Well, that’s what we’re going to explore today…  Why do some people love theme parks and maintain annual passes to every property in Orlando with at least one ride on premises, while other folks detest theme parks and wouldn’t vacation there even if they won an all-inclusive stay?

These people don’t seem to quite “get it” and if you actually see them in a park it’s probably due mostly in part to the repeated urging of a theme park loving family member, friend, or loved one.  You can identify these folks fairly easily as they often look bored, annoyed, confused, or any combination thereof.

In fact, on our last trip to Islands of Adventure while crossing over from Toon Lagoon into Marvel Super Hero Island, we actually overheard a gentleman loudly exclaim to his family, “this is the most superficial and lame vacation we’ve ever been on!”

So superficial…

That, ladies and gentlemen, is not a theme park person.  And his comment actually made me laugh out loud as I looked up at the giant 20 foot tall characters of Magneto and Iceman, and had just moments prior taken a picture of what will soon to be home to the world’s largest ape.

Sir, that’s exactly the point of a theme park vacation.  What you see as superficial, many of us see as make-believe, wonder, and imagination.  A chance to stroll through the halls of Hogwarts Castle, to awkwardly dance with a Minion, to dine in a cave, to wave a wand at a window and watch magic happen…

Real Magic

Feeling the freedom to act like a kid again is always worth the price of admission.  As my wife loves to point out, I often act like I’m 4 years old.  I take that as a compliment.  Now, while I don’t particularly care where exactly I am while acting immature, some people do (at least when they’re sober).

Subsequently, I believe that the greatest appeal of a theme park vacation is that it offers the great majority of folks out there a “safe place” to be a kid again and escape the pressure of conforming to society’s expectations of “adult behavior.”

So go ahead and take a selfie swigging a Butterbeer for breakfast while you pretend Bruce the giant Great White Shark is biting you even harder than you’re biting the turkey leg in your hand. I won’t judge.

Insert You Here

Okay, without further ado here are the Top 5 Signs that You’re a Theme Park Person. Welcome to the club. Now go forth and convert others to our cause. (Hint: Use your words. Do not put them under the Imperius Curse, unless of course you are a Death Eater. In which case, carry on with your bad self.)

1.  You get excited when you see the Universal billboards helpfully posted on I-4, 192, and Osceola Parkway, such as Courage is Universal.

Of course, if you are foolish enough to drive on I-4 (which you may or may not know was the original “Fury Road” upon which George Miller based the latest Mad Max film) you will get a good, long look at each of these signs as you drive along at roughly the same speed as an injured Triceratops.

Keep your eyes peeled as you crawl along this highway as you may also witness unadvertised, free attractions such as (and I could not make this up if I tried) a pickup truck in the next lane over that for the most part resembled a perfectly normal pickup truck except for the fact that it was completely missing both driver and passenger doors.

And I’m fairly certain neither of the occupants were wearing any extra foolish safety equipment such as, you know, seatbelts…

2. You have a unique walking speed, what I like to refer to as the “theme park hustle,” when you approach the front gate, spot a character interaction, and most especially while headed in the direction of your favorite ride.

This speed will often elicit shouts of “slow down” from your better half due to weaker-willed walkers being unable to keep up, such as small children and the elderly. Seriously? That’s why they invented strollers, electric wheelchairs, and my wife’s shoulders. Let’s get a move on, already!

3. At all times while inside the parks, you are wearing some article of clothing, hat, backpack, or other accouterments displaying your theme park pride.

These could consist of items you purchased as souvenirs while in the parks on this particular visit, but bonus points for any of you (who, like me) bring specific clothing to wear while in the parks.  Theme park people swag it up for all the world to see!  Keep rocking those Prefect Badge Pins, Hogwarts House Color attire, super-hero jerseys, Minion hats and glasses, and Jurassic Park shirts.

Theme Park People!

You can often recognize non-theme park persons by the fact they are often wearing the competition’s merchandise.  Please do not mix your parks.  Wearing a Mickey Mouse T-shirt to Universal Studios Florida, or a Universal Studios Poncho at EPCOT is a fashion faux pas equal to wearing white after Labor Day, black shoes with a brown belt, and something called “pants” in Florida.

4. You have a favorite theme park restaurant, favorite food stand, or specific snack that you must enjoy on every visit.

I love my home but there is no counter within its walls that will serve me Butterbeer ice cream (and even if it did I would somehow always be in line behind my wife), my local coffee shop does not serve pink iced donuts the size of manhole covers like Lard Lad, and while we have plenty of chocolate and frogs in South Florida but they don’t exactly go together like they do in the Wizarding World.

Mmmm.. donuts.

You can always identify a fellow them park person because when you start describing how good that restaurant, stand, or snack is they get that same look in their eye.  It’s like our secret handshake.

5. The only map you carry around a theme park tells the world you solemnly swear you are up to no good.

Map?  Paper guide book?  Amateurs!  Real theme park people sniff at such foolishness.  We have been to our beloved theme parks hundreds of times and know every nook and cranny, every shortcut between lands, every secret photo spot, Easter eggs aplenty, and the location of every ride and shop and show thanks to Orlando Informer.

Overrated

Me: “What?  No, honey… (condescending tone) This bridge is the shortcut from Jurassic Park to Toon Lagoon…  Uh.  Wait, why are we back in The Lost Continent?”

Wife: Gives me the same look she would a 4-year old child.

Me: “Crap.”

Feel free to add some more signs in the comments below, or tell us what exactly makes YOU a theme park person (or not!)

And even if you’re not a “theme park person” just yet, the experts at Orlando Informer Travel are always ready to help convert you. They’ll help you book and plan your Universal vacation at no additional cost to you. (Seriously!) We also have over 200 free pages of training to help you continue your theme park training.

The post 5 signs that you’re a “theme park person” appeared first on Orlando Informer.

In fact, four of Universal Studios’ biggest attractions from the earliest days of the park (which opened way back in 1990) are now completely gone: Jaws, Kongfrontation, Back to the Future, and Earthquake.

With the possible exception of Earthquake, these closure of these beloved attractions resulted in a lot of angry fans and in some cases, even petitions to save the rides.

Of course, King Kong is returning to terrify park guests in Summer 2016, but he has relocated over to Islands of Adventure.  Kong will make his triumphant homecoming, appropriately enough, on a new mini-island of his own, adjacent to Jurassic Park and Toon Lagoon.

I, for one, will be glad to see the big guy back as I loved Kongfrontation and was one of those visitors sad to see it leave.

We miss you, you big ape.

That got me thinking as to what other attractions Universal should bring back, which ones they should close, and also the attractions that should never be closed or replaced.

BRING ‘EM BACK (ALIVE)

I’ve already discussed Kong’s comeback, which by all accounts sounds awesome.   Here is a pretty current Skull Island: Reign of Kong construction photo that I personally took on my visit last week…  Love the bone and skulls!

Reign of Kong Construction – December 2015

Jaws is one of my favorite movies, and it sucked to see it and all of the surrounding Amity Island section of Universal Studios go as extinct as Carcharodon carcharias’s distant cousin, the Megalodon.  Now granted as a Potterhead, I love being able to visit Diagon Alley, but I miss watching Bruce swim and eat and make baby sharks.

That being said, the Jaws ride itself for me was more about the nostalgia of the film than for actually being, you know, any good.  None of the multiple versions ever worked as well as the fans hoped.

But I believe the great white shark should be brought back to the parks in some form of attraction.  Maybe not another lengthy boat ride that requires such a huge footprint, but possibly a dark ride (which could even be on the scary side) or a Peter Pan-like helicopter tour of Amity Island.

Not enough Bruce!

Another classic that needs to return to the Florida parks is the beloved Back to the Future franchise.  Marty and the Doc (and maybe even Einstein!) could take us back in time on a Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts style ride.  Or maybe even a family style rollercoaster.  I don’t care; I’ll take any excuse to get my flux capacitor going and ride in the DeLorean one more time!

Finally, though the original show (in any of its iterations) was a tad bit lackluster, the Ghostbusters should re-materialize.  Especially with the upcoming reboot of the film, Universal should shout out a firm “I ain’t ‘fraid of no ghost!” and renew the license to the characters.

With the advances in theme park special effects since Ghostbusters debuted at Universal Studios, it could be an awesome stage show.  Maybe it could even replace the seldom visited Terminator 2 3-D show.

SHUT ‘ER DOWN

Now, in a previous article I’ve already discussed in-depth how and why the Woody Woodpecker KidZone should go the way of Woody’s cousin, the Dodo bird.  Originally rumored to be replaced by Nintendo Land, that may now be up in the air.  Either way, it’s time for this section to be retired.

Another attraction I think should vanish back into the sands of time is Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride.  I used to like this ride but it has seemingly gotten rougher to the point of being a traffic accident simulator.  Maybe it’s just me getting older…

It’s a wrap dude. Time to go!

Something has to magically disappear for the next iteration of the Wizarding World (long rumored to be the Ministry of Magic) and it could easily fit in the large show building footprints of either Fear Factor Live or Animal Actors on Location.  A nice Confringo spell will take care of that.

Other rides that I think should be replaced include the outdated duo of Doctor Doom’s Fearfall and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls.  Doom is low-capacity and a barebones drop tower (or two in this case) doesn’t have wide appeal to most visitors.  Dudley has always been an inferior Splash Mountain, and if you want to get wet Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is a much better (and more fun) bet.  Both of these choices would also offer fairly large replacement attractions.

Finally, I think it’s time for what’s left of the Lost Continent to get lost again.  After having much of its land and rides usurped and re-purposed by the Wizarding World, all that’s left is two rather lame attractions: Poseidon’s Fury and the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad.  In my opinion these two shows fall under the category of: “seen it once don’t need to see it again.”

Sorry Sinbad. This should be the last Voyage!

The only thing worth keeping is the Mythos restaurant.

KEEP ‘EM OPEN

Which brings us to the Universal Orlando attractions I think should never be closed, either because they are beloved, are too much fun, or just that good

Number one on this list is Transformers: The Ride 3D.   Why?  Because my son said so!  Actually it is a great attraction, fun, exciting, and who wouldn’t want to be saved by Bumblebee?  In fact, Transformers goes so far as to actually improve upon the first generation of this type of ride experience…

Which would be the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man!  Still a classic and with improved 3D video screens, this is hands-down one of the most entertaining and downright funniest attractions around.  “Hey Doc, your aim’s worse than your haircut!” gets my laughing every time.  And the upside-down turns right side-up thumbs up from Spidey at the end?  Classic

From the “No Duh” files, the biggest never-close attraction at Universal Orlando is the juggernaut known as the Wizarding World.  Though I now find Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey to be a tad rough over at Hogsmeade, I find that Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts has grown on me.  Criticized (I think undeservedly so) for not being thrilling enough, it allows more of Harry’s younger fans to enjoy his adventures.

This castle isn’t going anywhere!

Other attractions that should never shut their doors: Men in Black: Alien Attack is great fun and hands-down the best theme park shoot ‘em up ride out there.  (Sorry Buzz!) Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is by far the best version of the Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera/Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast ride experience.

I’ve already mentioned Popeye, but when it’s a 96 degree Central Orlando summer day, there’s truly nothing more refreshing than the Bilge-Rat Barges.  You can also get soaked and experience some dino-stalgia on the wonderful Jurassic Park River Adventure.

And finally, it’s not the best ride, but I (and I’m sure many of you also) have fond memories of riding E.T. The little alien should definitely postpone going home and keep his namesake ride open for future generations to enjoy.

So that’s what I think, what are your opinions about the attractions that were closed, should return, and not ever be closed? Let me know in the comments below.

The post Universal Attractions that NEVER should have closed, NEED to close, or MUST stay open! appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Whatever the case may be, enjoying a great date is one of those things almost everyone loves to do.  And when the setting for your date is CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort, that great night out can become a truly amazing one.

Here are some ideas to help get you started on crafting your own awesome date night.  Hopefully they will lead to lots of fun, selfies, and most importantly treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

There are some suggestions which will require a little planning and reservations on your part.  Then there are some more “chill” suggestions – you know they are more relaxed because these suggestions are actually wearing flip-flops and carrying a fruity drink.

PLANNING AHEAD

With these ideas, get ready to spend some time planning your night, but it’ll be worth it in the end.  And while there is a bit of a higher price tag in this section, it’s no secret that going to theme parks ain’t cheap and, besides, you can’t take it with you, right?

Start the night out with some serious “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”  What the heck does that mean?  Well, it’s a Cajun expression that means “Let the good times roll!”  (Who says my articles aren’t educational?)  And if you are going to experience that wonderful attitude that permeates New Orleans, where better to start than Emeril’s Orlando?

Emeril’s at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk at night.

Emeril’s offers some of the finest dining in all of CityWalk.  The food and drink isn’t exactly cheap, but the selections offered here are amazing, so it’s a fantastic splurge.  And whatever you do, you must finish off your meal with Emeril’s famous Banana Cream Pie, which I literally would have married had I met it before my wife.  (Just kidding honey, please put down the wand.)

After that, make sure you have tickets for the stunning Blue Man Group show.  Housed in its own resident soundstage in CityWalk, the Blue Man Group is hard to define exactly…  Take equal parts comedy, rock concert, theater, and dance party, mix them all together and you’d get the recipe for this rather unforgettable multi-sensory experience.

Blue Man Group Theater at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk.

Tickets can be pricey, so check for advertised specials and discounts for Florida Residents, annual passholders, and AAA members.

BONUS TIP:  Show your Blue Man Group ticket at Emeril’s Orlando to receive a 10% food discount per person with a ticket.  This offer is valid for up to four people, for the same day as your Blue Man Group performance.

Dinner and a show or dinner and dancing?  It’s your choice…  Groove the night away (at least until 2am) and dance off those Banana Cream calories at “the groove”, a unique multi-level club designed to look like a century old theater in various stages of renovation.  Enjoy multiple full service bars, dance floor, guest DJs, and a balcony-terrace overlooking CityWalk so when your feet need a break you can do some people-watching.

When you’ve had enough of getting footloose, you and your date sing the rest of the night away at CityWalk’s Rising Star, where you can enjoy karaoke nightly.  Tuesdays through Saturdays feature a host and you can actually perform with a live band and backup singers!  Sunday and Monday evenings also feature a host, live backup singers, but recorded tracks in lieu of a band.

Rising Star at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk.

JUST RELAX, MON

Vacations are made for relaxing, so some people would rather not plan ahead.  Plus, at times a theme park trip can make you feel like you need a vacation from your vacation!  That’s where a nice relaxing date night can make all the difference after a busy morning in the parks, and save you money to buy more Butterbeer too.

You won’t need to obtain a License to Chill in advance, you can just stroll right on into the place that embodies “laid back” attitude: Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.  The music immediately sets the mood, whether Jimmy’s familiar standards playing on the video screens, or the live bands performing on the restaurant’s stage each evening.

Wasted away again in Margaritaville at Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk!

The drinks help too, and there are three separate bars to choose from, plus some excellent food set in a very casual dining atmosphere.  Don’t forget to pack your flip-flops (just be careful not to step on any pop tops!)

Margaritaville is kind of like its own mini-Island of Adventure.  Besides the restaurant proper, there is outdoor seating available on the Porch of Indecision to do some people watching, or just kick back and listen to, or even sing-along with, the live guitarist out there.  And across the way, you’ll discover the Lone Palm Airport, which features Jimmy Buffett’s seaplane, the Hemisphere Dancer.  When not landing planes, the Lone Palm doubles as an outdoor lounge and tiki bar.

If you’re not a Parrothead, there is another option to get your relax on!  Venture over to Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom.  Enjoy great Jamaican cuisine, drinks, and a live reggae journey of music and culture celebrating the life of the man widely considered the “King of Reggae.”

This unique location is a lovingly recreated replica of Bob’s home on 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica.  And inside you will find a plethora of photographs, artifacts, and video clips from the legendary career of Bob Marley.  The restaurant also features a lovely open-air veranda and courtyard.

Pato’Briens at Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk.

Now that you and your date are nice and relaxed, you can enjoy a round of miniature golf at Hollywood Drive-in Golf.  This isn’t your parent’s mini-golf; these are two state-of-the-art 18-hole courses unlike any other miniature golf you’ve previously experienced.

Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk.

You can choose between two amazingly detailed courses modeled after classic drive-in movie genres, horror and sci-fi: “The Haunting of Ghostly Greens” and “Invaders from Planet Putt.”  Both courses feature some amazing holes with high-tech special effects and atmospheric neon lighting.

BONUS TIP:  CityWalk offers a Meal and Mini-Golf deal which offers a nice discount on dinner and golf, and is valid at both Margaritaville and Bob Marley Restaurants.  Score!

And if miniaturized golfing isn’t your thing, CityWalk is full of other options to enjoy.  You can hit up the legendary Pat O’Brien’s where you can sing along to musical standards performed by dueling pianos, enjoy the “flaming fountain” patio, or try their famous “Hurricane” specialty drink.

For sports fans, there is the new NBC Sports Grill & Brew, where you enjoy some tasty food as you cheer for your favorite team on 100 HD screens, play some foosball, cheer your favorite team along with fellow fans, and check out the unique indoor-outdoor beer garden.  (I need one of those for my house!)

NBC Sports Grill & Brew at Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk.

Whatever you decide, it’s going to be a night to remember at CityWalk in Universal Orlando! You can begin planning it by using our over 200 free pages of Universal vacation planning information. If you don’t have the time to plan every detail yourself, Orlando Informer Travel can help! We can assist you with your trips to Universal, Disney, and more. Best of all, our services are free to you. Seriously. To get in touch, simply call (844) ORL-INFO or email us, or learn more by visiting Travel.OrlandoInformer.com.

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Of course, there are some things you just can’t avoid purchasing: a ticket to get in, plus food is kind of important, and everyone needs at least one interactive Harry Potter wand.  I also like to set a fairly substantial budget aside for Butterbeer, as it is now available a wide number of ways: hot, cold, frozen, ice creamed, and in an IV bag.

So that leaves one area which can provide probably the most leeway in your financial planning:  the hotel room.   Orlando provides an overwhelming amount of options here, and you must take into account important factors such as convenience of transportation to the parks, hotel guest benefits, and the amenities offered by the resort.

Hotels are a necessity but also a bit of a paradox…  Every traveler needs one when visiting a theme park, yet most people don’t spend a whole heck of a lot of time there other than to sleep because hey, you’d rather be in the theme park.  But you still want to stay somewhere nice because while visiting Mickey is good, having an actual mouse visit you in your room is kind of not.

In my opinion, the hotel perfectly balances out cost vs. value for your money when visiting Universal Orlando Resort is the lush tropical paradise that is the Loews Royal Pacific Resort.  Your wallet or purse will be doing the hula of happiness, and so will you.  Go ahead, don’t be shy, you’re on vacation.

The pool at Royal Pacific Resort.

Transportation

One important factor in your hotel decision has to be convenience of transportation to and from the parks.  If you have kids, the “from” part is extremely important because after all the food, candy, and exhaustion those kids will seem to weigh approximately three times more than they did when you arrived at the park gates, especially when you try to carry them back to your resort.

One of the best things about Universal Orlando Resorts in general, and especially vs. Disney on-site resorts, is that you can basically park your car for the length of your vacation.  There are a couple options for guests to get from the Royal Pacific to the parks, including via water taxi and pedestrian walkway.

A sign found along the walkway of Royal Pacific Resort.

The scenic water taxi route will save your feet for the mileage in the parks and CityWalk of course, and it is a nice little journey through the lushly landscaped waterways.  The boats come and go pretty frequently, and can be a true lifesaver at the end of a long day.

But if you’re impatient to get to the parks in the morning, then the walkway is a good bet too.  The nice thing about the canopy of foliage is that it provides quite a bit of shade over the walkway.  At a fairly average pace, it’s a mere 10 minute walk from the Royal Pacific Resort to CityWalk.

You arrive abreast of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, specifically the Porch of Indecision which offers appropriate irony as you can decide to imbibe a refreshing beverage either to celebrate your arrival at the walkway’s end or to fuel your departure back to the Resort.

Upon arrival in CityWalk, you are a mere Philosopher’s Stone’s throw (for the Harry Potter UK fans) away from Universal’s Islands of Adventure.  And if your destination is Universal Studios Florida, it’s just another short sojourn over to those gates.

Benefits

The next big factor to consider in selecting your resort destination is the package of benefits a resort offers to its hotel guests.  Staying at the Royal Pacific Resort will not only make your Universal Orlando Vacation even more stress-free, but will also prevent extra money from flying out of your pocket like those magical Hogwarts letters of acceptance!

An overlook view of the pool at Royal Pacific.

Staying at the Royal Pacific affords you some awesome theme park benefits, not the least of which is Universal Express Unlimited ride access for free.  That alone saves you $89 per person, per day of your stay.  And it’s available from the day you’re scheduled to check in to the day you check out.

Part of the “preferred” hotel category, Royal Pacific is the lowest priced on-site hotel that offers free Universal Express.  Even Royal’s forthcoming “preferred” classification sibling, Sapphire Falls, will not offer free Express.

Not only does this save you an Optimus Prime-sized chunk of change, but makes your day in the parks that much easier.  With minimal to no waits in the Universal Express lines you don’t need a complicated plan of attack for the Universal parks.  Ride what you want as many times as you want.

The only notable exceptions are the two primary Harry Potter rides in each park that don’t offer Universal Express queues: Forbidden Journey in IOA and Escape from Gringotts in USF.

However, that being said your other theme park benefit for staying on-site is Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, allowing you access an hour before the theme park opens to other guests.

Amenities

Last but not least, you have to take into account the amenities offered and again Royal Pacific excels in this area.  Entering the serene lobby over a waterfall bridge, checking out the calm reflection pool and garden, and walking manicured grounds surrounded by verdant tropical landscaping transports you to the Pacific Islands.  It really is a beautifully themed island resort; one I would say is on par with Disney’s Polynesian Village, which costs you much more per night.

The courtyard at Royal Pacific Resort.

Royal Pacific offers exceptional cuisine and is home to what I believe to be one of the most beautiful and romantic restaurants in all of Universal, Emeril’s Tchoup Chop.

Emeril’s at Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

You can also kick back and relax at one the coolest bars around, Jake’s American.  Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and check out the cool knick-knacks and wall decorations.

The entrance to Jake’s American Bar at Royal Pacific Resort.

Then there’s the lovely white sandy beach surrounding the huge lagoon-style swimming pool and while there may not be a water slide, there is a cool water play area themed like a ship, the Royal Bali Sea.

To sum it all up, I believe for the budget-minded, the Royal Pacific Resort truly is the best all-around on-site hotel choice, balancing out cost and value.  What it offers its guests for the price really ticks off all check boxes on the list of what you want at a vacation resort.  It’s easy to get to the parks, you can see the Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter early, not wait in line for most rides, and return “home” to an island paradise.

Ready to book your Universal vacation at Royal Pacific Resort? Orlando Informer Travel will happily do the hard work for you (and for no additional cost – seriously). Just call (844) ORL-INFO or email info@travel.orlandoinformer.com.

The post Why Royal Pacific Resort offers the best value for your money appeared first on Orlando Informer.

The old storytelling trope that things come to life at night was never more apropos than in the theme park world.  Nothing can breathe new life into a visit to a theme park you’ve visited a hundred times before like an evening stroll through familiar old walkways that suddenly become unfamiliar and therefore more exciting.

What exactly changes as the sun sets?  Only everything…

But here are the Top 3:

1. Theme Park Lands

Whether it’s a land or an island, each themed section of a park becomes more mysterious and amazing at night.  One of the most important agents of this metamorphosis is the lighting, and not just the lack of the big ball of light high in the sky.

You are now in the creative and capable hands of lighting engineers, whose empty canvass is the world of darkness and shadows.  By painting with light sources, they create ambience and atmosphere unique to the evening hours.

For example, a visit to either area of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is always a magical experience in and of itself, but it just feels more mysterious and magical after sundown.  Diagon Alley in particular benefits from a night visit and the lighting, or lack thereof, makes all the difference.

A warm and comforting glow emanates invitingly from each shop and restaurant in the Alley.  Fiery blasts of dragon breath illuminate the night sky with a rush of heat and powerful flash.  The “Lumos!” Interactive Wand experiences light up even brighter.

Diagon Alley at night inside Universal Studios Florida.

A lack of light can also create its own ambience.  Your little ones may cling to your hand a little tighter on a visit through the twisted corridors of Knockturn Alley.  The surrounding darkness only increases the sense of dread and foreboding nestled within its walls, making you hope you don’t run into a Death Eater…

Another example of nighttime increasing the immersiveness of a theme park land is the towering entrances to Jurassic Park in Islands of Adventure.  Seeing those torches flaring brightly as they welcome you to Jurassic Park makes you feel like you’re stepping right into the films… and that a Velociraptor could be lurking in the shadows of the surrounding vegetation.

As an added bonus, with the sun down the Florida nights are significantly cooler.  Walking around in a more pleasant environment affords you an opportunity to take your time and really explore the nooks and crannies of a park.  Linger in the lands and enjoy the beautiful details of art and design that went into creating the overall aesthetic.

2. Outdoor Attractions and Dining

Lands aren’t the only beneficiary of a literal night-and-day difference.  Riding an outdoor attraction in the evening hours can offer such a dissimilar experience that it may seem like a whole new ride entirely.

Roller coasters are obviously some of the biggest beneficiaries of this differential.  Launching out of the darkened tube on the Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster into bright daylight can be a bit disorienting, but doing so when the outside is just as dark is exhilarating in a unique way.

The same goes for the Dragon Challenge and the Flight of the Hippogriff, which not only gives you a new version of the same ride at night, but a wonderful bird’s eye view of a fully illuminated Hogwarts Castle and the surrounding land of Hogsmeade.

Hogsmeade at night inside Islands of Adventure.

Besides the rides, you can see a whole new side of your favorite restaurants with outdoor seating.  Whether in the parks or at CityWalk, the cooler evening temperatures allow for al fresco dining so you can people-watch the more colorful characters that emerge at night (especially as it grows later and later in CityWalk!)

Another bonus is the increased level of romance inherent in dining outside under the stars amid the neon of nearby attractions and restaurants.  Some great places to enjoy this atmosphere while dining include Lombard’s Landing (where you can also enjoy the Universal Cinematic Spectacular) in Universal Studios, Margaritaville’s Porch of Indecision in CityWalk, BiCE at Portofino Bay Resort, Mythos at Islands of Adventure, and the The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar at CityWalk.

Margaritaville at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk.

And I also highly recommend playing a late night round of miniature golf at Hollywood Drive-in Golf in CityWalk, which only adds to the creepy cool vibe of the already remarkable courses: “The Haunting of Ghostly Greens” and “Invaders from Planet Putt.”  The LED neon edge-lighting and special effects really pop spectacular fashion when it’s dark out.

3. Special Events

A Halloween Horror Nights “scareactor” poses at Universal Orlando.

Night is also the only time you can enjoy some of the amazing special events offered at Universal Orlando Resort.

First and foremost is Halloween Horror Nights.  Why?   Well because Halloween Horror Days just doesn’t have the same ring to it.  Plus it wouldn’t be half as scary.  All the things mentioned above in regard to lighting and shadows come into full play here.

The lands grow thick with the type of atmosphere you can only find during the hours of darkness as the technical wizards of Universal Orlando Resort have you at their mercy.  Everything about the nighttime serves the inherent fear of this special event, particularly with regard to the outdoor scare zones.

The riverboat Mardi Gras float makes its way down the streets of Universal Studios Florida.

As much as the evening hours can certainly add to the thrills and chills of a scary event like HHN, the darkness can also create a wild and wonderful party atmosphere, filled with fun and celebration during the huge party known as Mardi Gras.

The bright lights of the Big Easy add to the excitement of the flying beads, stunningly decorated floats, and colorful costumed street performers of the Mardi Gras parade, while the live concerts illuminate the stage.

To enjoy everything Universal Orlando Resort has to offer night or day, don’t forget to utilize the experts at Orlando Informer Travel.

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And the beauty of this resort offering family suites is you get to experience wonderful conversations like these: my mom (who grew up in this era) explains to my two young children that TV used to be in black & white and not everyone could afford air conditioning.

Entering the amazing retro and neon lobby (where else can you find orange lounge chairs mixed with sky blue couches), and hearing familiar 50’s and 60’s music standards being piped into the background really provides that magically immersive environment that only a theme park resort can provide, but not every one of them succeeds in doing so.

CABANA OR BUST?

Take, for example, Disney’s competing hotel in this retro resort space: the similarly priced Pop Century Resort. To give you a little Seussian flair, Pop is literally over the top. Too much so, I think. Everything is so loud and in your face and overwhelming with its theme, that it literally hits you over the head like a club.

The décor is garish and the look at me “Remember When…” type signage is omnipresent and obnoxious. And being a Disney Value Resort, it is quite the obvious thinly-veiled overlay over its sister properties… If you know anything about Disney Resorts, Pop Century screams All-Star Resort, from the exterior to the interior. They are called All-Stars (Movie, Sports, and Music) because they all look the same. Pop is no different, just with a few coats of gaudy paint.

Image Copyright Disney

Contrast that with the subtle styling of Cabana Bay Beach Resort. It tries to recreate the nostalgia of the era by sneaking up on you and allowing you to notice all the little touches, like the wind-up alarm clocks in the rooms and the Alberto VO5 bath products. Cabana Bay welcomes you like a lounge with a sultry singer, Pop smacks you in the face with a whoopee cushion… That’s still warm from someone sitting on it.

While Pop exists in the same retro space (or tries to), it does not offer Family Suites in addition to its regular sized rooms like Cabana Bay does. So let’s also take a look, then, at Disney’s Art of Animation Family Suites for comparative purposes, though not in the theming category as Art of Animation isn’t promoting an era but immersive environments inspired by Disney hits Finding Nemo, Cars, and the Lion King.

Both Cabana Bay and Art of Animation offer sleeping for six via two beds and a pull-out sofa, plus similar amenities, however AoA gets the nod in size as its family suites run approximately 520 square feet and feature a second bathroom, while Cabana Bay’s are about 430 square feet and offer one bathroom, albeit with three separate sections (sink, toilet, and sink and shower combo).

Although offering basically the same product (family suites), the price is drastically different. You will pay at minimum $100 to $200 more a night at Art of Animation than at Cabana Bay, depending on the season and discount rate (passholder, Florida resident, etc.) That’s a large sum of money that can be spent elsewhere in your vacation budget, and sure buys a lot of Butterbeers and Butterbeer Ice Cream plus an Interactive Wand! Or, uh, more boring pedestrian things like food or gasoline.

Keep ‘em coming, barkeep!

SURE I’D LOVE TO HIT THE LAZY RIVER, BUT FIRST I’M GONNA HEAD UP TO GO BOWLING WITH AN ICEE IN ONE HAND AND A STARBUCKS FRAPPUCINO IN THE OTHER!
I’m fairly certain that’s a sentence you would never hear at any other Orlando area resort hotel besides Cabana Bay. Why? Because there’s a whole lot to do, eat, and experience at Cabana Bay all without ever having to leave the comfort of your hotel. And when you do leave, you’ll find that Cabana Bay is just a cool-faux-woody-surf-bus ride or pleasant walking path away from two world-class theme parks and the too-cool-for-school (going retro!) CityWalk.

Pools, Slide, and Lazy River

In Florida, pools are a necessity just like air conditioning and deodorant (except for the foreigners standing directly in front of you while waiting in a 40 minute line for Escape from Gringotts.) Cabana Bay doubles your chances of locating an unoccupied pool chair with two awesome zero-entry pools.

The Courtyard Pool boasts the resort’s iconic diving tower waterslide (which is not only fun but fairly long as well at 100 feet) and a sandy beach, plus poolside cabanas are available for daily rental. The Lazy River Courtyard features a (wait for it) lazy river with waterfalls and water cannons, plus its own zero-entry pool.

Galaxy Bowl

How many hotels do you know of that feature a 50’s themed bowling alley? This is the only one in a Universal or Disney Resort. The Galaxy Bowl sports 10 lanes plus offers full restaurant service as an available option, so you can even eat while you bowl. And directly adjacent is the Game-O-Rama arcade.

Starbucks Coffee Shop

This is one of our favorite amenities… And once again Cabana Bay shows off its uniqueness in the Disney/Universal Resort scene in housing a full-fledged actual Starbucks. It doesn’t just “serve Starbucks Coffee” like some other hotels. How much more convenient can it get than to meander over to the lobby to get your favorite Frappucino and breakfast?

ICEE Machines

This may not seem like a big deal, but I assure you when it’s 103 degrees out under a sweltering Florida sun there’s nothing better or more refreshing to cool you and your family down than slurping on an ICEE as you stroll to or from one of the pools. Again, no other area resort I know of has self-serve ICEE machines, which are conveniently located inside the Bayliner Diner’s “grab and go” section.

Almost Paradise

Of course, nothing in life is absolutely perfect so there are some considerations to keep in mind. Like all Universal Hotels, Cabana Bay charges a nightly fee for self-parking and Universal Express is not included, although early park admission is part of the deal. There is also no water taxi service.

But all in all, Cabana Bay’s biggest advantage is that it hits the sweet spot in the age-old battle that rages in a vacationer’s wallet between affordability and value. With all these exclusive amenities, amazingly immersive theming, and exceptional price, there are few better family options than Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

To visit Cabana Bay Beach Resort and check it all out yourself, as well as everything Universal Orlando Resort has to offer, don’t forget to utilize the experts at Orlando Informer Travel.

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

• – Halloween Horror Nights 25 Hotel & Ticket Vacation Packages
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I believe Universal should answer this challenge with an entire Jurassic World expansion. Here’s why.

What, where, and why?

The prospect raises some major questions: why Jurassic World, where would it go, and what kind of rides/attractions should it feature?

For starters, the fourth Jurassic Park film has, to date, made nearly $650 million domestically, with a worldwide haul of over $1.6 billion. After two lackluster sequels, the JP franchise has been revitalized with all the unexpected ferocity of a raptor ambush. The film has done so surprisingly well that a sequel, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, has already been confirmed for June 2018.

Kids (and adults) love dinosaurs. They always have been fascinated by them, and that’s not going to change anytime soon. Subsequently, there is not much danger of Jurassic World being considered a passing fad or one-hit wonder with limited appeal that passes out of pop culture like the latest boy band.

But where should this T-Rex-sized addition to Universal Orlando go? I think there are two options. One is to take over a section of Universal Studios Florida – maybe Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone – which would establish a Jurassic footprint at both parks, much like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter currently enjoys. However, I believe the best bet would be to upgrade Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure, tearing some things down to make way for new experiences, and also saving money and space by re-theming some of its current attractions.

What would Isla Nublar 2.0 look like? The main feature as you enter the new Jurassic World should remain the massive, intimidating gates we are used to, now with the electric blue of Jurassic World. But now they can open upon a scaled-down version of JW’s Main Street. This will provide a place for traditional souvenir shops and dining – maybe even a Starbucks, like in the movie!

At the end of the Main Street, the volcano-like triangle of the Visitor’s Center should loom high into the sky, which will house the island’s centerpiece and stunning new main attraction:

1. The Gyrosphere Escape

A mixture of the groundbreaking tech from the Harry Potter rides and Skull Island: Reign of Kong, The Gyrosphere Escape will mix dark-ride elements, audio-animatronics, and an immersive ride vehicle for a next-gen experience.

Obviously, these “gyrospheres” will be new, multi-passenger designs and would need some modifications for easy loading and unloading. They could have a real bottom portion, or three-fourths of a sphere with the other “missing portions” projected in your 3D glasses.

Of course, Jimmy Fallon will be on-hand via your on-board ride monitor screens, with a new safety and instructional video, acting as your tour guide through Jurassic World.

Things start off calmly as the guests venture into peaceful Gallimimus Valley to watch a herd of the ostrich-like dinosaurs speed past. Then it’s on to Triceratops Territory, where guests look on in wonder as the huge trikes lock horns in domination rituals overhead.

It’s not until we enter the Pachy Arena that – wait for it – something goes horribly wrong! One of the Pachys accidentally head-butts the ride vehicle into a strange paddock that looks like it would hold a massive dinosaur. But where is it hiding?

The Indominus Rex suddenly drops its camouflage and appears right in front of you! There’s a surprise appearance by Owen Grady and his raptors as they try to save you. Then the chase is on through the Aviary, as you dodge dive-bombing pterosaurs and then crashes into the huge paddock of the T-Rex Kingdom.

The beloved Rex offers a challenging roar at the Indominus, accompanied by John Williams’s soaring theme.

With help from Owen, Blue, and the Rex, the Indominus is defeated, and you help by slamming the Gyrosphere into the big beast, sending it down into the watery world of the Mosasaurus. But the Gyrosphere accidentally rolls off the edge, too, submerging to give you a look at the master of the JW deep making Indominus dinner.

Seconds before the Mosasaurus turns you into dessert, the Gyrosphere is yanked back out of the water by a huge crane, with Owen at the controls. He gives guests a salute, and raptor Blue roars his approval.

2. Jurassic Kids’ Club

This area will offer a new ride directly from the movie’s park brochure, plus a reboot of an old ride and a new kid’s play area.

The Egg Spinner
According to the park map, “Spin your DNA silly on our simulated Egg Spinner.” Children get in and get spun around at high speeds in this recreation of the Hammond Creation Lab’s egg spinner.

Pterosauria: The Live Experience
The current Pterandon Flyers attraction and its track can be rebuilt, revised, and fully expanded into a family coaster with a much higher capacity, much like how The Flying Unicorn was converted into Flight of the Hippogriff at Hogsmeade.

Gentle Giants Petting Zoo
This kids’ play area will feature large-scale model dinosaurs built for climbing, sitting, and taking photos upon with plenty of shade, benches, and a small snack area.

3. The Raptor Research Area

Next up, the current Raptor Encounter can be expanded into a huge new home: the familiar pillbox Raptor Compound just like we saw in the movies. This will not only give guests a respite from the sun for the queue, but it would also triple the capacity with multiple Raptor meet-and-greet areas.

Of course, it can also house a Raptor Research Area with hands-on activities, movie-quality raptor props and bones, a gift shop, and maybe even static raptor model photo opportunities.

4. Cretaceous Cruise

The existing Jurassic Park: River Adventure can be renamed for one of Jurassic World’s signature rides: the Cretaceous Cruise. This watery drop attraction can easily be updated and re-themed to JW with better quality audio-animatronic dinosaurs in the lagoons, and the nasty Indominus can replace the T-Rex as the villain in the end before the final plunge.

–

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Almost there…

Call us Weekend Warriors, Day-Trippers, spontaneous tourists, or spur-of-the-moment people. We all have one thing in common… Walt Disney World is no longer the best place for us to go.

Why? Because for people like us, two important theme park experiences have recently achieved an Olympic-Level Degree of Difficulty at the House of Mouse. And they just happen to be my two favorites: eating and going on rides!

“You know Honey, I think I would like bacon and eggs for breakfast… on a Tuesday at 7:45am, approximately 180 days from right now.”
Seriously? I have trouble deciding where I want to go out to dinner tonight, let alone several months prior to eating there! How many people really want to book a restaurant 180 days in advance?

Yes, I realize you don’t HAVE to, but if you want even a slim chance at getting a reservation at popular Disney restaurants like Be Our Guest, you better be either a math savant or a NASA Ground Control Specialist.

“Okay honey, I can make our Disney dinner reservations in T-minus 23 days, 10 hours, 21 minutes and 7 seconds until 0600 hours at180 days out. Synchronize smartphone calendar reminders on my mark…. 3…2…1… Mark! (It took less planning to bring Mark Watney home from Mars.)

Even more insulting is the fact that you can actually pre-order your meal too if you want! So, let me get this straight. According to Disney, I should not only be able to decide where I want to eat (and in which of their 4 parks, 72 hotels, or even Disney Springs) but what I want to eat exactly as well?! Dammit Jim, I’m a tourist, not a precog from Minority Report.

So, what do you want to eat in 111 days? – Image Copyright Disney

Disney is supposed to be all about a fun and magical vacation. You know what I don’t find fun and magical? The stress of having to overplan my meals on vacation half a year away. You want to know what the “+” in MyMagic+ stands for? + points added to your blood pressure.

And here’s the kicker, which like all kickers tends to deliver the blow right to your poor defenseless wallet… Due to the fact that all Disney Dining Reservations require at minimum a Credit Card Guarantee (and some require you to pre-pay!), if you don’t cancel your reservation with at least 24 hours notice, you will be charged $10 PER PERSON.

Given how much Disney expects you to predict the future, it’s a shock they don’t want you cancel 24 days in advance. Come on, Disney… Let’s get back to Tomorrowland, not 180 days from Tomorrowland.

In marked contrast to all this reservation consternation is the Universal Orlando Resort. Where my procrastinating self can literally wander into nearly ANY RESTAURANT on property and obtain a table with little to no wait.

One of my family’s favorite restaurants in CityWalk is Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville where, get this, you can only make a reservation within 30 days. Yes, they don’t take reservations for dining dates more than a month away. Why? Because to quote Jimmy Buffett, “I don’t want that much organization in my life.” (“Fruitcakes”, 1994.)

Do I need a reservation?

My stress level is dropping just thinking about how easy that is… I’m as cool and relaxed as Mr. Buffett, who is so stress-free he can actually flee rampaging dinosaurs while heroically saving two margaritas and not even spill a drop of tequila.

“Daddy, I want to ride Soarin’!” “I’m sorry honey, there is a wait that is approximately 2 hours longer than the length of our entire vacation and we don’t have a Fastpass+”
Unlike planning a meal, the generous folks at Disney only make you plan your ride schedule a couple months in advance with Fastpass+. 60 days if you’re gracing a Disney Resort with your presence, and 30 days if you’re an off-property kind of guy or gal. The Fastpass+ system seems to be continually changing and I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that it sucks.

If you’re old like me, you remember the halcyon days of just getting in line and riding a ride. Then, of course, Disney opened approximately 396,000 hotel rooms and the lines were getting longer. So their solution was to create Fastpass…

Oh, how I miss you little guy…

A row of machines outside the busiest attractions; you put in your ticket, and received a return paper pass with a reserved time to ride (in an hour long window.) Once your time started you could go grab another Fastpass for another ride. So you could pretty much guarantee a ride on every busy ride in the park and there was never a real long wait for the other ones. The biggest decision you had to make was on the morning you arrived in the park as to which ride do we hit first.

But now we have FastPass+ Yessir, Fastpass+… And we already know what the plus stands for, don’t we? Now I consider myself a fairly intelligent individual, but when Disney has to release a literal flow chart (see Figure C – for confusing) so their guests can figure it out, then Houston we have a problem.

Figure C – This looks like College Level Algebra to me. – Image Copyright Disney

In my opinion, Fastpass+ is annoying and frustrating… and, well, terrible. It has created lines where none previously existed; it pretty much forces you to choose only one park each day, and even worse it makes you choose categorically between rides there.

For instance, you cannot get a Fastpass+ to Soarin’ and Test Track at EPCOT, without lining up at a kiosk as soon as you get into the park. So, wait, I have to get in line to get a Fastpass at a machine? Hmm. Why does that sound so familiar…

And like the most popular dining options, if you want to try and have a shot at rides/experiences like Seven Dwarfs Mountain Train or a Frozen Meet and Greet, you better be on your computer at midnight on the 1^st night you can book, clicking your mouse or track pad like an over-caffeinated woodpecker.

What’s Universal’s alternative to that? Well, if you stay at most of their on-site hotels then on the day you arrive you put your room key into a kiosk in the hotel lobby… and get an Express Pass!

Then instead of the regular ride line, you get in the Express Line. No return time window. Typically less than a 20 minute wait, more often 5 minutes or even walk-on. The only planning needed is figuring whether you’re going clockwise or counter-clockwise around the park.

And the only “big” rides that don’t accept Express are in the two Wizarding Worlds, which usually offer – wait for it – early admission anyway to on-site hotel guests.

I love going to Disney. I love going to Universal. But for people like me, which one offers a more stress-free last minute vacation?

To experience all this and more without too much over planning, don’t forget to utilize the experts at Orlando Informer Travel.

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

• – Halloween Horror Nights 25 Hotel & Ticket Vacation Packages
  – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
  – 2-Park Getaway at Universal Orlando

The post Are you a “weekend warrior?” Go to Universal. appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Just keep in mind that these may be a little pricier than normal, with most of these selections falling under the suite category, but are certainly worth the splurge once in awhile. And if you have a T.Rex sized budget, then no worries…
Without further ado, here are my picks:

1. Jurassic Park Kids’ Suite
Found at: Royal Pacific Resort
Hotel Category: Preferred Hotel
Universal Express Included: Yes
Early Park Admission: Yes
Transportation: Walkway, Water Taxi
Feels Like You’re: Close enough to smell some serious Raptor breath
Square Feet: 670
Price: $$$

Fittingly, these dinosaurific (yes I totally made that up) Jurassic Suites find their home amidst the greenery of Universal’s island-themed resort. If your little ones are obsessed with Raptors and T.Rexes, then this is the place for you! The JP décor and theming is spot on, and truly feels like you’re at a separate Jurassic Park Hotel within the Royal Pacific.

These rooms are Brachiosaurus-sized, featuring a standard king bed plus a sleeper sofa, which can easily sleep 4 adults on its own. Throw in a separate room for the kids, with two twin beds, and there’s plenty of space to unwind. The kids also get a desk and chair, and their own TV as well.

After a long day at the parks, parents can enjoy some much need needed peace and quiet (and privacy!) For peace of mind and security, the kids’ sleeping area does not have its own entrance out into the main hallway, and is only connected to the parent’s room.

Learn more about Royal Pacific’s rooms.

2. Courtyard Family Suite Poolside
Found at: Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Hotel Category: Prime Value Hotel
Universal Express Included: No
Early Park Admission: Yes
Transportation: Shuttle, Walkway
Feels Like You’re: Back in the 50’s and 60’s
Square Feet: 430
Price: $$

The family suites in this retro-themed resort offer a lot for less! There is a two queen bedroom that can easily be separated from the family room/kitchenette (which contains a convertible sleeper sofa) with a large sliding door partition. No arguments over what to watch, as each area contains its own 40” TV.

The colorful décor and even bath supplies are an appropriate throwback to a simpler era. Speaking of which, this bathroom has some serious room indeed, with three separate spaces: a sink, sink/shower combo, and toilet.

And the best thing about a Courtyard Suite Poolside Room is the incredibly short walk to the awesome pool area, since the pool is literally surrounded by these rooms. And don’t worry about all the music and splashing and noise when you want to relax, these are some of the most soundproof accommodations around. Check it out yourself, with the door open and closed. It’s pretty great engineering.

Learn more about Cabana Bay’s rooms.

3. Despicable Me Kids’ Suite
Found at: Portofino Bay Hotel
Hotel Category: Premier Hotel
Universal Express Included: Yes
Early Park Admission: Yes
Transportation: Walkway, Water Taxi
Feels Like You’re: One of Gru’s merry Minions
Square Feet: 650 – 675
Price: $$$

If you have Minions, they will feel right at home in these wickedly themed rooms. Decorated like Gru’s Laboratory, the suites unsurprisingly carry a strong Minion motif. Especially awesome is the fact that the kids can sleep in two custom missile beds, just like in the movies!

Similar to the Jurassic Park Kids’ Suites, there are connecting but separate bedrooms for the adults and the kids, and only the adult’s room features a door opening into the hallway. Unlike the JP Suites, however, there is a single king bed in the parent’s room and no sleeper option.

Both sleeping areas have their own televisions, plus the kids get a mini-play area complete with small desk and 2 chairs, sitting chair, as well as their own closet.

Learn more about rooms at Portofino Bay.

4. Deluxe 2 Queen Room
Found at: Hard Rock Hotel
Hotel Category: Premier Hotel
Universal Express Included: Yes
Early Park Admission: Yes
Transportation: Walkway, Water Taxi
Feels Like You’re: One of the band, Baby! (Or at the very least a roadie)
Square Feet: 500
Price: $$$

The Deluxe Queens provide a great mix of affordability and size, in a great location. These wedge-shaped over-sized rooms are really great for families, designed to provide a lot of area in which to relax or play.

They feature two queen beds plus a large pullout sofa in the adjoining living area. There is a long hallway that runs back to the over-sized closet area so you can store a lot – from luggage to strollers to wheelchairs – out of sight.

Best of all, these rooms are newly renovated, sporting a chill atmosphere and cool features such as peace signs, rock ‘n’ roll slogans, and artwork with drumsticks and speakers. Another cool touch is the large wall mirrors that compare your height to that of famous rockers and singers.

Learn more about rooms at Hard Rock.

5. Sapphire Suite
Found at: Sapphire Falls Resort
Hotel Category: Preferred Hotel
Universal Express Included: No
Early Park Admission: Yes
Transportation: Walkway, Water Taxi, Shuttle
Feels Like You’re: In the heart of the Caribbean!
Square Feet: 851
Price: $$$

The forthcoming (opening Summer 2016 – book your room now!) Sapphire Suites at the new Sapphire Falls Resort look pretty amazing. These massive suites have a large bedroom with a king bed, plus a dining area with a dedicated table and what looks to be 6-8 dining chairs.

There is also a good size living room with a large couch and two sitting chairs (some of this furniture must double as sleeper(s) since the room is advertised to sleep 5). If that’s not enough, the suites feature a wet bar and two bathrooms.

Any suite nestled inside a resort themed to a Caribbean estate in the tropics, and surrounding a truly gigantic 16,000 square foot pool certainly promises an incredible vacation in what amounts to your very own private bungalow in paradise!

Learn more about Sapphire Falls’ rooms.

Experience these amazing suites and rooms for yourself! Contact the experts at Orlando Informer Travel for assistance booking your next vacation.

What’s your favorite room to stay in at Universal? Sound off in the comment section below.

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

• – Halloween Horror Nights 25 Hotel & Ticket Vacation Packages
  – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
  – 2-Park Getaway at Universal Orlando

The post 5 unique hotel room choices for families at Universal appeared first on Orlando Informer.

5. Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando

Image courtesy Universal Orlando.

Found at: CityWalk
But Feels Like You’re in: New Orleans
Reservations Accepted: Yes (and recommended)
Suggested Attire: Casual or Business Casual
Price: $$$ (entrees $21-$38)

From the moment you walk inside Emeril’s, it’s like stepping into Naw’leans. Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse has brought the flavors and fun of The Big Easy to Orlando with an adventurous menu which obviously trends toward Creole-infused fare. It’s a spicy atmosphere for romance.

One of the first things you notice is the massive wine gallery with over 12,000 bottles to choose from. There is a huge open kitchen, separate cigar bar, and an aperitif bar as well. Huge windows provide wonderful views of CityWalk, so you can people watch to your heart’s content.

With its prices, Emeril’s is obviously a splurge but for a special date night at CityWalk, it can’t be beat. And whatever you do, save room for the incredible Banana Cream Pie!

After-Dinner Treat:
You and your significant other can stroll along the CityWalk and continue your date with a host of options in easy walking distance: shopping, playing miniature golf, hitting up the clubs, and singing karaoke.

4. Bice Ristorante

Found at: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
But Feels Like You’re in: Northern Italy
Reservations Accepted: Yes
Suggested Attire: Resort or Business Casual
Price: $$$ (entrees $25-$48)

Commanding exquisite views of the lovely Harbor Piazza of the Portofino Bay Hotel, Bice (pronounced Bee-Chay) is a wonderful traditional Italian ristorante. Founded by Beatrice “Bice” Ruggeri in Milan in 1926, this Orlando location of the family trattoria will take you on a romantic journey through Northern Italy and you won’t even need a passport!

The Old World décor is elegant, with towering windows and lovely terraces overlooking the piazza, and the waterways beyond. The service is exceptional, with an extremely attentive (and well-dressed!) wait staff.

Pasta is hand-rolled on the premises each day, and unsurprisingly, there is an extensive wine list so vino lovers can share a toast to amore. And any restaurant with a dedicated pastry chef is a clue that you should save room for dessert!

Just be prepared, as the prices run on the high side. (Mamma Mia, that’s a pricey meatball!)

Learn more about Bice.

After-Dinner Treat:
You and your date can stroll along the lovely Harbor Piazza waterfront, which is beautifully well-lit after dark. Soak up the romantic ambiance of the Mediterranean under the twinkling lights, people watch, or just listen to the serene sounds of the water lapping against the shore.

3. Lombard’s Seafood Grille

Found at: Universal Studios Florida
But Feels Like You’re in: San Francisco
Reservations Accepted: Yes (Required for Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular Dining Experience)
Suggested Attire: Casual
Price: $$ (entrees $12-$20)

Universal Studios’ flagship restaurant has been around since the park originally opened, and continues to deliver great seafood in a lovely nautical atmosphere at a great price. With its nautical tchotchkes and decor, Lombard’s instantly transports you to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.

Take your date out onto the harbor side dock, close your eyes, and listen to the water lapping against the wooden pylons… You easily imagine buoys clanging, foghorns sounding, and sea lions barking. It’s a great atmosphere that makes you momentarily forget you are standing in the middle of a huge theme park.

To make your date even more memorable, make reservations for Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular Dining Experience. The package includes an appetizer and entrée, plus a dessert buffet in an exclusive viewing area for the Cinematic Spectacular featuring 100 Years of Movie Memories.

Learn more about Lombard’s.

After-Dinner Treat:
Take your date for a magical stroll through nearby Diagon Alley, which is amazing in the day, but even more transcendent at night. You can share a Butterbeer, hold your date close as you explore the mysterious Knockturn Alley, and marvel as the dragon’s fiery breath truly lights up your evening.

2. Mythos

Found at: Islands of Adventure
But Feels Like You’re in: Ancient Greece
Reservations Accepted: Yes
Suggested Attire: Casual
Price: $$ (entrees $12-$20)

Mythos may very well be the best thing left in The Lost Continent Island of the park. (Which, ironically enough, “lost” seemingly half of its square footage to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter back in 2010.)

From the moment you lay eyes upon its imposing craggy entrance, this restaurant literally appears to have been carved out from the massive rocks. Occupying a lovely grotto, the interior of the restaurant continues the cavern theme, with many tables affording couples semi-privacy due to the geological structuring.

Before settling in to your table, take a moment for you and your date to explore the cascading waterfalls, ornate fencing, undersea lighting, and figureheads carved into the rock (such as the fish fountain, sirens, and faces.) And don’t forget to look up at the ceiling!

The Mythos menu is certainly worthy of its award-winning pedigree, offering food quality that is rare for a theme park. Equally rare in theme park circles are their prices, which are affordable enough to allow you to sample even more culinary treats.

Learn more about Mythos.

After-Dinner Treat:
Take your date to the outdoor seating area which offers an impressive panorama of the water (the park’s “inland sea”) and nearly all of the surrounding Islands. In cooler weather (which in Florida is usually two weeks in January), you could even eat outside and enjoy this spectacular view.

1. Emeril’s Tchoup Chop

Photo Courtesy of Emeril’s Thcoup Chop

Found at: Loews Royal Pacific Resort
But Feels Like You’re in: The South Seas
Reservations Accepted: Yes (and Recommended)
Suggested Attire: Resort Casual
Price: $$$ (entrees $24-$36)

Tchoup Chop (pronounced chop-chop) is Emeril Lagasse’s second restaurant at the Universal Orlando Resort. Your first time through the door is liable to take your breath away, as the restaurant boasts some of the most beautiful and interesting décor in Orlando.

With an almost cathedral like quality, you’ll feel like you’re sitting down to dine under a jeweled Polynesian sky. From the tables surrounding a huge water feature replete with lily pads and gentle waterfalls, to the bamboo accents, and giant woks, Tchoup Chop takes you on a journey to the South Seas. This amazing atmosphere is both romantic and relaxing.

The Asian and Polynesian menu is incredible (and yes, you can still get Emeril’s signature Banana Cream Pie for dessert here too!), the service is always amazing, and the drinks are suitably tropical. Tchoup Chop offers not only a fantastic meal, but an experience, that you and your date will remember for a lifetime.

Learn more about Tchoup Chop.

After-Dinner Treat:
Take your date and continue the tropical adventure theme by exploring the beautifully landscaped grounds of the Royal Pacific Resort.

Now it’s your turn — take someone you love and experience the romance first-hand! Let us know in the comments what you favorite Universal romantic restaurant is!

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

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If you’re a frequent visitor like me, you start to notice those families rushing around from ride-to-ride desperately trying to squeeze in everything. Pulling small children behind them like rolling luggage, looking more determined than an angry T-Rex, and wheeling a baby stroller like EVAC plowing through a crowd of Decepticons.

They’re so desperate to have the most fun they can, that they’re not actually having fun.

Is your family like that on your vacation? Or perhaps the parks are just packed, you or your group isn’t big on thrill rides, or it’s a blazingly hot summer day in Florida… with an average summer temperature of 110 degrees… in the shade.

You may need to take a moment to enjoy the experience, slow down, and be in the moment: to stop and smell the raptors.

Universal Orlando is more than just thrill rides, so this guide will help you explore the other options available: fun photo experiences and character interactions, restaurants with more to offer than just food, expressing yourself with karaoke or hair braids or face painting, and also the opportunity for pool hopping.

1. CHARACTERS ARE UNIVERSAL

Whether its dedicated photo spots, character meet and greets, or interacting with cast members, Universal Orlando delivers an amazing level of interaction.

Raptor Encounter
This new Jurassic meet and greet has to be experienced to be believed. Videos and photos you may have seen on the internet don’t do it justice. And it’s very safe, or so I’ve been told.

The Raptor Guides tell me the same amount of people enter the encounter as exit. Give or take one or two, so this may be a great experience to bring your “favorite” mother-in-law along!

This is about as close to Jurassic Park or Jurassic World as you can get. Waiting there by the raptor paddock and seeing and hearing those clever girls, Ethyl or Lucy, approach the fence, well that’s enough to get your heartbeat going just as much as waiting in line for one of the big coasters.

We were lucky enough that Ethel took a liking to my 8 year old son and actually let him pet her, which is an experience he is still talking about.

Transformers Meet and Greet
Right outside Transformers: The Ride 3D is a meet and greet with some of your favorite Transformers. The first thing you may notice is they are BIG, and so are their personalities.

They don’t just pose with you for a photo, they interact with you… Bumblebee is an awesome dancer, Optimus Prime is suitably gallant, and Megatron is one big jerk. Seriously, I would totally punch him in the transistors if I had a large step ladder and wasn’t afraid of 8 foot tall angry robots.

Learn more about Characters at Universal’s theme parks.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter
In Diagon Alley, you can check out the Gringotts Money Exchange, where you can not only exchange your real money for pretend money (kind of like the stock market!) but interact with an official Gringotts Bank Goblin, with some entertaining results.

But beyond that in both Wizarding Worlds there is a grand opportunity to have fun if you take the time to talk to the team member witches and wizards, who do a great job of setting a magical mood.

Water Taxi Skippers
For those of you who recall the halcyon days of riding up front on the monorail over at the House of Mouse, there is a Universal equivalent for you to enjoy. Sit up on the front bench of the water taxi, in front of the skipper.

You’ll catch a great breeze through the open front window, enjoy the relaxing views, and you can have a nice chat with your skipper.

All the skippers we’ve talked to in our travels have some great and often funny stories, about themselves and the Universal resort in general. They’ve also provided us with some great tips for our day.

2. GREAT FOOD, GREAT TIMES

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
This Citywalk original is a great place to duck out of the heat, and enjoy the cold A/C, and even colder LandShark Lager!

There’s more to do than just eat here (though I think the Cheeseburger in Paradise is one of the best burgers on property), with a giant burping volcano, live broadcast booth for Radio Margaritaville on Sirius XM Satellite (What’s up Carson!), and enough Parrothead paraphernalia to stretch from Orlando to Key West.

And at dinner, enjoy a serious party atmosphere, with stilt-walking balloon artists and occasional live music.

Antojitos
A newer fixture at Citywalk with Tequila-ologists ready to mix up something good for you.

In the evenings, there is a live mariachi band that performs classic Mexican folk music as well as modern pop songs with mariachi flair (you’ll never hear “Wrecking Ball” quite the same way again). Some nights there are also talented artists who will provide free, hand-painted masks.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Restaurants
Whether it’s the Leaky Cauldron or The Three Broomsticks, even muggles can sit a spell (drum roll and rim shot) and soak up the amazing atmosphere inside these eateries. Don’t forget The Hog’s Head, where you can grab a drink, whether regular or alcoholic. It’s dark, cold, and often a less crowded option for Butterbeer!

3. EXPRESS YOURSELF

There are quite a few options to personalize yourself, one of your little Minions, or someone you love on your vacation!

Both parks and Citywalk feature kiosks where you can get a hair braid, your face painted, a temporary tattoo, or if you’re feeling particularly inspired by all the bravery at Super Hero Island get yourself more permanently inked at Hart and Huntington Tattoo Company.

Other kiosks provide custom leather gear (bracelets, key chains, etc.) tailored to your name or nickname.

Finally, another great option is to belt out your favorite song while backed up by a live band and backup singers at Citywalk’s Rising Star Karaoke.

4. STAY COOL IN THE POOL

Another great benefit to staying on-site at Universal Orlando Resorts is that pool hopping is actively encouraged!

We like to hit the parks until lunch, grab a bite to eat at Citywalk, and then head back to our hotel pool during the hottest and usually most crowded time of day in the parks (11am-4pm). Once we’re cooled off, we head back out for dinner and a more comfortable night at the parks.

Each resort pool has a distinctive theming element, an awesome water slide, a live DJ, and cast members playing fun games with the kids.

Often times during the hottest days of summer the hotels provide free snow cones, Italian ice, frozen grapes, or other treats.

To experience all this and more without the hassle of booking it all yourself, don’t forget to utilize the experts at Orlando Informer Travel.

How do you take time to “stop and smell the raptors” on your vacation? Let us know in the comments below.

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

– Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
– 2-Park Getaway at Universal Orlando

The post 4 ways to stop and smell the raptors appeared first on Orlando Informer.