Restaurant Dive featured insights from UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management on how operators can navigate the busy holiday dining season. Kevin Murphy, professor of restaurant management at Rosen College, noted that independent restaurants that prioritize both guest experience and operational readiness are best positioned to succeed. Murphy emphasized early staffing evaluations, carefully crafted seasonal menus that balance festive appeal with kitchen feasibility, and strong supplier relationships amid rising food costs and tariff pressures. He also highlighted the importance of forecasting demand and streamlining operations well before Thanksgiving to manage large party orders, off-premise demand, and the overall holiday surge.

In coverage by the Orlando Business Journal, UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management was highlighted for its expertise in the emerging commercial space tourism sector. Amy Gregory, professor at Rosen College, offered perspective on the long-term potential of space travel as Titans Space Industries unveiled plans for a 2029 spaceplane launch and future lunar tourism projects. Gregory noted that while the industry faces challenges, affordability and infrastructure will be key to making space tourism accessible beyond the ultra-wealthy. She added that UCF is already preparing students for this new frontier, with programs designed to train the next generation of professionals who may one day live and work in space.

In coverage by the Orlando Sentinel, Dr. Jorge Ridderstaat of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management weighed in on Walt Disney World’s newest expansion efforts — including “Cars”-themed attractions and a land devoted to Disney villains. Ridderstaat noted the importance of strategic, phased growth in the face of major competition like Universal’s Epic Universe. He cautioned that the timing and feasibility of a possible fifth gate would depend on numerous economic and social factors, including infrastructure costs, sustainability, and over-tourism. “You don’t want to be the villain in that spectrum,” he remarked. His insight reinforces Rosen College’s role in shaping intelligent discourse on tourism development and industry evolution.

In a recent HuffPost article, Dr. Alan Fyall, Visit Orlando Endowed Chair of Tourism Management and Associate Dean at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, offered expert insight into the rising costs and common pitfalls of rental car bookings. “Renting a car is frequently that purchase that tourists think about less,” said Fyall, “when in reality it is a purchase that can break the budget.” He emphasized the importance of researching rental insurance, noting that many tourists unnecessarily pay for coverage already provided by their credit cards or personal auto policies. Fyall’s guidance is part of a broader feature aimed at helping travelers avoid avoidable costs — demonstrating Rosen College’s continued leadership in travel and tourism expertise.

Universal Epic Universe is not only transforming Orlando’s tourism landscape but also serving as a living classroom and career launchpad for students at the University of Central Florida. In Travel Weekly, UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management was prominently featured through the insights of Dr. Jorge Ridderstaat, who analyzed the park’s $44 billion economic impact, and Dr. Carissa Baker, who highlighted the future of immersive storytelling in themed entertainment. Baker noted, “We’re in the era of the immersive world,” with Epic exemplifying the next level of sensory and narrative engagement. Additionally, Professor Peter Weishar of UCF’s Themed Experience program praised Epic’s innovation and use of advanced technology. Together, their insights affirm UCF’s central role in shaping the future of theme park design, tourism economics, and immersive guest experiences.

A feature by WFTV Orlando spotlighted UCF’s growing influence in the themed entertainment industry, showcasing how programs across the university—including Rosen College of Hospitality Management—are preparing students for impactful creative roles. While hands-on design experience is central to UCF’s themed experience track, Rosen College professor Jonathon Judy is helping students understand how food can serve as an immersive storytelling element. From visual design to culinary narratives, Rosen College continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of theme park experiences across Central Florida and beyond.

As cultural attractions adopt airline-style dynamic pricing models, expectations from visitors are rising along with ticket costs. In a report by NBC News, Dr. Stephen Pratt, professor at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, warned that higher prices come with higher stakes. “You’ve invested this money into family time, into creating memories, and you don’t want any service mishaps,” he said, highlighting how pricing models can reshape guest perceptions. His insights reflect Rosen College’s growing influence in shaping national dialogue on the evolving economics of travel and tourism.

As Universal’s Epic Universe draws global attention with its $7 billion launch, regional parks like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are making moves to stay competitive. In a feature by the Tampa Bay Times, Dr. Carissa Baker, assistant professor at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, offered expert perspective on the intensifying theme park landscape across Central Florida. With her continued contributions to industry analysis, Dr. Baker reinforces Rosen College’s position as a go-to source for insights into theme park strategy and tourism trends.

In a recent CNBC feature, UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management was cited as a key source for insights into the economic stakes of major theme park expansions. Dr. Jorge Ridderstaat, associate professor at Rosen College, noted that concerns over economic volatility could impact tourist spending just as Universal launches Epic Universe and Disney ramps up its $60 billion experiences investment. His comments reflect Rosen College’s expertise in tracking market behavior and forecasting trends, reinforcing its role as a thought leader in the global tourism and attractions industry.

From hard-to-find light switches to glass-doored bathrooms, a new Washington Post guest column explores the most common frustrations travelers face at hotels. UCF’s Amy Gregory, interim chair of Rosen College’s Foodservice and Lodging Management Department, offers key insights into why some annoyances persist. She explains that while things like swapping out wastebaskets may seem minor, costs can add up fast for hotel operators. “We want to satisfy our guests,” Gregory says, “so they don’t complain, they want to come back again and refer people to us.” The article also highlights quirky design choices — from beds that bruise shins to showers that soak floors — reminding readers that the guest experience is shaped by both form and function.