Universal Orlando October 2015 trip report
My visit to Universal Orlando Resort started out with a few glitches but ended up being a great day. Arriving at the Universal parking toll booths, … Read more
Ten things discovered during a weekend at Disney World
Over Columbus Day weekend, my family and I visited Walt Disney World. We went to the Magic Kingdom (MK) on Saturday and Disney’s Hollywood Studios … Read more
September 2015 Universal Orlando Resort Trip Report
This month I visited Universal Orlando Resort solo without my family. Visiting the park by myself doesn’t happen often but it enables me to do … Read more
The quest for character photos with Disney’s Memory Maker
When we vacation, photos have become one of our preferred souvenirs. Every few years, we take photos with as many Walt Disney World characters as … Read more
Universal August 2015 Trip Report
My family and I recently visited Universal Studios Florida (USF) and Islands of Adventure (IOA). We spent two afternoons experiencing the thrills, adventures and summer … Read more
10 steps to enjoy your summer vacation at Universal
Many guests who visit Universal Orlando Resort have little choice regarding the time of year they can visit Orlando and must do so in the … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – July 2014 (Hogsmeade Station, Kongstruction, fun in Toon Lagoon + a CityWalk update)
The summer always brings many tourists to Orlando to enjoy all the world-class attractions, especially Universal Orlando Resort. Over the weekend, I joined my fellow … Read more
A very special Universal Studios Florida trip report – July 2014 (Diagon Alley is here!)
On Saturday I visited Universal Studios Florida, and what an awesome day it was! The crowds were surprisingly moderate for summer, but the weather was … Read more
Universal Orlando trip report – June 2014 (Hogsmeade spell markers, Diagon Alley dragon, Kong-struction & more)
While I am impatiently waiting for possible soft openings of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, I decided to report on the most … Read more
Universal CityWalk trip report – June 2014 (VIVO Italian Kitchen review, Hot Dog Hall of Fame update, more construction)
CityWalk expansion I recently visited Universal CityWalk and took note of the construction progress in many areas of this entertainment hotspot. The new additions to … Read more
Disney’s Expedition Everest Challenge 5K: A personal transformation and an exhilarating time
Over 18 months ago, I set a goal for myself to go from being a 48-year-old couch potato to training for and finishing all the … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – May 2014 (Hogsmeade Station, King Kong construction + CityWalk update)
I visited Islands of Adventure this past weekend, and to say I enjoyed my time at the park is an understatement. But before I get … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – May 2014 (Diagon Alley is almost complete, media invites sent out for a preview event, the joy of Springfield)
With so many changes happening, it feels like it has been forever since I visited Universal Studios Florida. (In reality, it’s only been a few … Read more
Magic Kingdom trip report – May 2014 (Festival of Fantasy is lyrical, Frozen is dominating & Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is almost here!)
Take five days in early May, add in three theme park enthusiasts and one condominium a few miles from Downtown Disney, and you’ve got the … Read more
Disney’s Animal Kingdom trip report – April 2014 (FastPass+ progress, World of Avatar construction & best tips for touring)
For this month’s Walt Disney World trip report, I spent a “wild” day at Animal Kingdom this past weekend. The weather was beautiful, with temperatures … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – April 2014 (Hogsmeade Station looking good, Zonko’s looking sad & a heart-warming Seuss story)
This past weekend we visited Islands of Adventure, and it turned out to be one of those days where everything was fantastic! I enjoy sharing … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – April 2014 (CityWalk & Diagon Alley construction, parking fee increase & inside Curious George Goes to Town)
Wouldn’t you agree that spending a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Universal Studios Florida is a great way to spend a spring day? I just did … Read more
Epcot trip report – March 2014 (more FastPass+ benefits & problems, Flower & Garden Festival in full bloom)
Have you ever partaken in the beauty of Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival? Have you navigated the new, although very limiting, tiered FastPass+ system … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – March 2014 (Harry Potter construction woes, Me Ship the Olive + CityWalk’s new Starbucks & Cold Stone)
On Sunday, I visited Islands of Adventure (IOA) at Universal Orlando and spent a beautiful spring day walking around the park. But before I entered … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – March 2014 (price increases, Mardi Gras, Beetlejuice & Horror Makeup Show)
Editor’s note: 2014 price increase Last Wednesday, Universal raised its prices uncharacteristically early, mostly to answer Disney’s rate hike from the weekend before. And while … Read more
Disney’s Hollywood Studios trip report – February 2014 (more FastPass+ observations & problems, Beauty and the Beast)
My family and I recently visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios (DHS) on a pleasant day with temperatures in the low 70s – perfect for visiting one … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – February 2014 (Hogwarts Express inside Hogsmeade Station, Starbucks, Cat in the Hat + CityWalk updates)
My family and I visited Islands of Adventure (IOA) this past weekend. It was a beautiful, sunny day with temperatures in the lower 70s. … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – February 2014 (Mardi Gras parade, Daughtry in concert, construction updates)
The holidays are long over and the Celebration of Harry Potter is a fond memory. What’s next at Universal Studios? Mardi Gras! I visited Universal … Read more
My magical experience at A Celebration of Harry Potter: Day 3 (and two additional stories from guests critical of how Universal handled the event)
We now pick up Maureen’s “A Celebration of Harry Potter” trip report at the beginning of Day 3. If you missed our post covering Day … Read more
My magical experience at A Celebration of Harry Potter: Day 1 & Day 2
This past weekend I enthusiastically participated in “A Celebration of Harry Potter” at Universal Orlando. To understand my perspective on this weekend, I think I … Read more
Walt Disney World trip report – January 2014 (guide to using FastPass+, top 10 tips & more)
Last weekend my family and I visited Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I was very interested to learn how the new FastPass+ system was … Read more
Year-end Universal Orlando trip report (holiday crowds, Diagon Alley construction, and great new shots of Hogsmeade Station)
My family and I visited Universal Studios Florida (USF) and Islands of Adventure (IOA) yesterday, the Sunday after Christmas. Knowing this time of the year … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – December 2013 (Grinchmas, Wholiday Spectacular, Seuss Trolley + CityWalk updates)
I visited Islands of Adventure (IOA) this past weekend for the opening of the 2013 holiday season, and as always, I truly enjoyed this thrilling … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – December 2013 (construction updates, The Mummy, Macy’s Holiday Parade & Mannheim Steamroller)
Last Saturday I visited Universal Studios Florida (USF) for the opening of their 2013 holiday season, and I had a very enjoyable time. The Christmas … Read more
Disney’s Hollywood Studios trip report – November 2013 (holiday decorations, Osborne Dancing Lights, Star Tours & FastPass+)
My family and I recently visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios (DHS) late one afternoon and evening, and we had a great time. Right away I noticed … Read more
ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman: A classic Christmas tale becomes Orlando’s most unique (and coldest!) holiday event
ICE! 2013 featuring Frosty the Snowman opened November 23 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee. I was invited by Orlando Informer … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – November 2013 (Jurassic Park midway games open, Hogsmeade Station construction & more photos of the Hogwarts Express)
My family and I visited Islands of Adventure last weekend on a sunny afternoon, and we greatly enjoyed our adventure. Walking through the lively and … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – November 2013 (Hogwarts Express in full view, holiday decorations & Chief Wiggum’s Patrol Car)
It was a beautiful fall day at Universal Studios Florida when my family and I recently visited. Temperatures were in the low 80’s with a … Read more
Magic Kingdom trip report – October 2013 (Halloween decorations, construction updates, our first visit to Princess Fairytale Hall & talking Mickey!)
Our family recently visited Magic Kingdom over two days and truly enjoyed ourselves. I was delighted to see the Halloween and fall decorations throughout the … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – October 2013 (Wizarding World & Jurassic Park updates, fun character interactions + CityWalk construction)
I just visited Islands of Adventure over the weekend and had a fun time exploring the park and noticing the changes since my last visit. … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – October 2013 (changes in Springfield, Diagon Alley construction update & more)
Last Saturday I spent an enjoyable and warm fall day visiting Universal Studios Florida. I experienced an unexpectedly higher crowd level as soon as I … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – September 2013 (Starbucks, Hogsmeade Station, JP midway games & more)
My family and I recently visited Universal’s Islands of Adventure and spent a fun day at the park. I noticed several changes as construction continues … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – September 2013 (HHN props, construction updates & gorgeous photos of the real Hogwarts Express)
My family and I recently visited Universal Studios Florida and spent a fantastic day enjoying the attractions and shows. During our visit I noticed a … Read more
Disney’s Animal Kingdom trip report – September 2013 (Wilderness Explorers, Gardens Kiosk, Bamboo Man)
My family and I recently visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom on a very hot and humid day. As I entered the park, I was reminded of … Read more
Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort at Walt Disney World: Tranquility in the midst of tourist mayhem
My family and I recently stayed at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort and truly enjoyed our long weekend getaway with the convenience of staying practically … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – August 2013 (Hogwarts Station construction, Jurassic Park midway games & a peek at the new CityWalk renovations)
Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando provided an enjoyable afternoon for me recently as I visited for August’s trip report. Upon entering the park gates, … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – August 2013 (Springfield USA opens, prep for HHN & the first images of the real Hogwarts Express)
Although the weather was very hot and humid — and the crowds were heavy — I had a great time during my recent visit to … Read more
Epcot trip report – July 2013 (new construction walls, FastPass+ entrances & lots of Disney characters)
Last weekend we visited Epcot and enjoyed many attractions I hadn’t experienced in quite a while. I also took note of additions and changes that … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – July 2013 (Jurassic Park midway construction begins, summer crowds & more)
I recently visited Islands of Adventure (IOA) at Universal Orlando Resort, and I was curious about any visible changes I could find this trip. [wptouch … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – July 2013 (construction updates for the Universal Store, Simpsons & Diagon Alley, plus Bumblebee Man’s Tacos)
I recently visited Universal Studios Florida on a hot July day. I looked forward to experiencing the fun features of the park and also seeing … Read more
SeaWorld’s Summer Nights 2013 kicks off: Bring the whole family for a night of rides, shows & new chills
SeaWorld’s Summer Nights 2013 premiered last Saturday and I was invited by Orlando Informer to attend the kickoff celebration! After a nice dessert reception hosted … Read more
Magic Kingdom trip report – June 2013 (construction updates, A Pirate’s Adventure, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train)
My family and I visited Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World late one afternoon last week. It was fun for us all. [wptouch target=”non-mobile”]Remember, you … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – June 2013 (stunning images of the Hogsmeade train station under construction & more)
I recently visited Islands of Adventure (IOA) at Universal Orlando Resort (UOR) on a hot and stormy afternoon. The crowds were heavy, although surprisingly the … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – June 2013 (Transformers first ride, The Simpsons Fast Food Blvd first taste, much more!)
Anticipating the many changes and new experiences at Universal Studios Florida (USF) this month, I was looking forward to my visit and could hardly contain … Read more
SeaWorld’s Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin – an immersive & chilling attraction like no other in Orlando
Today SeaWorld’s biggest and most expansive attraction in its history — Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin — opens to the public. I was invited by … Read more