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Overview

There are plenty of reasons to flip your fins for SeaWorld Orlando! From conservation initiatives to thrilling coasters, there is a lot to smile about! Plan your visit today by purchasing discounted admission through Orlando Informer.

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• Rehabilitation
• Shark Encounter
• Infinity Falls
• Mako
• Reef-Safe Sunscreen
• Conservation Contribution

SeaWorld Orlando puts the environment, animals, and conservation at the forefront of their mission. Many moving components behind the scenes at the parks contribute to animal rehabilitation and sealife education.

Many of these SeaWorld Orlando facts have an emphasis on their purpose in conservation but also display how they are making strides in the theme park industry.

SeaWorld Seeks to Rehabilitate

In addition to being a theme park, SeaWorld Orlando is also a conservation and rehabilitation facility. Whether an animal suffers from scoliosis or chronic illness, SeaWorld ensures these marine creatures receive top-tier medical care.

SeaWorld rehabilitates sea turtles, manatees, orca whales, dolphins, and more to ensure a safe return to their natural environment. When an animal can’t return to their environment, their team will work with volunteers to ensure those animals get housing and care through one of many organizations equipped to care for them.

SeaWorld rescue teams are needed on beach cleanup crews to help clear away debris and assist with turtle habitat safety. Many Florida drivers will be familiar with sandhill cranes, which also happen to be one of the most rescued species of the SeaWorld team due to their closeness to roads and homes. Other times, trainers might bottle-feed orphaned orcas or use specialized equipment to help straighten the spine of a dolphin with scoliosis.

Aquarium Glass is So Thick Elephants Could Stand On It

Although a fun part of many cartoons, you won’t have to worry about the glass breaking while you admire the fish, sharks, and marine life in the tanks at SeaWorld Orlando’s aquariums. The glass between you and the marine life is thick enough for three six-ton elephants to stand on.

In the Shark Encounter exhibit, you can experience the excitement of being surrounded by sharks without fear of the glass breaking since that glass can hold 372 elephants, or 2,232 tons, without a single crack. If that wasn’t impressive enough, this might blow your mind: the Shark Encounter tubing can hold back more than 450 tons of water.

Infinity Falls Includes the Tallest Drop on a Water Raft Ride

Record-breaking is the norm in Orlando, especially for theme parks, and this park is no exception. Infinity Falls is one of those record-breaking attractions that will take your breath away while giving you a bird’s eye view of the park.

This attraction opened in October 2018 and has remained the record-holder for the ride with the tallest drop on a water raft ride since.

Mako is the Tallest and Fastest Roller Coaster in Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando is home to another record-holder: Mako. This coaster won’t have you strapped in above your shoulders, but you might feel like you need one. Mako has a lap bar restraint that will keep you safe, even though it’s taller and faster than any other attraction in Orlando. Each guest is placed in a cozy seat with a physical bar that will keep you securely in place so you can enjoy your fast, thrilling adventure without worry.

Busch Gardens’ new Iron Gwazi has Mako beat by only three miles per hour and only seven feet, meaning Mako holds the title for one of the best coasters in Orlando.

SeaWorld Only Sells Reef-Safe Sunscreen

The emphasis on protecting the environment is still present in the gift shops throughout SeaWorld. SeaWorld exclusively sells sunscreen created with cruelty-free practices and contains no oxybenzone, a common chemical in sunscreens that damage the ocean when they enter the water supply.

Nearly every gift shop sells sunscreen, a much-needed part of any Florida vacationer’s bag. Thankfully, you can feel good about buying and using sunscreen through SeaWorld, knowing you’re not harming the environment while you protect your skin.

Each Purchase Contributes to the Conservation Fund

For every purchase you make at a SeaWorld gift shop, five percent of your total gets deposited into the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. This fund was created in 2003 with the intention of supporting conservation groups and efforts around the world.

Over the years, this fund has contributed a whopping $18 million in funding to 1,200 global organizations seeking to protect the natural world.

Additionally, when shopping at SeaWorld, you may be asked if you’d like to round up your total to a whole number. The additional amount goes directly to the conservation fund to help protect the environment. Who knew shopping for souvenirs could mean saving the world?

There’s a common thread in all of today’s SeaWorld fun facts: conservation and animal care. Nearly everything SeaWorld does is to raise awareness and money to help keep marine life safe – while having fun! Next time you ride one of SeaWorld’s stunning attractions, you can rest easy knowing you’re supporting a company that values conservation, rehabilitation, and record-breaking through thrilling coasters!

Plan your visit to SeaWorld Orlando by purchasing discounted admission through Orlando Informer!

The post SeaWorld Fun Facts That Will Make Your Day appeared first on Orlando Informer.

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Overview

Beyond its record-breaking attractions and exciting aquatic encounters, SeaWorld Orlando has so much more to offer than you may notice at first glance. Before you check these spots out for yourself, grab discounted SeaWorld Orlando tickets through Orlando Informer.

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• Rest and Recharge Stations
• Dolphin Underwater Viewing
• Manta Aquarium
• Dolphin Nursery Alcoves
• Lakeside Grill Seating
• Jewel of the Sea Aquarium

One of the best things about exploring Orlando’s theme parks is finding all the hidden gems, and SeaWorld Orlando is no exception! SeaWorld is full of wonders that can turn your visit into a magical and relaxing adventure.

Whether you’re looking for a place to sit and enjoy your meal, the best views of the swooping coasters, or a great background for your photos that will last a lifetime, there are plenty of lesser-known locations in SeaWorld for you to discover.

Rest and Recharge Stations

Of all the secret spots in SeaWorld Orlando, Rest and Recharge Stations are among the easiest to miss. These stations are perfect places to get your fill of dazzling coaster perspectives while you charge your electronic devices and rest your legs. Each station is outfitted with plenty of USB ports and outlets to help ensure your devices are fully charged to capture every moment of your adventure.

Two Rest and Recharge Stations are located just outside of the Key West area and Mako. Both stations offer awe-inspiring looks at Manta and Mako and seat eight guests who need to recover from their trek around the park.

Grab some popcorn and have a seat! Nothing is more entertaining than listening to coaster-goers screams while you rest your exhausted feet.

Dolphin Underwater Viewing

Getting up close and personal with animals is only one benefit of visiting SeaWorld Orlando. Nothing feels more personal than the Dolphin Underwater Viewing just past the Key West area. This rotunda has a lower and upper level that allows you to witness everything the dolphins are up to, including racing and playing.

Here, you’ll only be mere feet away from a pod of dolphins. There is no better photo-op than this air-conditioned getaway in all of SeaWorld Orlando.

Many dolphins will blow bubbles and play with them while guests can watch from the underwater viewing area. If you’re lucky, you may be able to capture one of these moments for yourself!

Manta Aquarium

The aquarium located just next to the Manta lockers showcases every bit of the beautiful ocean life SeaWorld seeks to protect. Upon walking in, you’ll be greeted with wall-recessed habitats that hold a host of fish, stingrays, and other sea creatures that will inspire you to learn more about the natural world we share.

One notable exhibit is overhead just as you round the first corner, bathing you in shimmering light as you look up at the rays and marine life swimming above. Others include marine life you can’t find elsewhere, like Pink Sea Stars, Swimming Anemones, and Weedy Sea Dragons.

Whether you want to marvel at unique sea creatures or escape the Florida heat, the Manta Aquarium is a perfect location for you and your family.

Dolphin Nursery Alcoves

The Dolphin Nursery can be an ideal location for any SeaWorld guest with a camera, especially those who love dolphins. Here, you’ll be able to see dolphin mothers and their calves, getting a closer look at how they behave together and exist in their habitat.

The marine life in these enclosures can be viewed from the front, where a large pane of glass gives you a clear view of the babies and mothers swimming. However, we suggest the alcoves on the right side of the enclosure. Tucked away in the back corner are three cubbies you can curl yourself into to watch as the dolphins pass in front of you with brilliant clarity.

These cavities have circular panes of glass where the young, playful dolphins will swim past, or (if you’re lucky) stop by to say hello.

Lakeside Grill Seating

Not only does Lakeside Grill have waterfront seating, but just outside lies a seating area where you and your family can pause for a small recharge. As you gaze out over the lake, you’ll have a panoramic view of the park’s top attractions.

To your right, you’ll see Ice Breaker, one of SeaWorld Orlando’s newest coasters that will take you high into the air only to drop you backward for a thrilling adventure. To the left, you’ll have a stunning view of one of Mako’s tight turns over the lake.

This location is ideal for watching coasters, having lunch, or pausing for some reflection as the sun sets on the lake. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the holiday season, this location is perfect for watching the iconic Christmas tree lights show on the lake or getting an unforgettable photo op.

Jewel of the Sea Aquarium

Just outside the Journey to Atlantis drop is an aquarium attached to the Golden Seahorse gift shop. This gift shop doubles as the Journey to Atlantis exit, making this aquarium easy to access and a perfect place to see some extraordinary marine life you won’t find anywhere else.

This aquarium will have you surrounded by sea creatures, no matter the direction you look. Overhead, small fish and sharks swim, and below your feet are six thick panels of glass that house a tank of assorted fish.

This spot is also home to unique marine life like Comb Jellyfish, Moon Jellies, and more. We suggest keeping an eye out for the Moray Eels. These creatures have plenty of hiding spots, but if you’re lucky, you might just spot one!

Marveling at fish, observing the stunning mechanics of the latest and most incredible coasters, and relaxing waterside are only a few of the brilliant adventures SeaWorld has to offer. Consider stopping by these locations to get the most out of your vacation. Visit these secret spots yourself by purchasing discounted SeaWorld Orlando admission through Orlando Informer.

Have you found your own magical SeaWorld hidden gem? Let us know! Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to forge an unforgettable theme park vacation.

The post SeaWorld Orlando’s Top Six Hidden Gems appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Please note: service animals are welcome inside all theme parks and resorts!

Walt Disney World

Hotels & Resorts

Requirements: Up-to-date animal vaccinations; leashed at all times; self clean-up
Additional Nightly Charge: $50 – $75

The number of Walt Disney World Resorts and hotels can be a touch overwhelming for visitors to sift through when deciding where to stay or what amenities they need. Guests with dogs no longer have to worry! When greeted, you and your dog will receive something called Pluto’s Welcome Kit, a small kit filled with dog-related essentials like puppy pads, a mat, bowls, ID tags, and potty bags. You’ll also receive a map of walking routes for you and your canine.

Disney’s pet-friendly resorts also have relief areas for your furry pal and complimentary potty bags to use for cleaning up after your pet. You can experience designated dog-friendly floors, plenty of walking routes, and amazing views at the following resorts:

• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (Charges $75 per night for pet-friendly rooms)
• Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek

Only two dogs are allowed per room, so pet-owners who wish to bring more pets can expect an additional room charge.

Daily Dog Care

Requirements: Up-to-date animal vaccinations; well-behaved
Daily Price Range: $30 – $299

Disney offers a magical experience for pet owners who wish to spend the day at the theme park with Best Friends Pet Care, a pet boarding and kennel service located in the Disney Springs Resort Area.

Best Friends Pet Care has everything: air-conditioning space for your pet to cool off, 10,000 square feet of outdoor play space, and a massive dog park. Not only is this facility huge, it’s also staffed with 75 trained and seasoned pet experts who love animals and care deeply for their well-being. The facility opens one hour before the Disney theme parks and closes one hour after the last closing time, so there’s plenty of time to pick up your furry family member for the night.

Overnight stays are available and can be booked for several days. Nightly accommodations include four different packages:

• The VIP Luxury Suites include two potty walks, two playgroups, access to a television, webcam feed, bedtime story, and a bath (after three days).
• The Vacation Villas have plenty of space, one potty walk, playtime with others, television, and a treat.
• The Indoor/Outdoor Suites include potty walks and a quaint area to play with their toys.
• Indoor Suites have the same potty walks and quaint space as the indoor/outdoor suites, without access to the outdoors – perfect for a quick, one-night stay!

Day-care options are also available with similar amenities as the overnight packages, and with easy drop-off and pick-up times. For an additional cost, pet owners may want to take advantage of the grooming services that Best Friends Pet Care offers while your dog is in their care. These grooming services include shampooing, hair trimming, flea treatment, and nail filing.

Reservations are not required, but capacity is reached quickly – and may not even be available during peak seasons. Reserve a spot for your puppy to make the most of your vacation and ensure your pet has the best time while you explore all the Disney theme parks.

Universal Orlando

Hotels & Resorts

Requirements: Up-to-date vaccinations; well-behaved; leashed at all times
Additional One-Time Charge: $100 – $150, depending on the duration of stay

Pets are allowed at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. These resorts charge an extra one-time fee for pets, require them to be leashed at all times, and require the pets to be current on all vaccinations. These resorts also ask that your pets are well-behaved and not left unattended in hotel rooms.

Daily Dog Care

Requirements: Up-to-date vaccinations; well-behaved
Additional Charge: Dependent on the facility

In the past, Universal has run a dog kennel and boarding area for guests to let their pets rest while they enjoyed the park. Unfortunately, this kennel has been closed since 2021 without any indication of reopening.

However, there are still third-party options in the area. Guests can even make a reservation with Disney’s Best Friend Pet Care, which sits only 20 minutes away from Universal. Alternatively, there are several kennel and dog-sitting services in the area like Universal Dog Care Orlando, which is a family-style dog-care center that runs on compassion and is located less than two miles away from Universal.

SeaWorld Orlando

Hotels & Resorts

Requirements: Up-to-date vaccinations; well-behaved; self clean-up
Additional Charge: $0 – $30

Of the many SeaWorld Resorts, two of them are pet-friendly and one even has no fees or deposits for a pet-friendly room.

DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld has many amenities, including two massive swimming pools, food service, and pet-friendly rooms. At this resort, pets can be no more than 70 pounds and medium-sized. DoubleTree charges a $30 non-refundable fee for their pet-friendly rooms, but this price is certainly worth the beautiful walkways and views that the resort comes with. While reservations are not mandatory, you may want to call ahead and reserve a pet-friendly room as they tend to go quickly during peak season.

La Quinta Inn and Suites in Orlando is an ideal location for SeaWorld goers as it has no deposits or fees for bringing your pet! In a similar fashion to other Orlando resorts and attractions, a current vaccination record for your canine may be required, as well as cleaning up after them and maintaining their good behavior. Call ahead to reserve a pet-friendly room!

Daily Dog Care

Requirements: Up-to-date vaccinations; well-behaved
Additional Charge: $10 – $15 per day

SeaWorld Orlando is one of the premier locations for animal care, so it’s no surprise that this park has a pet kennel just outside their main entrance. With 31 kennels ranging from small to extra-large, this facility charges a relatively small fee and is run by team members who adore animals.

Guests are responsible for bringing food and coming during the day to take their pets out for walks at the designated pet-relief area right next to the facility. Guests are also responsible for cleaning up after their dog in this relief area and may be asked to prove their current veterinary record before being boarded.

Keep in mind that this facility closes thirty minutes after the park closing time. Reservations are unavailable and kennels are rented until capacity is reached.

For many, dogs are an integral part of the family vacation. We hope this information has helped you include your pet in your future vacations and theme park adventures.

How about an unforgettable vacay with your furry family member? Follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips, updates, and information on how to make your vacation truly remarkable.

The post Pet Owners and Theme Parks: How To Enjoy Your Vacation Without Worrying Over Your Best Friend appeared first on Orlando Informer.

All of these facilities are available for use free of charge and many come complete with vacant/occupied locks to indicate that a room is currently in use. Here is a complete list of these locations and their amenities.

Child Care Facility at Sesame Street

Tucked away just behind Elmo’s Choo Choo Train is a small building with rocking chairs under a wrap-around patio. On the patio are an ATM and a set of double doors leading into a child care facility that truly has everything your little one needs in order to have a smooth and calm day.

Inside this facility is a full diaper-changing room with long counters and several garbage cans that allow for multiple babies to be changed at once — efficiency that means shorter lines to clean baby bottoms. 

Next door to the diaper-changing room is a nursing mother’s room. This room has wonderfully comfortable recliners that allow nursing mothers the privacy to take care of their babies in comfort and away from crowds or unnecessary noise.

On the right side of the facility are two small bathrooms with tiny toilets and sinks that make potty-time much easier for toddlers and very young children. These bathrooms are private and have locks so they can be used to change out of the wet clothing your children may have from the splash zone outside.

In general, this child care facility is perfectly placed. Many parents find themselves spending much of their day in Sesame Street Land, sometimes riding all six Sesame Street rides, or enjoying the Rubber Duckie Water Works splash pad, and watching their children run up and down the small hills at Rosita’s Harmony Hills.

Quiet Rooms

Recently, SeaWorld Orlando and Sesame Street Land partnered with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to make their park a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The benefit of being made a CAC is that SeaWorld Orlando now has two quiet room locations to serve parents and children who are impacted by sensory stimulation and overload.

These two locations prove invaluable among families who need some quiet time to help their children find peace and relief. Outfitted with comfortable seating, these rooms are also padded to cancel noise from outside. Locks on the doors help parents rest easy knowing that their child can have privacy and they can devote all their emotional resources toward caring for their child.

These quiet rooms are located in two convenient locations: Sesame Street Land and next to the Information and Reservations Counter. The Sesame Street Land quiet room is located inside the child care facility behind Elmo’s Choo Choo Train.

The Information and Reservations Counter is located at the front of the park, just before the lighthouse and exit. The quiet room is tucked away right next to this counter before the Stroller and Wheelchair Rental.

These quiet rooms are available as needed on a first-come first-serve basis and do not require any type of reservation.

Nursing Rooms

One of the most difficult plights of a new mother can be nursing in public. SeaWorld Orlando makes this struggle just a little easier with three convenient nursing room locations. All nursing room locations are complete with comfortable chairs and labeled doors to help prevent any interruptions.

Inside the child care facility in Sesame Street Land is a nursing mother’s room that sits just between the children’s bathrooms and the diaper-changing room. This nursing room can get pretty busy during the day (particularly around nap time), so it may fill up fast. Alternatively and if you’re comfortable, you can sit on one of the rocking chairs on the patio to nurse and rock your baby there.

Another nursing room is located inside Waterway Grill, the restaurant just behind Infinity Falls. Upon passing Infinity Falls, head toward the left side of the restaurant and go toward the back left. The nursing room will be just next to the restrooms in the left corner. This nursing room is a little more out-of-the-way and gets less traffic than its Sesame Street Land counterpart.

The last nursing room available to new parents is located just in front of Journey to Atlantis. Simply look toward the beige-colored restrooms and you’ll see a sign for a nursing room across the wall. This nursing room is also tucked away and may see a little less traffic than the Sesame Street Land room.

Parents and families could use a little help making their vacation run smoother. We hope this rundown has helped give you the tips you need to make parenting at a theme park easier.

How was your last experience taking your little ones to SeaWorld Orlando? Share your story with us – and thousands of other SeaWorld fans – by connecting with our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Be sure to follow us for more information, tips, and the latest theme park news you love.

Looking for SeaWorld Orlando tickets? Check out Orlando Informer Tickets! You can also discuss vacation planning with our SeaWorld Community on Facebook!

The post Essential Baby & Childcare Locations at SeaWorld Orlando appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Get On Rides and Shop for Merchandise During Showtimes

There are plenty of shows at many of the theme parks in Orlando, and you’re unlikely to see all of them in one day. Because of this, you can use those showtimes to get into a much smaller line in the area around those stadiums. For example, many SeaWorld Orlando guests will experience shorter lines in the attractions around Shamu Stadium (like Sesame Street and Wild Arctic) while the show is in progress.

Those visiting the famous Hogsmeade portion of Universal’s Islands of Adventure may benefit from hopping in line at Flight of the Hippogriff or Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey while the Triwizard Spirit Rally & Frog Choir is happening. This short show happens multiple times a day, pulling some of the crowds away from the rollercoasters and easing wait times.

Finally, Magic Kingdom goers may find that many of the usual shows are on hiatus for now. However, guests can benefit from getting some shopping or dining done in Main Street, U.S.A. during several of the small shows that happen daily. These shows include the Casey’s Corner Pianist, The Dapper Dans, or the many cavalcades that happen throughout the day. When the shows let out, you’ll notice the crowds disperse and go back into the rhythm of the park, but at least you’ve gotten in some rides or some good shopping in before the crowds descend and the lines grow a little longer.

Plan Out Your Showtimes

Speaking of showtimes, planning out which shows you’re most interested in can be a huge help in navigating the park without making trips backward because you’ve missed something. Many of the stadiums or show sites might be far away from each other, and guests are encouraged to get to the stadiums 30 minutes before showtime to get the seating of their choosing. Planning out where you’ll be at what time can make getting to your show stadiums and seats much easier, and reduce a lot of the stress of finding a good seat. This might mean keeping an eye on your watch and deciding which attractions are worth taking time for, but planning your showtimes will make getting to stadiums less stressful. Many locals will also mention that the first and last shows of the day are the most crowded, so it’s much better to plan for middle-of-the-day expeditions to nearby stadiums to help avoid large crowds.

Check The Weather App

Florida can be a bit finicky when it comes to rain and storm season. Here in Orlando, it can rain for a few minutes and clear right up — or it may rain all afternoon. Checking the radar can assist in letting you know exactly what to expect in the days ahead. An overcast day, without rain, is perfect for visiting the theme parks — especially in Florida summers. Check your weather app just to be sure you won’t be rained out, and don’t forget your umbrella. You can also review our page on weather in Florida throughout the year to better prepare for what to expect during your vacation.

While rain can be a pest, it doesn’t have to cancel your plans! In fact, plenty of locals spend rainy or overcast days strolling through the theme parks for fun. SeaWorld, for example, has plenty of exhibits and animals to look at and observe that are entirely inside. Universal and Disney also have plenty of shops, indoor attractions, and exhibits that won’t be affected by the weather. Be sure to bring a disposable poncho (which can be purchased from a nearby Wal-Mart or Target for less than three dollars) and an extra pair or two of socks in sealed ziplock bags. There’s nothing worse than walking around for hours in soaking wet socks!

You can check out our weather page for SeaWorld Orlando here to help plan your vacation perfectly and learn how to best experience theme parks without the rain getting in the way.

Download Park Apps & Maps Beforehand

Many theme park restaurants now have an online ordering system via their phone app, which can make ordering lunch a little easier for guests. In fact, many of the restaurants in-park actually require mobile ordering and no longer have in-person ordering. It can actually set back your day and waste time to finagle with the park apps only when you need them. This can leave you confused, irritated, and needing help from an employee anyway. Instead, having park apps, virtual maps, and restaurant information downloaded to your phone before your visit can make your day much smoother. Not only will you be prepared for mealtime and adventure, but you’ll also save a ton of time in restaurants. Take a look at the park maps at home — or in your hotel room — the day before you even head into the park to get a feel for the area and what you’ll be seeing right as you walk in. This preparation can be a life-saver!

Check Closing Times

As summer and peak seasons come to a close, many of the theme parks will begin closing earlier and earlier. Additionally, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have staggered closing times, which means Universal closes about an hour before Islands of Adventure. During the peak busy seasons, the Disney parks usually also have a staggered closing time, with Animal Kingdom typically closing the earliest. Taking this into account can help you maximize your time and ticket money since you can use your multi-day or multi-park tickets to hop on over to another park as the first closes. Remember to get a great deal on Orlando theme park tickets here.

We hope these tips from locals make your day a little easier, more fun, and exciting for you and the whole family.

Which tips can you use from this list to make your next visit awesome? Connect with Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to let us know and get all the latest news, tips, and information on all the theme parks and attractions in Orlando.

The post 5 Must-Know Theme Park Tips From Locals appeared first on Orlando Informer.