Orlando Informer Blog

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

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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 […]

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Top five Universal souvenirs under $10

November 21, 2018 Kaitlin Bellamy

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Review: Halloween Horror Nights 2018

September 19, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

The buildup to Halloween Horror Nights 2018 has easily been one of the most exciting in a considerable amount of time, with the various haunted-house and scare-zone announcements coming fast and furious (unlike last year) and containing veritable doozies, starting with what is arguably the biggest announcement in the event’s 27-year history: the arrival of […]

Orlando Informer Blog

A Celebration of Harry Potter isn’t coming back to Orlando in 2019

September 7, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

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On August 7, 2013 – almost exactly three months after The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley was officially announced – Universal further surprised and delighted Harry Potter fans by unveiling a brand-new event: A Celebration of Harry Potter. From January 24 through 26, 2014, fans descended upon Universal Orlando Resort to, well, […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Why you should travel solo to Universal Orlando

September 4, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

Editor’s note: special thanks to OI reader – and superfan – Libby Thomas for submitting the following article to us. Love Universal Orlando Resort? Don’t have a friend or family member with your same enthusiasm? Fear not, my friends – you can still go to your favorite theme park. Just do it alone! It sounds scary […]

Orlando Informer Blog

6 lost attractions of San Francisco/Amity at Universal Studios Florida

August 31, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

We’ve already jumped in our trusty time machines and prowled the space-time continuum in order to experience all of the now-lost attractions at both Production Central and New York, the first two lands at Universal Studios Florida. Now that we’ve had the chance to recover from our nostalgic adventures and have gassed the DeLorean back […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Turning advertisements off on Orlando Informer

August 30, 2018 Taylor Strickland

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At Orlando Informer, we view our readers as family. We want you to have the best experience possible when you visit our humble virtual abode. That’s why I’m excited to share that we have removed traditional (and, often, intrusive) advertisements from our website, though you may still see one or two pieces of sponsored content […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Scary Tales: Deadly Ever After announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2018

August 21, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

Are you ready to return to the merry old land of Oz? Halloween Horror Nights 2018’s tenth (and final!) haunted house has just been announced, and it looks like an intriguing continuation of the mythology that the event has been sporadically spinning throughout its history. Scary Tales: Deadly Ever After takes two recurring elements from […]

Orlando Informer Blog

The Horrors of Blumhouse announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2018

August 20, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

Blumhouse Productions, the tiny production company that has since gone on to conquer nearly all of the entertainment world, has had an involved relationship with Universal for the past four years, encapsulating both Hollywood (a first-look deal with Universal Pictures that runs until 2024) and, of course, the theme parks (multiple haunted houses and scare […]

Orlando Informer Blog

The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad closing at Universal Orlando

August 17, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

In a move that seemingly came out of nowhere, it’s today been revealed that the Eighth Voyage of Sindbad stunt show will quickly be coming to a close – its last performance is currently scheduled for Saturday, September 15. We say the development is a surprise one, but, in retrospect, the writing has been, perhaps, long on […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Halloween 4 announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2018

August 14, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

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It is not unusual to see Universal do at least one retro haunted house for its Halloween Horror Nights each and every year, and for 2014, that throwback came in the form of Halloween, recreating the classic 1978 film. It was a fan-favorite, leading the company to make 2016’s historical entry (well, one of them, at least) […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Poltergeist announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2018

August 9, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

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Poltergeist is, without question, one of the quintessential horror films, having instantly secured its place in cinematic history upon its 1982 release. Its horror set pieces, its music (by the late and great Jerry Goldsmith), and, of course, its performances all combined to create an experience that irrevocably seared itself into our cultural consciousness, prompting […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Seeds of Extinction announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2018

August 8, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

In a Halloween event that is already festooned with zombies, extra-dimensional predators, masked killers, swamp yetis, and crazed carnies, what else could Universal possibly throw into the mix? The answer, it turns out, is surprisingly easy: aliens. Seeds of Extinction is the sixth haunted house announced for Halloween Horror Nights, and it posits a future […]

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Our first visit to Batuu from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

July 30, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

When Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was originally announced back in August 2015, fans were surprised to learn that Disney had opted to place its new theme-park land on Batuu, a brand-new world in the Star Wars mythology, rather than on one of the pre-existent planets from either the films or television shows (like the Skywalkers’ […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Carnival Graveyard announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2018

July 25, 2018 Taylor Strickland

UPDATE (07.29.18): during this year’s Midsummer Scream panel, Universal divulged a few extra tidbits about its most-recently-announced haunted house, including the fact that it’ll be situated in a soundstage, that its guest path will be made up of found objects (specifically, discarded carnival rides and games), that its finale will take place in a dilapidated […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: What’s next after Toy Story Land

July 19, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

It’s been something of a turbulent period for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the smallest – and, more recently, the most construction-laden – theme park at Walt Disney World Resort. An unbelievably large swath of the location’s various attractions have been shut down over the past four years, preparing the way for new additions that will do […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Disney’s new Christmas celebrations include Toy Story Land in 2018

July 9, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

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With Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starting right around the corner (it kicks off this year on Friday, August 17), it’s time for Disney and all good vacation-planners alike to look ahead to the next big seasonal event: Christmas, which begins this year at Walt Disney World Resort on Thursday, November 8. After the success of […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration: Complete breakdown

July 5, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

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On the night of July 4, Universal had a very special surprise for all of the guests spending the holiday at the resort: a technical rehearsal of its brand-new nighttime spectacular, Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration (which, we learned during the occasion, still officially has its somewhat-unwieldy subtitle of Epic Cinema under the Stars). We were […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Halloween Horror Nights 2018: House backstory REVEALED

July 3, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

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Even though it doesn’t start for another two-and-a-half months, this year’s Halloween Horror Nights has already proven to be something of a return to form; the hallowed event used to be a more synchronized or cohesive affair, with a headlining icon that would set the year’s theme and tone both, with a set of haunted […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Halloween Horror Nights 2018: Every scare zone REVEALED

June 28, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

UPDATE (07.29.18): during this year’s Midsummer Scream panel, Universal had a few surprises up its sleeve regarding the Killer Klowns from Outer Space scare zone – most, if not all, of the Klowns from the cult film will be represented on the streets of Universal Studios Florida, as will the infamous ice cream truck. Okay, yes […]

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What if Universal built Scooby-Doo’s Spooky Island?

June 25, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

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Scooby-Doo may be 49-years-old, but the franchise has managed to maintain a firm place in the pop-cultural landscape thanks to its nearly-infinite number of television series (which have continued on up through this year), films, direct-to-video releases, and spinoff tie-ins, which even include stage productions. Likewise, it’s already been 16 years since the two live-action […]

Orlando Informer Blog

Slaughter Sinema announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2018

June 21, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

When Universal said that this year’s Halloween Horror Nights would be ’80s-themed, it really wasn’t kidding – the second original house for the event, Slaughter Sinema, has just been announced, and it’s a retro throwback for the ages. Themed as a drive-in from that indelible decade, the maze will consist of several different fictitious B-flicks that […]

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Infinity Falls’s complete ride experience at SeaWorld Orlando

June 20, 2018 Marc N. Kleinhenz

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Ever since SeaWorld first announced its revolutionary Infinity Falls river-rapids ride a little over a year ago, interest has been sky-high, and it’s easy to see why: at 40 feet, its final drop is the biggest in the world for an attraction of its type, and the entire experience is the very first built-from-the-ground-up manifestation […]