Renovated Rooms at Royal Pacific Resort
Royal Pacific Resort is in the process of updating their rooms and we have your first look. This is the first major renovation at the … Read more
2 possible replacements for Wet ‘n Wild
Two days ago, Universal made official what we all were assuming, anyway: Wet ‘n Wild, the 38-year-old Orlando staple, will be closing down on December … Read more
Epcot’s mid-life crisis
Note from the author: as promised/threatened on the latest episode of the Orlando Informer Podcast, here is the article originally published on Epcot’s 30th anniversary, … Read more
The soundtrack to your adventure
Anyone who has ever been to Universal Orlando Resort knows the magical feeling of walking in the front turnstiles. The feeling is nearly unexplainable; your … Read more
5 more “Hidden Mickeys” at Universal Orlando
This week’s list is five more “Hidden Mickeys” at Universal Orlando. (And by “Hidden Mickeys” I mean the little unknown secrets hidden throughout the parks… … Read more
Gluten free? You NEED to eat here
As a member of the gluten-free community, I am always cautiously skeptical yet optimistic that I will find a restaurant where I can eat more … Read more
5 most terrifying tourists
In a typical day working at Men in Black: Alien Attack, it was never out of reach for me to assume that I would come … Read more
Unearthing Jurassic Park’s past, present, and future
In a park filled with lands that overflow with detail and discovery, one of the most inviting is none other than Jurassic Park. At a … Read more
Your guide to Hogwarts house pride in Hogsmeade
Anyone who calls themselves a diehard Harry Potter fan most likely identifies with one of the four houses, whether J.K. Rowling’s website Pottermore picked it … Read more
Freddy and Jason come to life at Horror Nights 2015
TWO ULTIMATE HORROR ICONS, FREDDY AND JASON, COME TO LIFE AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS 25 Tickets are On Sale Now for the Biggest, … Read more
6 best photo spots at Islands of Adventure
One of the best things about a Universal Orlando vacation is looking back on the photographs you took while you were at the theme parks. … Read more
Bring the Wizarding World home: Butterbeer cookies
I’ve read all the Harry Potter books. I won’t deny it. I’ll even admit I had a crush on Daniel Radcliffe (Harry in the movies). … Read more
Universal’s 25th Anniversary: Pictorial History
The first time we visited Universal Studios Florida was in 1992. Our daughter was 10 and so little for her age but she was tall … Read more
Top 5 secrets of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Welcome to THE BIG 5, a definitive top-five list of various Orlando-related, uh, stuff. THE BIG 5 is wide ranging and will run the gamut … Read more
Unlocking Universal’s 2015 developments
2014, it’s safe to say, was a mega-year for Universal Orlando, with the likes of Cabana Bay Beach Resort, a wholly revamped CityWalk, and, of … Read more
How to party at Universal Orlando
I used the Orlando Informer website for absolutely everything when it came to my 21st birthday vacation. I planned a three-day, two-night trip to Universal … Read more
Top 5 extreme eats at Universal Orlando
Welcome to THE BIG 5, a definitive top five list of various Orlando-related, uh, stuff. THE BIG 5 is wide-ranging and will run the gamut … Read more
NBC Sports Grill & Brew first details
Announced to the public for the first time this morning, NBC Sports Grill & Brew is officially headed to CityWalk later this year, replacing NASCAR … Read more
Top 5 Volcano Bay Easter eggs
Now that the cat’s officially out of the bag (read: Universal officially announced its new Volcano Bay water park yesterday morning), many fans who have … Read more
Remembering Disney World’s best attraction (part 2)
This is a two-part article. To view the first part, click here. Horizons, which bowed on October 1, 1983 – one year to the day … Read more
Volcano Bay first details
Update: More details have been revealed for Volcano Bay. Learn more After literally several years of leaked trademarks and repeated rumors, Universal has today made … Read more
Orlando’s Tallest, Fastest, and Longest Coaster
Surfacing summer 2016 at SeaWorld Orlando will be Mako, a 200-foot-tall hypercoaster that will reach 73 mph along 4,760 feet of steel track — nearly … Read more
Remembering Disney World’s best attraction (part 1)
Horizons, which bowed on October 1, 1983 — one year to the day after Epcot itself opened — quickly established itself as the park’s premiere … Read more
The best HHN house? “The X-Files,” of course
Of all the myriad nerdy pop culture properties that I am passionately obsessive-compulsive about – and, trust me, there are a lot – one of … Read more
Top 5 reasons Disney fans should love Universal
You may not know this about me, but I love Disney World just as much as the next theme park fan. Simply because I run … Read more
How to make your family fall in love with Universal
My daughter and I could spend every vacation at a theme park. We love the rides, the shopping and the frenzy! However, my husband and … Read more
How Universal dropped the ball with Harry Potter
Editor’s note: This is my very first article on Orlando Informer, published all the way back in March 2012. Though now perhaps outdated by the … Read more
3 timeless tips for a special Universal anniversary
Note from the editor: although this trip report was originally filed back in September 2013, its tips are timelessly insightful and will help you to … Read more
The most rewarding birthday at Universal
Thank you, Universal Orlando, for making my five-year-old’s birthday the best ever! Two weeks ago, we stayed at Royal Pacific Resort, which was great. Right … Read more
5 terrific non-wand souvenirs at Universal
It’s easy to see that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the hottest thing at Universal right now. And during our recent family trip, … Read more
8 pieces of bad advice you should NEVER follow
It happens to the best of us. We’re happily planning an upcoming vacation – we diligently do our research, read an overwhelming amount of reviews, … Read more
A stroll down Universal’s memory lane
Universal Orlando is making changes and upgrades on a daily basis. With the Transformers: The Ride, Springfield USA, and Diagon Alley additions just to name … Read more
How Disney Is Aping Universal with Indiana Jones
When the Disney Company purchased Lucasfilm, Ltd. for $4 billion back in October 2012, everyone’s attention went straight to the mammoth Star Wars franchise. And … Read more
5 rides in Orlando that don’t go upside down
Who said rides have to go upside down to give you the thrill of a lifetime? Just like the attractions themselves, thrill seekers come in … Read more
Those who eat here vow to never go anywhere else
While visiting Universal’s theme parks, there’s definitely never a need to worry about finding incredible dining options; in fact, many times you might just be … Read more
Top 5 animal encounters at Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens Tampa is known for its amazing thrill rides, including the Falcon’s Fury drop tower that delivers a one-of-a-kind ride experience. But the park … Read more
Read this before taking your kids to the parks
For children, buying theme park souvenirs can be one of the very best parts of their Universal Orlando vacation. But for parents, the constant barrage … Read more
Solo theme park adventuring the right way
Solo theme-park hopping is as taboo as Jack Sparrow voyaging through Islands of Adventure. Yet the joys of deep theme-park exploration are priceless – if … Read more
What to expect from Nintendo at Universal
Did you miss the news that Nintendo is coming to Universal Orlando? That’s okay – word only broke this morning, literally with no warning whatsoever … Read more
Nintendo is coming to Universal Orlando
The headline of Universal’s press release says it all: “Nintendo partners with Universal Parks and Resorts to create world’s first-ever theme-park attractions based on Nintendo’s … Read more
How I got engaged at Universal
My boyfriend Don and I have annual passes to Universal Orlando, and we go to the parks often when we’re celebrating or just want to … Read more
Skull Island: Reign of Kong first details
See everything we know about Skull Island: Reign of Kong in our complete insider’s guide. King Kong will rule at Universal Orlando Resort next year … Read more
Disney’s best dining? Not in the parks
“So, where’s the best place to eat while I’m at Disney?” It’s a favorite question on forums across the internet, partially because the dining options … Read more
SNAU: moving walkways, Orlando Eye, and Universal discounts for disabled guests
Welcome to the May 2015 edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers from our readers and tips to help those … Read more
The Orlando Eye – Complete Guide
Today’s the day! I-Drive 360, home of The Orlando Eye, is officially open to the public. Last week, Orlando Informer was on hand to experience … Read more
400-foot Stunt Without a Harness
“Never give up,” 36-year-old Nik Wallenda’s tagline, shone through as much as ever as the daredevil took a walk atop The Orlando Eye with no … Read more
Explore Port of Entry’s many secrets
It beckons. With rich earth tones, exotic plants and fabrics, whimsical architecture, and an enchanting melody, Port of Entry at Islands of Adventure is an … Read more
3 things Universal’s future water park MUST deliver
Unless you’ve been stuck in line at Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts for the past year, you’ve heard all about this little water … Read more
14 great places to eat, 1 location
If I could give just one dining tip to Orlando visitors, I think I‘d have to go with making Restaurant Row a culinary must-do. Tucked … Read more
How to combine a cruise with your Orlando trip
An Orlando vacation is pretty incredible in itself, but there’s a way to take it to uncharted territory. With Orlando’s ideal location in the middle … Read more