Orlando Informer Blog Archives

Kopiko Wai Winding River at Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay

5 top Volcano Bay questions (and our best answers)

March 6, 2017 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Universal Orlando Resort has been on a roll for the past five years, adding new rides, restaurants, and hotels at an unprecedentedly fast clip (that’s … Read more

4 ways Harry Potter influenced Avatar Land

February 1, 2017 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

There’s been so much hype for this summer’s Pandora: The World of Avatar – most of it from Disney’s Imagineers and Avatar’s filmmakers themselves – … Read more

SeaWorld releases Seven Seas Food Festival full menu

January 31, 2017 by Taylor Strickland

SeaWorld Orlando has released the full menu for their new Seven Seas Food Festival. The event will features over 60 unique dishes from 11 global … Read more

Krakatau Aqua Coaster at Universal's Volcano Bay

11 future attractions coming to Universal in 2017 and beyond

July 25, 2017 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

UPDATE (10:43 am 07.25.17): given yesterday’s Dragon Challenge closure announcement – and, well, given the fact that we’re now firmly in the back half of … Read more

Universal Orlando testing photo validation technology

Universal testing Facial Recognition for Universal Express

July 18, 2022 by Taylor Strickland

Update 3-15-17: We can confirm that Universal has been testing “photo validation technology” at the following attractions at Universal Orlando Resort: Cat in the Hat Amazing … Read more

$Last week’s big Harry Potter news – that a nightly show involving projection-mapping on Hogwarts Castle is coming later this year – was not only incredibly popular amongst the Universal faithful, it also underlined the company’s approach to keeping its two Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter fresh and exciting without having to build new rides. Keeping our purview strictly to Hogsmeade, other manifestations of this mentality include adding in new flavors of Butterbeer, whether they be hot drinks or potted cream or fudge; replacing Jonko’s Joke Shop with an expanded Honeydukes; and inserting new interactive wand experiences throughout the area. This is a strategy that, actually, is a sheer stroke of genius – it keeps providing a new reason for guests to come back year after year, while costing Universal only a small fraction of the cost that designing a brand-new ride system or constructing an entirely new show building would entail. It is, in fact, something that has already begun to spread to other areas of the resort (Raptor Encounter, which opened over in Jurassic Park in 2015, replaced the long-closed Triceratops Encounter without involving any bulldozers) and, even, to Disney itself (that same year, Frozen Summer Fun Live took over Hollywood Studios, involving a slew of shows, meet-‘n-greets, and, of course, merchandise). The next logical step, therefore, would be to expand this program even further, to have it touch more lands across all of Universal Orlando Resort. What other updates or new experiences can be slipped into both of the theme parks’ pre-existing infrastructure? We’ve got a few ideas, as it turns out, and we’re happy to share them with you below. 1. Skull Island Universal Orlando Resort’s newest land may also be its smallest, but that doesn’t stop it from having a great deal of room for future growth. Currently, the tiny sliver of real estate that used to be part of next-door Jurassic Park has just three stops for eager adventurers: Reign of Kong, that beautifully-realized (and highly controversial) ride, and two kiosks – Base Camp Provisions, which is dedicated to merch, and The Mess Tent, which carries food. It’s the latter that first concerns us, as it can easily have its rather generic offerings of standard, boring hot dogs and pretzels be expanded – or, preferably, replaced – by exclusive culinary items. Obviously, going the route of Harry Potter’s Butterbeer or The Simpsons’ Duff Beer isn’t feasible, but why not include banana-centric concoctions – including ice cream, alcohol, or both – or, say, an 8th Wonder Expedition Company meal kit for newly-arrived explorers, appropriately themed to the 1930s setting? Food cart or not, there’s no reason for The Mess Tent to be utterly forgettable. Even better, though, would be something of the spectacle variety. When Skull Island first opened, Universal put on a brief performance that saw actors representing the four audio-animatronic drivers that “operate” Reign of Kong’s ride vehicles inadvertently summon the big guy with a smattering of fog and pyrotechnics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgQKRaaeSZY Now, of course, there are severe restrictions on everything from physical space to the usage of flame effects, but there’s still plenty of options left. The tribal witch who summons Kong in both the queue and the show above can periodically come out at nights in a ritual that bids the king good night (something to help siphon crowds away from the Hogwarts show), or the flesh-and-blood counterparts of the drivers could come out during busier seasons to meet-and-greet with the crowds, including swapping other mythological stories. 2. Springfield, USA The home of the Simpsons is already a wonderfully fun and detailed area, filled to the brim with everything from photo-ops to Flaming Moe’s. The idea here, then, is to simply continue to expand Springfield’s already-robust attractions rather than attempt to fill in any gaping holes, and the best place to start is none other than Fast Food Blvd – if the Wizarding Worlds can receive new varieties of Butterbeer, why can’t Duff get a new flavor, even if it’s just a seasonal holiday offering? Or how about that hot dog idea the television series’s writers came up with that had a name that was some dozen words long? But what should really get guests’ blood flowing is the possibility of certain celebrations throughout the year – think of it like what Disney has transformed Epcot into, but on a much smaller (and, hopefully, more humorous) level. Oktoberfest seems ripe for a Springfield street fair, replete with all-new and seasonally-exclusive drinks (for both children and adults), but it’s still not as perfect as the always-rumored Treehouse of Horror event, which could be thrown during the already-incredibly-popular Halloween Horror Nights – think of it as the daytime, kid-friendly portion of the Halloween festivities, something more akin to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party over at Magic Kingdom. Still not convinced? Well, there’s more – Camp Krusty for the dog days of summer, or some sort of Christmas event (to go along with that also-always-rumored Yule Ball across the park), or Whacking Day, when all the Springfield citizens drag out snakes and whack them to death in the town square. …on second thought, we’ll scratch that last one. 3. Marvel Super Hero Island Marvel Super Hero Island is, unsurprisingly, in something of a weird state of play: although Universal does own – in perpetuity – the theme park rights for a number of Marvel Comics characters, Disney is the company’s corporate parent and probably would see it in its best interest to try and derail any new developments at its competitor’s park (though there are many in the themed online community who contend that the Mouse is now fully resigned to the fact that it’ll never be allowed to fully implement Marvel characters in Walt Disney World and has, as such, become much more cooperative with Universal, on the basis that increased ticket and merchandise sales still end up in its coffers). So we’re going to limit all talk of tearing down Doctor Doom’s Fearfall and Storm Force Accelatron for a new Avengers-themed dark ride and instead focus on a couple of smaller, more distinct possibilities. First up: with both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley already the recipients of interactive wands and Volcano Bay getting its TapuTapu bracelets when it opens this summer, it’s time for other areas at Universal Orlando to get similarly interactive elements, and there are few locations that would benefit from such an addition as well as Marvel Super Hero Island would. Captain America’s shield, Iron Man’s gauntlet (not unlike what we saw in that recent Universal patent), Wolverine’s claws, and Spider-Man’s web-slingers would all prove to be ideal interactive gadgets, and, what’s more, each could be made to provide a slightly different experience, making different parts of the comic-book land respond to your commands. Now let’s throw projection-mapping into the mix. Already used during Halloween Horror Nights to simulate buildings collapsing or to make the different house emblems and mascots slide around Hogwarts Castle during Wizarding World grand openings, such projectors could be used to similar effect here – the Avengers could be seen fighting against, say, Ultron or Loki, with the action unfolding from building to building all throughout the area. But an even cooler (and, probably, more feasible) effect would be to combine them with the interactive props and create something of mini videogames; in this way, the Avengers could assemble in the form of teams of guests coming together, and they would be forced to work together like their comic book counterparts do in order to win the game – a guest using Spidey’s web goo, for instance, could momentarily incapacitate one of Dr. Doom’s robotic henchmen who has just come around the corner, while another player wearing Wolvie’s claws could then finish him off. That’s what I would do, at least, if I ran the (Universal) zoo. What other areas of the resort deserve this type of sprucing up? What other types of experiences would you want to see installed? Let us know in the comments below.$

3 Ways Universal can expand, Harry Potter-style

December 3, 2017 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Last week’s big Harry Potter news – that a nightly show involving projection-mapping on Hogwarts Castle could be coming later this year – was not only … Read more

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium milkshakes at Universal Orlando CityWalk

Orlando Informer’s Top 9 Stories in 2016

December 31, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

2016 brought a lot to Universal Orlando. A chocolate emporium, mysterious island rumored to be inhabited by a giant ape, and completely refurbished coaster all … Read more

Hogwarts Castle's projection mapping at the Universal Studios Hollywood grand opening

RUMOR: Universal’s New Harry Potter Nighttime Show

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

This article has been tagged as a rumor. Please read our note from the editor to learn about rumors on Orlando Informer. On Christmas Eve, Screamscape … Read more

Secret Life of Pets comes to Universal's Superstar Parade

Secret Life of Pets debuts in Universal’s Superstar Parade

July 18, 2022 by Taylor Strickland

The Secret Life of Pets made its first appearance in Universal Orlando’s Superstar Parade yesterday. Similar to other units of the parade, The Secret Life of … Read more

6 Universal Patents Predict the Future of Theme Parks

December 23, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

It’s not enough that Universal unleashed three of the most revolutionary rides on theme park audiences anywhere in the world – that would be 1999’s … Read more

Super Nintendo World coming to Universal Studios Japan

Super Nintendo World revealed for Universal Studios Japan

December 12, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

Super Nintendo World has been announced for Universal Studios Japan. It is scheduled to open in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The area will have … Read more

First Details on Universal Orlando’s Nintendo Land

November 29, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

After originally announcing their partnership a year-and-a-half ago, Universal and Nintendo just today revealed the first details on their highly-anticipated Nintendo Land, which is now … Read more

Return Time Tickets at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando begins testing return time tickets for select attractions

November 26, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

Universal Orlando has activated a new feature in their official app that allows you to reserve return time tickets for select attractions, Orlando Informer has … Read more

Cinderella's castle at night lit up with bright white lights.

Walt Disney World Holiday Guide 2016

November 26, 2016 by Jeff Siegal

If cold weather is not your bag of presents, then Orlando is the place to be during the Holiday season. Although it has been unseasonably … Read more

The Thunderbird from "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"

Fantastic Beasts: Top 3 theme-park attractions

November 19, 2018 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

After the Harry Potter film series ended in 2011, most in the muggle world thought that, barring the occasional short story on author J.K. Rowling’s … Read more

Secret Life of Pets set to join Universal’s Superstar Parade

November 21, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

Today Universal Orlando Show Director Lora Wallace shared the details on Universal’s two new floats that will joined their daily Superstar Parade next month. The smaller … Read more

Ticket windows at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Orlando fully implements seasonal pricing on one day tickets

November 15, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

Universal Orlando has fully implemented seasonal pricing on one day tickets. Guests who purchase 1 day park to park or single park tickets to Universal … Read more

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal's Islands of Adventure

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey set for refurbishment

December 18, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey will close for 18 days, Orlando Informer has learned. The attraction will be closed from December 1 through December … Read more

4 Reasons to be Excited about Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon

November 9, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

Men in Black: Alien Attack at Universal Studios Florida

Ride technician dies at Men in Black: Alien Attack

November 8, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

A ride technician was found unresponsive in the rafters of Men in Black: Alien Attack early Tuesday morning. Emergency services were called to the attraction … Read more

Universal's Aventura Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando announces sixth on-site hotel: Aventura Hotel

November 9, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

Russ Dagon, Vice President and Executive Project Director at Universal Creative, revealed the details of Universal’s sixth on-site hotel Monday. The sixth on-site hotel, titled Universal’s Aventura … Read more

Dragon Challenge in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade at Universal's Islands of Adventure

Harry Potter: 4 attractions that could replace Dragon Challenge

November 4, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Almost exactly a year ago, Screamscape reported on a rumor that just started to make the rounds regarding Dragon Challenge, that imposing dual roller coaster … Read more

Krakatau at Universal's Volcano Bay concept art

Inside look at Universal’s Volcano Bay

July 19, 2022 by Taylor Strickland

Universal Orlando shared more details about Universal’s Volcano Bay on Thursday. Volcano Bay is their all-new water theme park opening in early summer 2017. Volcano … Read more

Could these be the future of theme park drinks?

November 2, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon at Universal Studios Florida

Jimmy Fallon ride details revealed for Universal Orlando

November 1, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

Universal Orlando has lifted the veil on Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, the brand new ride coming to Universal Studios Florida in Spring 2017. … Read more

Top 6 kid-friendly beverages at Universal Orlando

October 28, 2016 by Dani

We don’t call ourselves the Sunshine State without good reason – it’s hot here! Universal Orlando offers plenty of ways to cool off and beat … Read more

Celebrate National Chocolate Day with a NEW Toothsome shake

October 25, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

National Chocolate Day is right around the corner on Friday, October 28! Before you ask, of course Universal Orlando is celebrating. Festivities kick off at 11 … Read more

6 ideas for date night at Halloween Horror Nights 26

September 17, 2021 by Mia Cintron

What makes you reach for that special someone more than hair raising, heart throbbing fear? Sure, you could go see the latest scary movie and … Read more

Halloween Horror Nights 26 at Universal Orlando Resort

Halloween Horror Nights 2016 extension confirmed

September 17, 2021 by Taylor Strickland

As first reported by Orlando Informer almost two weeks ago, Halloween Horror Nights 26 has officially been extended two additional nights. The event will now … Read more

Tomb of the Ancients at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights 2016

RUMOR: Halloween Horror Nights 2016 extended two extra nights

September 17, 2021 by Taylor Strickland

Universal Orlando will likely extended Halloween Horror Nights 2016 an additional two nights, Orlando Informer has learned. Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that … Read more

Ghost Town: The Curse of Lightning Gulch at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights 2016

Step inside the original houses at Halloween Horror Nights 2016

September 17, 2021 by Taylor Strickland

Last week, we took you inside American Horror Story at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2016. This week, we’re excited to take you inside a … Read more

Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando

Top 5 Items from Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes in Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando

October 4, 2016 by Jeff Siegal

One of my favorite shops to visit in all of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes toy and joke shop. … Read more

Moira O'Hara in American Horror Story at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights 2016

Step Inside American Horror Story at Halloween Horror Nights 2016

September 17, 2021 by Taylor Strickland

In case you missed our coverage over the past months, including when we sent my mother through the house, American Horror Story is at Universal … Read more

Halloween Horror Nights 2016 at Universal Orlando: Full Review

September 17, 2021 by Taylor Strickland

Universal Orlando’s biggest event of the year has begun its 26th run. Halloween Horror Nights 26 runs a select 31 nights now through October 31. … Read more

Pineapple Rum Cake from Amatista Cookhouse at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Magical Dining Month at Orlando Theme Parks

April 30, 2018 by Taylor Strickland

We’re right in the middle of Orlando’s Magical Dining Month and if you’re visiting the Orlando area before October 3, you should consider indulging. What … Read more

Halloween Horror Nights 26 Merch Sneak Peek

September 17, 2021 by Taylor Strickland

In a surprise move, Universal Orlando made all of the Chance themed Halloween Horror Nights 26 merchandise visible in their online store overnight. It’s unclear … Read more

Universal Orlando honors Pulse victims apart of the NBCUniversal family

Universal honors Pulse victims with window tribute

September 3, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

Universal Orlando recently added a window tribute in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida in memory of the Pulse victims that were a part … Read more

Universal Orlando Resort new plastic Annual Passes

Universal Orlando raises Annual Pass prices by up to 49% in one year, adds perks

September 1, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

Universal Orlando Resort debuted an Annual Pass price increase, new ticket option, and added perks for Passholders on Wednesday. The price increase marks the second … Read more

Hollywood area at Universal Studios Florida

Complimentary Mosquito Repellent Available at Universal, Disney, and SeaWorld

August 27, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

Universal Orlando, Disney World, and SeaWorld Entertainment will begin providing complimentary mosquito repellent beginning Sunday, August 28, 2016. This is a direct response to the … Read more

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal Orlando CityWalk

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium preview plagued with “shakes”

August 26, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen has begun its preview period this week, opening nightly for guests. (Lunch service will soon be added.) Over the … Read more

American Horror Story coming to Halloween Horror Nights

September 17, 2021 by Taylor Strickland

American Horror Story is coming to Halloween Horror Nights 26, Universal Orlando officials announced today. The critically-acclaimed, Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning television series is … Read more

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Waterfalls at Universal Orlando

REVIEW: Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort

August 14, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

Over 1,000 photos, 10 OI Center pages, and countless visits to Sapphire Falls later… All that’s left? Our official review of the new on-site hotel. … Read more

8 Unique Photos of an Empty Animal Kingdom at Night

August 12, 2016 by Trevor Aydelotte

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of my favorite theme parks to visit in the world. Not necessarily for the amount of thrilling attractions that this … Read more

Ghost Town: The Curse of Lightning Gulch at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights 26

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights 26 REVEALED

September 17, 2021 by Taylor Strickland

Universal Orlando officials have blown the lid off Halloween Horror Nights 26, sharing the details of this year’s original content that includes three original houses, … Read more

Halloween at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Japan

Halloween comes to the Wizarding World Japan, more events on the horizon

August 9, 2016 by Taylor Strickland

In an announcement that surprised many, Universal Studios Japan revealed today that for the first time ever there will be a Halloween event in their … Read more

Halloween Horror Nights 26 at Universal Orlando

Universal reveals Horror Nights house and number of zones

September 17, 2021 by Taylor Strickland

Universal Orlando Annual Passholders began receiving the fall mailer on Saturday. Within the seasonal packet that is mailed to most passholders is the name of … Read more

Krampus at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights 26

Krampus coming to Halloween Horror Nights 26

September 17, 2021 by Taylor Strickland

Krampus is coming to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 26, show director Charles Gray revealed on Universal’s blog today. Few details were shared about the … Read more

New Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure

New Incredible Hulk Coaster begins soft opening at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

June 2, 2017 by Taylor Strickland

The completely redone Incredible Hulk Coast began soft opening on Monday, August 1, at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The green one himself towered over the … Read more

REVIEW: Strong Water Tavern Rum Tasting at Sapphire Falls Resort

July 21, 2016 by Dani

I remember one of the first pieces of concept art for Loews Sapphire Falls Resort I ever laid eyes on featured the Strong Water Tavern. … Read more

4 Pokemon Go-inspired attractions to put into Universal’s parks

July 13, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Pokemon Go has, over the course of the past week, dominated news stories (thanks to its being used on smart phones more than Tinder and … Read more

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