Whitman to host Epic Universe and Disney Q&A days | Arts & Entertainment

When Duane Whitman takes off his Mr. Tram hat and his Ellen Rice Studio & Gallery manager hat, he enjoys using the same skills he employs on those jobs helping people with Disney and Epic Universe vacations as a Glass Slipper Concierge travel advisor.

“I love helping people,” said Whitman, “whether it’s answering visitor questions about the Bethany area and how to get around, bringing a smile to a child’s face, showing and answering questions about Ellen’s beautiful, award-winning art, or answering questions about Walt Disney World, the cruise line, or very often right now, Universal Studio’s exciting new Epic Universe.”

“If I can add a laugh or two along the way, that’s even better.”

Whitman is having two all-day “Disney and Universal Question and Answer Days,” this Friday and Saturday, Aug. 22 and 23, from 10 a.m. to noon, and from 1 to 4 p.m., in the gallery portion of the Ellen Rice Studio & Gallery in The Reservation on the northern outskirts of Ocean View.

He invited people to bring their questions about either or all of the venues, saying he’ll provide the answers.

“There’s a lot going on in Orlando vacation destinations, and it’s my job to stay on top of them. If I don’t have an answer, I’ll get it for you.”

The Glass Slipper organization has a team of award-winning advisors, all of whom share data and knowledge about what is going on at the different resorts on an ongoing basis. Whitman taps numerous sources to keep abreast of changes, including crowd sizes on specific days and how to avoid long lines.

“Planning to go to a specific hotel, but there’s ongoing construction at that resort? I keep track of that daily,” Whitman said. “I can tell you ahead of time and help you avoid a less-than-pleasant experience. A favorite ride is closed for repairs? I’m on top of that. It’s all about helping you have a good vacation.”

Whitman is a certified Orlando Travel Expert and full-service, Disney-certified travel agent, and can book reservations worldwide, but he specializes in Orlando and Port Canaveral-based travels. Those who book vacations with him (a free service) receive detailed itinerary plans with daily recommendations. He specializes in multi-generational vacations and luxury vacations, and is “on call” when his clients are on their vacations.

“I hate seeing people in the parks frustrated because the lines are too long and their children are unhappy. It’s not unlike what I do here, driving a tram in the summer, in that respect. If I can help someone have a good time, that’s rewarding to me.”

Whitman is a native of Millsboro who has been planning Orlando and California vacations for decades, the last 13 years with award-winning, platinum-rated Glass Slipper Concierge,

The public is being invited to Whitman’s event. The venue, Ellen Rice Studio & Gallery, is a building at the front of the artist’s property in The Reservation development at 30124 Territory Trail, Ocean View. Live Google map directions are on the Visit the Studio page of www.ellenrice.com.

For more info, call the studio at (302) 539-3405. Whitman can also be reached by emailing [email protected] and by calling him directly at (302) 448-1534.