Orlando Informer Blog Archives

Disney unveils a first-ever Ant-Man ride

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Hong Kong Disneyland is currently in the midst of its own Universal Orlando Resort-esque expansion and renovation plan – with a price tag of $1.4 … Read more

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon at Universal Studios Florida

How Jimmy Fallon is the future of theme park attractions

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

One could make the argument that Race through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon has a lot going against it: its show building is small and … Read more

LEGO Batman Movie Days coming to LEGOLAND Florida

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

If you’re a fan of the new LEGO Batman Movie, which has already grossed over $136 million at the box office since its February 10th … Read more

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon in Technical Rehearsal

TECHNICAL REHEARSALS: Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon

July 18, 2022 by Taylor Strickland

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon soft opened for the first time Thursday, March 2 at 3:50PM. Orlando Informer was there to share the … Read more

Disney World announces Miss Adventure Falls opening date

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

The latest water slide at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Miss Adventure Falls, will officially be opening on March 12, just in time for the big Disney … Read more

Kraken's new VR upgrade at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld is looking down – but not out

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

SeaWorld’s revenue and attendance numbers for 2016 were released this week, and the situation – as one might expect – isn’t particularly good. The company … Read more

Disney World announces new Pandora – The World of AVATAR pin collection

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

With the grand opening of Pandora – The World of AVATAR just a few months away, Disney announced one of the first pieces of Pandora merchandise … Read more

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney World announces opening date for Copper Creek Villas & Cabins

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Walt Disney World announced today that the new Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will officially be ready for its first guests on … Read more

SeaWorld Orlando announces new “Dolphin Days” show

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

SeaWorld Orlando announced today that a new dolphin show is coming to their park called “Dolphin Days.” This new show will be replacing the Blue … Read more

Jimmy Fallon describes ‘Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon’ as “insane”

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

In a recent interview with the “Today” show on NBC, Matt Lauer asks Fallon about his new “cool thing” at Universal Orlando, which is of course … Read more

Star Wars Land at Hollywood Studios early concept art

Disney World’s Star Wars Land is already shaping up!

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

One of the biggest developments to come out of The Walt Disney Company’s purchasing of Lucasfilm back in October 2012 – besides getting two new … Read more

New ‘Quest to LEGOLAND’ game will entertain your kids on the road

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

One of the biggest frustrations of a road trip is trying to entertain the kids so you and your kids don’t go crazy. LEGOLAND Florida … Read more

Disney World confirms the return of Epcot International Festival of the Arts in 2018

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Walt Disney World confirmed today that the Epcot International Festival of the Arts will be returning in 2018. This parkwide event at Epcot features a variety … Read more

Universal expanding its global theme park empire?

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Universal Studios Hollywood may have started the whole shebang off, Universal Orlando Resort may be the company’s crown jewel, and Universal Studios Japan may be … Read more

Universal Orlando testing Savioke Personal Service Robot at Cabana Bay Beach Resort

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

How cool would it be to have items delivered to your room via robot? According to the official Universal Orlando Twitter account, the park is … Read more

COMCAST NBCUniversal to acquire full ownership of Universal Studios Japan

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Comcast NBCUniversal announced today that it has agreed to purchase the remaining 49 percent ownership of Universal Studios Japan, which is currently owned by Goldman Sachs, former … Read more

3 hidden areas at Islands of Adventure you may not know about

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

One of the benefits of being at the parks almost every week is that I get to explore every nook and cranny of the parks … Read more

New Pandora – The World of AVATAR video shows guests inside the new expansion

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Another day, another Pandora – The World of AVATAR video from Disney! This time the video gives us a glimpse of guests inside the new … Read more

What are the best shoes to wear (and not to wear) at a theme park?

February 25, 2017 by Clint Gamache

One of the single most important wardrobe decisions you can make when visiting any theme park is what kind of shoes you’re going to wear … Read more

4 secrets of Minion Park, the new Despicable Me land coming to Japan

April 24, 2018 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Despicable Me – which is now intertwined with its spinoff franchise, Minions – has been a growing cinematic phenomenon, with its most recent release grossing … Read more

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Walt Disney World

Disney World increases Disney Dining Plan prices

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

If you’re planning on purchasing the Disney Dining Plan anytime soon for your vacation to Walt Disney World, be prepared to spend a little more. … Read more

Universal Orlando releases retro attraction posters featuring Jaws, Back to the Future, and Twister

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Back to the Future, Jaws, Twister, all of the classic rides that we so dearly miss at Universal Studios Florida can now be part of … Read more

Skyplex Orlando on International Drive announces new addition to its growing list of thrill rides

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Skyplex on International Drive, the massive thrill ride tower complex that is scheduled to start construction later this year, just announced yet another thrill ride … Read more

New ‘Caring for Giants’ African Elephant experience available at Animal Kingdom

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

A new experience is available for guests that visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom called Caring for Giants, where guests can get closer than ever to African … Read more

Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde explains how ‘Avatar’ will continue Animal Kingdom’s legacy

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

When Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened back in 1998, one of the biggest aspects of the park was the focus on the conservation and preservation of … Read more

Walt Disney World announces new Sip, Savor, Sparkle event at Contemporary Resort

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

UPDATE (3-13-17) Walt Disney World has extended this event until September 24 2017 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Walt Disney World announced a new seperate ticketed event … Read more

Universal Orlando Resort and Hollywood launch new joint advertisement campaign

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood announced a new joint advertisement campaign called “I’m Ready.” This new advertisement campaign is the first time Universal Orlando … Read more

IMPACT Wrestling announces 2017 filming dates at Universal Orlando Resort

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

TNA Wrestling announced a variety of dates for filming at Universal Orlando Resort. The live shows will take place on select dates March through August … Read more

Walt Disney World gives us our closest look yet at the Na’vi River Journey attraction in new video

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Walt Disney World has remained pretty hush, hush about the two new attractions inside Pandora – The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, the Na’vi River … Read more

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Single-riders’ line, and how it can help you on your vacation

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

One of the biggest secrets at the Orlando-area theme parks is the single-riders’ line for certain attractions. Not all of the rides have them, but … Read more

Ticket information released for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon filming at Universal Orlando Resort

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

UPDATE: Tickets for all tapings and the monologue rehearsal have sold out. According to the official Tonight Show Twitter handle @FallonTix, which is the official … Read more

Universal Orlando increases ticket prices

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Universal Orlando raised ticket prices today at the parks, following Disney World by just a few days. Of course, the one-day one-park option saw an … Read more

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Expansion

Walt Disney World announces massive expansion to Coronado Springs and updates to Caribbean Beach Resort

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Walt Disney World announced massive changes coming to both Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach Resorts today. The changes include new additions and upgrades to both resorts. … Read more

RUMOR: New gondola transportation system could be coming to Walt Disney World

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Update 4/18/17: According to the Orlando Sentinel, new documents have been discovered via the Reedy Creek Improvement District that give us even more information on the … Read more

3 beginner tips to get the most out of MyMagic+ and FastPass+ at Walt Disney World

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Walt Disney World’s MyMagic+ can sometimes be a little confusing for first time guests to embrace on their first vacation to Walt Disney World. Between … Read more

Solid color MagicBand 2 and MagicKeepers now available in Disney Parks

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Walt Disney World recently announced the new MagicBand 2, but up until a few days ago, there were not available for guests to purchase inside … Read more

Geyser Point Bar & Grill now open at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World Resort

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

The first part of a massive expansion coming to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World is now open. The Geyser Point Bar & Grill … Read more

MyMagic+ Takes the Guest Experience to a New Level with MagicBands

Walt Disney World rumored to raise ticket prices soon

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

**UPDATE** The Orlando Sentinel has confirmed that the Walt Disney World price increases will go into effect tomorrow, February 12, 2017. What would the start … Read more

Walt Disney World releases food menu for 2017 Flower & Garden Festival

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

With winter winding down, if there is even such thing in Florida, Walt Disney World is gearing up for the 2017 Epcot International Flower & … Read more

New fireworks show coming to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Wishes Nighttime Spectacular will be ending on May 11 at the Magic Kingdom. It will be replaced with “Happily Ever After” beginning on May 12. … Read more

Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Rivers of Light opening date and dining packages released

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

Originally announced back in 2013, Rivers of Light seems to finally have an official starting date, February 17, 2017. The first show, according to DisneyWorld.com, … Read more

Universal CityWalk, on-site hotels power outage

February 8, 2017 by Taylor Strickland

Update 8:53PM: Power has been restored for CityWalk and the on-site hotels. Around 8PM on Wednesday, February 8, Universal Orlando CityWalk, on-site hotels, and their … Read more

Research suggests changes to Universal Citywalk

July 18, 2022 by Clint Gamache

With all of the changes going on at Universal Orlando Resort, it looks like we could be seeing some big changes coming to CityWalk. A … Read more

PHOTO GALLERY: Disney’s Rivers of Light nighttime show preview at Animal Kingdom

July 18, 2022 by Taylor Strickland

In a surprise move, Walt Disney World put on a private showing of Rivers of Light this evening for their Social Media Moms. The new nighttime … Read more

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

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