Orlando Informer Blog Archives

It’s a Walt Disney World Resort cult tradition to “drink around the world” at Epcot. While this remains tried and true, it’s typically a dedicated tour only of one land at only one theme park – but with all the inebriant options lying just outside of Epcot, at its resort area, there’s a whole other […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Flavor done right: Frontera Cocina’s new menu

February 7, 2019 Kaitlin Bellamy

At the end of January, I was invited to attend a special event at Disney Springs. The venue was Frontera Cocina, a delightful Mexican dining experience created by celebrity chef Rick Bayless. The restaurant itself has been a staple of Disney’s dining/shopping/entertainment district since 2016, and I myself had eaten there once before. I enjoyed […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Universal’s $6.5 billion theme-park resort starts construction in Beijing

February 5, 2019 Marc N. Kleinhenz

It’s time for a little update on what is shaping up to be one of the single biggest projects that Universal Parks and Resorts has ever embarked upon in its roughly 55-year history. First, though, we should probably (quickly!) backtrack. Universal Beijing Resort, just the second full-fledged theme-park resort that Universal has ever made, was […]

Orlando Informer Blog

QUIZ: How well do you know the JAWS ride?

February 1, 2019 Taylor Strickland

Take our quiz and discover how well you know the former JAWS ride at Universal Studios Florida.

Orlando Informer Blog

Best time to go to Disney World

January 29, 2019 Kaitlin Bellamy

It’s easy to picture summertime in a paradise like Orlando. In fact, the image that most often comes to mind when people imagine themselves vacationing in Florida, and visiting a place like Walt Disney World Resort, is “summer break.” The Dole Whips, the sunshine, the crowds, the oppressive heat… what’s not to love? In all […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Your adults-only guide to Universal Orlando

January 28, 2019 Sean Pagnotti

Everyone is aware of the preconception that theme parks are geared towards kids. Sure, it’s true – there’s plenty of evidence validating children as every theme park’s major focus. But guests lovingly spend so much time and effort revolving vacations around their children that they all but forget that the parks can be equally enjoyable […]

Central Florida

Top 5 shopping areas in Orlando

January 24, 2019 Caitlyn Wisser

When one thinks about Orlando, thoughts of theme parks and world-class attractions are often the first to come to mind; a record 68 million people visited the City Beautiful last year, and most spent at least some time experiencing all that these attractions have to offer. What may be surprising to some, however, is that […]

Central Florida

Regal Pointe Orlando: The best place to watch a movie!

January 23, 2019 Sean Pagnotti

A trip to the movie theater can be just as much of a getaway from a holiday vacation as it is from everyday life, and, by its nature, the City Beautiful has many wonderful choices to take in a film, whether it be modern or vintage. Among my personal favorites is Regal Cinemas Pointe Orlando […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Adventures in pool-hopping at Universal Orlando

January 18, 2019 Vanessa Leavitt

One of the many perks of staying at a Universal Orlando on-site hotel is the chance to enjoy the amenities at all six resorts, no matter whether they fall in the category of being premier (Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Royal Pacific Resort), preferred (Sapphire Falls Resort), or prime value (Cabana Bay Beach […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Top 5 buzzworthy adult drinks at Universal Orlando

January 14, 2019 Sean Pagnotti

Universal knows the value of not just a great vacation, but also loosening up and having a good time with your family and friends. Being a trusted adviser and patron of such things in the parks, I took on the oh-so-strenuous task of finding the best of what’s offered in the way of Universal Orlando […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Does Universal Studios Florida have a studio tour like Hollywood?

January 11, 2019 Casie Shimansky

One of the age-old questions for theme parkers who are familiar with both coasts (or multiple global locations) is, “Does this park have what that park also has?” I have to admit, I’m guilty of the same question, and while I know the parks do their best to keep all locations just different enough to entice us on […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Star Wars: The Millennium Falcon ride’s story REVEALED

January 8, 2019 Marc N. Kleinhenz

UPDATE: Disney and Lucasfilm snuck in a quick follow-up to the book Pirate’s Price, adding one more (brief) chapter to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run’s backstory, which we cover in a brand-new section below. – For a planet that was supposed to be brand-new to Star Wars fans around the world, Batuu sure has been seeing a […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Universal Orlando: Year in review 2018

December 27, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

When you’re a (relatively) big, thriving theme-park resort like Universal Orlando is, one that receives hundreds of millions of dollars each and every year in new upgrades and improvements and for future expansions, you see quite a bit of change over the course of 12 months – attractions closing, hotels opening, and flurries of other […]

Orlando Informer Blog

8 rainy-day tips at Universal Orlando

December 21, 2018 Casie Shimansky

It’s happened to the best of us. We plan a trip to the theme parks, take to counting down to the big day, and as the week approaches, our anticipation only grows – and then we see the weather report. There may be nothing that dampens (literally) your day more than the unpredictable weather of […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Top 5 closed attractions at Universal Studios Florida

December 20, 2018 Sean Pagnotti

Growing up in the Orlando area, the theme parks were the backyard of my childhood. This allowed not only for a very involved fandom and childhood, but also a deeper knowledge of the parks’ histories. Today, in the spirit of nostalgia and that upbringing, I’ll be going over our top five closed attractions at Universal […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Top 5 sweet treats at Universal Orlando

December 19, 2018 Kaitlin Bellamy

Picture the scene: you’ve been playing and adventuring at Universal Orlando Resprt all day. You’ve ridden your favorite roller coaster, met your favorite character, and filled your bags with souvenirs. What would be the best icing on the cake that is this perfect day? Actual icing. I believe no vacation is complete without dessert (and […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Disney World: Top 5 nightlife options adults can still enjoy

December 5, 2018 Kaitlin Bellamy

Walt Disney World Resort has long been a place associated with children. Families take their vacations to Magic Kingdom, field trips flood the parks, and spring break is heralded by thousands of teenagers and 20-somethings escaping school. There is, of course, nothing wrong with this. But I have always believed that Disney Magic is for […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Celebrating your birthday or special occasion at Universal Orlando

December 5, 2018 Vanessa Leavitt

I’ve always considered my birthday to be one of the best days of the year, and I’m sure the majority of you reading this feel the same way. What could be better than visiting Orlando and, more specifically, Universal Orlando Resort on your special day? It’s especially fun when you’re trying to take the sting out of […]

Orlando Informer Blog

5 secrets of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

December 4, 2018 Caitlyn Wisser

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade first opened in 2010 to record-breaking crowds and brilliant fanfare, bringing with it a next-generation of theming and land immersion and an overall revitalization of Universal Orlando Resort. Since then, it has grown exponentially, expanding to the sister parks of Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood, as […]

Central Florida

Review: WonderWorks Orlando

December 3, 2018 Sean Pagnotti

WonderWorks is possibly the strangest and most intriguing attraction on International Drive. The look of the building itself is enough to draw anyone’s curiosity, as, upon first glance, it seems to literally be upside-down, but there’s much more to the experience than just appearances – this “amusement park for the body and mind” is edutainment […]

Orlando Informer Blog

5 inexpensive ways to make your Universal vacation unforgettable

November 29, 2018 Kaitlin Bellamy

Nothing beats the thrill of starting your vacation. You’ve saved for months or years to visit that perfect destination. You’ve planned every moment down to the last detail, and made your ideal itinerary of can’t-miss restaurants and experiences. It’s finally time to pack your bags and hit the road – Universal Orlando Resort, here you come! […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Harry Potter: Japan’s new mysterious projection-mapping show

November 27, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

This time last year, Universal Japan made waves when it announced that its new 2018 attraction would not only be state-of-the-art, but also Harry Potter-infused: Universal Spectacle Night Parade – Best of Hollywood, which the company proudly boasted was “the world’s first next-generation parade” (thanks to its heavy utilization of projection mapping). Beyond the wonder […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Review: Nine Dragons Restaurant at Epcot’s China Pavilion

November 27, 2018 Leah Rae

Some friends and I went to Nine Dragons at Epcot the other night for dinner. Should you do the same? Here’s what I think. Nine Dragons: First impressions On our way to World Showcase’s China Pavillion, I was concerned about locating Nine Dragons, since the Asian area has a lot of little hidden entranceways toward […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Top five Universal souvenirs under $10

November 21, 2018 Kaitlin Bellamy

The holidays are fast approaching. Vacation budgets are beginning to compete with turkey budgets, Christmas lists, and the cost of flying across the country to visit family. How are you supposed to collect memorable souvenirs from your Universal Orlando Resort trip without breaking the bank? Well, have no fear! I’m here to do the work […]

Orlando Informer Blog

15 hidden and weird spots at Walt Disney World

November 20, 2018 Casie Shimansky

Did you know there’s more to Walt Disney World Resort than just the hidden Mickeys around the parks? The fun silhouettes of Mickey Mouse are fun to find, but they aren’t the only Easter eggs Imagineers have slipped in between the rides and restaurants. What other tucked-away details does Disney World offer? Here’s a peek at […]

Orlando Informer Blog

SeaWorld: Your questions answered

November 20, 2018 Casie Shimansky

For Orlando locals, theme-park days are almost second nature. Park map? No, thanks – we know the layout like the back of our hand. For our guests and general visitors to Orlando, however, this is, frequently, their first experience with many of our attractions and sites. And, rest assured, there are days when even locals and […]

Orlando Informer Blog

3 ways The Crimes of Grindelwald could be turned into an attraction

November 19, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

Two years ago, upon the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – the first of the new Harry Potter prequel/spin-off film series – we sketched out our three best ideas for theme-park attractions based off of the new Wizarding World tale. Now that the second installment, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, is here, it’s […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Disney silhouette portraits – a unique souvenir

November 16, 2018 Caitlyn Wisser

Walt Disney World Resort is full of hidden gems and secrets that make visiting again and again a treat! One of these secrets is a unique souvenir that is often overlooked – the cut-paper silhouette. But what exactly is it, and where can you get one? Cut-paper silhouettes are portraits, generally cut in profile, that are made from black […]

Orlando Informer Blog

6 top tips for making the most of Discovery Cove

November 14, 2018 Sean Pagnotti

Consistently considered the highest-rated park in Orlando, Discovery Cove is a hidden, tropical oasis within the hustle and bustle of the City Beautiful. Owned and operated by SeaWorld, it’s an all-inclusive escape from reality and a rare find in our city. While the park itself isn’t difficult to tour freehand, we’re here with six tips […]

Central Florida

7 need-to-know tips for first-time Orlando visitors

November 14, 2018 Vanessa Leavitt

If you’re planning your first visit to Orlando, you want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible! If you’re responsible for creating the perfect trip for your family, the weight on your shoulders can feel a little heavy. But don’t worry – we’re going to help you out and relieve a little of that stress. […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Review: Dave & Buster’s Orlando

November 13, 2018 Vanessa Leavitt

Dave & Buster’s, located on Orlando’s bustling International Drive, is a great destination for tourists and locals alike. Orlando’s first installment of this popular adult-oriented entertainment center has more than 40,200 square feet of gaming and dining fun. There’s the full-service restaurant with contemporary American cuisine, a large bar with numerous flat-screen TVs, and, of […]

Orlando Informer Blog

UPDATED: Universal Orlando’s limited-time pop-up bar for holidays 2018

November 13, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

Loews Hotels, the company that manages all of Universal Orlando Resort’s various on-site hotels, started to experiment just a few years ago with two items that are gaining more and more traction among the public, particularly the younger demographic: handcrafted cocktails and limited-time, exclusive experiences (something which Universal itself has mastered, thanks to the likes […]

Orlando Informer Blog

7 mistakes to avoid when visiting Universal Orlando Resort

November 5, 2018 Caitlyn Wisser

Universal Orlando is a thrilling themed destination, comprised of three wonderful parks that are filled with attractions and entertainment for people of all ages. With so much to do, it can be hard to determine just how to make the most out of a vacation here. And while what can be accomplished is directly related […]

Orlando Informer Blog

8 Magic Kingdom-resort-area secrets locals love

November 2, 2018 Casie Shimansky

There are certain perks that come with being an Orlando local. For starters, Cinderella Castle and the Haunted Mansion have become our version of the famous titular bar from Cheers, with, of course, the likes of Mickey Mouse being our “Norm.” We know Walt Disney World Resort like the back of our hands, and, as […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Stranger Things EXTENDING Halloween Horror Nights 2018’s run

November 1, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

Last week, Universal Studios Hollywood made something of a surprise announcement: it was going to do an one-week-only lights-on, daytime tour of its Stranger Things haunted house, at no additional charge to park attendees. Though unprecedented (no, the West Coast doesn’t offer a version of our Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tours – which […]

Central Florida

Top 5 mini golf courses in Orlando

October 31, 2018 Sean Pagnotti

Mini golf is a great go-to for a wide variety of reasons – family bonding, a simple date night, or just an easy, non-theme park activity. But how do you decide which putt putt course to pick with all that’s offered in Orlando? That’s where we come in! Here’s our list of the best mini […]

Orlando Informer Blog

8 ways to propose at Universal Orlando

October 30, 2018 Kaitlin Bellamy

Known for its thrills and adventure, Universal Orlando Resort is the perfect place to start the greatest adventure of your life! Whether you love to surround yourself with movie magic or you just enjoy Butterbeer, we can find you the perfect place to pop the question. 1. Ride photos Universal is famous for its larger-than-life […]

Orlando Informer Blog

3 reasons why The Haunting of Hill House is perfect for HHN

October 25, 2018 Caitlyn Wisser

If you’re a fan of Halloween Horror Nights and you aren’t watching Netflix’s new horror show, The Haunting of Hill House, you should be. Not only is the series a fantastic addition to the horror genre, in general, its plot and production value lend themselves to the creation of a great new HHN haunted house. Knowing […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Your first Disney trip: Top 10 mistakes to avoid

October 25, 2018 Leah Rae

As a long-time Walt Disney World Resort attendee, I’ve learned a few tricks about making the most of your first trip to the place where dreams come true. I’m going to share them with you now in the hopes that your first time will be the most magical it possibly can be. 10. “Dig a […]

Orlando Informer Blog

UPDATED: Disney World’s gondolas officially announced

October 19, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

UPDATE 10:13 AM 11.14.18: at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo 2018, The Walt Disney Company announced that the Disney Skyliner will officially open in the fall of 2019. UPDATE 12:40 PM 10.19.18: Disney showed off this spiffy little video that’s meant to give us the best illustration yet of what the new […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Orlando International Premium Outlets: Closest outlets to Universal Orlando

October 19, 2018 Casie Shimansky

Universal Orlando Resort offers a variety of on-site shopping opportunities, but if you still feel the need to hunt for souvenirs beyond The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you don’t have to go far to find some fantastic deals – just head down the road to Orlando International Premium Outlets. Know before you go: there are […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets: Closest outlet mall to Disney World

October 17, 2018 Casie Shimansky

Orlando is best known for its world-class theme parks. But there is something else you can do here other than soak up the sun at the pool and aim to hit every ride Walt Disney World Resort has to offer: take your vacation shopping for the day! The City Beautiful is home to some of […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Universal Orlando water taxis: This complimentary transportation is one of Universal’s best-kept secrets

October 15, 2018 Casie Shimansky

When planning a trip to Universal Orlando, one of the main concerns is, “How do I get around?” Universal actually makes this a breeze by offering quite a few different methods to explore. One of our favorite ways to head out for the day is the resort’s water-taxi service that brings guests from its on-site […]

Orlando Informer Blog

4 secrets of bringing Stranger Things to life at Halloween Horror Nights

October 12, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

It is no secret that Stranger Things, the hit Netflix original series, has been the flagship haunted house at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights – not only has it dominated the annual event’s social-media and press coverage, it’s also attained a place of prominence amongst its food and drink lineup and, of course, has garnered […]

Orlando Informer Blog

8 ways to propose at Disney World

October 11, 2018 Kaitlin Bellamy

When you think of a Walt Disney World Resort proposal, one of the most popular and evocative images is, of course, in front of Cinderella Castle. While that is a beautiful idea, the odds of being able to get exactly the photo and the moment you want are extremely slim. But don’t lose hope! I’m here […]

Orlando Informer Blog

SeaWorld: What’s coming in 2019

October 4, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

SeaWorld feels like, just maybe, it’s standing on the precipice of a full-fledged revival, rising up from a years-long period of controversy and economic difficulties and potentially emerging as a leaner, meaner theme-park operator: its stock has been on the rebound, fueled by a nearly-five-percent increase in its quarterly revenue and attendance; it’s doubled down […]

Orlando Informer Blog

New Harry Potter coaster artwork REVEALED

October 2, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

On July 24, 2017, Universal made an announcement that was widely expected but which was nonetheless sad to many a Wizarding World of Harry Potter fan: Dragon Challenge, that massive, formerly-dueling inverted roller coaster, would be shutting down for good on September 5 of that year. Ever since then, the company has kept its wizarding […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Managing motion sickness at Universal Orlando

October 1, 2018 Mia Cintron

It’s a beautiful day, and you and your family have finally made it to Universal Orlando Resort. You are eagerly making your way to the most anticipated ride; with every step moving quicker and each stride longer, you finally make it to the entrance. You are so excited to finally experience this attraction together. The […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Explained: Disney World’s new date-based tickets

September 24, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

UPDATE (8:45 am 10.16.18): today is the day that the new, date-based pricing structure goes into effect at Walt Disney World Resort. To commemorate the occasion, Disney has released this infographic, to try and help explain when the new system will cost guests less or more when heading out to the parks: Furthermore, today is also […]

Orlando Informer Blog

How to use Universal Orlando’s new mobile order

September 20, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

UPDATE 3:23 pm, 10.22.18: Universal keeps rolling out mobile order to more and more locations, and doing so in a much faster fashion than we had initially thought, just four short weeks ago – now four quick-service restaurants brandish the smart-phone feature, with more doubtless already in the pipeline. Each venue’s dedicated guide page in the […]