for something fun and uplifting to watch.

    By expanding how their audience can interact with them, they’ve created multiple touch points for connection and learning. Recently, they even began offering exclusive packages for their Patreon subscribers that include travel resources for international destinations like Paris and Japan! I think this is such a brilliant idea — it rewards loyal fans while also sharing the knowledge and experience Peter and Kitra have gained from their own travels. This kind of marketing strategy, blending authenticity with accessibility and exclusive perks, makes their brand feel both personal and professional. It’s what drew me in even more, and I’m sure many others feel the same way.

    Peter and Kitra play a huge role in marketing simply by being themselves. They’ve become trusted voices in the travel and theme park community because of their genuine enthusiasm and honesty. When they share their experiences, whether it’s trying new food at Disneyland or exploring a faraway destination, it doesn’t feel like an ad; it feels like a recommendation from a friend. That’s what makes their influence so powerful. They’ve built a strong relationship with their audience, one based on trust and excitement, rather than sales or persuasion. In many ways, they’ve helped define what authentic marketing looks like today — they humanize brands, create emotional connections, and inspire people, like me, to explore more of the world around us.

    Peter and Kitra have a special way of making their audience feel like part of their adventures. Even though I’ve never met them, I still feel genuinely connected to them through the stories they share and the excitement they bring to each video. When they recommend a place to visit or a product to try, it doesn’t feel like marketing; it feels like advice from friends you trust. That kind of authenticity builds a relationship that’s based on community and emotion rather than simple promotion. I think that’s what makes Peter and Kitra so successful — they don’t just sell experiences, they share them, and in doing so, they make their viewers feel seen, included, and inspired.

    -JellyBean

    This post was written as part of my coursework for Social Media and Marketing Com.

  • Effectively Impacting the Consumer Through Digital Media

    Traveling can be stressful, especially for families with little ones in tow. Between juggling tickets, security lines, and the endless stream of “Are we there yet?” moments, the last thing parents want is to deal with a lost beloved toy. Yet sometimes those small crises are exactly what reveal the heart of a company’s customer service. This digital media example comes from Tampa International Airport, where a child’s lost stuffed tiger sparked a heartwarming story that not only reunited a toy with its owner but also showcased the airport’s commitment to care, creativity, and connection.

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    The digital media example I am choosing to focus on is titled Tale of Tiger’s Big Adventure: Customer Service. Based on the story of the tiger left at the airport by a little boy, I’d say Tampa International Airport hit their target audience successfully, primarily families, by prioritizing what matters most to customers: care, empathy, and going the extra mile. Saving the tiger was already a win, but choosing to write a story about its “adventures” transformed a simple act of kindness into a memorable, shareable moment. Not only did this make the child happy, but it reassured the parents that their child’s needs were accommodated during a vulnerable moment.

    This effort shows that Tampa International Airport is committed to more than just logistics; they’re willing to go out of their way to ensure their customers feel cared for. The family avoided a potentially stressful and disappointing situation, and instead walked away with an uplifting memory. By sharing the story, the airport sent a clear message that travelers’ belongings, and, by extension, their experiences, can be trusted in their hands. This kind of story especially resonates with families, since traveling with children often means dealing with lost items or unexpected challenges.

    From a marketing standpoint, the decision to post the story on social media was brilliant. It extended the impact far beyond the family involved, showcasing Tampa International Airport’s values to a national audience. Not only did the story highlight their commitment to service, but it also built emotional connection and brand loyalty, two things you can’t buy with traditional advertising.

    I think the story was executed very well, but one thing to consider is balance. If a company only shares flawless, feel-good stories, it can sometimes come across as trying too hard or presenting itself as “perfect.” Audiences tend to trust organizations more when they acknowledge that there’s always room to grow. By being open to feedback and continually striving to improve, Tampa International Airport can strengthen their authenticity while still celebrating the moments where they shine.

    The “Tale of Tiger’s Big Adventure” perfectly illustrates how Tampa International Airport (TPA) uses small acts of kindness to create big waves of customer loyalty. Saving a child’s lost toy and turning it into a shareable adventure showed families that the airport values care, empathy, and creativity as much as efficiency. By extending the story to social media, TPA transformed a one-time interaction into a memorable, heartwarming example of customer service at its best.

    Looking at what the company is doing now, TPA continues to reinforce these values across its website and social media:

    • Website: TPA’s site is designed to reduce stress for travelers. Key features like live flight status, pre-booking parking, and detailed guides for arriving or international passengers show their priority is clear, accessible information. They even encourage tools like Mobile Passport Control, which streamlines the customs process, reflecting their commitment to convenience.
    • Social Media: TPA’s online presence is personable, witty, and approachable. Their social media team balances fun posts (memes, traveler moments, community highlights) with serious updates when necessary. Importantly, they publish social media guidelines that outline fair engagement and moderation standards. This transparency shows ethical responsibility—travelers know the “rules of engagement,” which helps build trust. Their willingness to respond directly to user comments and spotlight personal traveler stories also strengthens authenticity and connection.

    From a marketing perspective, these digital practices extend the same ethos of care demonstrated in the tiger story. Ethical engagement on social media, being transparent, responsive, and human, amplifies their effectiveness by creating trust and emotional loyalty that traditional advertising cannot buy.

    That said, balance remains important. While feel-good stories and polished social media content help elevate the brand, TPA can strengthen authenticity by also showing how they respond to challenges or feedback. Owning those moments would complement the shine of stories like Tiger’s adventure and show they’re committed to continuous growth.

    In the end, Tampa International Airport’s mix of kindness, digital savvy, and ethical engagement builds a brand identity that travelers can trust. Whether through a rescued stuffed animal or clear online resources, their message is consistent: people come first.

    -JellyBean

    This post was written as part of my coursework for Social Media and Marketing Com.

    References
    Shorty Awards. (n.d.). Tale of Tiger’s Big Adventure Highlights Airport’s Commitment to Customer Service. Retrieved September 20, 2025, from https://shortyawards.com/8th/boy-leaves-stuffed-tiger-at-tpa-returns-to-a-tale-of-tigers-big-adventure-see-more-at-httpww

    Tampa International Airport. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved September 20, 2025, from https://www.tampaairport.com/

    Tampa International Airport. (n.d.). Tampa International Airport-FlyTPA [Facebook profile]. Retrieved September 20, 2025, from https://www.facebook.com/FlyTPA