A new spin on Chevy’s Fresh Mex gets its start in Orlando
The Crossroad Shopping Plaza in Lake Buena Vista, near Walt Disney World, is a popular place to find affordable, quality dining. Over the years many … Read more
My magical experience at A Celebration of Harry Potter: Day 3 (and two additional stories from guests critical of how Universal handled the event)
We now pick up Maureen’s “A Celebration of Harry Potter” trip report at the beginning of Day 3. If you missed our post covering Day … Read more
My magical experience at A Celebration of Harry Potter: Day 1 & Day 2
This past weekend I enthusiastically participated in “A Celebration of Harry Potter” at Universal Orlando. To understand my perspective on this weekend, I think I … Read more
LEGOLAND Florida: DUPLO Valley toddler area to open May 23, military personnel receive free admission in 2014
The DUPLO-sized fun starts May 23 A herd of cows, goats, chickens, and sheep arrived at LEGOLAND Florida to graze about in their new homes … Read more
After the webcast: Six incredible Diagon Alley secrets revealed that weren’t mentioned in the webcast
Yes, it’s only been a few days since last Thursday’s webcast officially announcing many of Diagon Alley’s key features, but that hasn’t stopped a whole … Read more
After the webcast: Step-by-step guide to EVERYTHING we now know about Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando
After a month of waiting, today was finally the day: Universal held its Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley webcast at 10:30 this … Read more
Walt Disney World trip report – January 2014 (guide to using FastPass+, top 10 tips & more)
Last weekend my family and I visited Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I was very interested to learn how the new FastPass+ system was … Read more
SeaWorld Orlando trip report – January 2014 (dolphin encounters, Wild Days Sea Rescue & Shamu Up Close)
Even with temperatures below what any Floridian would call comfortable, we couldn’t miss the Wild Days Sea Rescue at SeaWorld last weekend. As we arrived, … Read more
King’s Cross Station to open May 2014 – if you believe the writing on the wall
Update – January 2014 Almost one year ago we published the blog post you’ll find below. At the time, we scarcely knew that the construction … Read more
Countdown to Diagon Alley: How Harry Potter is defining the next-generation theme park experience
On Thursday, January 23, Universal is going to finally blow open its most-anticipated attraction yet, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, in … Read more
RRU Special Edition: New details on Diagon Alley – story, food, actors, previews & the name of the Gringotts Bank attraction
Gringotts Bank coaster: The attraction’s story & name A week ago today, we lead you on a little tour through the complete Gringotts Bank ride … Read more
Special needs are Universal: A review of how we can help disabled families, visiting the parks with cystic fibrosis, First Aid locations
Welcome to the first edition of Special Needs Are Universal for 2014. To start out the year, I’d like to remind our readers that Orlando … Read more
Countdown to Diagon Alley: Four burning questions we still have about the new Wizarding World
On Thursday, January 23, Universal is going to finally blow open its most-anticipated attraction yet, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, in … Read more
From MEN IN BLACK to Springfield USA: The sci-fi & silly details of World Expo at Universal Studios Florida
At first glance, World Expo may seem to be one of the few areas inside Universal Studios Florida without the heightened level of detailed theming … Read more
UCF Knights march into Magic Kingdom: Complete coverage & priceless parade viewing tips
What phrase do you immediately hear after the Super Bowl has just completed? Why, “I’m going to Disney World” of course! On special occasions, a … Read more
Rumor round-up for January 11, 2014: Epcot gets Frozen, MyMagic+ at Universal, Beetlejuice’s resurrection, E.T.’s future & USF’s 25th anniversary
Epcot to get Frozen? Screamscape recently turned up the heat on the glacial pace of development at Epcot with news that a new ride has … Read more
Countdown to Diagon Alley: Complete telling of the Gringotts Bank ride experience at Universal Orlando
On Thursday, January 23, Universal is going to finally blow open its most-anticipated attraction yet, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, in … Read more
Discovering SeaWorld: Sky-high views, deep sea encounters & flamingo cruises – plus, the new Wild Days event starts this weekend
As a lover of rides and shows, one of the first things I do on any trip to the Orlando area theme parks is race … Read more
Busch Gardens Tampa trip report – January 2014 (hungry birds at Lory Landing, Falcon’s Fury construction, first ride on SheiKra)
January is Pass Holder appreciation month at Busch Gardens – each annual pass can get a guest in for free this month! That news sent … Read more
Countdown to Diagon Alley: What if the new Wizarding World sucks?
On Thursday, January 23, Universal is going to finally blow open its most-anticipated attraction yet, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, in … Read more
33nd Annual Dick Batchelor Run for the Children hosted by Universal Orlando: January 18, 2014
Join over 2,200 runners and walkers on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Universal Orlando for the 33rd Annual Dick Batchelor Run for the Children! The … Read more
Reader poll: What additions would you like to see to the Orlando Informer website in 2014?
It’s the start of the new year, and Orlando Informer is ready to embark on another 365 days of intense Universal Orlando vacation planning and … Read more
Rumor SPOTLIGHT for January 3, 2014: CityWalk 2.0 vs. Disney Springs vs. the Orlando Eye
Did you finish our Downtown Disney & CityWalk primer we published last week? Good. History lessons can be a tough slog to get through at … Read more
The 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival set for March 5 – May 18, featuring Piggylicious Bacon Cupcakes and more
Kermit the Frog will find it is easy being green when his artfully-crafted character topiary debuts during the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by … Read more
Breaking all the records in 2014: Our definitive list of top new attractions & venues coming to Orlando this year
All theme park fans can agree that there is a jolt of excitement and breathlessness that only new attractions can generate. And with a huge … Read more
Orlando Informer 2013 year in review: Site stats, Universal milestones & some of our favorite moments
Looking back through our “year in review” for 2012, it really blows my mind how much growth Orlando Informer experienced in 2013. There is no … Read more
Year-end Universal Orlando trip report (holiday crowds, Diagon Alley construction, and great new shots of Hogsmeade Station)
My family and I visited Universal Studios Florida (USF) and Islands of Adventure (IOA) yesterday, the Sunday after Christmas. Knowing this time of the year … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: December 22 – 28, 2013
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 December 27, 2013: The legacy of Downtown Disney and the future of Disney Springs
Universal CityWalk and the Orlando Eye have been much in the news the past month, thanks to newly-announced expansions and, even, name changes. And at … Read more
Reader poll: 2013’s most improved theme park & your all-time favorite
While we’re plenty excited for the amazing developments that are on tap for Central Florida’s theme parks in 2014, we can’t already forget all the … Read more
Beyond the parks: Nine new ideas for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Orlando
From Universal Orlando’s legendary CityWalk celebration to the excitement and magic in Disney’s theme parks, there is no shortage of memorable ways to ring in … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: December 16 – 21, 2013
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 December 20, 2013: Diagon Alley’s secrets, Forbidden Journey’s changes & the FIRST Halloween Horror Nights 24 rumors
Rumor Harry Potter round-up for December 20 As we fast approach the five-month mark(!) until the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley opens, … Read more
The City by the Bay: Dive deep in the themes & inspiration for USF’s San Francisco backlot
San Francisco, the City by the Bay, is the final part of my backlot series that represents a real U.S. city. This portion of Universal … Read more
SeaWorld Orlando trip report – December 2013 (penguin & dolphin encounters, Christmas shows, Groupon deal) [UPDATED]
Arriving out SeaWorld last Sunday for my monthly trip report, I saw that the morning rain and resulting chill must have chased off the majority … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Autism & food allergy concerns for first-time Universal Orlando guests, Disney contact information for disability issues
In this edition of Special Needs Are Universal, I would like to share a couple of the newest questions and comments I’ve received from readers. … Read more
Countdown to Diagon Alley: Top five vacation planning tips for visiting the Harry Potter expansion at Universal Orlando
If you’re reading this page, you likely know that Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort, scheduled to open summer 2014, will be one of the … Read more
Busch Gardens Tampa trip report – December 2013 (Christmas Town special event, Falcon’s Fury update)
Amidst all the shopping and preparing for Christmas, I chose to add a new tradition to the mix this year: Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Since … Read more
Why I love the outrageous roller coasters at Universal Orlando (and a few things I’d improve)
Let me say this up front: I am a roller coaster fiend! I cannot get enough of the fast, intense experience that roller coasters present. … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: December 8 – 15, 2013
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
RRU Special Edition: Universal announces largest expansion in CityWalk history – we’ve got details and exclusive analysis
CityWalk opened in 1999, when the single-park Universal Studios Florida expanded to the full Universal Orlando Resort. And while it has seen its fair share … Read more
THE BIG 5: Toast the end of CityWalk as we know it with our top five favorite drink deals
To some guests, Universal CityWalk may just be that one place standing between their parking space and the rides at Universal Studios Florida and Islands … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – December 2013 (Grinchmas, Wholiday Spectacular, Seuss Trolley + CityWalk updates)
I visited Islands of Adventure (IOA) this past weekend for the opening of the 2013 holiday season, and as always, I truly enjoyed this thrilling … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – December 2013 (construction updates, The Mummy, Macy’s Holiday Parade & Mannheim Steamroller)
Last Saturday I visited Universal Studios Florida (USF) for the opening of their 2013 holiday season, and I had a very enjoyable time. The Christmas … Read more
Epcot’s Candlelight Processional: An enchanting holiday event that fills our spirit with classic Christmas cheer
I admit, I’m one of those potentially annoying people who loves Christmas. This isn’t to say that I don’t eagerly await July 4th or St. … Read more
Preparing your kids for their Universal Orlando adventure – a clever mom’s guide
The dates are picked for your Universal Orlando vacation, the lodging is reserved, and the tickets are purchased. As you count down the days to … Read more
Reader poll: What’s your favorite part of Universal Orlando’s holiday festivities?
Starting today, December 7, and running through January 4, Universal’s holiday festivities bring unique celebrations to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. From … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: Nov 30 – Dec 7, 2013
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 December 6, 2013: Gringotts coaster details, exploring Avatar’s opening-day attraction & more
EXCLUSIVE: Shedding light inside Gringotts Bank A new source has recently conjured himself up here at Orlando Informer, speaking to us in the back alleys … Read more
The flavors of Margaritaville are brighter than ever as the cafe’s new menu is introduced in Orlando
Margaritaville Cafe Orlando at Universal CityWalk has a completely revamped menu, and this week we had the honor of sampling a large variety of the … Read more