Here’s a shriek peek.

Horrors of Halloween, Production Central

The Pumpkin Lord is back and more frightening than ever. His summoned ghosts, demons, witches, and more beckon guests to go against their better judgment and enter Halloween Horror Nights. Step into the haunts and delights that the 31st year has to offer. The giant, scaffolded “Halloween Horror Nights” sign from 2021 has returned to welcome guests. 

Sweet Revenge, New York

Too close to home? This scare zone is a Halloween carnival gone wrong. The elements that make up a happy Halloween festival — candy, parades, and music — are all turned on their head to be made rotten and evil. Major Sweets Candy Co. is at the root of this dark turn of events, supplying the local children with candy that has sparked a transformation into cold-blooded killers.

Scarecrow: Cursed Soil, Central Park

Simple midwestern horror comes alive in Central Park. Flickering lanterns warn you to stay away from the suspicious scarecrows, but you’re lured in despite your instincts. Did you hear something rustling in the bushes, or was that just your imagination getting the best of you? These straw soldiers of the night are seeking their revenge.

Conjure the Dark, San Francisco 

What would Halloween Horror Nights be without witches? A stage, likely set up for sacrifices, serves as the focus of the scare zone. Runes, enchantments, and rockwork make up the dark aura in the scare zone. Can you decipher the runes in time to save yourself from her otherwordly army? In the most clear pairing of the season, this scare zone fits in fully with the Spirits of the Coven house. 

Graveyard: Deadly Unrest, Hollywood 

Creep quietly — don’t disturb the dead. See the darker side of Tinseltown through this beautiful, gothic-styled cemetery. Large mausoleums structured around daunting archways and pointed spires are a testament to the deceased. Can you escape the reanimated corpses set on your soul?

Witch (I mean, which) scare zone are you most excited for? Halloween Horror Nights 2022 will run select nights between September 2 and October 31.

Find out everything you ever wanted to know about HHN – plus more! – in our insider’s guide. And then discuss it all with 150,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post All Five Scare Zones Announced for Halloween Horror Nights 31 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Careful not to leave any of your scream squad behind as you descend the subway tunnels of a deserted New York. Lurking in the dark are hungry mutants looking to feast on the last remnants of humanity.

The concept is simple: it’s the end of the world, and people have been forced to move into subway tunnels and adapt to subterranean life. The maze is perhaps a sequel to Seeds of Extinction, a house featured at Halloween Horror Nights 2018. That house establishes the lore that makes this one possible: in the apocalyptic future, a meteor has annihilated natural life on earth and has introduced a deadly and aggressive mutating spore. 

The plants have taken over everything, vines that strangle and tangle and blooms that prey on what little live food can be found. In this iteration of the storyline, glowing mushrooms are releasing spores that make people go a little bit crazy – and how could you not, in this situation? 

The original house featured human-centric scenes that had been quickly overtaken by nature. For example, guests walked through a mall, a daycare, and a bank – all places very “unnatural” but ultimately required for everyday life. However, once humanity was wiped out, the plants took over, and these places we thought we knew were enveloped by nature quicker than we’d like to think about. 

Glow-in-the-dark elements are always a hit at Halloween Horror Nights (think Asylum in Wonderland 3D from 2015 or even Beetlejuice in recent years). We can’t wait to see what this house has in store for us!

Halloween Horror Nights 2022 runs on select nights from September 2 to October 31, 2022. Learn everything you need to know about HHN tickets here.

Discover more Halloween Horror Nights details in our insider’s guide, then discuss it all with 150,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Descendants of Destruction Announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2022 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Here’s how Universal describes this house:

In a New England fishing village, undead fishermen emerge from the waves to seek their revenge. You and your scream squad may have escaped their hooks in the scare zone. Now they’ll reel you in and drag you under.

The concept of this maze is a frozen fishing village. Of course, the seemingly peaceful tableau will get a scary overlay for Halloween Horror Nights. We can imagine scenes of abandoned fishing tents or supply cabins cast in blue light, with scare actors popping out from clouds of smoke. Ice in Florida is a scary enough prospect on its own! 

This maze situates itself in Halloween Horror Nights lore by being a sequel to the 2016 zone called Dead Man’s Wharf, an area inspired by dead sailors. Dead Man’s Wharf had guests wandering through the remnants of the Annabel Lee fishing vessel, which left port on October 30th, 1931, and never returned. 

Wintry elements at Halloween Horror Nights are rare but not unheard of, with Yeti: Terror of the Yukon (2019), The Thing: Assimilation (2007), and Winter’s Night: The Haunting of Hawthorn Cemetary (2011) all houses that incorporate similar elements of bringing some chill into October. Guests enjoyed these houses, not the least because the chilled temperature can provide an enjoyable contrast to the often warm Florida fall air. 

Halloween Horror Nights 2022 will run select nights September 2 through October 31. Find out everything you need to know about tickets here.

Learn more about Halloween Horror Nights in our insider’s guide, then discuss it all with 150,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Dead Man’s Pier: Winter’s Wake Announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2022 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Here’s what we know so far:

Ghoulish! A Halloween Tale

The lagoon shows at HHN are always spectacular, and this showcase promises to uphold that standard. The narrative is inspired by a ghost story that has come to life. The Grim Reaper takes you on a journey to find what lies in the great beyond with the soundtrack of familiar, remixed music from today.

Halloween Nightmare Fuel Wildfire

The Fuel Girls have returned in this sequel to Nightmare Fuel, one of the shows featured at last year’s event. Set to upbeat, electronic music, a new nightmare is set to debut.

Halloween Horror Nights 2022 runs on select nights from September 2 to October 31.

Find out everything you ever wanted to know about HHN – plus more! – in our insider’s guide. And then discuss it all with 150,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Full Details of Halloween Horror Nights 2022 Shows Revealed  appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Here’s how Universal describes the house:

Visit a Latin American village where the legend of the creature Chupacabras is celebrated with a colorful fiesta. And the streets are lined with the crimson blood of tourists like you and your amigos.

HHN has a history of incorporating “Day of the Dead” – esque elements over the years, but nothing that has overtly referenced the holiday as this house does. HHN Hollywood has had several Latin American inspired houses, scare zones, and other elements at their event over the years, including the Dia de los Muertos bar attraction last season. The legend of La Llorona, a Mexican mother who drowns her children, and then herself, after witnessing her husband being unfaithful is a well-known piece of lore throughout Latin America, has also been integrated in several seasons of HHN. There are many iterations of the story, but the established storyline says that the cursed mother has immediate regret of killing her children and haunts earth and purgatory, unable to enter heaven. The legend inspired two houses at HHN Hollywood before making the jump to Universal Studios Florida in 2013. A 2010 scarezone called Esqueleto Muerte at Universal Studios featured neon-painted scareactors, colorful set designs, and lively props. 

All of this leads up to today’s announcement. The Day of the Dead is a holiday steeped in tradition, primarily in Mexico but with traditions throughout Latin America. It’s patterned with motifs like skeletons and bright colors, juxtaposing the sadness and grief associated with death with the joy and beauty we find in life. In this way, the house announcement today makes sense in terms of matching the tone of Halloween Horror Nights — we’re scared but happy about it, and ultimately Halloween Horror Nights is a celebration of the darker, more mystical parts of life. 

Now for the other part of the house — the monster at hand — the chupacabra. A cryptozoological legend that originated in Puerto Rico, the monster was created in the mid-70s and the lore only grew from there. From 1975 through the 1990s, a series of odd livestock deaths peppered Latin America. The animals would appear to have their blood drained from their bodies and left for dead. Before too long, the legend of the chupacabra developed and sightings began to be more prevalent. 

Witnesses say the chupacabra is a small creature that usually hops around like a kangaroo. The animal usually has a mix of scales and fur, and sometimes even has spines down the back. Of course, the chupacabra has fangs that bite and claws that snatch, and has vampiric behaviors like draining the blood from the animals they hunt. The high concentration of these sightings in Latin America have turned the chupacabra into a sort of icon — a simultaneously unique, playful, and mythical representation of the land to which it is so closely related. 

All of these elements combined make for a promising and interesting maze for Halloween Horror Nights, which runs on select nights from September 2 through October 31, 2022. Find everything you need to know about HHN tickets here.

Discover all the details behind Halloween Horror Nights in our insider’s guide, then discuss it all with 150,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Fiesta de Chupacabras Announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2022 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

While touring a 1950s home of the future, you’ll be surrounded by the slime of bugs everywhere as hordes of many-legged terrors descend upon you and your scream squad. You’ll be dropping like flies.

It’s a simple concept, but one that plays off one of the most ubiquitous fears across humanity — our fear of bugs. Set in a 1950s theme, guests will walk in and see that a number of things have gone terribly, terribly wrong. Testing and experimentation will be getting worse and worse until they’re too horrifying to put into words. You’ve got to come see it for yourself! 

This house marks the first time bugs or insects have been the focal point of any maze at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida. Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood did host a scarezone called “Exterminators” in 2015. The concept there was that people had thoughtlessly been polluting (and inadvertently altering) the bugs and creatures that lived in the sewer system. Now it was time to pay the price. The subterranean infestations had developed into hybrid humanoid creatures and had emerged to the surface to take over. 

Over at Universal Studios Florida, bugs have made a less direct but still established appearance over the years. Universal’s Islands of Adventure hosted Halloween Horror Nights in 2002, and one of the houses that year was a popular household name at the time — Fear Factor. In this maze, Halloween Horror Nights brought to life the fears and tests that so many guests were familiar with through watching the popular TV show of the same name. One of these rooms included a number of snakes, spiders, worms, rats, and spiderwebs to scare people and test their fear. 

Years later, Slaughter Sinema (2018) also played on the “buggy” elements that skeez so many of us out. One room in this wildly popular house included a scene with a dead scientist who had been overtaken by tiny creatures now harvesting his body. Another scientist was fighting off a swarm of these creatures and trying to save himself from the same fate. 

All of this is to say that while bug elements have been included in HHN past years, this is the first time an exclusively-bug focused house is featured in the lineup of main houses.

We’re always a fan of expanding HHN lore, characters, and just generally testing the boundaries and realms they’re willing to explore in the name of fear. Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights from September 2 through October 31, 2022. Learn everything you need to know about HHN tickets here.

Discover all the details of Halloween Horror Nights in our insider’s guide, then discuss it all with 150,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Bugs: Eaten Alive Announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2022 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

You heard that right — The Weeknd (born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye), Canadian-born singer/songwriter and pop icon, will have his own house at Halloween Horror Nights 2022. But how, you may ask? What would a haunted house look like if inspired by an entertainer? We’ve got a few ideas. 

For one thing, let’s establish the music and artistry of The Weeknd. A mixture of pop, soul, R&B, and rock n’ roll, all with an 80s overlay, is the best way to identify the genre intersectionality of his music. His music videos are structured by synth-heavy musical drives, flamboyant costuming, and makeup artistry that is heavily reminiscent of Michael Jackson. “Blinding Lights,” one of his most popular songs, fully exemplifies these qualities. 

But frequently underneath those poppy synth drives are extremely troubling lyrics and messaging. Therefore, it’s not a huge leap forward to say that the maze announced today will play off the haunting artistry The Weeknd has cultivated in recent years. He has pushed his image in various ways, challenging notions of gender and other conventional standards. He does this even in his own imagery outside of his music videos — during pre and early-pandemic red carpets, while promoting his album After Hours (2020), The Weeknd famously showcased a (fake) beat-up and bloodied face and officially invited controversy into his ethos as an artist and musician. 

His discography showcases this invitation and exploration into the macabre, controversial, and simply taboo. After Hours is an album laced with lyrics of cynicism and hopelessness, and the accompanying music videos include blatant depictions of domestic violence, murder, and even necrophilia. While those elements are all clearly and outwardly violent, some of the most unsettling aspects of the music videos for After Hours is simply the voyeuristic nature in which they’re shot, suggesting that the viewer is highly complicit in the actions of those on screen. 

After Hours is an album confessing curiosity and willingness to participate in death. A prime example of this (that would translate well into a maze, in our opinion) is as follows: in “In Your Eyes,” After Hours, a woman is pursued by her abuser in a stressful chase sequence. She eventually overtakes him and decapitates him, celebrating her victory by taking the decapitated head to a dance club to, you guessed it, party on. The club is confirmed to be within the house.

The decapitated head from “In Your Eyes” makes another appearance later in the album in “Too Late.” In perhaps the edgiest video from that album, The Weeknd makes a scathing and non-subtle observation about pop culture, the entertainment industry, and Hollywood in general. The setting of the video takes place in the Hollywood Hills, a place that holds a history of high-profile murders and crimes, from the Black Dahlia cold case to the Tate Murders. It’s in this backdrop that two young women are in the process of arriving home from plastic surgery procedures when they come upon the decapitated head. Instead of being disgusted by the head and reporting it to the police, they are enthralled by the beauty of the face and take the head home to their Hollywood mansion. The video is clear to show the serene neighborhood and the impressive facade of the house in high contrast to the disturbing things happening inside its walls. With lyrics such as “We’re in hell, it’s disguised as a parade with flashing lights,” it’s hard to miss the message here – that even in (or perhaps most especially in) the places that carry beauty and affluence, at our core we are animals with a propensity for evil. This will be the overarching theme of the house, surviving Los Angeles.

Entertainment Weekly received additional information regarding the haunted attraction. The house will feature six songs by The Weeknd: “After Hours,” “In Your Eyes,” “Heartless,” “Blinding Lights,” “Save Your Tears” (solo version), and “Too Late.” You will be welcomed into The Weeknd’s imagination and then journey through three distinct sections. After witnessing the aforementioned club, you will visit a Las Vegas-themed hotel and a “subterranean metro tunnel.”

We know it’s elements like these that will make this completely new house a great one. We’ll leave you today with one lyric that best summarizes the overlap between The Weeknd and HHN: “You risk it all to feel alive.”

Halloween Horror Nights 2022 runs on select nights from September 2 to October 31.

Find out everything you ever wanted to know about HHN – plus more! – in our insider’s guide. And then discuss it all with 150,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare Announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2022 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

For many years, the groove has provided entertainment and nightlife to CityWalk. In this multi-level club, guests had a wide selection of drinks and snacks to choose from and were able to dance the night away (at least, before Covid) until 2 am. Fans of this space praised the groove for being a fun adult space close to the theme parks and hotels, allowing more mature visitors the chance to party without having to take an Uber downtown or sacrifice park time for a night out.

The close comes at a predictable time: the landscape of theme parks and people’s relationships with them has rapidly changed in the past couple years, and Universal Orlando Resort is no exception. 

We all know that this prime real estate won’t go to waste, and the new Universal’s Great Movie Escape will be housed there later this fall. This change is the latest in a number of CityWalk updates in recent years. In 2015, NBC Sports Grill & Brew replaced NASCAR Café (which had been there since 1999). Between December 2019 and March 2020, a string of stores (Fresh Produce, The Island Clothing Co, Fossil, and P!Q) all closed to make room for a brand-new Universal Studios Store that exceeded 8,000 square feet. Meanwhile, the old Universal Studios Store location was reconstructed to be the Universal Legacy Store. Similarly, in spring of 2021, Bend the Bao replaced Fusion Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar, and now the groove adds itself to the list of places that won’t reopen its doors post-pandemic.  

So, what’s next for the groove’s location?

Two escape rooms: one themed to Back to the Future, and one themed to Jurassic World.

What are escape rooms?

Escape rooms are just about what they sound like – a room you must “escape.” Universal is titling their rooms “escape adventures.” Here are the rules, usually: you and a group of your friends or family agree to be locked in a room (for those of us who are a little claustrophobic, don’t worry – most of these “rooms” are more like mazes or houses) for a pre-set amount of time. In this room, you solve riddles and clues to escape. It’s a fun exercise – the “room” leaves you with clues and puzzles that lead to more clues and puzzles that eventually lead to your release. Far from making you feel trapped in a room, escape room exercises make for a fun and high-stakes game night.

The challenges and tasks are aligned to the theming of your room, so while the mechanism of escape rooms is the same (or very similar) across the globe, each escape room is a unique and fun experience. The challenge is to “escape” the room before your time is up, and those who are successful in this challenge usually get a special photo op at the conclusion of the experience.

Over the past several years, escape rooms have gained enormous popularity across the world, which lends itself well to CityWalk and its international travelers. The escape rooms could be a great idea for groups waiting on a dinner reservation, or for those spending multiple days at Universal Orlando Resort who are searching for something unique to do. Locals are also likely to be drawn to these escape rooms because of their unique theming.

As we’ve said, escape rooms are immensely common, so the draw for these particular rooms will be the fact that one is Back to the Future inspired, and that the other places you in Jurassic World, namely. The production value of escape rooms is also unmatched. If you’re a fan at all of the houses at Halloween Horror Nights, or are impressed by movie sets in general, this will likely be an experience you would enjoy. In fact, Universal confirmed that the rooms are being created by the same masterminds behind Halloween Horror Nights.

There are still many details to be confirmed regarding the rooms. However, Universal did share that they will feature “interactive state-of-the-art missions, captivating storytelling, and intricately detailed sets.” We can’t wait for them to open, and when they do, keep an eye out for our review!

Are you excited about this new addition? Discuss with 150,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Universal’s Great Movie Escape coming to CityWalk in Fall 2022 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

The cultural hold this franchise has on us is undeniable. The next (and seemingly final) Halloween film, Halloween Ends, is slated to be released October 14 of this year, but this house will venture back to where it all began.  Halloween originally came out in 1978 and shaped the horror genre as we know it today, and the simple but haunting score is as iconic as similarly simple tunes like the main theme from Jaws, or The Imperial March from the Star Wars franchise.

Michael Myers has made a number of appearances at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida over the years, the most recent of which was in 2018 in the Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers maze. 

The house will feature classic slasher elements and invite guests to participate in one of the most famous horror franchises in history. Guests will be taken through the turmoil that Michael Myers inflicts on others, and you can expect to meander through the critical scenes in the film.

One thing we know for sure should be present – that chilling music. And at the end of the day, is there anything scarier than that score?

Find out everything you ever wanted to know about HHN – plus more! – in our insider’s guide. And then discuss it all with 150,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Halloween Announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2022 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Released in 1931, Dracula was the first sound film adaptation of the vampire’s story. The movie, of course, was produced and distributed by Universal Pictures, and starred Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula. His performance made the character a cultural icon, and the archetype for future depictions of vampires.

The Mummy was released 90 years ago, just a year after the success of Dracula. It’s one of the most classic horror films of all time, and certainly a groundbreaking story that shaped early cinema as a whole. Boris Karloff stars in this pre-code film as the title character, and the movie was created at the height of American interest in Ancient Egyptian history. King Tut’s tomb had been excavated in 1922 by Howard Carter, and the concept of an Ancient Egyptian “curse” had a decade to fester itself into mainstream culture. 

The Wolf Man was released in 1941 and stars Lon Chaney, Jr. Surprisingly, this was the second werewolf film released by Universal Pictures. Werewolf in London had been released in 1935, and while it wasn’t as commercially successful as The Wolf Man, the film did the legwork in establishing werewolf lore as part of the Universal Monsters. Audiences loved the juxtaposition of being terrified by a story they also empathized with, and the tragic story arc of the werewolf plight has appealed to people for centuries.

Guests at Halloween Horror Nights 31 can expect an epic battle between The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and Dracula on their mission to find that amulet needed to break their curse.

Who will win, and who will be the guest favorite? The answer might not be the same. Halloween Horror Nights 2022 will run select nights between September 2 and October 31.

Find out everything you ever wanted to know about HHN – plus more! – in our insider’s guide. And then discuss it all with 150,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news and tips at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Universal Monsters: Legends Collide Announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2022 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Another beloved classic in Production Central at Universal Studios Florida is closing its doors. This time, it’s not an attraction. Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Cafe has permanently closed. Universal shared:

“After more than 20 years of serving dreadfully-delicious quick-service menu offerings, Monsters Cafe in Universal Studios Florida permanently closed in the spring of 2022 to make way for a new dining experience.”

Monsters Cafe opened its doors in May 1998. Over the past twenty years, the restaurant has provided guests with a retro and immersive environment to enjoy food items that range from light refreshments to full-blown pulled BBQ pork sandwiches and everything in-between. Monsters Cafe embraced the vegan/vegetarian movement early, and in recent years The Mummy jackfruit sandwich and the Creepy Spice Roasted Cauliflower have been classic hits. 

If you’ve been to Universal Studios Florida in the last 25 years, you’ll know that the cafe is one of the first things to catch your eye and lead you down Production Central’s main street, luring guests into one of the central intersections of the park. The kiosk just outside the main cafe has the immediately-recognizable features of Frankenstein’s Monster displaying a menu, The Wolf Man holding a pizza, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon carrying a salad bowl on its roof. The juxtaposition of showcasing these iconic characters in such a lighthearted manner perfectly encapsulates the tone of the cafe, which serves both as testament to the legacy of these films as well as poking fun at our cultural affinity for the stories.

Universal Studios Classic Monsters is a genre of films that span the early 20th century. The vast majority of these films, which include iconic characters such as Dracula, the Mummy, Frankenstein, the Wolf Man, the Invisible Man, the Phantom of the Opera, and others, were pre-code installations that shaped modern cinema and storytelling. Although not officially tied together as a franchise in any way, the cultural hold these films have on us to this day has bound them together forever. Early cinema icons like Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff delivered genre-defining performances and gave us some of the most memorable scenes in cinematic history. 

While no official word has come yet about what is to replace Monsters Cafe, Shrek 4-D has recently closed next door with Minions on the construction walls surrounding the defunct building. There’s also no word yet on whether or not the accompanying Monsters Cafe kiosk just outside its doors will continue to serve guests. One thing we know for sure — just because the cafe might be retiring doesn’t mean our appetite for these stories and characters is going anywhere anytime soon!

What do you think will replace Monsters Cafe? Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news and tips for trips to Universal Orlando Resort.

The post Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Cafe Has Closed appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Salt & Straw Opened

Salt & Straw’s newest location is right here at Disney Springs! The unique, west-coast based ice-cream shop offers guests a respite from the Florida heat with their enticing tastes and flavor combos. With ice cream like Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, Cold Brew Coffee Cashew Praline, and Arbequina Olive Oil, the shop has notoriety for introducing unlikely flavors together for repeated hits. 

You can visit Salt & Straw on the West Side of Disney Springs, near the food trucks and Splitsville Luxury Lanes.

2. More Mask Mandate Updates at Walt Disney World

This week saw a shift in mask mandates and travel policies. After a federal judge in Florida officially struck down the mask mandate, airlines began to follow suit, and Walt Disney World Resort announced that they would no longer be requiring guests to wear masks or face coverings on Disney transportation. Guests were already not required to wear masks indoors or on attractions, but unvaccinated guests continue to be encouraged to wear masks when indoors.  

Look over our guide page for full information on visiting the parks during COVID-19. 

3. “Awesome Mix” Revealed for Guardians of the Galaxy

The newest attraction at Walt Disney World, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will officially open next month at EPCOT. Preparations are well underway for the grand opening, and this week further details were revealed for the ride. Guests will experience the attraction to one of six songs, including “September” and “Disco Inferno,” while they go on their adventure to guard the galaxy (or at least to defend EPCOT). Fans of the Guardians franchise know the importance of a good song, and it seems like this attraction won’t dissapoint!

Read full details of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind here.

4. Time to Climb Everest Once Again

After more than four months of being closed for renovations, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is officially opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. One of the most popular attractions at Animal Kingdom, Expedition Everest is back to welcoming guests to an unforgettable journey and face the yeti. Since the ride’s reopening, it is now also included in the Genie+ service available to guests (previously, the attraction was available only as an a la carte Lightning Lane option).

For a complete breakdown of Genie+ across the parks, scope out our guide page. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable. Discuss it all with 150,000+ other Disney die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

The post Salt & Straw Opens, Guardians Mixtape Revealed, and Return of the Yeti: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (April 18 – 24, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy Launching May 27

Disney has announced new details, including the official launch date of EPCOT’s newest attraction. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will begin taking guests on May 27, 2022. A new promotional video was also released alongside this announcement, revealing more details of the attraction. It looks like the Guardians of the Galaxy are enjoying some well-earned R&R when they’re interrupted by a transmission from Earth – specifically, from EPCOT. A member of Nova Corps yells out: “This is an SOS from Nova Corps … Our outpost on Earth’s EPCOT is in danger!” and later on: “Everything is disappearing!” Rocket and Groot are on it, and a sleepy Star Lord gets swept up in the next adventure for guarding the galaxy. Eson, a powerful Celestial being, is threatening EPCOT and the Guardians of the Galaxy need to come to the rescue! Cast member previews begin April 11.

Read all the details about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind here. 

2. Disney to Create Affordable Housing

Disney is planning to build an affordable housing development near Walt Disney World! The company has plans to develop nearly 100 acres of land in southwest Orange County, with the goal of eventually providing 1,300 units for qualifying applicants (including cast members). In recent years, rent and the cost of living in Central Florida has increased at a more aggressive rate than nearly anywhere else in the country, and the need for affordable housing and lifestyle management is sorely felt. While this announcement is still in very early stages (it has yet to pass any regulatory approvals), we are excited to see the parks move in this direction and make these considerations!

3. Vegan Options in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has recently expanded their menus to include options for the animal-loving witches and wizards that visit Hogsmeade Village and peruse wares in Diagon Alley. You can check out the updated menus for Three Broomsticks and Leaky Cauldron and see what looks good to you! The Magic Neep cart (Hogsmeade) also offers a vegan Shepherd’s Pasty Pie – delicious!

Wondering what other vegan delicacies are available at Universal Orlando Resort? Check out our recommendations here. 

4. Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando

The Seven Seas Food Festival is still going strong at SeaWorld Orlando. Now through May 8, guests can enjoy over 200 food and drink options inspired by dishes from across the seven seas. These selections include more than 75 wine and cocktail choices and 75 craft beers. Access to the event is included with park admission and takes place on Thursdays through Sundays at SeaWorld Orlando. 

Check out the details here. 

5. Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has kicked off their annual Food & Wine Festival. For the next several weeks, guests can enjoy access to the event with park admission. This year, Busch Gardens has introduced more than 20 new dishes to pair with the already established lineup of cocktails and craft beers. Speaking of lineups, the festival includes access to a number of live concerts. This year, notable headliners include acts like Walk the Moon. There’s also a number of cover bands and tribute artists to keep the party going. 

The Food & Wine Festival will be held on Fridays through Sundays and will run until May 22. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable.

The post Fast Forward to Guardians of the Galaxy Opening, Vegan Witches Rejoice, and SeaWorld’s Seven Seas: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (April 11 – 17, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Taylor’s Pick
Jack Presents: 25 Years of Monsters & Mayhem, 2015

Having been to so many years of the event, it is difficult to pick just one! However, since Aryn is making me, I have to go with Jack Presents: 25 Years of Monsters & Mayhem. Anniversary houses are always fan-favorites, but in my experience, it’s been difficult to strike the balance between fan service and quality scares. The “Jack House” in 2015 did this perfectly, doubling as the anniversary and icon house. The carefully selected line-up of past properties provided a trip down memory lane with classic scares along the way. Beyond these qualities of the house, one of my all-time favorite Halloween Horror Nights memories is watching Rebecca (who happens to be afraid of clowns) on our team navigate the final room full of clown mannequins.

Matthew’s Pick
Gothic, 2012

My all-time favorite house would have to be Gothic from HHN22. One of seven houses that year, this maze was an original concept focused around (you guessed it) a large Gothic cathedral. From a design and operations perspective, it was easily the most impressive house that year, and monumental enough to earn credit as my all-time favorite. The experience was incredible – I remember walking through the house and being amazed how well the forced perspective really made me believe I was walking the halls of a cathedral. From moving statues to actual flying gargoyles and height illusions produced by tiny models and mirrors, this house has proven hard to beat!

Rebecca’s Pick
Body Collectors: Recollections, 2015

After being a longtime HHN admirer (but never actually being able to go myself), Halloween Horror Nights 25 was my first time getting to experience the event. And if that wasn’t exciting enough, I was hired to be a scareactor for the PsychoScareapy: Unleashed scarezone. HHN25 will always hold a special place in my heart, so it’s only fitting that my favorite house is also from this year!

Body Collectors: Recollections won my undying appreciation the moment the facade came into view. Beautiful snow falling from the ceiling while we walked up to the entrance of Shadybrook Asylum, (which is a part PsychoScareapy’s storied history), is still engraved in my mind to this day. The old-timey overlay throughout the entire experience made it completely unforgettable. The Collectors (who were lurking around every corner to harvest human parts they needed) were really interesting to me generally as someone who also enjoys Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but the most iconic scene that allowed this house to claim the title of my all-time favorite had to be the Operation/Procedure Theater! This room had a number of body collectors sitting in stadium-type viewing, looking down on the procedure taking place in the center of the theater. Scareactors were sometimes planted in the theater, and sometimes even within the walls as you walked by! All in all, a completely unique and unforgettable experience.

Francesca’s Pick
Dead Waters, 2017

For me, Dead Waters from HHN27 has to take the cake for best house. The spectacular set design and immersive storytelling is everything Halloween Horror Nights aims to celebrate, and Dead Waters represented in both categories. This was an original concept house that served as a sequel to the Bayou of Blood scare zone in 2014 and continued playing on the elements that made the scare zone so unique. The Voodoo Queen was after you, and her zombie henchmen were doing everything in their power to stop you from escaping. This house fully delivered, scaring me so badly that I am not certain I would ever do it again. And ultimately, isn’t that the highest compliment?

Kelsey’s Pick
The Wicked Growth: Realm of the Pumpkin, 2021

As a Halloween Horror Nights newbie (2021 being the first year I ever attended), I don’t have many options to choose from when it comes to considering my all-time best HHN House. However, my favorite house I experienced has to be The Wicked Growth: Realm of the Pumpkin. The house had it all: plenty of scares, an immersive set design, and enriching sound effects. While it wasn’t the scariest house, the story and design really sold it for me. I loved seeing all of the vines and pumpkin guts.

To me, nothing says Halloween like pumpkins, and I loved seeing a classic, family-friendly staple of the holiday turned into something sinister. Hopefully this won’t be the last time we encounter The Pumpkin Lord!

Michaela’s Pick
Slaughter Sinema, 2018

From the drive-in screen outside the house itself to the snack stand welcoming you at the entrance, Slaughter Sinema truly set the scene for the horrors waiting for you inside. The house quickly transformed from its movie theater setting to an immersion into the B-list movies playing on the silver screen, allowing for a variety of scenes and characters throughout the house. Its ability to captivate you in multiple, separate stories back-to-back with such exceptionally designed sets – each being as fun as the last – was what made it this house the most memorable to me.

Aryn’s Pick
AVP: Alien vs Predator, 2014

No shade to the onslaught of original concept houses that populate this list, but for my selection I have to go with AVP: Alien vs Predator from HHN24. This decision wasn’t an easy one. Some of my other faves include Cabin in the Woods (2013), American Werewolf in London (2013, 2015), and I think Haunting of Hill House (2021) was the most scared I’ve been in any house, ever. But as for the all-time best? AVP takes the cake. 2014 was my third HHN experience, and by that point I was used to what the event had to offer and brave enough to start enjoying the houses and not be completely terrified by them. The scares in this particular house were okay, but the set design and movie-quality elements are what absolutely made this a memorable experience for me. The whole time I was kept guessing if there were scareactors about to jump out at me or if the monster I was facing was, in fact, just a stage prop. Guests were immediately immersed in one of the most influential and game-changing science fiction franchises of all-time, and the execution of this was nothing short of jaw-dropping. The scariest element in the maze? Having to crouch through the final tunnel on your way to escape!

Trevor’s Pick
Insidious, 2015

What’s my all-time favorite HHN house? This is such a hard question to answer. The Wicked Growth: Realm of the Pumpkin comes to mind, but that might just be because last season is so fresh in my memory. Krampus (2016) is also a strong contender. Who could forget that iconic gingerbread smell throughout the house, and how different that maze felt from every other house that year? But if you’re making me pick one, I’ve got to go with Insidious from HHN 25. The Insidious franchise now has a long and established relationship with Halloween Horror Nights, but in 2015 this was all just beginning. The first Insidious movie is one of my favorite horror films, so being completely immersed in that storyline was chilling. Walking up to that facade of the house from the movie for the first time was both frightening and exciting – the perfect representation of Halloween Horror Nights. Each room was true to the movie, and the makeup for The Man with the Fire in His Face was spot on.

Do you agree with our selections? Let us know. We personally can’t wait to see what Halloween Horror Nights 2022 has in store for us this year! With any luck, some new favorites will emerge this Halloween season. Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights from September 2 through October 31, 2022.

Find out everything you ever wanted to know about HHN – plus more! – in our insider’s guide. And then discuss it all with 150,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Staff Picks: All-time Best Houses at Halloween Horror Nights appeared first on Orlando Informer.

The long-awaited official launch date for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has finally been revealed. Mark your calendars for May 27. 

It’s been almost five full years since Disney Parks and Resorts made the long-awaited (and fully expected) announcement that Guardians of the Galaxy would be coming to Florida in some fashion. For a while, the rumor (and fear) was that Disney would be importing the same Guardians of the Galaxy overlay to Twilight Zone Tower of Terror that they had done to the attraction in California Adventure. 

Thankfully, that was not meant to be and instead Disney announced that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind would be a brand-new indoor roller coaster, and that it would be homed in what was then Ellen’s Energy Adventure in the Universe of Energy Pavilion. Five years, a new CEO, and a global pandemic later, we are finally on the brink of experiencing this groundbreaking attraction for real. 

Last week, Disney revealed details of the queue for the first time, giving us all a peek into The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind queue for the first time. Revealing an area called the Galaxarium, the queue features design elements highly similar to other attractions in EPCOT – namely, neon blue lighting, futuristic details, and a space-inspired focus.

This morning, a new promotional video was also released alongside some details of the attraction. It looks like the Guardians of the Galaxy are enjoying some well-earned R&R when they’re interrupted by a transmission from Earth – specifically, from EPCOT. A member of Nova Corps yells out: “This is an SOS from Nova Corps … Our outpost on Earth’s EPCOT is in danger!” and later on: “Everything is disappearing!” Rocket and Groot are on it, and a sleepy Star Lord gets swept up in the next adventure for guarding the galaxy.

The attraction is the latest in a relatively long line of space-themed attractions and additions to the parks in recent years. Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened in 2019, and last month the inaugural journeys of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser finally took place, immersing families in storied space-themed hotel experiences. Just last year, EPCOT opened Space 220 restaurant to less-than-stellar reviews, and Magic Kingdom is currently constructing a copy of TRON Lightcycle / Run (which exists already at Shanghai Disneyland).

It all goes to show that our preoccupation with space hasn’t gone anywhere, but rather simply changed and evolved as we have over recent decades. The space race has turned from exploratory inquiries to seemingly accepting that space is where we are all headed next. No longer do we have to ask the questions of how space travel is possible, and instead our curiosity has transformed into imagining what life will be like once we get there. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is just one adventurous branch of these imaginings. See you all on May 27!

Are you ready to help save the galaxy? Let us – and thousands of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And then be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to Launch on May 27 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Disney Hugs are Back

After more than two full years, Walt Disney World will begin permitting traditional interactions between guests and characters. Starting on April 18, visitors to the Happiest and Most Magical places on earth will once again be able to interact with characters as they did pre-pandemic, free to request autographs, give hugs, or put their arms around each other for a photo op. These traditional character interactions will return to Disneyland, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and at Aulani hotel in Hawaii. 

Read about the significance of these returns here. 

2. EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival 

EPCOT’s premier festival is once again returning to World Showcase. Offering marketplaces where guests can sample international treats and eats, the festival will run for four months, kicking off on July 14 and concluding on November 19. The annual runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon weekend will take place on November 4 and hosts multiple running events over the course of the weekend. 

Sounds like the makings of a great conclusion to summer and start to fall!

3. A Mix of more EPCOT Announcements

A collection of miscellaneous Disney announcements were made this week, so we thought we’d round them up here. EPCOT released the menu for Connections Cafe, their soon-to-be newest eatery and new home to Starbucks. You can review the yummy details here. 

EPCOT also gave us all a peek into The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind queue for the first time. Revealing an area called the Galaxarium, the queue features design elements highly similar to other attractions in EPCOT – namely, neon blue lighting, futuristic details, and a space-inspired focus. It looks like an official announcement should be released from Disney tomorrow regarding the launch date of this brand-new coaster. 

Keep your eyes peeled for that news!

4. Yee-haw! Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is Back!

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is officially returning to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort on June 23! This Southern-inspired family dinner and show has been a favorite since its opening in 1974. Hoop-Dee-Doo is a two-hour experience where families can come together and enjoy unlimited Southern cooking. Guests 21 and up can participate in unlimited draft beer, wine, and sangria as well. 

Guests can make reservations and purchase tickets for this experience here on May 26. 

5. Final Curtain for Mardi Gras 

If you’re interested in enjoying Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort, get movin! The event ends April 24, which means you have just a few more weeks left to enjoy the mouth-watering exclusive food and beverages. The menu includes items like Crab Cake Beignets, Ube Ice Cream in a waffle, and a number of exciting cocktails. After you’ve had your fill of food and festivities, it’s time to find a spot along the parade route to catch some beads. Make sure your feet don’t fail you! 

Our team tried everything on the Mardi Gras menu! Check out our reviews here. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable.

The post Hugs for Mickey Mouse, EPCOT Announcements, and Curtain Call for Mardi Gras: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (March 28 – April 3, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

It’s news that’s already being met with mixed reviews and ambivalence, but let’s face it – that’s also part of the “new normal” that any news has had to mire through over the past two years. While on the surface this seems like a relatively straightforward and maybe even predictable update, the larger significance of these interactions can’t be overlooked. 

Wanna take a minute to see how far we’ve come? 

March 4, 2020 
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Galaxy’s Edge had just opened in August 2019, and summer was beckoning in Orlando. The parks were ramping up, Spring Break guests were here, and summer guests were mentally packing their bags. 

March 12, 2020
Walt Disney World and theme parks around the world announce that they will be closing their parks in the coming days “out of an abundance of caution.” At the time, the parks were anticipated to close for two weeks. Disney parks officially shut their gates several days later. 

July 11, 2020
After nearly four months, phased reopening of Disney parks begins with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. On July 15, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios followed suit. While the parks were technically once again welcoming guests, visitors were returning to a place they knew well in a manner they’d never seen before. The parks were decked out in social distancing markers, updated public health signage, and hand sanitation stations. Guests were required to wear masks at all times, and notably absent were parades, shows, and (you guessed it) character meet and greets. 

It was an unavoidable truth of the situation – things were different, despite the efforts of Disney to provide characters in “new and different ways” for guests. Like many things in recent years, we adjusted quickly, and I think I speak for all of us when I admit we’ve grown accustomed to seeing cavalcades down Main Street, U.S.A or waving at a raft of characters floating down the river at Animal Kingdom. I’ve gotten used to waving at Goofy from afar, under the shade of Spaceship Earth, and it’s easy to admire Rey and Chewbacca as they survey activity in Galaxy’s Edge from rooftops. 

Summer 2021 
Last summer marked a turning point in Disney’s history and trajectory in how they were handling the pandemic. Disney hotels began phased reopenings, and all eyes were laser-focused on the October 1 kick-off of the 50th anniversary celebrations. 

Fall 2021
The parks were able to host more guests as international travel restrictions began to relax, and 50th anniversary elements brought a fresh overlay to the Disney experience overall and Magic Kingdom in particular. Disney began to phase in more of their offerings, including the return of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and – notably for our focus today – a small number of socially-distanced character meet & greets. 

March 2022
The Festival of Fantasy Parade returns to Magic Kingdom – fire breathing Maleficent Dragon and all – for the first time in almost two years. Guests were able to once again gather together and watch this celebration of some of Disney’s most beloved characters and stories. 

March 31, 2022
All of this leads us to today’s announcement, which is that guests will be able to request autographs and physically touch, hug, and directly speak with characters for the first time in over two years. It’s an important milestone in the road to normal, which should be obvious from the fact that it’s one of the last (if not the last?) pre-pandemic practices to return to the parks. 

There aren’t many actions that summarize the essence of human connection more than a hug. For many of us, a hug is personal, comforting, and simply reflexive. But what does all this have to do with Disney World? Honestly, I think Disney Imagineer Daniel Jue said it best in his remarks on Tokyo Disneyland reopening after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear disaster:

“Tokyo Disneyland had to open for the country to begin to heal. After being closed for about a month a month and a half our guests came back in droves. We had people running to hug Mickey and thank him. And you go, this is what we do.”

It’s true, and it’s what makes spaces like Disney World the Most Magical Place on Earth. They are places that defy logic and conquer reason – places where simply hugging a mouse is allegorical to the world returning back to normal. As for us? We just embrace it. 

Who are you ready to hug? Let us – and 150,000+ other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And then be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Why Character Meet & Greets Returning Are a Huge Deal appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Connections Eatery promises to be a fast-casual quick-service restaurant with choices for everyone. The cafe will offer items from burgers, to salads, to specialty cocktails, so let’s go over some of the things you’ll be able to order soon! Pull up a chair as EPCOT proudly presents: the menu.  

Sandwich Selections:

French Bistro Burger – $12.99
Gourmet beef blend, caramelized onions, bacon, brie, mushrooms, and dijon mayonnaise on a toasted Brioche bun

Southwestern Burger – $12.99
Gourmet beef blend, roasted corn-chipotle salsa, Oaxaca cheese crema, chamoy, and guacamole spread on a toasted bun 

American Classic Burger – $11.99
Gourmet beef blend, lettuce, pickle, tomato, cheddar, and roasted garlic spread on a toasted bun

Banh Mi Burger – $11.99
Miso-marinated gourmet beef blend, pickled vegetables, Sriracha mayonnaise on a soft sub roll 

Hand-breaded Chicken Sandwich – $11.99
House-made pickles, and signature sauce on a toasted Brioche bun 

Mediterranean Burger – $11.99
Gourmet beef blend, shredded lettuce, pickled vegetable and feta relish, and zhoug mayonnaise on house-made doner bread 

Salad Selections:

Nicoise-style Salad – $10.29
Crispy mixed greens topped with potatoes, white and green beans, and olives, drizzled with Dijon vinaigrette 

General Tso Chicken Salad – $11.49
Petite kale blend topped with broccoli slaw, red bell pepper, mandarin oranges, warm fried chicken, and crispy wontons with General Tso’s dressing

Pizza Selections:

Meatball Pizza – $10.99
Beef and pork meatballs, San Marzano tomato and basil sauce, and a cheese blend, served with Mediterranean side salad

Curry Spice Pizza (plant-based) – $10.99
Tikka Masala, carrot, potato, peas, tomato, plant-based mozzarella, and lime “yogurt”, served with Mediterranean side salad

Pepperoni Pizza – $10.99
Pepperoni, San Marzano tomato and basil sauce, and a cheese blend, served with Mediterranean side salad  

Five-Cheese Pizza – $10.49
San Marzano tomato and basil sauce and a cheese blend, served with Mediterranean side salad 

The kid’s menu keeps things plain and simple for the perhaps picky eaters in your party. Children can choose from the Grilled Chicken Bao, Chicken Nuggets Basket, Five-Cheese Pizza, or the Cheeseburger for their meal. Prices range from $7.49 – $7.99 for kid’s meals and include a choice of two sides and a small beverage.

Dessert Selections:

Liege Waffle – $5.29
Brioche dough with pearl sugar, strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce

Mango-Coconut Milk Shake – $7.29
Topped with pomegranate molasses drizzle 

Apple Pie Gelato Shake – $7.29
Decadent dessert option with classic sweet palette 

Beverage Selections

Beverage selections at Connections Cafe will feature a number of wines and draft beers for guests 21 and up, along with specialty cocktails such as the Cucumber and Thai Basil Cooler. If you and your party are more interested in a mocktail, try out the Watermelon-Mint Agua Fresca. 

Specialty Cocktail
Cucumber and Thai Basil Cooler – $14.00
Hendrick’s Gin, Cucumber, Cane Sugar, Lemon, Thai Basil, Ginger Bitters

Draft Beers
Yuengling – $8.75
Cigar City Jai Alai IPA _$10.00
Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider – $9.25
Bud Light Lager – $8.25

Wine
Acrobat Pinot Noir, Oregon – $13.00
Broadside Cabernet Sauvignon, California – $11.00
Hess Shirtail Creek Chardonnay, California – $11.00
Rainstorm Pinot Noir Rosé, Oregon – $11.00

All these options and more will be available to guests as soon as Connections Cafe opens this spring. As we mentioned, be sure to stop by Connections Cafe for your coffee fix as well, as it will become the new home for Starbucks at EPCOT!

What are you most excited to try? Let us – and thousands of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And then be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Menu Revealed: Connections Cafe to Feature Global Favorites appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Halloween Horror Nights Confirmed for 2022

Mark your calendars! Halloween Horror Nights 2022 will return on September 2 and run select nights through October 31. 10 houses, 5 scare zones, and 2 live shows are set to return for a record-breaking 43 nights! It’s never too early to start panicking for the nation’s premier Halloween event: Halloween Horror Nights 2022. This week, merchandise appeared in the Five and Dime at Universal Studios Florida and in the All-Hallows Voodoo Boutique at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. 

Check out everything there is to know about Halloween Horror Nights so far here. 

2. Loews Portofino Bay Harbor Nights Primavera

Harbor Nights is back on April 8, 2022. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel hosts this authentic Italian evening on the Harbor Piazza, this time for springtime! This adult-friendly event features unlimited wine and food tastings, dessert options, and live music. Harbor Nights Primavera starts at 6:30 and concludes at 9:00. It’s something you don’t want to miss and makes for a wonderful date night. If you want to see what it’s all about, read our review here.

Tickets must be purchased ahead of time here. 

3. Wonders of Xandar Pavilion at EPCOT

The merchandise location for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was revealed this week! Treasures of Xandar is coming to the Wonders of Xandar pavilion at EPCOT. A new character called The Broker will operate the store, and as a proud Xandarian, he will offer trinkets and wares that pay tribute to Xandar. The shop will offer merchandise and a few tokens that even celebrate the Guardians of the Galaxy. We’re thrilled to see more design elements come together closer and closer to the new attraction’s launch! 

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is set to open this summer! 

4. Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando

The Seven Seas Food Festival is still going strong at SeaWorld Orlando. Now through May 8, guests can enjoy over 200 food and drink options inspired by dishes from across the seven seas. These selections include more than 75 wine and cocktail choices and 75 craft beers. Access to the event is included with park admission and takes place on Thursdays through Sundays at SeaWorld Orlando. 

Check out the details here. 

5. Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has kicked off their annual Food & Wine Festival. For the next several weeks, guests can enjoy access to the event with park admission. This year, Busch Gardens has introduced more than 20 new dishes to pair with the already established lineup of cocktails and craft beers. Speaking of lineups, the festival includes access to a number of live concerts. This year, notable headliners include acts like Walk the Moon. There’s also a number of cover bands and tribute artists to keep the party going. 

The Food & Wine Festival will be held on Fridays through Sundays and will run until May 22. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

The post Halloween Horror Nights Confirmed, Guardians Closer to Opening, and Perfect Date Nights: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (March 20 – 27, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Universal Orlando Resort Opens First Official Quiet Room

This week, Universal Orlando Resort officially opened their first quiet room. This updated space is available for use by neurodivergent guests and their families as-needed. The quiet room is a small, low-stimulation area that guests can access near the entrance to Universal Studios Florida. 

Read the full details here. 

2. Poseidon’s Fury Open 

After a year and a half of being closed, Poseidon’s Fury reopened to guests on March 14 in Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. We were there for the first archaeological expedition since August 2020, and every element of the attraction seemed sharper and better than ever! As of right now, the attraction seems to be closing before official park hours closure. While there aren’t attraction times listed on the app, Poseidon’s Fury has been closing around 6:30 on many nights. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Poseidon’s Fury. 

3. TRON Officially Running Ride Vehicles 

Goodbye phase one, hello phase two! In Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, TRON Lightcycle / Run has started officially testing ride vehicles! In this testing phase, ride vehicles are undergoing push/pull testing by Disney Imagineers. The attraction has yet to send ride vehicles off at full speed, but we can’t wait to see what this coaster looks like at full throttle! 

We can’t wait to see what this attraction looks like when complete!

4. Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando

The Seven Seas Food Festival is still going strong at SeaWorld Orlando. Now through May 8, guests can enjoy over 200 food and drink options inspired by dishes from across the seven seas. These selections include more than 75 wine and cocktail choices and 75 craft beers. Access to the event is included with park admission and takes place on Thursdays through Sundays at SeaWorld Orlando. 

Check out the details here. 

5. Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has kicked off their annual Food & Wine Festival. For the next several weeks, guests can enjoy access to the event with park admission. This year, Busch Gardens has introduced more than 20 new dishes to pair with the already established lineup of cocktails and craft beers. Speaking of lineups, the festival includes access to a number of live concerts. This year, notable headliners include acts like Walk the Moon. There’s also a number of cover bands and tribute artists to keep the party going. 

The Food & Wine Festival will be held on Fridays through Sundays and will run until May 22. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable.

The post Poseidon’s Fury Open, TRON on Track, and Wild Festivals: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (March 13 – 20, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

In recent years, theme parks have been more respectful of guests who require accessibility and aid when enjoying the parks. Universal Orlando Resort is no exception to this shift, and has been mindful of the changes needed to make sure all guests have the opportunity to experience Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure with their friends and family in a safe and enjoyable way. 

The quiet room unveiled today is a step in that direction. The space was designed in partnership with Universal’s Creative and Guest Safety & Accessibility teams, and the collaboration between the two teams produced a wonderful addition to Guest Service offerings. The quiet room provides a small but inviting space equipped with focusing activities, tactile toys, and familiar faces, all housed neatly in an environment overlaid with a soothing color scheme. 

Universal will undoubtedly take the next few weeks and take notes of how to best operate the room so that guests can utilize it to fully meet their needs. Right now, using the room is on a first-come, first-serve basis, and parties will be permitted to use the quiet room for 30 minutes at a time. This will ensure that guests are able to take some time and rest from the business of the parks while also being mindful of other guests who might need this space. 

The room will be sanitized between parties, and a team member will be on the premises to assist guests if needed. If there is a queue to use the room and your party requires assistance quickly, guests will be invited to Health Services or Guest Services to use the calmer spaces these offices can provide. Although these are non-designated quiet areas, they can often provide a sensory break in the day, and until the opening of the official quiet room today, this is what all guests used if they required a few minutes of peace. 

We know this quiet room will help countless families take full advantage of all the wonderful experiences Universal Orlando Resort has to offer!

Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post First Look: New Quiet Room at Universal Studios Florida appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Nestled between Seuss Landing and Hogsmeade, the Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure has been home to this popular walk-through attraction since the park opened in 1999. The experience takes guests on an archeological expedition that mixes live-action storytelling with immersive special effects. With no height requirement and a lot of air conditioning, Poseidon’s Fury has decades of experience welcoming families and large parties looking for a respite in the heat of the day while also making sure that the adventure continues.

Poseidon’s Fury was on a list of attractions that closed on August 9, 2020. Both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure had closed “out of an abundance of caution” in mid-March of that year and reopened 80 days later in June. Some of those attractions, such as Fear Factor Live and A Day in the Park with Barney, would sadly never welcome guests back. In August 2021, walls went up around Poseidon’s Fury, and fans speculated on whether or not the attraction was undergoing a refurbishment, or if the walls meant this was the next attraction to close down as a result of the pandemic.

Our team was lucky enough to walk through the attraction today, and we are happy to report that the experience is the same classic adventure tale that we know and love! While we can’t officially say if the mechanics have been tinkered with, we can say from experience that the sound, lighting, and projections seemed sharper and more prominent than in our last walkthrough of Poseidon’s Fury. (Or was this just because we missed it so much?)

We’re so pleased that Poseidon’s Fury has reopened to once again welcome guests and invite them on one of the hallmark experiences that gives Universal’s Islands of Adventure its name!

What have you missed most about Poseidon’s Fury? Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable.

The post Poseidon’s Fury NOW OPEN at Universal’s Islands of Adventure appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Iron Gwazi Launches

Iron Gwazi opened at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this weekend. The coaster boasts impressive qualities, including a 200-ft drop, top speeds of 76 miles an hour, and two inversions. We were lucky enough to go to the VIP party the night before Iron Gwazi officially opened, and we’ve gotta say – the only thing better than Iron Gwazi during the day is Iron Gwazi at night! 

Check out our ride preview here. 

2. Super Nintendo World Opening Soon 

In an interesting announcement this week, Universal revealed that Super Nintendo World will open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023. This will be the first Super Nintendo World in the United States, despite Universal’s Epic Universe eventually opening here in Orlando. Universal’s Epic Universe is still very much under construction and is expected to open in summer 2025. These plans will include a Super Nintendo World. If the same world at Universal Studios Japan is anything to consider, it will be the most highly immersive space in the theme park world. 

Here’s our complete guide on Universal’s Epic Universe.

3. EPCOT Closes Attraction

The EPCOT Experience in the Odyssey Pavilion will close its doors permanently on March 14. EPCOT is in the process of a heavy remodeling and is sustaining a lot of construction, and The EPCOT Experience was an interactive walkthrough attraction that put all these plans on parade. Although progress slowed down tremendously due to the pandemic, the past 18 months have shown great change at EPCOT in many ways. The France Pavilion expanded to include a new attraction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and a quick-service restaurant, Le Creperie de Paris. EPCOT also debuted a new nighttime spectacular on October 1 in conjunction with 50th anniversary celebrations. Club Cool got a facelift and Creations Shop replaced MouseGear as the place to get all the best merchandise. 

We can’t wait to see what the next 18 months hold for this park!

4. TRON Lightcycle / Run Is Back on Track

Things are really moving over in Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. TRON Lightcycle / Run will start testing ride vehicles soon, according to Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley. The ride vehicles will start at relatively slow speeds and then increase their velocity as testing permits. Guests enjoying the PeopleMover will have a great view of these test runs soon! TRON Lightcycle / Run is the second of its kind. TRON Lightcycle Power Run opened in Shanghai Disneyland nearly six years ago, and plans for bringing a similar attraction to Magic Kingdom were made five years ago. 

What are you most excited about for this attraction?

5. Disney Genie+ adds Festival of Fantasy Parade

This week, the Festival of Fantasy parade returned to Magic Kingdom after two years of being gone. Guests were able to see Peter Pan on his flying pirate ship, Flynn Rider swinging on a float, and of course, the Maleficent dragon. This week, Disney Genie+ added a Festival of Fantasy viewing area to the app, reserving a space for guests who wish to add this feature to their day. 

Is Disney Genie+ worth it? Read our take on it here. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable.

The post Iron Gwazi Launches, TRON Ready to Test, and Super Nintendo World Coming to America: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (March 6 – 13, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

First up, some general things to consider before registering for one of these events:

1. The price – all of it

There’s no way around this first obstacle. These races are expensive, even for those of us used to paying a premium for destination runs. The Disney 5k races start at around $100 before taxes and registration fees. The half marathons generally start at over $200, and the Challenges (where you sign up for multiple races in a single weekend) will range from $390 – $600. Besides that, you have to consider lodging, travel, park tickets, and training gear. We’ll speak more on lodging later, but travel can easily run you another couple hundred bucks, and a good pair of running shoes can be anywhere from $90 – $200. The money can all add up for sure, but the other thing that will be for sure is that you’re paying for an absolutely unique experience.

2. Distance 

The other investment decision you have to make ahead of your race is in the form of training. In general, consider what your baseline fitness is, what kind of experience you want, and how many hours a week you are willing to invest in your training. As a runner myself, I know that personal expectations on the event are not always the same as expectations you may have of your ability. Make sure you have a good idea of both of those so that you are positioned for success on race day. I’ve asked a range of runners (5:00 – 16:00 minute/mile pace) what their opinions were on this, and they all agreed that if you’re on the slower end of that spectrum, running a Disney 5k or 10k is perfect, but a half or full marathon might be too long of a route to enjoy walking through a sea of people. Everyone I have spoken to says that basically moving that slow takes a great deal of fun out of participating in the “race” and turns the experience into much more of a “parade” feeling. However, as I saw on race day, there are plenty of other people out there that completely disagree with this stance, so if you are committed to running a longer race and don’t mind dedicating 3-7 hours on the course, then enjoy!

3. Get organized

Registrations for these races sell out – sometimes in minutes. It’s important to get organized and committed well ahead of time to make sure you get the race you want with the people you want to enjoy the event with! Races generally start at 5:00 AM ET. Here are the upcoming events and when you can register for them:

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
November 3 – 6, 2022

Disney Wine & Dine 5k
Disney Wine & Dine 10k
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
Two Course Challenge (10k & half) 
General Registration opens March 22, 2022 at 10:00 AM ET

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 
January 5 – 8, 2023

Walt Disney World 5k 
Walt Disney World 10k 
Walt Disney World Half Marathon
Walt Disney World Marathon
Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge (half and full marathon)
Dopey Challenge ( every race during the weekend) 
General Registration: April 19, 2022, no time posted

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga
Disney Princess 5k
Disney Princess Enchanted 10k
Disney Princess Half Marathon
Disney Fairy Tale Challenge (10k and half marathon) 
General Registration: June 21, 2022 , no time posted

Now, down to the business at hand. Is it all worth it?

runDisney promises that “Every Mile is Magic,” and let me tell you that in that regard, the hype is real. I’ve run a lot of races – countless local races from 5-15k distances, four half marathons, and watched many others. I’ve been to some of the biggest races in the world and was even lucky enough to spectate at the Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta in February of 2020. So when it came to my Disney Princess Half Marathon experience, I expected to be impressed and have some fun – but I didn’t expect to be completely enchanted by the experience I had. I don’t want to give too much away here, but every single mile had something to offer the runners, and all of the predictably well-organized things had an extra layer of magic to them. The mile markers weren’t just mile markers. They were testaments to the princesses we grew up idolizing and pretending to be. The water stops weren’t just places you could grab a cup and keep going. They were cheering stations that fueled you through to the next stop. Every element was like that.

If it’s specialty characters you want to see, these events are non-negotiable. I think the Princess Half totaled 17 characters on the course, many of them framed by floats or high-quality sets. Some predictable characters I saw on the course were Snow White, Cinderella, and Jasmine. Some more notable characters I saw during the Princess Half that you wouldn’t normally see in park were: Mushu, Maleficent, Dot, Rajah, and not one, but two Tinkerbells. To be honest, the characters on the course weren’t even the coolest part of the entertainment. As I rounded the corner from the Transportation and Ticket Center and headed into the mile-long stretch around the lake into Magic Kingdom, I ran by three rows of taiko drummers performing this form of traditional Japanese music. It was moments like these – just a handful of moments – that really touched my heart during the event and leads me to write this recommendation at all. Some other moments I’ll never forget? Waving up at Mickey and Minnie as I ran through the welcoming entrance of Magic Kingdom. Running through Cinderella Castle and seeing Main Street, USA all lit up in the darkness. Listening to a gospel choir as I rounded into mile 13 at EPCOT. It was just magic. Now I personally get emotional at the start of every race, so keep that in mind for my review. But the way I see it, the success of runDisney events is just an undeniable testament to the cultural hold this company still has on us, and perhaps on my generation in particular. 

So – if you decide that all this is something you want to participate in, we don’t blame you. As a running enthusiast and a Disney fan, this race exceeded all my expectations. That being said, I do have some tips to leave with you today:

1. Train and try to actually run 

It seems obvious and perhaps a bit condescending, but I promise that being fit and running these races will improve your overall experience. Many participants enjoy walking the entire race, and if that is your style I don’t knock it! My suggestion is just for those who are on the fence. Folks who may be asking themselves: does it actually make a difference? To that question, my answer is yes, particularly for the longer distances. Participants can sometimes get swallowed up in the crowds and miss out on details that others get to see. If you are able to jog a little, or even alternate between walking and jogging, those couple minutes per mile add up a lot over 13 or 26 miles! On the other hand, the experience of walking in a sea of people who are just as thrilled to be there as you are is definitely one that creates friendships, and I know plenty of people who love doing this event after event!

2. Stay near Walt Disney World, even if you’re a local

Staying close to Disney during race weekend takes a huge amount of stress off the logistics of the event, particularly if you are going to go to the parks and have folks in town. If you’re coming in town for the race anyway, then having to pay for your own lodging likely already applies to you. But to all you locals reading this – I am telling you that staying close is worth it. You will take multiple trips out to the parks even if you don’t go after your race (you’ll go out there for the expo and race day at least). Staying nearby saves you some time in the morning when every minute before that very early alarm counts, and provides easy transport to and from the race to your shower. Remember too that staying nearby doesn’t mean you have to stay at a Disney resort. In situations like these, hotel alternatives and other vacation rentals are often your friend.

3. Get there early

The 2022 Disney Princess Half Marathon had nearly 13,000 finishers. Runners and spectators were instructed to park at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and then shuttle to EPCOT, and the process was a nightmare. It took me (and this is not hyperbole) a complete and solid hour to get on a bus after parking my car. In fact, the bus situation that particular morning was so bad that officials delayed the start of the race by 15 minutes. Once the race did officially start, it still took almost a full hour (at least 50 minutes) for all the runners to get started, since runners are placed into corrals and each corral has multiple start waves. This process is standard, and helps spread out the crowd more evenly for the rest of the run, but also means that some of the people who get there at 3:00 AM don’t start running until nearly three hours later. It’s important to note that not all of the runDisney races require you park somewhere else and then use a bus to shuttle to the start, so I can’t speak to those. But I can tell you that if you are doing a race that does require this, park your car no later than 3:00 AM, and keep your fingers crossed!

4. Snag character pics

During your race, the lines to get photos with characters really pile up. If you’re a fast runner (at or under 8:00 min/mile for Disney standards), then lines for characters essentially evaporate after about 10k, making it really easy to jog up to the character, smile for a picture, and continue on your way. (Photos are done completely through your bib number and are available for purchase within 48 hours of the event.)

That being said, if you just want to get a picture with a character, show off your selfie game! The characters are all well lit and in great positions for you to get a selfie with them in the background without you having to wait in line. Of course, be respectful of other runners who are waiting in line for their photo opportunity and give everyone their space!

5. Have a post-race plan

After your run, you have a number of options. Of course, these options are determined by your goals for the day and your race experience, but we have some tips here to help give you an idea of what you can plan for. Thing number one: the after-race party. Champagne, beer, and snacks were available (for purchase, of course) after the race. There was also a small tent set up with miscellaneous merchandise left over from the Expo available for you to peruse the items and maybe make a last-minute selection to commemorate your achievements. In my book, this makes it worth it to run with your ID and a card. Many runners run with their phones anyway, so I would just add these items to your armband or phone case if that is your style.

My husband and I personally enjoyed the after party for two full hours. I finished the race a little after 7:00 AM and we got on a bus back to our car around 9:30. This amount of time was highly enjoyable, since crowds were relatively low and we got to watch runners come in and finish their races as the sun rose over EPCOT. The after party is equipped with a robust medical tent, a good deejay, and plenty of photo opportunities.

After the after party, some people go home for the day to shower and catch up on some much-needed sleep. You can also go back to where you’re staying, shower, and then come back out for a day at the parks (this is what we did and it worked out great since we were staying close by). But after my experience, I offer a third option: throw a change of clothes in your car and just stay! As a runner and the mother of a toddler, I have an assortment of towels, wipes, and sunscreen in my car at all times. A quick change of clothes and some toiletries to freshen up can have you ready to go right back to the parks from your car, particularly in the Florida weather that makes you sweat by 10:30 AM anyway.

That’s it!

I hope this information has helped answer some questions and cement some race strategies for all you running enthusiasts out there. I truly can’t emphasize how incredible this event was, and really encourage everyone interested in things like this to take a chance sometime and participate! runDisney races have been held since 1994 and have expanded internationally over the past two decades with no end in sight. My personal interest in them is sure to span decades as well. Speaking of which…

Anyone out there registered to run the Tower of Terror 10 Miler next month? See you at the start.

What do you think of the runDisney events? Let us – and thousands of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And then be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post The Ultimate Advice for a Successful runDisney Race Day appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival

EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off springtime in Orlando. From now through July 4, guests can enjoy topiary displays, outdoor kitchens, and live entertainment. Exclusive merchandise is, of course, readily available in conjunction with the festivities and a number of new, mouth-watering dishes are featured in outdoor kitchen across World Showcase.  Don’t forget that you can grab a Festival Passport to participate in the Garden Graze. This culinary tour will lead you to taste five dishes. Collect stamps in your passport while you’re on the scavenger hunt, and then go to Pineapple Promenade to get your festival-exclusive (and yummy) prize. 

Check out the details of EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival here. 

2. Spaceship Earth’s New Show

Spaceship Earth has debuted a new light show for EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival. The show is set to “Colors of the Wind,” the central ballad in Pocahontas, and features earth tones and pastels to celebrate the spring season here in Orlando. The show lasts just a few minutes, but is well worth viewing in the evenings on your way out of the park. If you miss a presentation, don’t worry! The show will play every few minutes and will alternate with Beacons of Magic. 

Be sure to view the new show while you’re at EPCOT! 

3. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Revealed 

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is finally set to open this year, likely before summertime. Originally set to open in 2021, the opening date has yet to be officially established, but with each passing day more and more seems to be completed at the attraction. The load station was recently revealed, and the future Wonders of Xandar pavilion is looking strong. It seems like guests can help Star Lord and Gamora in just a few weeks!

Here are all the details from the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind announcement. 

 4. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures are up early again! 

Beginning March 2 and established through at least April 17, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure has returned to Early Park Admission! The rest of The Wizarding World will continue to be part of Early Park Admission at whichever park EPA is offered. At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Jurassic World VelociCoaster will still be included in EPA as well.

Stay up to date on all the latest closures, EPA inclusions, and updates on our Snapshot page. 

5. Iron Gwazi opens this week! 

Following the opening of Ice Breaker at SeaWorld Orlando last month, Iron Gwazi will open this week at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. In the spirit of pandemic timelines, the opening date for this rollercoaster was delayed several times before being officially announced for March 11. Here’s our article on the opening, which includes a history of the attraction and what to expect.

If you’re more of a visual learner, check out our ride preview video here!

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks. Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable.

The post Flower & Garden Festival, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Hagrid’s Return to Early Park Admission: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (February 27 – March 5, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

The star of the show this week was the first insider look at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser; the newest, most immersive, and most expensive experience at Walt Disney World Resort. Staying aboard Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a two-night experience that offers complete and total commitment to bringing guests into the Star Wars universe. Original characters, lightsaber battles, and unique food items are all included in this first-of-a-kind experience. The photos are nothing short of amazing, but beg the question – is it worth all the hype? Only time will tell! 

In the meantime, check out the photos and details here.  

2. Festival of Fantasy Showtimes

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the beloved Festival of Fantasy parade will return on March 9, and this week, showtimes were released in the MyDisneyExperience app! The parade will run daily at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm and will feature characters from beloved films such as Tangled, Peter Pan, The Princess and the Frog, and others. The star of the parade is the Maleficent Dragon, a float that breathes fire nearly 30 feet in the air and takes on the parade route despite being 35 feet long. 

The Festival of Fantasy runs at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. 

3. International Flower & Garden Festival Updates

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off on March 2 and runs through July 4. Through this festival, guests can experience beautiful topiaries, unique food items, and exclusive merchandise. This week, the full menu was released for the first time, and adorable merchandise was also revealed. The Garden Graze scavenger hunt is also set to return, taking visitors on a tasty tour around the World Showcase.

Check out the details, including menu items, in our article here and a sneak peek at the merchandise here. 

4. Seven Seas Food Festival Celebrates Mardi Gras

SeaWorld Orlando is known for having festivals almost year-round. One of the biggest festivals of the year is the Seven Seas Food Festival. This event is included with park admission, and takes place on Thursdays through Sundays between February 4 and May 8, 2022. This week, Mardi Gras is taking place at the festival and includes special features such as a pop-up parade in Wild Arctic Plaza, live Cajun and jazz music, a Bourbon-street inspired block party, and a number of Gulf Coast inspired food selections!

Check out our guide page here for everything you need to know about experiencing the 2022 Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando.

5. Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort 

Speaking of Mardi Gras, the party is still going strong at Universal Studios Florida, but as we head into March (how did that happen already?), the countdown to the end of the festivities is unfortunately already upon us. The Mardi Gras festivities include a stellar parade, live concerts, and good food in addition to the unique experience of the Mardi Gras Tribute Store and the newly popped-up Universal Monsters: A Tribute to the Creatures of the Night store built into Sahara Traders while Revenge of the Mummy is down for maintenance. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

The post Star Wars Hotel, Festival of Fantasy, and Seven Seas Food Festival: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (February 20 – 27, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Mask Mandates Changing

With all the recent changes in mask mandates across the parks, we figured we would update you here with the current policies for each park! 

Walt Disney World Resort mask mandate: Masks optional in most indoor and outdoor locations for fully vaccinated guests. Masks are required for unvaccinated guests in queues and indoor attractions. Masks are required for all guests ages 2 and up, regardless of vaccination status, while using Disney transportation. No proof of vaccination is required. 

Universal Orlando Resort mask mandate: Masks are optional in indoor and outdoor locations for fully vaccinated guests. Masks are encouraged while indoors for unvaccinated guests. No proof of vaccination is required. 

SeaWorld Orlando mask mandate: Guests are recommended to wear masks while indoors. No proof of vaccination is required. 

2. SeaWorld Ice Breaker officially opens 

On Friday, February 18, Ice Breaker opened to the public at SeaWorld Orlando. SeaWorld’s first launch coaster is here to the delight of guests, providing lots of airtime and thrill to all on board. We were lucky enough to preview Ice Breaker a couple weeks ago. You can check that out here! Over at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Iron Gwazi officially opens to the public next month on March 11. 

Want to know more about Ice Breaker? Here’s our complete guide! You can purchase tickets to SeaWorld here.

3. Mardi Gras Updates

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort is still in full swing! Going until April 24, this annual event features live concerts, a world-class parade, and tons and tons of food. You can check out all the details of new food in our video here, complete Mardi Gras details in our guide, or scope out the food review in our blog. 

You can also check out our video on mistakes to avoid at Mardi Gras here! 

4. Disney Neighborhoods 

The Walt Disney World company announced that they are planning to build neighborhoods across America. Storyliving by Disney are master-planned communities that will feature “distinctively designed spaces, unique amenities, and Disney’s brand of world-renowned service.” The first location of these neighborhoods will be in Rancho Mirage, California, and plans are to break ground later this year. While the details of these residences isn’t yet confirmed, we do know that some neighborhoods will be specifically designated for residents 55 and older. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

The post Mask Mandate Updates, Ice Breaker Opens, and Disney’s Designing Neighborhoods: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (Feb 13 – 19, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Key Experiences Return to Disney World 

After nearly two years of unavailability, some key experiences are starting to return to Walt Disney World Resort. The Keys to the Kingdom tour is the most prominent on this list, with tours becoming available as early as February 6. This legendary tour gives guests the insider opportunity to see Magic Kingdom park in a new and unique way. The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure is also returning. In this two-hour Segway tour, guests are given the opportunity to learn about Disney and the property while surrounded by more natural elements than the theme parks (all while riding the fun Segways, of course). 

These tours return to the most magical place on Earth this Sunday. Check out the details here. 

2. Harbor Nights Romantico 

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Need a date night? Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has you covered. Harbor Nights is an event that has all the makings of a perfect first or 50th date. Waterfront dining, unlimited wine and food, and live music is the perfect set up for a night out. Throw in the fact that all of this takes place on the beautiful Harbor Piazza at the hotel, and you’ve got yourself a great experience. Harbor Nights took a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we were able to attend the first one back in October. Read that review here to see what it’s all about. 

Sound good to you? We thought so. Grab your Harbor Nights tickets here. 

3. Louder, Spicier, and Wilder – Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort

Mardi Gras officially kicked off this weekend. With a seemingly endless array of food and drink options, the party is on at Universal Studios Florida. Food options range from Shrimp Gumbo to Ube Ice Cream and everything in between. Of course, a number of specialty cocktails and draft beers are also on menus across the park. We covered the opening of the Tribute Store, and sampled all of the food this weekend. Watch us try EVERYTHING on YouTube! 

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida will run from February 5 to April 24, 2022. 

4. Seven Seas Food Festival 

SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival kicked off this weekend! The event features 24 marketplaces and 26 live concerts across several weeks of festivities. Celebrating tastes and cuisines across the seven seas, the event welcomes over 200 chef and mixologist curated dishes. While the festival is very much a festival, it is (in general) a decidedly family-friendly affair, with plenty to do to entertain little ones while parents enjoy the food and drinks offered throughout the park. Guests can enjoy the Seven Seas Food Festival from February 4– May 8, 2022.

Don’t wanna miss out? We don’t blame you. Get your SeaWorld tickets here and enjoy!

5. Toothsome Milkshake Foundry opens in Philly 

Last weekend, we braved the elements and traveled 1,000 miles to get milkshakes in the show. Toothsome Milkshake Foundry opened in Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, and we were there for the opening. While the menu is decidedly more limited than what we are used to here in Orlando, the Foundry offers a kind of “greatest hits” menu for guests with a fierce sweet tooth while they cheer on the 76ers or Flyers. We can’t help but wonder – where else could a Toothsome pop up? 

Check out our journey and food review here. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Keys to the Kingdom, Mardi Gras Kickoff, and Seven Seas Food Festival: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (January 30 – February 6, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

The de-facto leader in float production is Kern Studios, based in New Orleans. This studio is responsible for the majority of the floats that parade the streets each year in the Gulf Coast, and is also the company responsible for producing the floats that appear in Universal’s Mardi Gras Parade. The production company has some impressive stats – including a warehouse over 300,000 square feet large and the fact that it’s a family-owned business that has been running for over 80 years. 

As their business shows, building a float is a process that takes a lot of time and attention. Building a float can take between six months to a year (Kern Studios has a famous “50 weeks” structure for their floats), with the design and requirements of the float determining specific timelines. There are many things to consider when designing a float – what it looks like from the sidewalk, what it looks like coming down the street, what it will look like with people on it, where those riders can or should be stationed, and the number of riders present on the float are just a few things to consider. Unsurprisingly, Kern Studios holds the record for designing a float that is both the longest float in the world and the float with the most riders. The Pontchartrain Beach Float (2013) measured 365 feet long and held 250 riders, coming in with a price tag of a cool $1.5 million dollars to build. Thankfully, the average float costs closer to $50,000 (and up).

So, how do you actually build a float? The first room of the Tribute Store walks you through that process. The first step is to come up with exciting and entertaining ideas – say, an astronaut alligator? Lined with carefully labeled boxes, messy work stations, and unique throwbacks to previous years’ Mardi Gras, the entry room to the Tribute Store makes guests feel as though they stepped directly into a warehouse on the bayou.

The float-making process is relatively simple in some ways, with the real complications lying in executing the design and artistry of the unique float designs. Many artists feel that this is the exciting part of the job – each float design has the opportunity to present its own unique set of challenges, and thus the artist must work with the engineering of the float as well as the design of it. But, all floats start the same way – designed, cut, and sculpted from thick Styrofoam sheets. Once this base task has been completed, the float is smoothed out with sandpaper before being covered in a layer of paper mache. 

Each room of the Tribute Store represents progress through the float process of production, with more details, brighter colors, and an excess of beads donning the ceiling the further along you venture. The theme of this year’s Mardi Gras event is “Planet Mardi Gras,” so much of the merchandise (sweatshirts, t-shirts, and bucket hats) has psychedelic space motifs in the design.

The most impressive room in this year’s Tribute Store is the fourth room, where guests can check out after browsing the merchandise and stocking up on specialty beads. This space has floats along nearly every wall, and it’s here that you can see the alligator astronaut come to life. Easter eggs like Earl the Squirrel (in space!) are hidden here, and the treats and sweets you can always find in the last room of the Tribute Store are featured in a display built into one of the floats.

While this probably isn’t our favorite Tribute Store, it accomplishes the goal of creating an immersive and exciting merchandise experience for guests excited for Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida. The Tribute Store certainly has the best collection of Mardi Gras merchandise, and the world-class floats are worth seeing up-close-and-personal. We recommend you walk through and take a look at everything for yourself!

Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post A First Look Inside the 2022 Mardi Gras Tribute Store appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Seven Seas Food Festival Menus and Concert Lineup Revealed 

SeaWorld Orlando is known for having festivals almost year-round. One of the biggest festivals of the year is the Seven Seas Food Festival. This event is included with park admission, and takes place on Thursdays through Sundays between February 4 and May 8, 2022. This week, delicious menus were revealed alongside concert lineups for the live entertainment portion of the festival. Headliners include such acts as Everclear and Flo Rida. 

Check out our guide page here for everything you need to know about experiencing the 2022 Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando.

2. Ice Breaker Preview

Orlando’s newest roller coaster broke the ice this week at SeaWorld Orlando and we got the chance to ride it! Ice Breaker has been in the works for several years now, and the opening day has been moved several times, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read the details of the attraction and the journey it has taken in our article, here. 

Check out our SeaWorld Facebook community for details on our first time on Ice Breaker!

3. Tribute Store x2

This week, a new Tribute Store opened up in Universal Studios Florida near the currently-closed Revenge of the Mummy. “Mummy,” as it’s affectionately shortened to by theme-park lovers, will be closed for part of the year in a refurbishment. Universal Monsters: A Tribute to the Creatures of the Night is the all-new, limited-time store inside the revamped Sahara Traders. In true Tribute Store form, the venue offers a beautiful and immersive experience for guests to browse for merchandise, snag a couple of pictures with movie production props, and – of course- put in $6 for a wax figurine before heading back out to the park. 

In terms of the Mardi Gras Tribute Store, a facade came up this week reflecting the theme: float factory warehouse. You can check out pictures of the facade here. We’ll give you the full details next week! Be sure to keep an eye out on our Facebook page for the live stream and a first look inside. 

Read about the first-ever Universal Monsters Tribute Store and all it offers here.  

4. Updates on Epic Universe! 

According to Comcast executives on an earnings call earlier this week, progress on Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort has resumed, and executives are positive about the evolution of the park. The highly-anticipated theme park will include a Super Nintendo World section, and construction officially started at in 2019 but became delayed at the start of the pandemic.

Read our guide page on Epic Universe for all the details. 

5. Toothsome Opens in Philly

The city of brotherly love extended its rich history to include the newest installation of the Toothsome Milkshake line. The Toothsome Milkshake Foundry opened up in the Wells Fargo Center, home to the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers. This Toothsome is the first of the franchise to be outside a theme park setting, which is interesting considering the restaurant chain is a Universal Parks & Resorts original concept. 

Dive into our article here for the delicious details. 

6. New Walt Disney World Entertainment Announced 

The Most Magical Place on Earth just got a lot more magical! A new cavalcade and a new Cinderella Castle stage show will debut in February. The cavalcade, called Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade, will feature more characters than any other at a Walt Disney World park. Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire castle show will feature original music and beloved characters from Disney films such as Tangled and The Princess and the Frog. Finally, in March, the Festival of Fantasy Parade will return – with the Maleficent Dragon! This is the first time since the start of the pandemic that a full-scale parade will be featured in a Walt Disney World park. 

Read our article here for full details 

7. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind beginning to come together

The first full-size Nova Corps ship is coming to life at EPCOT. This week, Disney Imagineers installed the 51-ft tall Nova Corps Starblaster ship that will mark the entrance to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. The roller coaster is expected to open sometime this summer, and is one of the largest, fastest indoor coasters in the world. 

Follow our Disney Facebook community for the latest updates on all Disney news!

The post ALL THINGS NEW! Disney Entertainment Revealed, Toothsome Grand Opening, and Monsters Tribute Store Shocks: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (January 24 – 30, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Tomorrow, Toothsome Milkshake Foundry opens in the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Toothsome is original to Universal Parks & Resorts, and the Foundry opened in the mezzanine level of the arena marks the first time the artisan milkshake brand has opened up outside of the theme park industry. Just as it does here in Orlando, Toothsome will provide guests with the extravagant desserts the kitchen is known for. We’ll be there when it opens to cover all the delicious details.

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Kitchen has an established reputation in Orlando, opening in 2016 and providing guests with varied and delicious menu items ranging from dessert crepes to Beef Filet Mignon. Guests can rest their feet after enjoying the parks and fill up on Truffle Fries, Avocado Bruschetta, or Chicken Bourguignon. If they’re in the mood for something sweeter (which, let’s face it, is what Toothsome calls for), there is a selection of crepes, waffles, and – of course – decadent milkshakes. These milkshakes carry names like Heavenly Hazelnut, Cookie Jar, and Key Lime Pie. But Toothsome is more than just a milkshake bar. Here in CityWalk, guests can enjoy purchasing a variety of steampunk merchandise in the shop, drop by the bar for milkshakes or sundaes, or sit in the dining room to partake in a full menu of fine dining options. 

The Toothsome in Philadelphia is decidedly more low-key, which makes sense given the context. The Toothsome Milkshake Foundry is in the Wells Fargo Center, a sports arena that hosts the local NBA and NHL teams, the 76ers and the Flyers, respectively. Ironically, both teams this weekend are playing Kings from California (the 76ers host the Sacramento Kings after the Flyers host the L.A Kings), but our focus will be on trying the milkshakes offered at the Toothsome food venue on the perimeter of the arena. If you want to follow along on that journey, keep an eye out on our on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts tomorrow and a full video reviewing the whole experience on Monday!

The Toothsome Milkshake Foundry in the Wells Fargo Center incorporates the steampunk nature of the original idea and carries menu items such as the Cookie Jar, Red Velvet, and Brownie. The milkshakes are almost identically priced, with milkshakes in Orlando coming in between $14.50 – $16.00, and milkshakes in the Philly location ranging from $14.99 – $15.99. Of course, given the constraints of the venue, the menu is more limited than the one in Orlando, and the weather might be a factor here as well. While the climate in Orlando lends itself well to milkshakes and sundaes sounding appealing almost year-round, the temperature for when we land in Philly is expected to be a balmy 28 degrees – with snow showers.

Here’s what’s on the menu at Toothsome Milkshake Foundry:

Cookie Jar – $14.99
Vanilla ice cream, Oreo chocolate and oatmeal cookies, whipped topping

Chocolate x5 – $14.99
Chocolate ice cream, chocolate chunks, chocolate sauce, chocolate spirals, chocolate whipped topping, strawberries

Strawberry Cheesecake – $15.99
Strawberry ice cream, cheesecake, graham crackers, whipped topping, chocolate dipped strawberry

That’s Mint – $15.99
Mint ice cream, Andes mints, mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwich, whipped topping

Red Velvet – $14.99
Vanilla ice cream, red velvet cupcake, raspberry sauce, rainbow sprinkles, whipped topping, maraschino cherry

Brownie – $14.99
Chocolate ice cream, brownie, milk chocolate swirl

This past year, a Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Kitchen opened in Universal Beijing Resort, and Universal Studios Hollywood has plans to open another Toothsome soon. We can’t wait to see if additional Toothsome Milkshake Foundries pop up in venues across the United States, becoming as much a staple as a stadium hotdog or bucket of popcorn.

Where would you like to grab a Toothsome milkshake? Connect with Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to let us know and get all the latest news, tips, and information on all the theme parks and attractions in Orlando.

The post We’re Flying 1,000 Miles For…A Milkshake We Could Get in Orlando? appeared first on Orlando Informer.

This store pays homage to the classic monsters Universal Studios developed so well in the early and mid 20th century. In this store, guests can see Dracula descending the staircase in his castle, come face to face with the Wolfman, navigate ancient tombs in search of the Mummy, and sneak through laboratories to peek at Frankenstein’s Monster and The Bride of Frankenstein.  Each vignette featured throughout the store is a testament to the character’s iconic cinematic presence.

Universal has had a number of “Universal Monsters” themed houses in the ever-popular premier fall event, Halloween Horror Nights. In both 2020 and 2021, Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives maze welcomed guests to step into the laboratory and watch the Bride of Frankenstein fight for her love. Have some of those elements made their way into the Tribute Store?

All of that is the “Tribute” half of this Tribute Store. To cover their bases for the second half, Universal has curated the best collection of Universal Monsters merchandise from around the parks. Much of the merchandise is done in the post-modern stylization reminiscent of classic movie posters from the height of American cinema. In our opinion, it makes for a great selection. For an extra level of immersion, guests can pose with life-size photo opps or “monster-ize” themselves by sitting for a caricature artist, who will “stitch” your likeness with that of your favorite Universal monster. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Tribute Store without the presence of a mold-a-rama, would it? Before you exit the store, you can be a Dr. Frankenstein (of sorts) yourself and create a wax figurine of Frankenstein’s Monster as a souvenir for the first-ever Tribute Store for Universal Monsters. 

Here’s a full gallery of images to satiate your curiosity for what waits for you at the newest Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida.

Who is your favorite Universal Monster? Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post NEW Tribute Store Revealed! Universal Monsters: A Tribute to the Creatures of the Night at Universal Studios Florida appeared first on Orlando Informer.

There were three big takeaways from the morning announcements: 

• NEW! February 11, Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade will debut at Magic Kingdom
• NEW! February 25, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire Castle show will debut at Magic Kingdom 
• March 9, Festival of Fantasy Parade returns to Magic Kingdom 

February 11 – Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade debuts at Magic Kingdom

Coming up first on the list of announcements is the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade. Cavalcades have become a staple in Disney World entertainment over the past year, and guests enjoy the fact that this entertainment format provides all the joy of a parade and seeing loved characters without necessarily demanding the full attention and planning that viewing a parade might entail. This cavalcade brings together nearly 30 of the most-loved characters from Disney and Pixar productions, including Nick and Judy from Zootopia, Baloo and King Louie from The Jungle Book, Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, and even Miguel from Coco in his Magic Kingdom live character debut. 

February 25 – Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire Castle Stage Show debuts at Magic Kingdom 

In an updated version of “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire,” “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” will debut at Cinderella Castle at the end of February. The new show will feature new segments, an original song (“Where the Magic Feels Like Home”), and be overlaid with 50th anniversary flair. Scenes and songs from Frozen, Tangled, and The Princess and the Frog will be heavily featured. A new opening and grand finale featuring the king himself – Mickey Mouse – will be sure to put some sparkle into your day.

March 9- Festival of Fantasy Parade returns to Magic Kingdom 

Did we save the best for last? In perhaps the biggest news of the afternoon, the first Disney World parade back since the COVID-19 pandemic is officially on the calendar. The Festival of Fantasy Parade will return to Magic Kingdom in all its glory on March 9, the eighth anniversary of when the parade first debuted, and after nearly two full years of being on hiatus. The parade features characters from beloved films such as Tangled, Peter Pan, The Princess and the Frog, and others. The star of the show is the Maleficent Dragon, a float that breathes fire nearly 30 feet in the air and takes on the parade route despite being 35 feet long. 

Which element are you most excited about seeing? Discuss it with thousands of other Disney fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post New Walt Disney World Entertainment Announced: Parades, New Cavalcades, and Stage Show Revealed Today! appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. A New Tribute Store…of Sorts

Construction walls and signage appeared next to Sahara Traders at Revenge of the Mummy. It looks like a Universal Monsters store: “A Tribute to the Creatures of the Night” is coming soon to this location! Revenge of the Mummy is currently undergoing an extended closure for maintenance and refurbishment and is expected to open in late summer of this year. 

Check out all the pictures of the facade here. 

2. Hogwarts Express Closure

The Hogwarts Express, a guest favorite for park to park transportation, unexpectedly closed last week. The train carries guests to and from Hogsmeade Station in Universal’s Islands of Adventure or Kings Cross Station in Universal Studios Florida and keeps visitors immersed in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Traveling in each direction offers a different experience  to keep guests entertained. The train is once again up and operational after several days of closure for maintenance.

Follow us on Twitter to get the latest updates! 

3. Mardi Gras Updates 

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort is just around the corner, and preparations are well underway. In Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, All Hallows Voodoo Boutique opened up and is fully stocked with the first wave of Mardi Gras 2022 merchandise. Shirts, candles, socks, hats, tumblers, and – of course – beads are all available for purchase. At Universal Studios Florida, food tents and minor decorations began popping up around the park as well. Lastly, Universal released the parade float rider sign-up option for annual passholders.

Check out our event guide for complete details and insider information on Mardi Gras 2022. 

4. Iron Gwazi Opening March 11, 2022

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced that Iron Gwazi will officially open on March 11, 2022. The opening date of this roller coaster has been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, being pushed back several times. But it looks like this is the date! This announcement comes just a few weeks after one that Ice Breaker will be opening at SeaWorld Orlando next month after a similar journey. We can’t wait to see what these coasters are like! 

Read the full details of Iron Gwazi and Ice Breaker opening, and snag a deal on tickets here!

5. Roundup for the Roundup!

As a fitting bookend to this week’s roundup, two new additions are joining Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The previously announced Roundup Rodeo BBQ restaurant is set to open sometime this year, adding to the immersion of Toy Story Land. To support the growing popularity of this section of the park, a brand-new merchandise location, Jessie’s Trading Post, will also be installed soon.

Check out our insider’s guide to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks. 

The post A New Tribute Store, Mardi Gras Updates, and Iron Gwazi Officially Opening: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (January 17 – 23, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Iron Gwazi was built on the same site that once housed Gwazi, a twin coaster (think Dueling Dragons/Dragon Challenge here) named after a corporately-created mythical creature with the head of a tiger and the body of a lion. One coaster was “Lion,” the other (predictably) “Tiger.” That ride was retired a few years back, and the land was cleared and construction for Iron Gwazi began. 

In November of 2020, SeaWorld released a POV video of what it would be like to ride Iron Gwazi, an attraction that flexes the startling facts that it is both the tallest hybrid coaster in North America and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the entire world. (Hybrid coasters are those which are built using both steel and wood.) The video showcases a 206-foot drop and a number of rolls and maneuvers on the coaster that reaches speeds of nearly 80 miles per hour and barrels down a 1,242 meter track. All of these stats point to the fact that this coaster promises to be a behemoth. 

Just a couple weeks ago, SeaWorld announced that Ice Breaker, the newest roller coaster in Orlando, would open on February 18, 2022 at SeaWorld Orlando. We can’t wait to get on both of these coasters and let you know what we think! 

Which one are you most excited about? Check out our SeaWorld Center to plan and get tickets for your perfect vacation to SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

The post Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Announces Iron Gwazi Opening Date appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras 2022 Concert Lineup Announced 

This week, Universal Orlando Resort announced several big pieces of news regarding Mardi Gras 2022. Among these big announcements? The concert lineup, the parade schedule, and the Mardi Gras seasonal offerings at the hotels. Some of our favorite take-aways from the announcements? Big names like Diana Ross, Seal, and Khalid are headlining the concerts, and you know we have to try the 32-oz Laissez les bon temps rouler Hurricane at Cabana Bay Beach Resort! 

Check out our Mardi Gras guide here. 

2. EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts Kicks Off

On Friday, January 14, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts kicked off. Guests waited in huge lines for the Figment popcorn bucket and other specialty food items that the event is known for. The beautiful weather set a perfect backdrop for our day covering some of the most unique and delicious snacks and treats available at the festival. The festival is in full swing now and will run to February 21, 2022. 

Check out our guide page on EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts here. 

3. 2022 Garden Rocks Concert Series Revealed

During EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, this concert series adds an extra element of fun to the springtime festivities. Each day during the festival, guests can sing along and dance to live performances at the America Gardens Theatre at the American Adventure Pavilion. The shows are usually a half-hour long and occur multiple times each evening. 

Read our article to see the official lineup and more festival details.

4. The Minions Construct Walls around Shrek 4-D

If you’ve been on the internet this week, you’ll know that Shrek 4-D had its final showing on January 9. Unsurprisingly, on the morning of January 10, just mere hours after the last showing of Shrek 4-D, construction walls were placed around the old attraction. What was surprising is that the walls depict cartoon versions of some very familiar and decidedly popular animated characters – the Minions. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is just across from this location, so it makes sense in some ways for another Minions-themed attraction to establish a sort of Minion alleyway near the entrance of Universal Studios Florida.  

While it’s obvious that the Minions are up next, there’s no official word yet on the details of the attraction. We’ll keep you posted on what’s to come.

That’s it for this week’s news! Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Mardi Gras Concerts, EPCOT’s Festivals, and a Minion Takeover: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (January 10 – 16, 2022) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

For starters, the general good news to come out of 2021 was the return of the parks to (mostly) normal pacing.  At Walt Disney World Resort, all eyes were on the 50th anniversary celebrations. Two new nighttime spectaculars, “Disney Enchantment” at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and “Harmonious” at EPCOT both received mixed reviews, but Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and the expansion of EPCOT’s France Pavilion in general was received warmly by guests and critics alike. In fact, EPCOT seemed to get the most meaningful attention of any park, with two new stores (Club Cool and Creations Shop) opening to guests in addition to the debut of Space 220 Restaurant. Disney Genie+ was also officially installed as a replacement of the beloved FastPass reservation system. 

At Universal Orlando Resort, Jurassic World VelociCoaster opened to the public in June and has welcomed many excited guests since then. The projection-mapping shows at Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure came back in the summer and even hosted the season-specific Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle show during the fall. Halloween Horror Nights returned to celebrate 30 years of fears in September after having to drastically cut back the event in 2020, absolutely delivering with a record number of nights and houses. Earl the Squirrel made his live character debut during the tail-end of the holiday season at Universal Studios Florida, complementing the emergence of Mistletoe Pines Village in CityWalk and his room in the 2021 Holiday Tribute Store. 

So, what does 2022 have in store for guests? We’ve created a comprehensive list here that identifies the attractions and events you’ll want to mark your calendar for. We even get into what to expect for 2023 — and beyond!

As an accompanying piece, check out our article here for a detailed run-down of our suggestions on the best and worst times to visit the theme parks in 2022 and 2023. With so much to consider in your vacation planning, picking the ideal time to visit can make a huge difference in your vacation experience! 

Everything coming to Orlando’s theme parks in 2022 and beyond

Everything coming to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld in early 2022:

Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom – returned March 9
This parade celebrates guest-favorite characters and elements from the Fantasyland portion of Magic Kingdom. The world-class floats and entertainers are sure to deliver magic at every turn through the parade route. 

Mickey’s Magical Friendship Fair – debuted February 25
This stage show at Cinderella Castle will return with a new opening and finale featuring the Fab Five in their 50th Anniversary EARidescent gear. 

January 2022

• 14 – Festival of the Arts at EPCOT (goes through February 21)
• 22-24 – Kids’ Weekends at SeaWorld Orlando 
• 29 – Elmo’s Birthday Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando (goes through February 3)

February 2022 

• 4 – Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando (goes through May 8) 
• 5 – Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida kicks off (goes through April 24) 
• 18 – Ice Breaker at SeaWorld Orlando debuts – Orlando’s newest roller coaster!
• 24 – Peppa Pig Theme Park Grand Opening 
• 25 – Mardi Gras at SeaWorld Orlando (goes through March 6)

March 2022

• 1- Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser officially opens 
• 2 – EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival (goes through July 4)
• 11 – Iron Gwazi Opens at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 
• 17 – 20 – St. Patricks Day at SeaWorld Orlando 

Everything coming to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld in summer 2022:

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT – Launching May 27
Do you have what it takes to help the Guardians of the Galaxy and save the universe? Find out this summer in Disney’s first-ever reverse-launch coaster. This coaster promises to be one of the world’s longest enclosed tracks. 

April 2022

• 29 – Cinco de Mayo at SeaWorld Orlando (until May 8)

May 2022

• 14 – Viva la Musica at SeaWorld Orlando (on weekends until May 22)
• 27 – Electric Ocean at SeaWorld Orlando (goes until September 5) 
• 27 – Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (goes until August 7)

July 2022

• 1-4 Fourth of July Weekend at SeaWorld Orlando

August 2022

• 5 – Craft Beer Festival at SeaWorld Orlando on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day  (goes through September 5) 

Late summer 2022:

• Revenge of the Mummy scheduled to re-open after maintenance closure 

Everything coming to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld in fall and winter 2022

Fall 2022: 

• Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida 
  The premier Halloween event in Orlando. This separately-ticketed experience is perfect for adults who love the Halloween season. Daytime admission not required or included.

September 2022:

• 9 – Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Separately-ticketed event on select nights through Halloween) 
• 10 – SeaWorld Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando (on weekends through October 31) 

Winter 2022:

• Although dates and details have yet to be announced, both Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort have holiday offerings

November 2022:

• 5 & 6 – Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends at SeaWorld Orlando 
• 11 – SeaWorld Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando (goes through December 31)
• 13 – Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (goes through January 3, 2023)

Everything coming to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld in early 2022 sometime in 2022:

Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
One of the most impressive nighttime shows in the entire Disney Resort, Fantasmic! promises to return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year. Fall into Mickey’s dream and see characters you know and love in this beautiful waterfront space. 

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond
Nemo and his friends come to life on stage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Through the artistry of puppets, lighting, and music, guests can experience a familiar story in a brand-new way. 

Salt & Straw Opening at Disney Springs 
The new ice cream parlor will bring its unique and diverse menu to Disney Springs in 2022. 

Everything coming to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld in 2023 or Beyond:

Splash Mountain Retheming
No official word yet on when Splash Mountain will receive “The Princess and the Frog” makeover announced in 2020. The attraction will follow the newly-made Princess Tiana and Louis the alligator on a journey. No doubt that whenever the changes are made, guests can expect to see an experience guided by music and adventure. 

TRON Lightcycle Run
Taking the technology found only in Shanghai Disneyland, Tron Lightcycle Run gives guests the opportunity to hop on a Lightcycle and become part of TRON’s universe in this impressive roller coaster.

EPCOT’s New Main Entrance
Still under construction, EPCOT’s main plaza is undergoing a major facelift. In the near future, the space will present with more greenery to complement the already completed fountain. The Leave a Legacy photos have been moved to a new, more colorful display for guests to enjoy.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
This brand-new walkthrough attraction in EPCOT will allow guests to interact with the element in a beautiful space. Guests will be educated on the water cycle in a way that will make you feel like a voyager!

PLAY! Pavilion
This new play area is currently in development at EPCOT’s World Discovery (on the site of the former Wonders of Life location) and will offer an immersive game space for guests to interact with their favorite Disney and Pixar characters. For example, guests can help Edna Mode with style issues, or enjoy a water balloon fight with Huey, Dewey, and Louie.

Special Events Pavilion
EPCOT is busy installing a new pavilion to provide a beautiful space for the live events during the park’s many annual festivals. The stage is designed to have three levels of viewing, so guests can enjoy live shows from many vantages and viewpoints.

Mary Poppins Attraction
Sadly, this project seems to have been delayed indefinitely. Originally designed to be installed in the United Kingdom pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase, the Mary Poppins attraction would take guests through some of the most recognizable spaces in the iconic film.

Beatrix Opening at Disney Springs
Another addition to Disney Springs, this eatery will focus on healthier and greener food options. Vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diners will enjoy dropping in for a meal or for a simple to-go coffee and bakery item. If it’s more your scene for something stronger, Beatrix has that for you as well! The shop will offer beer, wine, and cocktails. 

Universal’s Epic Universe and Super Nintendo World
Delayed until 2025, Universal’s Epic Universe and Super Nintendo World have certainly faced significant delays from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, if the corresponding lands in Universal Studios Japan are any indication, this park will be well worth the wait! 

What are you most looking forward to in 2022 and 2023?  Let us – and 150,000+ of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Everything Coming to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando in 2022 and Beyond appeared first on Orlando Informer.

A few things to consider as you review our suggestions — the primary element we measured when making these recommendations was anticipated crowd level. However, other things to keep in mind are the fact that busier times mean (generally) more attentive and higher staffed experiences, and that closing times and experience availability in the off-seasons might also be affected by lower crowd levels, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when employees and resources have to be doled out with particular care and attention. But all signs point to things getting back to normal. For example, Universal Orlando Resort is welcoming back concerts during their Mardi Gras festivities, and SeaWorld Orlando has events going on throughout the year.

It’s also important to note that for many, there’s really never a bad time to go to the parks. With Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld all accessible year-round, there is always something to do. Another way to make your trip to Orlando more efficient (if it’s in your budget), is staying at an official resort hotel. We sincerely recommend taking advantage of these resorts for the amenities alone — the premier Universal Orlando Resort hotels offer complimentary Express Passes to guests, and all levels of their resorts offer Early Park Admission to guests. The official hotels at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort offer a number of transportation options, making access to their parks quick and easy.

One last thing to consider before we dive into the details at hand: reservations and pandemic protocols. It’s no fun to think about, but these stipulations are important to consider in planning your trip and what to expect from your visit. Walt Disney World Resort still requires guests to make reservations ahead of their visit (with reservations already going into 2023), and reservations definitely fill up and hit capacity at certain parks certain times of the year. Currently, masks are required in attraction queues and on all attractions themselves (even outdoor ones) at both Walt Disney World and at Universal Orlando Resort. SeaWorld Orlando recommends guests wear masks when indoors.

Holidays for 2022 and 2023:

• Although not a holiday, an overarching event in Orlando for the next fourteen months is the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebration. Although Magic Kingdom is the park actually celebrating its golden anniversary, commemorative festivities, specialty merchandise, and food offerings can be found throughout the resort and all four theme parks. 
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 17, 2022 and January 16, 2023
• Presidents’ Day: February 21, 2022 and February 20, 2023
• Easter: April 17, 2022 and April 9, 2023 
• Labor Day: September 5, 2022 and September 4, 2023
• Columbus Day: October 10, 2022 and October 9, 2023
• Veterans Day: November 11 every year 

We list out these dates because any extended weekend or holiday will draw crowds to the parks. Locals take advantage of the extra day and regional visitors have extra wiggle room to make the visit and make it worth it. 

runDisney Events in 2022 and 2023:

runDisney events have a significant impact on the dynamics of Orlando tourism. These increasingly popular events are famous for selling out in hours, and avid runners flock to the event weekends and frequently bring along an entourage to enjoy the festivities and make a trip out of it. While you won’t necessarily notice huge increases in park attendance (particularly at the non-Disney parks), general highway traffic, routes, and hotel prices might be impacted on these weekends and are worth noting.

2022 runDisney events:

• February 24-27: Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
• March 31 – April 3: runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
• November 3-6: Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

2023 runDisney events:

• January 4-8: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
• February 23-26: Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
• April 13-16: runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

Best and worst times to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando in Spring 2022 and 2023

Best times to go: 

• January 10-14 and the end of January 
• First half of February 
• First few days of March

Here’s why: The springtime is probably our favorite season to go to the parks for several reasons. For one thing, the weather is hard to beat. Orlando rarely gets uncomfortably cold, but the cooler days that emerge in January and pepper into March are the perfect temperature to enjoy your day at the park without sweating for hours on end. Crowds are generally low because the springtime follows the busy holiday season, but there are some special events (most notably, Mardi Gras) to entice visitors. 

Worst times to go: 

• January 15 – 18 
• The back half of February
• March 5 – end of April

Here’s why: As we stated earlier, as a rule, any extended weekend will result in a spike in park attendance. In February, visits partially increase because a great deal of visitors to the Orlando area are from Louisiana, a state which gets school breaks for Mardi Gras. After that, the rush is from Spring Breakers starting to arrive, and the busy season looms just around the corner! 

Best and worst times to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando in Summer 2022 and 2023

Best times to go: 

• Weekdays in the second half of April through mid-May
• First two weeks of June
• The second half of August

Here’s why: While the summer has a notorious reputation for being jam-packed and crowded, there are pockets of time that guests will likely not have this experience. Unfortunately, these times are most easily accessible for locals. Weekdays in late April through mid-May are usually light traffic. Things ramp up and get steady for a while in the heat of the summer, but by the end of August (when school is back in session) the parks thin out again. 

Worst times to go: 

• Second half of June
• All of July
• The first half of August

Here’s why: Unfortunately, no matter how you slice it — summers in Central Florida can be rough. Essentially, we would block off weekends in May and every day through the first half of August if crowds and heat are not a tolerable part of your theme-park experience. One thing to keep in mind for Summer 2022 is the scheduled opening of the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster at EPCOT. This cutting-edge coaster is sure to draw crowds to the park, so keep that in mind as you make your travels. The summer is also a great time to do a number of things in Central Florida that aren’t theme-park related, from airboat tours and glass-bottom boat excursions to world-class shopping or exploring trails in a number of state and community parks.  

Best and worst times to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando in Fall and Winter 2022 and 2023

Best times to go: 

• Weekdays in November (except for Thanksgiving week)
• Weekdays in December that don’t fall on a holiday week

Here’s why: A lot of families save their trips for the holidays. With so many groups relying on collective time off together with the rest of their members, the holidays tend to be incredibly busy (in some cases, even surpassing the hustle and bustle of the summertime). That being said, if your circumstances are such that you can make it during a weekday during the holiday season, the beautiful decor, special shows, and delectable treats make going at that time completely worth it, in our opinion. 

Worst times to go: 

• Thanksgiving week
• The week of Christmas through the New Year

Here’s why: Holidays attract visitors, it’s just that simple. Many groups decide that their trip to an Orlando theme park is their holiday gift to one another, and it’s hard to blame them. Being in some of the most magical and immersive places you can think of, with those you love, during the holiday season, is just about as idyllic as you can get! Just remember that the high traffic of going to the parks on or around holidays means that all those employees can’t be doing the same with their families!  

We know better than anyone that sometimes, vacations plan themselves and you aren’t able to have complete control over when you go. Regardless, we hope that this information will serve you well on your exciting Orlando vacation. Be sure to check out our Crowd Calendar for information on projected crowd levels at Universal Orlando Resort. 

When are you visiting Orlando in 2022 and 2023?  Let us – and thousands of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post The Best and Worst Times to go to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando in 2022 and 2023 appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. The Ice Has Broken 

After delays, SeaWorld Orlando officially announced that their newest roller coaster, Ice Breaker, will open on February 18, 2022. Located near Orca Encounter, this attraction promises to have the steepest vertical drop in Florida. 

Read about the details of the attraction here.

2. Shrek 4-D No More

January 9, 2022, was the last day guests can ride Shrek 4-D at Universal Studios Florida. The attraction has officially closed on January 10, 2022, after years of welcoming guests to the funny, family-friendly theatre show. Shrek 4-D and Ye Olde Souvenir Shoppe will close, but Donkey will remain in his window to dish out digs to passing guests. 

Check out the closing announcement here. 

3. The Mummy is Sealed in his Tomb

On January 7, Revenge of the Mummy closed for an extended period for refurbishment and maintenance. A classic guest favorite, Revenge of the Mummy marked the milestone of welcoming 100 million riders last month. Guests can hope to return to the ride and see if Brendan ever got his cup of coffee in late summer 2022. 

Stay up to date on the ride closures and park updates on our Snapshot page.

4. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure on Standby

Beginning January 10, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion at EPCOT will no longer utilize the virtual queue system it has employed since its grand opening on October 1, 2021. The attraction will offer Lightning Lane queue access through the My Disney Experience Mobile App and a traditional standby queue. 

Read details of using the Disney Genie+ feature on our page, here. 

5. 2022 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Exclusive Food and Beverages Revealed

Food and beverage menus were revealed one week ahead of the start of the 2022 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. This annual festival celebrates the visual, performing, and culinary arts across the world. The 2022 lineup offers a number of new booths and dishes, from the adorable Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket (filled with rainbow popcorn) to pan-seared scallops with vanilla-butternut squash purée, brown butter cauliflower purée, and lime foam.  

Read everything on the menus here. 

That’s it for this week’s news! Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post New Coasters, Ride Closures, and Festival Food Revealed: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (January 1 – 9) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Near Port of Entry:

Pop Eats!

Here, guests can collect the coveted Figment Popcorn Bucket with rainbow popcorn and munch on a slice of cake that harkens back to the distinctive style of modernist artist Piet Mondrian. 

Food:

• Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
• NEW! Tomato Soup with Bacon, Apple, and Brie Grilled Cheese 
• Almond Frangipane Cake layered with raspberry jam and Belgian chocolate
• Pop’t Art: Modern-designed sugar cookie with chocolate-hazelnut filling
• NEW! Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket with Rainbow Popcorn

Drink:

• Hazy IPA
• Tomato Soup Can Bloody Mary

The Deconstructed Dish 

As the name would suggest, this station features deconstructed dishes to sample and enjoy!

Food:

• Deconstructed BLT: Crispy pork belly, soft-poached egg, brioche, watercress espuma, and tomato jam
• NEW! Deconstructed French Onion Soup: Beef broth ravioli, Gruyère espuma, onion bread pudding, and onion textures 
• NEW! Deconstructed Key Lime Pie: Flexible Key lime curd, “Key lime” mousse, graham cracker cake, and meringues 

Drink:

• NEW! (Non-alcoholic) Deconstructed Apple Pie à la Mode: Apple-cinnamon gelato, cinnamon apple cider, apple pie filling, and streusel
• Brown Ale

Deco Delights

Deco Delights introduces some color to your food palette with their bold, mid-century inspired dessert plates. The drink selections are equally distinct and unique! 

Food:

• NEW! Dulce Chocolate Mousse with chocolate crémeux and dark chocolate truffle 
• NEW! Decadent Valrhona Chocolate with dark chocolate mousse, chocolate brownie, and cassis mousse 
• NEW! Orange Mousse with lemon cake and raspberry meringues 

Drink:

• Strawberry Blonde Nitro
• Vanilla Porter
• Milk Stout
• Neapolitan Beer Flight

Near Disney Traders:

NEW! The Craftsman’s Courtyard

Want something on the lighter side, or have someone in your party on the mediterranean diet? Swing by The Craftsman’s Courtyard for some refreshing dishes and beverages. 

Food:

• NEW! Cast Iron-roasted P.E.I. Mussels with Sautéed Tomatoes, Garlic, and Fresh Herbs 
• NEW! Cast Iron-seared Steelhead Trout with parsley salad, grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, and lemon aïoli 

Drink:

• Wheat Beer
• Chardonnay
• Rosé
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Wine Flight

Refreshment Outpost

Refreshment Outpost offers a simple but memorable menu. Drop by for a vegan hot dog, jumbo chocolate chip cookie, or a refreshing beer. 

Food:

• Plant-based Bratwurst with spicy turmeric aïoli, coffee barbecue jackfruit, and slaw 
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie

Drink:

• Blue Raspberry Blonde Ale
• Nairobi Coffee Dark Beer
• Brown Ale

World Showcase 

Pastoral Palate, Germany

Food:

• Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip purée, broccolini, baby tomatoes, and aged balsamic
• NEW! Wild Boar Cassoulet with duck confit, ham hock, and wild boar sausage 
• Opera Cake: Almond joconde, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache

Drink:

• Rosé Hard Cider
• Rosé Blonde Ale
• Frozen Rosé
• A Play on Rosé Flight
• Old Vine Rosé

The Artist’s Table, America

Food:

• Beef Wellington: Mushroom duxelle, prosciutto, and puff pastry with red wine demi-glace and baby vegetables
• Pan-seared Scallops with vanilla-butternut squash purée, brown butter cauliflower purée, and lime foam 
• Pistachio Cake with cherry mousse and morello cherries

Drink:

• Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, milk, and dark chocolate (non-alcoholic)
• White Ale
• Amber Ale
• Brown Ale
• Pinot Noir
• Symphony in Chocolate Flight: Cream liqueurs paired with Sipping Chocolates
• Beer Flight

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina, Morocco 

Food:

• NEW! Plant-based – Carrots Three Ways: Berbere-spiced grilled carrots, pickled carrots, and carrot ginger purée
• NEW! House-made Crispy Almond Phyllo Pockets with white chocolate pomegranate and milk chocolate orange 

Drink:

• Chai Tea Mint Mimosa: Twinings of London Chai Tea with Key lime sparkling wine and mint
• Sangria Hard Cider
• Chai Hard Cider
• Berry Hard Cider
• Cider Flight

Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina, Between Morocco & France

Food:

• NEW! House-made Chorizo and Potato Empanada with turmeric aïoli and annatto aïoli 
• NEW! (Gluten-friendly) Spicy Ajiaco Soup with guajillo and árbol chili-spiced chicken, potato, avocado, corn, and crème fraîche 
• (Gluten-friendly) Passion Fruit Mousse with Dragon Fruit Jam

Drink:

• Coconut and Passion Fruit Smoothie (non-alcoholic)
• Frozen Piña Colada
• Passion Fruit Daiquiri

Refreshment Port, Near Canada

Food:

• NEW! Gnocchi Poutine with red wine-braised beef, cheese curds, basil, and burrata 
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie

Drink:

• NEW! Blood Orange Cosmo: Vodka with blood orange, cranberry, and lime 
• Hard Cider

Gourmet Landscapes, Canada

Food:

• NEW! Plant-based – Blood Orange-braised Beet Carpaccio with mustard vinaigrette, pickled clamshell mushrooms, golden beets, and crostini 
• NEW! Roasted Bone Marrow with onion marmalade, pickled mushrooms, mache lettuce, and bone marrow snow 
• Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings, and Zinfandel Reduction

Drink:

• German Lager
• Cuvée Sparkling Wine
• Merlot
• Frozen Rusty Nail Cocktail

The Donut Box

Food:

• NEW! Vanilla Donut with strawberry sugar, strawberry ice cream, fresh strawberries, and strawberry gele 
• NEW! Inside Out Donut: Vanilla donut with Bavarian cream 
• NEW! Chocolate-dipped Donut with black and gold sugar sprinkles and chocolate buttercream

Drink:

• Rosé
• Cold Fashion Coffee Cocktail

L’Art de la Cuisine Française, France

Food:

• Crème de Brie en Petit Pain: Warm creamy brie in a house-made bread bowl
• Croissant à la Truffe Noire d’Hiver: Black winter truffle croissant served warm
• NEW! Mousseline de Bisque de Homard Froide, Brioche Feuilletée à l’Aneth: Chilled lobster bisque mousse served with dill brioche   
• Moelleux aux Noisettes et Chocolats Valrhona: Molten chocolate and hazelnut cake with pure origin Valrhona chocolates

Drink:

• Frozen French Martini: Vodka, black raspberry liqueur, pineapple, orange, and grape juice with lemon-lime foam
• French Rosé Sparkling Wine
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sparkling Chardonnay

El Artista Hambriento, Mexico

Food:

• NEW! Huarache Verde: Cilantro huarache with cochinita pibil, fresh pineapple, and pickled onion 
• NEW! Carne Asada: Seared beef tenderloin, grilled queso fresco, refried beans, scallion, and ranchera salsa 
• Gluten-friendly – Taco de Chocolate: Chocolate candy shell filled with Mexican chocolate mousse with a touch of chile topped with seasonal fruit 

Drink:

• Mexican Craft Beer: Crafted with citrus notes and made with Mexican Caribbean seawater
• The Lily: Blanco tequila, violet essence Infusion, rose petal liqueur, cranberry, and lime juice
• Smoky Raspberry: Blanco tequila, rosemary-infused mezcal, ginger cordial, lime juice, and rosemary aroma

Goshiki, Japan

Food:

• NEW! Chicken Kushiage: Breaded and fried chicken with yum yum sauce and vegetables 
• Sushi Donut: Donut-shaped sushi featuring salmon, tuna, shrimp, cucumber, and sesame seed over a decorated plate of wasabi aïoli, sriracha, and eel sauce

Drink:

• Winter Ale
• Sake in a traditional personalized wooden cup
• NEW! Niseko Flurry: Sake, rum, white cranberry juice, blue curaçao, and lime juice 

The Painted Panda, China

Food:

• General Tso’s Chicken Shumai
• Char Siu Pork Bun

Drink:

• “Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic milk tea with black and white boba (non-alcoholic)
• Jasmine Draft Beer
• Eastern Dynasty: Vodka, light rum, strawberry syrup, piña colada mix, soda water, and magic boba pearls
• Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, triple sec, mango syrup, orange juice, and soda water
• Sea Butterfly: Butterfly pea flower-infused cocktail with vodka, light rum, lychee syrup, magic boba pearls

L’Arte di Mangiare, Italy

Food:

• NEW! Arancini: Fried risotto balls stuffed with braised-beef and served with pomodoro sauce 
• NEW! Ravioli alla Boscaiola: Sweet sausage ravioli, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and creamy Parmesan sauce 
• NEW! Bomboloni: Chocolate-hazelnut Italian doughnut with powdered sugar 

Drink:

• Peroni Pilsner
• Pinot Grigio
• Chianti
• Prosecco
• Red Sparkling Wine
• Moscato
• Italian White Sangria with Prosecco
• Italian Red Sangria with Cabernet Sauvignon
• Italian Margarita with Tequila and Limoncello
• Amaretto Bellini: Amaretto, White Peach Purée, and Prosecco
• Bergamotto: Rosolio Liqueur, Prosecco, and Olive

Funnel Cake

• NEW! Cherry Blossom Funnel Cake: Chocolate chip funnel cake topped with cherry ice cream, rainbow whipped cream, chocolate chips, and a maraschino cherry 

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

• World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – Mocha Masterpiece Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold brew topped with whipped cream and chocolate puffs
• World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Cinnamon Swirl Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold brew topped with whipped cream and cinnamon squares
• The American Adventure – Rainbow Dreams Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold crew topped with whipped cream and colorful marshmallow crunch
• Canada – Colorful Canvas Cold Brew: A sweet creamy cold brew topped with whipped cream and fruity cereal

What dish are you most looking forward to trying? Let us – and thousands of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook, and be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post 2022 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Food and Beverage Menus REVEALED appeared first on Orlando Informer.

SeaWorld Orlando’s first multi-directional launch coaster, Ice Breaker promises a unique and exciting — but not too scary — ride for guests. Although the coaster boasts some staggering features (like the fact that it is Florida’s steepest beyond-vertical drop), the 48-inch height requirement and relatively short track of just 580 meters are indicators that it is likely a thrilling, but not overwhelming, experience for riders. 

So, what can guests expect from this roller coaster? Over a year ago, SeaWorld released a POV video of Ice Breaker, and we all watched with excitement. After boarding the coaster and secured in their seats, passengers will be moved sideways onto the track. The ride vehicle will then launch backwards, forwards, and repeat this movement (a feature reminiscent of Tigris at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay) before launching off onto the main portion of the ride. This unique start to the ride is equal parts fun as well as functional, as it’s movements like this that stretch out the economical length of the track.

For the main act, guests are taken up to speeds of more than 50 miles per hour and launched up a 93-foot, 100-degree beyond-vertical spike. A number of hills (one that is 80-feet high, and others that are near-vertical) remain between you and the conclusion of this exciting ride, which will land back safely in the Wild Arctic section of SeaWorld Orlando. 

The official opening date for Ice Breaker at SeaWorld Orlando has us marking our calendars and looking forward to the opening of another long-awaited roller coaster — Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. A sister park to SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay plans to open their roller coaster in March 2022. 

Check out our SeaWorld Center to plan and get tickets for your perfect vacation to SeaWorld Orlando. You can also discuss vacation planning with our SeaWorld Community on Facebook!

The post The NEWEST Roller Coaster in Orlando Announces Opening Date appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Here’s the Orlando theme-park news you need to know to kick off the New Year!

1. Hagrid is Sleeping In

One of the biggest perks of staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel is Early Park Admission (EPA). Using this benefit, guests can get into either Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure (depending on which park Universal Orlando Resort dictates) an hour earlier than a normal daytime park ticket holder can. Usually, EPA includes access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and all the attractions within those sections of the park. Clearly, this is a huge advantage for all us Potterheads. Unfortunately, starting on January 3 and going through at least February 28, 2022, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (one of the hallmark attractions in Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure) will not be included in Early Park Admission.

Not to fear, it will still be open during the regular operating hours. Jurassic World VelociCoaster is also currently included in EPA.

We’ll keep you posted on when it returns and if the block is extended. Check out our Snapshot page for a complete list of EPA attractions, ride closures, upcoming events, and more. 

2. The Return of Typhoon Lagoon 

After nearly two full years of being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon has reopened. The concept behind the theme of the park is that a (wait for it) typhoon has ravaged a tropical paradise, creating a mix of predictable island and beach motifs with rugged, not picture-perfect natural elements. The park features one of the largest wave pools in the world and has been closed since March 2020. Blizzard Beach, Walt Disney World’s other water park, has been reopened to guests for some time but has now closed for seasonal maintenance. 

3. (Ice) Breaking news?

A few weeks ago in their podcast, “Sea the World with Cindy Simmons,” SeaWorld Orlando teased that an exciting announcement would be made on January 3, 2022. We’ve got our calendars marked and are ready to hear the news! We hope that the announcement has something to do with Ice Breaker, the newest roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando.

What do you think the news will be? 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest info. And then be sure to discuss everything with 125,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

The post New Year Updates: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Here’s the Orlando theme-park news you need to know for the end of 2021. 

1. Disney Re-openings

With a slew of Walt Disney World Resort announcements, 2022 is already looking up. Earlier this month, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Although “Indy” took on some minor changes, guests were thrilled with the return of the popular stunt show. In addition to that, guests can now book reservations for the Keys to the Kingdom tour and Wilderness Back Trail Adventure! Both experiences give guests the opportunity for a “behind the scenes” look at favorite elements of Disney World. As a reminder, Holiday Carriage Rides are currently available, and Carriage Rides will resume as usual at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort on January 7, 2022. Disney Port Orleans – Riverside Carriage Rides will resume on February 4, 2022. Finally, on March 31, 2022, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will reopen — marking the first time all Walt Disney Resort hotels have been open since 2020!

Stay up to date on all the latest Walt Disney World news by joining our Walt Disney World Facebook community.

2. Going Nuts for Earl!

Earlier this month, an all-new walkaround character was introduced to Universal Orlando Resort. Earl the Squirrel made his debut after almost a decade of being developed into the character he is today. Originally inspired by a real-life squirrel, Earl has transformed into an icon for Universal Orlando Resort. He can occasionally be sighted in front of the Hello Kitty Store in Universal Studios Florida.

Guests can still purchase Earl merchandise and more at the 2021 Holiday Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida. 

3. Scheduled Maintenance for Beloved Attractions

Just as a friendly reminder, a number of attractions at Universal Orlando Resort will have to (sadly) undergo maintenance closures. The most notable of these is Revenge of the Mummy, which will be closed January 7, 2022 and will reopen in late summer. Over in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Jurassic Park River Adventure will be closed from January 10, 2022 – January 28, 2022. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls will have its turn from January 31, 2022 to February 25, 2022. Finally, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges will be closed from February 25, 2022 to March 18, 2022. That means all the beloved water rides will be up and ready for guests visiting in the warmer weather! 

Stay up-to-date on closures and openings across Universal Orlando Resort on our Snapshot page.

4. Makos and Reindeer and Bumbles, Oh My! 

There’s a few more days to enjoy SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, going on now through January 2, 2022. The park is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with a sea of trees, ice-skating Winter Wonderland on Ice, and the chance to meet Santa himself at Wild Arctic. Don’t miss out on meeting beloved characters like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, or your favorite Sesame Street friends in the Sesame Street Christmas Parade. 

Get your SeaWorld tickets here to enjoy all this and more!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest info. And then be sure to discuss everything with 125,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

The post End of the Year Updates: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. A Tribute to Earl the Squirrel 

The star of the show this week was the opening of the 2021 Holiday Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida. This Tribute Store is only the second of its kind, and while this year represents the same general theming: Santa, Earl the Squirrel, The Grinch, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this year’s store is a distinct step up from its inaugural version. Come through the Tribute Store to peek into Santa’s Workshop, explore Earl’s Christmas Curios Museum & Emporium, ascend the top of Mt. Crumpit, and attend the Yule Ball.

Read full details of the store and all its offerings in our guide page here. 

2. Under the Mistletoe…Pines

In addition to the Tribute Store, a few new holiday elements across Universal Orlando Resort have popped up. Most notable of these is Mistletoe Pines Village in CityWalk. This pop-up walkway features exclusive food and beverage items that are as charming as the venue from which it’s served. Guests staying at Universal Orlando Resort hotels are also in luck — all the hotels have their holiday decor up and ready to get people in the spirit of the season. 

You can enjoy the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort until January 2, 2022. 

3. Velvet Unplugged Returns to Universal Orlando Resort

The intimate performances held in the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel are officially back. Guests are welcome to enjoy the show in standing room only or purchase tickets for cafe-style tables of up to four people. Over the years, the Hard Rock has welcomed both well-established and up-and-coming guests to entertain in their lobby for guests to enjoy. Seth Glier will perform on November 19, and Carl Dixon will perform on December 17.

Get tickets for Seth Glier here, and tickets for Carl Dixon here.

4. All Celebrity Narrators Announced for EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional

All the celebrity narrators at EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional have been announced. Auli’i Cravalho (Moana), Jodi Benson (The Little Mermaid), Chita Rivera (West Side Story), Alton Fitzgerald White (Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway), and Pat Sajak (Wheel of Fortune) are just some of the guest hosts that will guide visitors through the story of Christmas through song and dance. EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional will take place nightly beginning November 26 and concluding December 30, 2021. 

See a full list of celebrity narrators here.

5. Disney Plus Day

November 12 was the premier of Disney Plus Day. This brand-awareness holiday celebrates the second anniversary of the streaming service. To commemorate the milestone, Disney+ released new and exclusive titles, including films such as Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings, Jungle Cruise, and Home Sweet Home Alone in addition to specials like Olaf Presents, a series of shorts where Olaf, the lovable snowman from Frozen, briefly and hilariously retells the plot of beloved Disney films. Disney+ also IMAX-enhanced a number of Marvel movies, including Iron Man, Black Panther, and Avengers: Endgame.

6. SeaWorld Christmas Celebration 

To round out this recap of festivities, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is also going on now through January 2, 2022. A number of new and old favorites alike are elements of this seasonal celebration. Some of our favorite returning things? The character meet-n-greet with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Sesame Street Christmas Parade. A new favorite is sure to be the concert series, “Sounds of the Season,” which takes place on select nights at the Nautilus Theater.

Check out our guide page here for the inside scoop on SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.

That’s it for this week’s news. See you at the parks!

The post A Tribute to Earl the Squirrel, Celebrities Coming to EPCOT, and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (November 8 – 14) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Mannheim Steamroller Rolls Back into the Holidays

Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for the Holidays. This week, they announced that several beloved elements of the Holiday season are indeed returning. The biggest return? The Mannheim Steamroller concerts. These concerts will take place on December 4, 5, 11, and 12 at the Music Plaza Stage in Universal Studios Florida. Access is included with park admission.

Check out our article for what else is coming back for the 2021 Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort.

2. Happy Christmas, Harry!

Temperatures dropped and evidence of Horror Nights was taken down, but one thing went up this week – more holiday decorations! Most notable of these festoons is the beautiful decor in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Is there anything better than grabbing a Hot Butterbeer and perusing holiday-adorned shops like Madam Malkin’s Robes for all Occasions, or picking out a plush for a loved one in Magical Menagerie? 

The 2021 Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort run from November 13, 2021 to January 2, 2022. 

3. Elmo and Friends Welcome You for the Holidays

Christmas at SeaWorld has something for everyone. This year, a number of the guest-favorite elements of their Christmas Celebration are returning. This includes the Sesame Street Christmas Parade and Rudolph’s Movie Experience. New holiday elements are an all-new nighttime fireworks presentation called “Holiday Reflections” and Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show, a new show perfect for kids of all ages. SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration will also include Kwanzaa and Hanukkah Celebrations during those times. 

Review our guide page for complete details on SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. 

4. EARidescent New Merchandise

The EARidescent Collection is starting to emerge in the parks and at the World of Disney store in Disney Springs. This shimmering collection of ears, shirts, hats, and more is sure to bring some extra sparkle to the holiday season. The EARidescent Collection brings us one step closer to all the 50th Anniversary Merchandise being available – the last of which is the Luxe Logo Collection, which should be available later this month. 

Check out our article here for the full lineup of Disney 50th Anniversary Merchandise. 

5. runDisney Debut Weekend

For the past few days (starting on a rainy Friday morning) thousands of runners have once again returned to Walt Disney World Resort for the first time since 2020. By all accounts, the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon weekend at EPCOT was a success, and runDisney made further announcements by revealing the themes and distances for the Springtime Surprise Weekend in March. The Expedition Everest 5k (a nighttime run), the Race for the Taste 10k (which is Ratatouille inspired), and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler are all on the agenda for the weekend of March 31, 2022.

That’s it for this week’s news. See you at the parks!

The post Holiday Announcements at Universal, SeaWorld Celebrates Christmas, and Disney’s Latest Merch: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (November 1 – 7) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Tribute Store

The Holiday Tribute Store will return! This beautiful holiday element will once again provide guests with the ultimate shopping experience. With four impressively and intricately immersive rooms, the Holiday Tribute Store is a seasonal favorite for guests of all ages. This is where you should go to snag a Holiday Tree Hunt brochure before embarking on your expedition. Return to the Tribute Store to purchase your well-earned Holiday Tree Hunt ornament after the excursion. 

Treats

Everyone knows you have the new year to work off the extra love you accumulate during the holidays, and there are a fair few treats you can select from at Universal Orlando Resort every year. This season, guests can enjoy a number of holiday menu items across the resort. Here is a sample of what to look out for:

Nutella Cheesecake Reindeer Pop
Cheesecake pop with Nutella and candied hazelnuts, available at Croissant Moon Bakery, located at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

“Red Hot” Holiday Shake
Red Hot candies and crushed peppermint top off the newest milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen in Universal CityWalk.

Voodoo Doughnut 
The best doughnut shop on the block will feature a number of delicious and beautiful sweets, including a gingerbread cake doughnut and a marble cake wreath doughnut. 

Hot Chocolate Bomb
Pick up a hot chocolate bomb ornament from TODAY cafe in Universal Studios Florida or an all-new Grinch-themed hot chocolate bomb at Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. 

Vegan Brownie 
Vegan guests in search of something sweet can find this delicious confection in San Francisco at Universal Studios Florida or Croissant Moon Bakery at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

And as always, guests can enjoy Hot Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

Mannheim Steamroller 

Did we save the best for last? You decide. Mannheim Steamroller, the best-selling holiday artist of all time, will once again return to Universal Studios Florida. On December 4, 5, 11, and 12, guests can gather at the Music Plaza Stage to enjoy these concerts. Access to these exclusive concerts is included with standard park admission, and in our opinion is one of the best ways to spread Christmas cheer. 

The 2021 holidays at Universal Orlando Resort run from November 13, 2021 to January 2, 2022. 

The post Mannheim Steamroller Concerts, Holiday Food, and More Announced for 2021 at Universal Orlando Resort appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. Holidays in Hogsmeade 

As Halloween is on its way out, the Holidays at Hogwarts are back in Hogsmeade. Lights, ornaments, and garlands can be found all throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. Storefronts are bedecked in Christmas cheer, and the snowy rooftops that provide winter wonder year-round look better than ever with the complementary decor. 

The holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will take place from November 13 through January 2. Check out our guide on Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter here. 

2. Run Fun Returns to Disney 

This weekend, runDisney will return in-person races for the first time in nearly two years. The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at EPCOT features three days of running fun. From Friday, November 5 to Sunday, November 7, thousands of enthusiasts will run 5K, 10K, or half marathon distances across Walt Disney World Resort. A fair few will do all three on consecutive days! 

Read our announcement for full details on upcoming runDisney events. 

3. Holiday Harbor Nights 

This ticketed event for adults 21 and over has officially returned, and the next dates for Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay have already been announced! Holiday Harbor Nights will take place on Friday, November 26 and features all the standard excellence the event has to offer with one added bonus – the official illumination of the Christmas Tree on the Harbor Piazza. 

I was lucky enough to go to the last Harbor Nights. Read our review of that here. 

4. Walt Disney World Holiday Food Guide

The Holiday Food Menus across Walt Disney World Resort have been released. Another year of unique food items, delicious cocktails, and festive treats will become available across the resort beginning next week. With such an array of menu items, and so many different places to find them, we’ve compiled everything together for your perusal. The Holidays at Walt Disney World officially start on November 12.

Check out the delicious details here.

5. Kids Weekend and Guy Harvey at SeaWorld Orlando

If you’re like us, you can’t get enough of SeaWorld Orlando. But if you’re like us, it’s also sometimes hard to keep up with all their lovely events! We’ve got you covered. This weekend, SeaWorld Orlando will host two events – Kids Weekend at SeaWorld Orlando and Guy Harvey Weekend. Kids can enjoy special weekend activities and then the whole family can meet world-renowned conservationist Guy Harvey. 

See a full lineup of SeaWorld events here. 

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

The post Holidays in Hogsmeade, runDisney Returns, and Sightings at SeaWorld: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (October 25 – 31) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Thanksgiving Offerings

Disney’s Animal Kingdom 

Restaurantosaurus

• Open-Faced Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich – Grilled multigrain bread with roasted garlic mayonnaise, cornbread stuffing waffle, sliced smoked turkey breast, herb gravy, cranberry sauce, and a fried sage leaf (available Nov. 25)

Satu’li Canteen

• Thanksgiving Bowl – Cornbread stuffing, sliced roasted turkey, cranberry boba pearls, gravy, and slaw (available Nov. 25)
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse – Pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate “dirt,” and cranberry boba pearls (available Nov. 25-28)

Tiffins Restaurant

• Thanksgiving Plate – Turkey roulade, fine-herbs whipped potatoes, maple-glazed carrots, sweet potato pave, wild mushrooms, green bean casserole, cornbread dressing, cranberry gel, and turkey gravy (available Nov. 25)
• Roasted Squash Soup – Ginger-pear chutney, pickled jalapeño, chai-spiced and candied pistachios (available Nov. 25)
• Apple Pie Cheesecake – Whipped caramel cheesecake, apple pie compote, white chocolate streusel, and cranberry sauce (available Nov. 25)

Tusker House Restaurant

• Thanksgiving Dinner – Spit-roasted turkey, turkey gravy, mashed red potatoes, and focaccia bread dressing along with seasonal vegetables, pork loin, flank steak, and an assortment of desserts (available Nov. 25)

Disney’s All-Star Resorts

Intermission Food Court and World Premier Food Court

• Pumpkin Tart (available Nov. 25 and Dec. 25)
• Thanksgiving Dinner – Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry relish with choice of apple or pumpkin tart (available Nov. 25)

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Landscapes of Flavor and Everything POP Shopping & Dining

• Pumpkin Tart (available Nov. 7-27)
• Apple Tart (available Nov. 7-27)
• Spiked Coffee Milkshake (available Nov. 1-30)
• Cranberry Margarita (available Nov.1-30)

Disney’s BoardWalk

Trattoria al Forno

• Thanksgiving Sage & Thyme Oven-Roasted Turkey – Cornbread and sausage stuffing, sour cream-mashed Yukon gold potatoes, green beans and rainbow carrots with herb butter, cranberry citrus compote, pan gravy, and Parker House Rolls (available Nov. 25)
• Apple Crostata – Vanilla bean gelato, candied pecans, and caramel sauce (available Nov. 25)

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Centertown Market and Centertown Market Grab n’ Go

• Apple Tart (available Nov. 25)
• Pumpkin Tart (available Nov. 7-25)

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Cítricos

• Pumpkin Cheesecake – Pumpkin cheesecake resting on a spiced chiffon cake topped with cassis mousse and a pumpkin seed-ginger crumble with caramel sauce (available Nov. 27)

Narcoossee’s

• Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake – Pumpkin cake filled with white chocolate cream cheese mousse with brown sugar glaze and orange marmalade sauce (available Nov. 27)

Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Kona Island and Capt. Cook’s

• Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake with milk chocolate rocky road filling and buttercream (available Nov. 15-30)

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

• Pumpkin Mousse – Pumpkin cheesecake, hazelnut chocolate sponge, pistachio crumble and cherry compote (available through Nov. 27)
• Black Heritage Turkey – Sous vide turkey breast, turkey leg roulade, sourdough stuffing torchon, sweet potato casserole with spiced marshmallows, potato purée, roasted gravy, cranberry marmalade, haricot vert amandine, and roasted rainbow carrots (available Nov. 25)
• Caramel Milk Chocolate Mousse – Chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake, chocolate crumble, and chantilly cream (available Nov. 28-Jan. 1)

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort

Ale & Compass Restaurant

• Pumpkin Tart – Pumpkin tart with chantilly cream with a cherry cranberry sauce (available Nov. 25)

Winter Offerings

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

ABC Commissary

• Sugar Cookie Snowman – A tasty snowman made of white chocolate sugar cookie mousse, whipped lemon curd, and a holiday sugar cookie (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

ABC Commissary and Catalina Eddie’s

• Santa’s Belt Cookie – White chocolate-covered chocolate shortbread cookie (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

Backlot Express and Trolley Car Café

• Red Velvet Whoopie Pie – Moist red velvet cake filled with classic cream cheese filling and festive sprinkles (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge and Tune-In Lounge

• Holiday Bliss Cocktail– Vanilla vodka, sour apple liqueur, caramel beverage syrup, and vanilla ice-cream mix (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, Rosie’s All-American Café, and PizzeRizzo

• Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate – Salted caramel beverage syrup and frozen hot chocolate mix topped with marshmallows and chocolate syrup (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)
• Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate with Black Cherry Bourbon – Salted caramel beverage syrup, frozen hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, chocolate syrup, and black cherry bourbon (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

Oasis Canteen, Animation Arch Bar, and Sunshine Day Bar

• Christmas on the Beach Cocktail – Coconut rum, blue curaçao, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice served with a souvenir glow cube (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

Outdoor Carts

• Holiday Brownie – Chocolate Mickey brownie with holiday sprinkles (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

PizzeRizzo

• Butterscotch Caramel Cannoli – Holiday cannoli filled with caramel cheesecake, butterscotch chips, and chocolate flakes (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

Rosie’s All-American Café and Trolley Car Cafe

• Reindeer Mousse – Spiced caramel cheesecake over peanut butter mousse atop a salty pretzel shortbread cookie (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

Woody’s Lunch Box

• Holiday Lunch Box Tart – Apple pie filled tart frosted with cinnamon icing, sugar snowflake, and holiday sprinkles (available Nov. 8-Jan. 3)

Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie

• White Chocolate Peppermint Éclair with White Chocolate and Peppermint Mousse (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Santa Mickey Dome Cake (available Nov. 5-Dec. 30)
• Holiday Mickey Mousse Mini Dome Cake (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Holiday Parfait – Bourbon white chocolate mousse, cranberry cherry panna cotta, maple chocolate ganache, and chocolate chiffon cake (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• NYE Petite Cake (available Dec. 31)

AristoCrêpes

• Cherry Jubilee Bubble Waffle – Bubble waffle filled with scoops of vanilla ice cream, cherries jubilee fillings, and whipped cream (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Santa Hot Crêpe – Sweet crêpe filled with eggnog custard topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream (available Nov. 26- Dec. 30)

D-Luxe Burger

• Holiday Turkey Burger – Turkey patty, butternut squash risotto cake, bacon-cranberry jam, lettuce, and tomato (available Nov. 5-Dec. 1)
• “Oh Deer” Cookie Shake – Hazelnut liqueur, vanilla gelato, cinnamon beverage syrup, whipped cream, cinnamon, and sugar dusting with ginger deer garnish (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)

Dockside Margaritas

• Snowman on the Beach Margarita – Silver tequila, key lime juice, crème de coconut, sweet and sour, graham cracker rim, chocolate pearls, and carrot sugar piece (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)

The Daily Poutine

• Gobbler Poutine – Turkey, brown gravy, cranberry chutney, and cheese curds (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)

The Ganachery

• Olaf Hot Cocoa Surprise (available Nov.12- Dec. 30)
• Santa Mickey Piñata (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Gingerbread Ganache Square (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Peppermint Bark (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

• Venison Slider – Sliders with venison sausage patties, arugula, tomato, and cranberry aïoli on house made buns (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Fried Brussel Sprouts – Fried Brussel sprouts with bacon vinaigrette (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Holiday Lights Deviled Eggs – Colored deviled eggs with tobiko, and shrimp (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Ham and Brie Flatbread – Shaved ham and brie cheese, pomegranate seeds, granny smith apples, apple vinaigrette, and watercress (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Cookies and Milk – Assorted Christmas cookies and coquito (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Lump of Coal Dessert – Cookies and cream ganache “coal” (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Elf Elixir Cocktail –Tequila, crème de menthe, and half & half with cookie crumb and holly leaf sugar garnishes (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Claus Mo Cocktail – Traditional cosmopolitan with a shimmery twist garnished with red and white sugar and a candy cane (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Yule Mule – Gin, ginger beer, cranberry juice, and rosemary simple syrup with a holly leaf sugar garnish (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)

Outdoor Carts and Kiosks

• Mistletoe Cocktail– Coconut rum, melon liqueur, blue curaçao, orange juice, pineapple juice, and Sprite (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Fireside Cider – Cinnamon whiskey, vanilla vodka, white cranberry juice, grenadine, and Ginger Ale (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)
• Merry Margarita – Tequila, ginger liqueur, cinnamon beverage syrup, white cranberry juice, sweet and sour, and grenadine (available Nov. 5- Dec. 30)

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Contempo Cafe

• Gingerbread Boy (available Nov. 14-Jan. 1)
• Pumpkin Pie Tart – Pumpkin pie tart with cinnamon chantilly cream (available Nov. 14-27)
• Chocolate Peppermint Cookie (available Nov. 14-Jan. 1)
• Linzer Cookie (available Nov. 14-Jan. 1)
• Gingerbread House Kit – Build-your-own Disney’s Contemporary Resort Gingerbread House (available Nov. 14-Jan. 1)
• Yule Log – Chocolate peppermint yule log (available Nov.28-Jan. 1)

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Barcelona Lounge

• Iced S’mores Macchiato – Espresso, low-fat milk and toasted marshmallow beverage syrup topped with sweet cream and chocolate drizzle (available Dec. 12-Jan. 8)
• Cranberry Mimosa – Cranberry juice and blanc de blanc cava (available Dec. 12-Jan. 8)

Barcelona Lounge and Dahlia Lounge

• Hot Toddy for Two – Twinings Discovery Collection Caramel Rooibos tea, brandy, amaretto, and cinnamon beverage syrup (available Dec. 12-Jan. 8)

Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Largo

• Blood Orange Sangria – Our house-made white sangria topped with blood orange beverage syrup (available Nov. 25-Jan. 8)
• Spiced Winter Sangria – Our house-made red sangria warmed with spices (available Nov. 25-Mar. 1)

Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Largo and Dahlia Lounge

• Peanut Butter S’mores Old Fashioned – Peanut butter whiskey, crème de cacao, toasted marshmallow beverage syrup, and orange bitters (available Nov. 25-Jan. 8)
• Mistletoe Sangria – Our house made white sangria with a melon liqueur twist (available (available Dec. 12-Jan. 8)
• Cruz de Galicia – Amaretto, spiced rum, lemonade, and a splash of soda (available Dec. 12-Jan. 8)
• Toasted Espresso Martini – Vanilla vodka, crème de cacao, freshly brewed espresso, and toasted marshmallow beverage syrup (available Dec. 12-Jan. 8)
• Turkey “a la Plancha” – Plancha-seared turkey breast, aged sherry-sage gravy, cranberry-apple chutney, and scallion biscuit with a choice of two sides: pomme purée,  sweet potato gratin, elote, roasted cauliflower, magdelana dressing, or Brussel sprouts (available Nov. 25)

Toledo–Tapas, Steak, and Seafood

• Turkey Roulade – Magdalena dressing, pomme purée, glazed carrots, Brussel sprouts,  cranberry relish, and turkey gravy (available Nov. 25)
• Mulled Wine Pear Mousse – Orange chiffon, candied apples, almond-leaf tuille, and almond crunch (available Nov. 25)

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Gasparilla Island Grill

• Pumpkin Pie Cake Pop – Pumpkin spice jumbo cake pop enrobed in white chocolate to resemble an autumn pumpkin (available Nov. 1-Dec. 1)
• Fall Flavors Cupcake – Cinnamon-spiced cupcake with apple filling topped with a sugar pumpkin and maple buttercream in festive fall colors (available Nov. 1-Dec. 1)
• Happy Holidays Cake Pop – Triple chocolate cake pop enrobed in white chocolate with festive winter décor (available Dec. 1-Jan. 1)
• Very Merry Minnie Mouse Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake filled with cookies and cream mousse and topped with ganache-dipped buttercream with cookie ears and chocolate a holiday bow (available Dec. 1-Jan. 1)
• Red Velvet Wreath Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake filled with cream cheese mousse and topped with a vanilla buttercream wreath and a chocolate bow (available Dec. 1-Jan. 1)
• S’more Cookie – Graham chocolate chip cookie piled with toasted marshmallows and M&M’S (available Dec. -Jan. 1)

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Barefoot Pool Bar

• Frozen Martini with DOLE Whip Watermelon – Vodka blended with DOLE Whip Watermelon and a “green” sugared rim

Kona Café

• Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log – Chocolate sponge cake, hazelnut crémeux, chocolate ganache, rum hazelnut chocolate sauce, and royal icing décor (available Dec. 1-31)
• Mocha Molten Lava Cake – Mocha molten lava cake, pistachio mascarpone cream, and bitter orange marmalade (available Dec. 20-Jan 1)

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Lobby

• Gingerbread Pine Tree (available Nov.14-Jan. 1)
• Reindeer Food – Cubes of gingerbread, chocolate stripped pretzels, holiday granola, and candies (available Nov.14-Jan. 1)
• Spiced Moose Cookie (available Nov.14-Jan. 1)
• Peppermint Bark (available Nov.14-Jan. 1)

Geyser Point Bar & Grill

• Martinis Around the World Flight (available Dec. 5-Jan. 8; also available as separate drinks)
• Key Lime Pie – Lime juice, simple syrup, and rum with green sugar rim
• Poinsettia – Brut Champagne and cranberry
• Italian Manhattan – Bourbon, vermouth, bitters, grenadine, and cranberry with maraschino cherries
• Caribbean Cream – Rum, cinnamon cream liqueur, and cream with nutmeg and green sugar rim

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort

The Market at Ale & Compass and Beach Club Marketplace

• Pumpkin Cheesecake – Pumpkin-flavored New York-style cheesecake with caramel sauce, whipped cream, chocolate leaves, and cranberry-flavored sugar crystals (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
• Holiday Red and Green Creme-filled Sandwich Cookie Bonbons – Mousse-filled on a cookie base sprayed with colorful chocolate (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
• Holiday Mickey Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake filled with vanilla mousse topped with holiday décor and chocolate Mickey ears (available Dec.1-31)

The Market at Ale & Compass, Beach Club Marketplace, and Disney’s Beach Club Lobby

• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – A bag of three chocolate crinkle cookies with a dusting of sweet snow (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
• Trio of Fudge – White chocolate peppermint fudge, white chocolate-gingerbread fudge, and dark chocolate-hot cocoa fudge (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
• Plant-Based and Gluten-Friendly Brownie – Chocolate brownies with chocolate ganache (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
• Signature Stollen Bread – German bread created with nuts, spices, and fruit coated with a mountain of vanilla powdered sugar (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
• Mickey Gingerbread – Our traditional sugar-glazed Mickey gingerbread with chocolate backing (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
• Mickey and Minnie Crispy Rice Treats (Sold Separately) – Crispy rice treats decorated with red chocolate, sanding sugar, snowflakes, and chocolate garnishes (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
• Peppermint Bark – Dark and white chocolate with peppermint pieces (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
• Chocolate Snow Globe – Dark chocolate snow globe with the 50th Anniversary print (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
• Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Snowmen – Chocolate-covered marshmallows decorated to look like adorable snowmen on festive red and white straw (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
• Chocolate Creme-filled Sandwich Cookie Pops – White chocolate-covered creme-filled sandwich cookie pops themed to The Little Mermaid (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
• Gluten-Friendly Gingerbread Cookie glazed in sugar (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
• Gluten-Friendly Gingerbread Chocolate Cookie glazed in sugar (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)

Christmas Offerings

Disney Springs 

The Ganachery

• Chocolate Christmas Cottage (available Dec. 22- Dec. 30)

Disney’s All-Star Resorts

Intermission Food Court, World Premier Food Court, and Intermission Food Court

• Pumpkin Tart (available Nov. 25 and Dec. 25)
• Playful Penguin Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake, cream cheese buttercream, peppermint sprinkles, and a sugared playful penguin (available Dec. 19-Jan. 1)
• Christmas Dinner – Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry relish with choice of apple or pumpkin tart (available Dec. 25)

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Landscapes of Flavor and Everything POP Shopping & Dining

• Playful Penguin Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake, cream cheese buttercream, peppermint sprinkles, and a sugared playful penguin (available Dec. 19-Jan. 1)
• Spiked Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate (available Dec.1-31)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Sanaa

• Chocolate Peppermint Ornament – Ghanaian dark chocolate mousse and peppermint crunch chocolate biscuit with pomegranate and raspberries (available Dec. 19-25)
• Roast Rib Eye – Roast rib eye with jus lie, Tunisian mashed potatoes, green beans with apricot-cranberry butter, and mushroom conserva (available Dec. 25)

The Mara

• Gingeraffe – Gingerbread giraffe cookie (available Dec. 1-31)
• Chocolate and Peppermint Cookie Sandwich – Smoked chocolate and spice cookie with peppermint buttercream (available Dec. 1-31)

Disney’s BoardWalk

BoardWalk Bakery

• Peppermint Bark – Milk and white chocolate with peppermint candy (available Dec. 1-26)
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Bread – Pumpkin, cream cheese, and holiday spice (available Dec. 1-26)
• Mickey Mouse Gingerbread Cookie (available Dec. 1-26)
• Minnie Sugar Cookie (available Dec. 1-26)
• Mickey Sugar Cookie (available Dec. 1-26)
• Gingerbread Boy Cupcake (available Dec. 1-25)
• Christmas Cookie Box (available Dec. 1-25)
• Root Beer Float Cupcake (available Dec. 26-Jan. 1)

Trattoria al Forno

• Mickey Eggs-in-a-Basket – Egg-filled butter brioche and classic pastrami hash with choice of ham, bacon, or sausage (available Dec. 19-31)
• Oak-grilled Char-crusted Ribeye – Amarone butter, truffle gnocchi, and balsamic-pancetta Brussel sprouts (available Dec. 19-31)
• Chocolate Cherry Bombe – Chocolate crunch mousse on a fudgy brownie base with cherry filling and amaretto panna cotta (available Dec. 19-31)

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Centertown Market and Centertown Market Grab n’ Go

• Christmas Brownie Bites (available Dec. 1-31)
• Eggnog Cupcake (available Dec. 1-31)

Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Kona Island and Capt. Cook’s

• Holiday “Elf” Dome – Vanilla cake with eggnog filling, white chocolate glaçage, and buttercream décor (available Dec. 1-31)
• Holiday Moana Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake, Morello cherry, buttercream icing, and Moana chocolate décor (available Dec. 1-31)
• Stroke of Midnight Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with white chocolate Champagne filling, chocolate-covered pop rocks, and white chocolate clock (available Dec. 29-Jan3)

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Le Petit Café

• Mickey Gingerbread Cookies – Gingerbread cookie duo baked in chocolate and glazed with sugar (available Nov. 21-Jan. 1)
• Peppermint Mousse – Dark chocolate and peppermint white chocolate mousse (available Nov. 28-Jan. 1)

Primo Piatto

• Eggnog Cheesecake – Eggnog cheesecake with cherry compote and vanilla whipped panna cotta (available Nov. 28-Jan. 1)

Gingerbread Houses

In addition to all the sweet holiday treats, Disney pastry chefs have been busy creating gingerbread masterpieces to get us all in the holiday spirit! Check out all the locations to see these edible marvels!

 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Lobby

• This stunning life-size storybook gingerbread house with “cinnamon clouds” puffing from the chimney is beautifully decorated with white chocolate candy canes, edible snowflakes, and sugar poinsettias. Treats for sale include house-made Gingerbread Houses and Gingerbread Ornaments. (Nov. 10-Jan. 1)

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

• This life-size spinning carousel is a holiday tradition at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The Little Mermaid is the theme with hand-painted holiday characters, handcrafted gingerbread shingles, and fondant snowflakes. And don’t forget to pop over to the Yacht Club lobby and see the adorable holiday village with a miniature train. (Nov.1-Jan. 2)

EPCOT – The American Adventure Rotunda

• The American Adventure Gingerbread Display – The EPCOT pastry chefs have recreated the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and The American Adventure building in miniature edible versions. (Nov. 26-Dec. 30)

The post Walt Disney World Holiday Food Menus REVEALED appeared first on Orlando Informer.

This event returned on October 22, 2021 after a pandemic-induced hiatus and was an absolute wonder to behold. We’ve reviewed it for you here so you can get the inside scoop on what Harbor Nights is, who it’s for, and when you can go next!

Harbor Nights is a separately-ticketed event for adults 21 and up. This is because the event really, at its core, is a wine tasting. While accurate, we feel strongly that this category does not do Harbor Nights justice. With unlimited food and drink samples, the waterfront view, and the stellar live music, it is so much more than just a wine tasting. My husband is not a wine guy, but he agreed to be my date for the night. I couldn’t help but smile when he asked when they were putting on Harbor Nights again – not even 45 minutes in. 

We pulled into Loews Portofino Bay a little after 6:00, with the event beginning at 6:30. There was a short line to get into the parking garage, but it moved quickly with the aid of several attendants. After parking, we took the elevator up to the main floor and followed the crowd and signage for Harbor Nights. We received our wine glasses upon check-in and were pleasantly surprised that they were real wine glasses – no plastic here! 

Walking into Harbor Nights was like stepping into an evening thousands of miles away, truly in Italy. The breeze off the water and the cooling October air made you forget for a minute that you were in the heart of Florida. Even though we had arrived a few minutes early, the event seemed well underway already, with people enjoying food and wine samples and many more people lining up to start their evening. The band was in full swing, and many of the tables were already occupied with friends and couples enjoying their time. 

My husband and I did a lap around the Harbor Piazza to see what was available and what we wanted to get in line for. We decided on our wine selections and got to business! Each wine station had red and white options, with selections ranging from delightful proseccos to dark zinfandels. The attendants were friendly and knowledgeable, and each wine station was equipped with buckets and water in a pitcher so that you can rinse your glass between tastings. 

The food selections were absolutely delightful, and we both felt by the end of the night that we were leaving on full stomachs. Samples like the Gamberi Genovese (pesto sauteed shrimp) from Mama Della’s Ristorante or Apple Spiced Creme Cake from Sweet Corner paired perfectly with our wine selections and the ambiance of the evening. I personally thought the star of the entire night was the Milk Chocolate Raspberry Panna Cotta from Sweet Corner – it was an exceptional mixture of light and fluffy chocolate, a salty sweet pretzel stick, and bright and tangy raspberries. 

After the delights of the Panna Cotta, we decided to head over to the band, who had gotten our attention early on with their high energy and obvious talents. The live music featured swinging, vintage songs from singers like Frank Sinatra and Sam Cooke. Once the sun went down, the band said they were taking a break, and the real show began. If you’ve attended Harbor Nights before, you know what comes next here. On one of the balconies overlooking the Harbor Piazza, opera singers began their performances. Featuring male and female singers ranging from baritone to soprano, the evening took a magical turn with these performances. The opera singers sang everything from classical arias to Ed Sheeran covers, and each song was better than the one before it. 

All in all, we personally can’t recommend this event enough. If you are looking for a great date night or a unique evening out for any reason, this is something you should definitely check out. The prices for Harbor Nights aren’t bad either, considering all that comes with it. Tickets start at $69 a piece, with the option to purchase a VIP experience for $99. We’ll definitely be back!

The next Harbor Nights will take place on Friday, November 26 and is a special one! Holiday Harbor Nights means you get to enjoy everything I’ve reviewed here and witness the grand illumination of the hotel’s Christmas tree on the Harbor Piazza. You can get your tickets here. 

The post REVIEW: Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay appeared first on Orlando Informer.

1. It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later

As we turn the corner into this final week of October, we say goodbye to spooky season and, more painfully, to another year of Halloween Horror Nights. This year was a big one for several reasons, not the least of which was the fact that it had been two years since Universal Studios Florida hosted a full-scale HHN. On top of that, this was an anniversary year, which means that the houses and festivities were full of fan-service and easter eggs – just how we like them. If you still want to sneak in a visit to Halloween Horror Nights 2021, there’s time. HHN will run from Tuesday, October 26 – Sunday, October 31. 

Read our full review of Halloween Horror Nights 2021 here. 

2. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Does anyone else notice that Thanksgiving seems to just be…looked over? It’s hard being the middle child between Halloween and Christmas, but there we are. At Universal Orlando Resort, the holiday season is just around the corner, officially kicking off on Saturday, November 13 and running through Sunday, January 2. Christmas decor can already be found in Port of Entry and Seuss Landing, both at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. 

Check our guide page here for a complete overview of the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort. 

3. We Dream of Genie

This week, Disney Genie and Genie+ debuted on the MyDisneyExperience app (have you checked your updates?). Disney Genie is a free service designed to help guests better navigate their day at Disney parks. For a charge, Disney Genie+ provides access to the Lightning Lane service, which replaced the Fast Pass system.

Does it seem like a lot? Here are the bare bones: 

Disney Genie
Free; includes wait times and itinerary planning
Disney Genie+
$15 day, per person; includes access to Lightning Lane for certain attractions (not Individual Lightning Lane)
Individual Lightning Lane
Cost varies depending on attraction and day you go; individual purchases to ride certain attractions at each park

Here’s everything you need to know about Disney Genie and how it works, along with a list of attractions included in Disney Genie+ and those identified as Individual Lightning Lane. 

4. Festival of the Arts Dates Announced

EPCOT’s popular International Festival of the Arts is officially returning on January 14, 2022! This festival will run through February 21, allowing for the perfect Valentine’s Day date idea or family outing to cure those wintery, post-holiday blues. 

Check out our guide page here for a list of everything the International Festival of the Arts has to offer!

5. La Dolce Vita

Need a perfect date night, or just an excuse to go out and enjoy the fall weather? Harbor Nights is the event you’re looking for. These adult-only events are hosted on the magnificent and romantic waterfront of Loews Portofino Bay at Universal. Here, guests mill about the harbor and enjoy unlimited samples of fine wines and gourmet foods as they listen to live entertainment. Harbor Nights returned on October 22, and stay posted for announcements on when the next event will be! 

Keep an eye out for our review of Harbor Nights next week on our blog.

That’s it for this week’s news! See you at the parks.

The post HHN Curtain Call, Disney Genie Debut, and Holidays on Deck: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (October 18 – 14) appeared first on Orlando Informer.