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SeaWorld Orlando has revealed two of the five haunted houses slated for this year’s Howl-O-Scream event. One of them is new content, while the other is a returning theme. It’s also posted two returning scare zones.

The new house is called The Collector’s Curse, which involves an estate hosted by the title character. The Collector “lures guests with rare relics and ancient artifacts,” SeaWorld says. But there’s also “a twisted underworld of cursed creations and monstrous mutations.”

The returning house is Farm 51, which again features a rural home “with the terrifying aftermath of an extraterrestrial encounter.”

The returning scare zones identified so far are Blood Light District (keywords: seductive shadows, temptation, vampires) and Cannibal Harbor (decaying port, haunted docks, fishermen who hunt the living).  Howl-O-Scream will have six scare zones this year, and four of them will carry new themes, SeaWorld says. There will also be a pair of roaming hordes, five themed bars, live entertainment and “never-before-seen surprises,” according to the Howl-O-Scream website. read more

There’s a theatrical renaissance taking place in our theme parks, and I am here for it.

Hot on the heels of the new stage shows at Universal Epic Universe, Walt Disney World has raised the curtain on two new productions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.”

Both put an array of theatrical arts on display — and let’s not underestimate the fact that for many children, this will be their first exposure to theater experiences.

“The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” is a vastly expanded and improved version of the previous “Little Mermaid” show in that space. This feels like a true retelling, helped immensely by the simple change of introducing Prince Eric much earlier in the show. And, crucially, Eric is now portrayed by a speaking actor, so the character is far more fully realized.

The live performers are accentuated more: Ariel joins in “Under the Sea,” and a new “Kiss the Girl” scene features both Ariel and Eric. read more

By Brian Baker, CFA, Bankrate.com

Bitcoin mining is the process of creating new bitcoins by solving extremely complicated math problems that verify transactions in the currency. When a bitcoin is successfully mined, the miner receives a predetermined amount of Bitcoin.

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Bitcoin is one of the most popular types of cryptocurrencies, which are digital mediums of exchange that exist solely online. Bitcoin runs on a decentralized computer network, or distributed ledger, that tracks transactions in the cryptocurrency. When computers on the network verify and process transactions, new bitcoins are created, or mined. These networked computers, or miners, process the transaction in exchange for a payment in Bitcoin. read more

By BARBARA ORTUTAY, Associated Press

Less than a month after extending a deadline to ban TikTok for the third time, President Donald Trump told reporters late Friday night that, “We pretty much have a deal,” on TikTok — but he did not offer details.

The details and timing of a potential deal are not clear. TikTok did not immediately respond to messages for comment on Monday.

Emarketer analyst Jeremy Goldman said while TikTok is “reportedly planning” a U.S. version of its app to comply with legal restrictions, the platform — if it launches without the original TikTok algorithm — “risks losing the very personalization that drives user engagement.”

In other words, TikTok just isn’t TikTok without its algorithm.

“And getting millions to download a new app is no small feat, to say the least,” Goldman added.

Here’s what to know about where TikTok stands in the U.S. following Trump’s comments.

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The launch of Epic Universe rocketed Orange County’s tourist-tax collections to the highest level ever for the month of May.

The tax brought in nearly $30 million for the month, about $1.6 million more than the previous best for May, set last year. The 5.7 percent, year-over-year revenue increase came even though the eye-popping new theme park opened May 22, just ten days from the end of the month.

“I’m excited to see what the June numbers are,” said Comptroller Phil Diamond, whose office tracks the revenues generated by the 6% surcharge on the cost of a hotel room and other short-term rental lodging. “That’s going to be the first full month of Epic,” he said.

Tourism figures tend to slide in May, a month sandwiched between Spring Break and peak summer travel periods.

The monthly TDT report lags about five weeks behind hotel-tax collections. June figures will be released in early August.

Epic Universe opens, and Harry Potter ride quickly draws a crowd (and a 300-minute wait)

Diamond has noted new theme parks have historically boosted TDT collections. read more