Telephone Problems Unresolved

In the course of my research this past week I must confirm that the telephone line blocks on escort services in Orlando are still in force, and I do this research often so I've managed to track a pattern. It's the same game as was described in earlier posts with the blocks being in place in particular resorts when there are medium to large conventions.


For this week my award for FCC violations, constitutional violations, and interference are awarded to the following Walt Disney World resorts: the Dolphin; the Swan; the Yacht Club; the Beach Club; and Boardwalk. Of course there is a list of other affected resorts, but these five win my weekly prize.


I'd also like to offer second place to a list of International Drive resorts: the Peabody; the Rosen Shingle Creek; the Rosen Plaza Hotel, the Rosen Center; the Quality Inn Plaza, Renaissance Sea World; Hyatt Place Orlando; and the brand new Hilton Orlando.

Of course there are many additional resorts that should be added to the awards list in both Disney and International Drive areas, but these places really stick out like a sore thumb this past 5 days due to occupancy rates and specific large convention bookings.

What is one common denominator of these blocking hotels?

The telephone company that services all needs from the PBX systems, to in-room internet, to wireless services. Oh, and the very same telephone company services the Orange County Convention Center and all resorts on Disney property. Without further adieu I will introduce Smart City! Now Smart City also has quite a presence in Las Vegas (go figure)! This enterprising company joined with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Authority to further develop a solid imprint in the industry, but I'll go ahead and assert that they were doing pretty good long before making that move, and that the company goes back to 1984. I must add that Smart City used to be Disney's Vista United Telecommunications, which was a limited liability company created by Disney before the buyout. I had to throw that in for good measure.

What is another common denominator? I'll give you a hint – it's all about theme parks, multi-media, and resorts, and it has a worldwide imprint.

What is an additional common denominator? Hint time: The name appears 3 times in the International Drive resort list, but actually owns four of the named resorts.

Yes, I know that I am quite the sarcastic ______ (you fill in blank), but you would be too if these people had robbed you for the last 17 years and set the dogs of war on you by doing their very best to see you buried in a Florida prison.

And where is John Gray, the Spearmint Rhino super-dude of men's clubs? (see You Tube video at the footer of this blog).

Stay tuned for future awards and additional hints.