Hey Thrill Seekers,
Its Tuesday, which means interview day. Today its the return of the original Nigel McShine-Jones, Nige has very gracefully taken part in every single season of interviews we’ve conducted! He’s a good man and we appreciate his patience with us.
Lets get to know Nigel a bit better;
Name: Nigel McShine-Jones
Company: Merlin Entertainments
Position: Sales Manager uk & Ireland
Get to know you
Traditional coasters or motion simulators? motion simulators. I’m a bit of a coward and don’t like heights. so coasters are a no go wherever possible .
Fast pass or queue? fast pass of course!
Facebook or twitter? Facebook. can’t seem to stay on top of twitter. I need to though, as it seems more immediate.
Fictional character that most represents you? Uncle Buck
Book or film? Film
Night out or night in? Depends on the night out!
Favourite song?: oooh that’s a tough one. joy and pain by Maze featuring Frankie Beverley
Favourite film?: animal house with john belushi
3 people (real or fictional) you’d invite for the perfect dinner? Nelson Mandela, Richard Pryor and Yoda!
Work
What’s been the highlight of the year (2015) for your company?: – So much has happened for merlin in the USA in 2015. especially in Florida. we opened our brand new 152 room highly themed hotel down at LEGOLAND Florida resort. the hotel is amazing, even if I do say so myself. we have 4 different themed to the rooms. pirate, adventure, kingdoms and Lego friends. kids have a separate area in each room with their own bunkbeds, tv and dvd player. There is also a treasure hunt in the room where they win free Lego. guests staying at the hotel get early access to the park which is literally 122 steps from the hotel (I walked it myself and counted!). we also opened three new attractions on international drive. the Orlando eye, which is perfect to catch amazing sunset views flight or to see all the theme park fire works. Madame Tussauds Orlando where are selfie sticks are most welcome and you get up close and personal with life size wax figures of some of the world’s most sought after stars. sealife Orlando aquarium where we will transport you into a magical underwater world filled with some amazing creatures and experience the worlds only 360 degree underwater tunnel . they are at the heart of the brand new idrive360 entertainment complex on international drive that is full of some amazing restaurants, bars and shops including Walmart!
What’s been the highlight of the year (2015) for you?: My holiday this year. I went to Vietnam and Cambodia amazing place.
What can we expect from your company in 2016?: We will be launching a world exclusive in 2016. The Lego movie 4d. A specially made interactive Lego movie featuring most of your favourite Lego movie characters. You will only be able to see the 4d movie at LEGOLAND’s around the world
Make a 2016 prediction…: With all the new rides and attraction that opened in 2015 and even more to come in 2016. I predict that Orlando will overtake New York as the most visited destination for UK visitors
Best theme park ride/attraction of 2015?: Madame Tussaud’s Orlando. Where else are selfie sticks actively encouraged and where can you put your feet up on the desk in the white house oval office? Not to mention ‘singing’ and taking selfies with your favourite pop star and movie actor
Best theme park/attraction food of 2015?: Still granny apple fries from LEGOLAND Florida resort. Granny smith apples dipped in a wonderful cinnamon based coating and lightly fried. Served with a dollop of cream. Decadent and healthy at the same time.
Best theme park/attraction tip?: The ‘start at the back of the park and work your way forward rule’ still rings true in pretty much every theme park. It’s tried and tested.
Best kept secret in Florida?: Swimming with the manatees at crystal river. A genuine once in a lifetime experience with the most fascinating and gentle of animals.
Thanks very much to Nigel for again getting involved with our interview season, you can read more from this years interviews here;
Smiles included…
Jamie
