ORLANDO, Fla. — The hosts of “Access Hollywood” and “Access Daily,” Scott Evans, Kit Hoover and Mario Lopez recently visited Orlando to tape several episodes of the syndicated entertainment news program at Universal Orlando Resort, filming from CityWalk, Volcano Bay and other points around the resort.
This was the first time since January 2020 that the hosts were able to return to Florida for tapings, and of course one of the big highlights was being able to ride the VelociCoaster, which opened last summer.
“I’ve never experienced anything like it!” Evans said. “The Velociraptor is named for its swift feet, and that roller coaster moves swiftly!”
Of course, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which opened in 2019, also remains a favorite for both Evans and Hoover.
“Kit and I were on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures and I made her ride twice, once in the first one once in the back because that’s how you to do a roller coaster. You can’t just ride in the middle ones and then move on. You’ve got to get the full experience!” Evans said.
Hosts Evans and Hoover were also named Grand Marshals of the Mardi Gras parade during their visit, which was another amazing moment for them.
“At one point we were sitting down after we’ve thrown all of our beads, but how cool is this job?” Evans said. “Like what we’re responsible for is having a good time and making sure that the other people are having a good time.”
For host Lopez, the best part of visiting Florida has been hanging out with his family. He says he’s been able to “get a lot of cool dad points” during this trip and has even been able to get his kids involved in making the show as well, adding “They’re dancing. They’re doing pieces.”
Though the weeklong shoot was a lot of fun for the “Access Hollywood” and “Access Daily” hosts, it came at a time when much of the world is focused on the unfolding crisis in Ukraine. And even though some may be quick to criticize those who continue to follow entertainment and celebrity-focused news given the severity of what is going on internationally, the hosts see their job as even more vital in the current climate.
“Sometimes you need a blast of the best energy, you need something to remind you that there’s still a whole bunch of good out there,” Evans said, adding, “I think we all take that pretty seriously.”
Hoover echoed her co-host, saying that the whole team works hard “to do quality work, to maybe bring a little laughter” to viewers, even when times are tough and the news can seem bleak.
———
