Reader poll: Winning the theme park wars – Disney vs. Universal on food
It’s time to head to the front lines again and fight the theme park wars. And in honor of this week’s one-year anniversary of The … Read more
Rumor round-up for June 6, 2014: More Diagon Alley stores and their locations, casting spells in the wizarding world, and conversational goblins
At last! The most exact(ing) layout of Diagon Alley yet If you’ll recall from last week, we were on something of a tear to find … Read more
Harry Potter stars tour Diagon Alley: Relive the magic and examine every detail we learned
Yesterday, on Thursday, June 5, Harry Potter stars Oliver Phelps (George Weasley), James Phelps (Fred Weasley), and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) stopped by both Wizarding … Read more
CityWalk’s next generation, wave two: Menchie’s, Harry Potter, and the all-new Universal Studios Store
The evolution of Universal CityWalk continues. This week marks the opening of one new treat stop, a totally revamped merchandise store, and a two-month celebration … Read more
I-Drive 360 and the Polercoaster: Orlando’s two must-visit attractions of 2015 won’t be in a theme park
I-Drive 360: Orlando’s newest entertainment complex Having difficulty keeping up with I-Walk Orlando/I-Drive Live/Orlando Eye/I-Drive 360? You’re hardly alone. A lot has changed since last … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Diagon Alley attraction requirements, expectant mothers rider’s chart, Team Members continue to impress us
Welcome to our latest edition of Special Needs Are Universal, a now-monthly column that will highlight the questions received and answered on the OI Community … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: May 25 – 31, 2014
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Rumor round-up for May 30, 2014: New details about Gringotts, limiting the Hogwarts Express, and the latest intel on wands, drinks & shops
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts: The good Just recently, the wonderful Bob Wadd posted some pics and video of his latest helicopter fly-by … Read more
Cinematic Spectacular Dining Experience: VIP treatment for Universal’s evening lagoon show
In all my years visiting Universal Studios Florida, I have never eaten at Lombard’s Seafood Grille in the San Francisco backlot of the park. We’ve … Read more
Real guest reviews of Universal Orlando: Even more amazing reviews submitted by our fans (and last weekend’s Review & Win contest winners announced!)
Our site is the world’s most popular independent guide to Universal Orlando Resort — comprehensive, obsessively updated & completely free — and used by more … Read more
Piecing together Diagon Alley’s grand opening date: Everything we know right now
Let’s be honest: it’s a little disheartening – not to mention just a tad crazy – that Universal hasn’t announced the opening date of the … Read more
Duplo Valley: Making LEGOLAND Florida the very first theme park for the entire family
With so many theme parks to choose from in Central Florida, how do you choose which one to take your family to? Well, if you’ve … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: May 18 – 24, 2014
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Cabana Bay Beach Resort: The thrills of staying at Universal’s newest on-site hotel
For over a year, I drove by Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s construction site, eagerly noting how much I couldn’t wait to experience it. Just based … Read more
Disney’s Expedition Everest Challenge 5K: A personal transformation and an exhilarating time
Over 18 months ago, I set a goal for myself to go from being a 48-year-old couch potato to training for and finishing all the … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: May 11 – 17, 2014
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Reader poll: What’s the most important element of a theme park land?
The recent slew of details that has been unleashed this past week regarding Diagon Alley’s attractions, shops, and overall level of detail has not only … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – May 2014 (Hogsmeade Station, King Kong construction + CityWalk update)
I visited Islands of Adventure this past weekend, and to say I enjoyed my time at the park is an understatement. But before I get … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – May 2014 (Diagon Alley is almost complete, media invites sent out for a preview event, the joy of Springfield)
With so many changes happening, it feels like it has been forever since I visited Universal Studios Florida. (In reality, it’s only been a few … Read more
THE BIG 5: Top five Escape from Gringotts features Potter fans have been waiting for
You’ve read all the reasons why non-Potter Muggles should get excited over Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – now it’s time to roll … Read more
THE BIG 5: Top five Escape from Gringotts features non-Potter fans will love
Today’s the day: Universal officially unveiled a slew of new details on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, the flagship attraction of its new … Read more
Fogo de Chao on I-Drive: We sample the sizzling new bar menu & handcrafted cocktails
Fogo de Chao is best know for their continuous tableside service that includes 16 cuts of incredible meats in the main dining area. Guests control … Read more
SeaWorld Orlando trip report – May 2014 (a new way to experience Antarctica, Shamu Stadium reopens, and more 50th anniversary celebrations)
This Mother’s Day, my family decided to spend time together at SeaWorld. It was hot and humid, but the crowds didn’t seem that bad at … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: May 4 – May 10, 2014
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Complete telling of the Hogwarts Express ride experience at Universal Orlando
The prologue and the promise It’s time. Using a Portkey to sneak into our back offices, a group of our most trusted informants has sketched … Read more
Ihu’s Breakaway Falls at Aquatica: So exhilarating, it’s a rollercoaster with water
Ihu’s Breakaway Falls officially opens at Aquatica today, May 9. This is the tallest, steepest, and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in Orlando. … Read more
Magic Kingdom trip report – May 2014 (Festival of Fantasy is lyrical, Frozen is dominating & Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is almost here!)
Take five days in early May, add in three theme park enthusiasts and one condominium a few miles from Downtown Disney, and you’ve got the … Read more
Orlando water park adventures: Finding the best place to splash & play in 2014
Ahh! Summertime is knocking on Florida’s door. The seasons of fall, winter, and spring are always short-lived in the Sunshine State – that’s why an avid … Read more
“Rock Your Disney Side” in the month of May: Mine Train opens, Star Wars Weekends, Epcot evening indulgences & Magic Kingdom 24-hour event
Magic Kingdom: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opens May 28 The lovable world of Sleepy, Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy and Dopey comes excitingly to life … Read more
Staying on-site at Hard Rock Hotel: Experience a Universal Orlando vacation at its best
Being the poor college graduate that I am, all my visits to Universal Orlando have included accommodations at an off-site hotel. However, recently I had … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: April 28 – May 3, 2014
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Rumor round-up for May 2, 2014: New Harry Potter food & souvenirs, clues to Early Park Admission, but where’s the grand opening announcement?
Eating, drinking & buying your way around Diagon Alley It’s already May, which means that (more than likely) the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – … Read more
Rocky Horror Picture Show at Universal CityWalk: Giving in to absolute pleasure and a great night out
My love affair with The Rocky Horror Picture Show came late in life, and by late I mean that I only just discovered it in … Read more
Busch Gardens Tampa trip report – April 2014 (Falcon’s Fury test runs, Pantopia progress, “Iceploration” & the new Refresh Market)
When we asked my daughter whether she wanted a party for her birthday or to bring a friend with her to Busch Gardens, she only … Read more
Fun Spot America trip report – April 2014 (new attractions, the Sweet Spot & deals to save you money)
The first time I wrote about Fun Spot America, they just had their grand re-opening. Almost a year has gone by since then, and I … Read more
Guide to FastPass+ at Walt Disney World: Unlimited FastPass reservations now open to all guests
Update – April 28, 2014 Starting today, Monday, April 28, guests can select more FastPasses once they are in the park and have used up … Read more
Nickelodeon Studios at Universal Orlando: A cherished history & our hope for its return
Universal Studios Florida formerly hosted Nickelodeon Studios when the theme park opened in 1990. The studio was used for filming popular shows on the network … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: April 20 – 27, 2014
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Reader poll: Winning the theme park wars – Disney vs. Universal on cleanliness & immersion
This week, Universal psyched us all out when it flew The Today Show’s Al Roker out to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon … Read more
Rumor round-up for April 25, 2014: Building more Potter, replacing KidZone, canceling Jurassic Park, and starting King Kong
The future’s so bright, I gotta wear (wizarding) shades We all know that this summer’s opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon … Read more
Three incredible ways Diagon Alley is lavishly improving on Hogsmeade’s wizarding formula
It isn’t just with park-connecting rides and compelling merchandising opportunities that Universal plans on expounding upon the Wizarding World of Harry Potter formula that it … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: April 13 – 19, 2014
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Rumor SPOTLIGHT for April 18, 2014: Interactive wands – the next generation of the Wizarding World
Pulling its own version of a rumor round-up, Central Florida Top 5 has managed to combine all previously-leaked information with some insider intel of its … Read more
Disney’s Animal Kingdom trip report – April 2014 (FastPass+ progress, World of Avatar construction & best tips for touring)
For this month’s Walt Disney World trip report, I spent a “wild” day at Animal Kingdom this past weekend. The weather was beautiful, with temperatures … Read more
Spring Break 2014 survival guide: Lessons learned from visiting Universal Orlando at its busiest
There is a Universal Orlando vacation, then there is a Universal Orlando vacation during Spring Break. While the rising temperatures and festive spirit of the … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: April 7 – April 12, 2014
OI Universal Center updates Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all … Read more
Doing good never looked so good: Help us raise awareness during Autism Awareness month by shopping Stella & Dot
April is Autism Awareness month, and Orlando Informer is partnering with Autism At The Parks and Stella & Dot to raise awareness and money all … Read more
Rumor round-up for April 11, 2014: Diagon Alley’s soft openings, King Kong’s secrets, and Universal Orlando’s new ride (literally)
Harry Potter and the Soft Openings The exact opening date of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley has been all over the … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – April 2014 (Hogsmeade Station looking good, Zonko’s looking sad & a heart-warming Seuss story)
This past weekend we visited Islands of Adventure, and it turned out to be one of those days where everything was fantastic! I enjoy sharing … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – April 2014 (CityWalk & Diagon Alley construction, parking fee increase & inside Curious George Goes to Town)
Wouldn’t you agree that spending a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Universal Studios Florida is a great way to spend a spring day? I just did … Read more