Best indoor attractions in Orlando
Racing, science centers, magic shows, arcades, wax museums, bowling alleys, ice bars – Orlando has it all!
25 top water parks in the United States
No matter the season, a water park is a fantastic way to spend the day. This is partially because they come in all shapes and … Read more
How much does a Walt Disney World vacation cost?
It is one of the most-frequently-asked questions anyone planning an Orlando trip has: how much does a vacation at Walt Disney World Resort cost? This … Read more
How to recreate Universal Orlando at home
It is a time in our lives unlike any other – the places we go to for an escape and to create precious memories are … Read more
Where to go for the best seafood in Orlando
What’s a vacation in Florida without some great seafood? The Sunshine State is surrounded by water and is supplied with ample varieties of fresh fish, … Read more
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon vs. Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Walt Disney World Resort is home to two distinctly different water parks: Typhoon Lagoon (which opened in 1989) offers a lush, tropical atmosphere, while Blizzard … Read more
How and when to tip at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World
One of the many things that makes an Orlando vacation so wonderful is the excellent service offered at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World Resorts. … Read more
How to save time with Disney’s mobile order
Time is precious, and vacation time is even more so. Orlando’s theme parks have made strides to help their guests save time, and both Walt … Read more
Experience Orlando’s arts and culture at these must-do museums
Yes, Orlando’s identity is tied to its theme parks, but there is an entire arts and cultural scene woven throughout the city that visitors sometimes … Read more
The best places for desserts in Orlando
An Orlando vacation is sweet enough on its own, but you can make your trip even sweeter by indulging in the best desserts throughout the … Read more
Animal attractions you MUST visit in Orlando
Orlando’s theme parks are certainly the shining star of any Central Florida vacation, but there are also some great animal-focused attractions in the City Beautiful … Read more
Margaritaville Resort: An adult’s playground in Florida
Wasting away again in Margaritaville is now something far bigger than a hit 1970s song. Orlando is now home to a major resort sprawling across … Read more
The best and closest beaches to Orlando
There are so many great things about the Sunshine State – one of them being that, no matter where you are in Florida, you are … Read more
Disney World: Touring the holiday decorations at the resorts
Much like driving around the festive neighborhoods back home to see Christmas lights, it is a tradition to tour Orlando’s best hotels to check out … Read more
Free things to do in Orlando: A complete guide
Orlando only ranks somewhere in the middle when it comes to the most expensive cities in the United States, but tickets to the big theme … Read more
The ultimate guide to International Drive
International Drive has served as a major corridor for Orlando visitors since 1972. It was originally conceived by a lawyer and real estate developer, Finley … Read more
8 ghost and cemetery tours in Central Florida
Orlando’s world-class attractions make it the number-one tourist area in the world, but what if vacationers aren’t the only beings this destination attracts? Consider this: … Read more
Top 6 kid-friendly beverages at Universal Orlando
We don’t call ourselves the Sunshine State without good reason – it’s hot here! Universal Orlando offers plenty of ways to cool off and beat … Read more
REVIEW: Strong Water Tavern Rum Tasting at Sapphire Falls Resort
I remember one of the first pieces of concept art for Loews Sapphire Falls Resort I ever laid eyes on featured the Strong Water Tavern. … Read more
Planning a Universal Orlando birthday vacation of a lifetime
There is no better destination than Orlando to celebrate a special occasion, especially a birthday. With ten major theme parks, plenty of attractions, and hundreds … Read more
Orlando theme park community comes together standing strong
Note from the Editor: This is by far the hardest article I’ve ever had to publish on our site. However, when Dani pitched the idea, … Read more
6 unexpected Disney touches at Disney Springs
The three year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs is essentially complete. The most recent, and perhaps most talked about, addition is Town Center. … Read more
Details and secrets of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Universal Orlando
It’s so easy to change your latitude and attitude at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Cafe at Universal Orlando. Perched near the entrance of Islands of Adventure, … Read more
Upcoming changes to MyMagic+ at Walt Disney World
Change is the only constant thing in life. It’s been nearly five years since MyMagic+ first began to change vacationing at Walt Disney World forever. … Read more
2 new additions to Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2016
One of the most wonderful times of the year is upon us. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2016 is here and with it comes a few new … Read more
6 reasons you must visit SeaWorld’s Bands, Brews, and BBQ
Note from the editor – February 26, 5:18pm: SeaWorld just announced now through March 6, guests who purchase in advance receive a $20 discount off SeaWorld’s … Read more
Hello Kitty store now open at Universal Orlando
I’ll be the first to admit, I just did not see the big deal about Hello Kitty and the other Sanrio characters. Then I set foot … Read more
6 new must-try snacks at Universal Orlando
An epic vacation requires some epic fuel. Thankfully Universal Orlando offers an epic variety of food and beverage to suit all tastes. This includes lots … Read more
Avoid making these 7 mistakes at Universal Orlando
When you’ve made the decision to visit Universal Orlando it is exciting, but can also be a little intimidating. There is so much to do … Read more
Holidays 2015 at Universal Orlando have begun!
Christmas time is here and now the holidays at Universal Orlando have finally begun. Orlando is absolutely incredible this time of year; each theme park … Read more
How to enjoy Universal Orlando when you’re a thrill ride whimp
The thrills are alive and well in Orlando. SkyPlex and its towering SkyScaper roller coaster have been approved for development. SeaWorld will debut Mako, the … Read more
5 things Universal can learn from Disney
In a previous OI Blog post I shared 5 things that Disney could learn from Universal. It’s only fair that I turn the tables. After … Read more
5 attractions Star Wars fans wish Disney would make a reality
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away a saga was born, changing the world of epic, blockbuster movies forever. In 2012 When … Read more
5 things Disney should learn from Universal
It all started with Disney. Were it not for Disneyland, theme parks as we know them would not be. For so many fans and guests, … Read more
3 Reasons Universal fans MUST watch Sharknado 3
It’s corny, ridiculous, and one of the silliest, hilarious things to ever grace modern television. The Sharknado series has put the SyFy network on the … Read more
Explore Port of Entry’s many secrets
It beckons. With rich earth tones, exotic plants and fabrics, whimsical architecture, and an enchanting melody, Port of Entry at Islands of Adventure is an … Read more
14 great places to eat, 1 location
If I could give just one dining tip to Orlando visitors, I think I‘d have to go with making Restaurant Row a culinary must-do. Tucked … Read more
How to combine a cruise with your Orlando trip
An Orlando vacation is pretty incredible in itself, but there’s a way to take it to uncharted territory. With Orlando’s ideal location in the middle … Read more
Diagon Alley revisited
When the world first heard the roar of the Gringotts dragon and gazed upon the stunning scenery of Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter – … Read more
5 best tips for selecting the perfect hotel
Every hotel is different. In fact, as a hotelier, I like to say that finding the right hotel for you is liking finding your spouse. … Read more
Five more of Universal’s top adult beverages
It’s no secret that Universal Orlando offers a plethora of experiences that are perfect for adults who want to get away for a while. One … Read more
History of the New York backlot at Universal Studios Florida
I have always found it interesting that the New York City skyline can be seen from the entrance to an Orlando theme park based on … Read more
Top 5 wide-open spaces to relax at Universal
Spending the day at Universal Orlando Resort can be both exhilarating and tiring. During a busy day of excitement, it is important to take breaks … Read more
5 most expensive buys at Universal
In this edition of THE BIG 5, we explore the riches that can be found inside some of Universal’s merchandise shops. My ventures through these … Read more
Orlando’s most overlooked attraction
Orlando is known for many things, but, until recently, it hasn’t always been known as a culinary destination. Which is a shame – Orlando has … Read more
Top 5 outdoor bars at Universal Orlando
One of the defining characteristics of Universal Orlando is that it offers many more adult-oriented distractions than the Mouse House. The atmosphere of both Universal … Read more
Visiting Diagon Alley for the First Time
It has been over a half a year since the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley’s enchanted brick wall first opened for the … Read more
Top five ways to start AND end your day at Universal Orlando
With all the excitement, adventure, and thrills to be had at Universal Orlando, it’s hard to find a better place to spend your vacation day. … Read more
Best of CityWalk 2.0
Universal Orlando’s CityWalk district is now home to many new dining experiences, making it better than ever. Now that these new establishments have been … Read more
Riding a Mardi Gras float: Best rush outside of Bourbon Street
Editor’s note: This article was originally published a few years ago, but since nothing has changed we’re republishing this for the Mardi Gras 2015 season. … Read more