Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: November 25 – 29, 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
When’s the best time to visit Universal Orlando? For our family, it’s the week after Thanksgiving
Our family has always gone to Orlando during the “off season.” The combination of easily available accommodations, comfortable weather, and smaller crowds at the parks … Read more
Rumor SPOTLIGHT for November 27, 2013: How Disney lost the battle for 2017 by cancelling most of Star Wars Land
Disney CEO Bob Iger was supposed to be publicly announcing Star Wars’s big arrival at Disneyland’s Tomorrowland and Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios right about … Read more
SeaWorld Orlando trip report – November 2013 (the holidays are here as SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration begins)
Last Saturday, after a day of running errands, finding Thanksgiving recipes, and last minute grocery shopping, we couldn’t wait to get down to SeaWorld for … Read more
ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman: A classic Christmas tale becomes Orlando’s most unique (and coldest!) holiday event
ICE! 2013 featuring Frosty the Snowman opened November 23 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee. I was invited by Orlando Informer … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: November 17 – 24, 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 November 22, 2013: The third Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Cabana Bay’s lazy river & some CityWalk morsels
The Wizarding World, Part III The opening of the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter in June 2010 exploded Universal Orlando’s attendance and launched it … Read more
LEGOLAND Florida announces Christmas Bricktacular holiday activities, Kids’ New Year’s Eve & a new hotel opening in 2015
Celebrate the holidays and New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND Florida LEGOLAND Florida celebrates the holidays with Christmas Bricktacular, Countdown to Kids’ New Year’s Eve and … Read more
Key West at SeaWorld Orlando: Explore a land of turtles, sting rays, dolphins & one of the world’s best roller coasters
The southernmost part of the continental U.S. is Key West, Florida. While many of us cannot take the trek to Key West — although we … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Disabled parking permits for Int’l visitors, new USF companion restrooms, changes to Universal’s attraction assistance policy
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
Reader poll: How much do you spend on souvenirs at Universal Orlando?
Today we’d like to discuss a topic that is near and dear to many theme park fans’ hearts, but not always appreciated by the budget … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: November 10 – 16, 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 November 15, 2013: The battle for 2017, when Disney strikes back
I think it’s fairly safe to say that, for the past three years, the theme park industry – here in Orlando, at least – has … Read more
SeaWorld celebrates the 2013 Christmas season, launches new AnimalVision experience & reveals Aquatica’s new thrill slide: Ihu’s Breakaway Falls
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration: Where the season meets the sea Select dates Nov 23 – Dec 31 Waves of holiday spirit splash over the park during … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – November 2013 (Jurassic Park midway games open, Hogsmeade Station construction & more photos of the Hogwarts Express)
My family and I visited Islands of Adventure last weekend on a sunny afternoon, and we greatly enjoyed our adventure. Walking through the lively and … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – November 2013 (Hogwarts Express in full view, holiday decorations & Chief Wiggum’s Patrol Car)
It was a beautiful fall day at Universal Studios Florida when my family and I recently visited. Temperatures were in the low 80’s with a … Read more
Busch Garden Tampa trip report – November 2013 (hands-on at the Animal Care Center, Falcon’s Fury construction & more)
Editor’s note: I want to let our readers know that, with the addition of Salina as a contributor to our blog, Orlando Informer is now … Read more
Real guest reviews of Universal Orlando: More sensational reviews submitted by our fans
Over the summer we introduced a new site feature that allows our readers to share reviews of the attractions and restaurants inside Universal Orlando’s theme … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: November 3 – 9, 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 November 9, 2013: Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar at Citywalk, extensive Avatar details revealed, end of HHN originality & more [UPDATED]
Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar coming to Universal CityWalk? Quick refresher: It has been rumored for several months that CityWalk’s Starbucks, currently positioned on the second … Read more
Reader poll: Should Fear Factor Live close and what should replace it?
Fear Factor Live inside of Universal Studios Florida is a considered by some fans to be an impressive stunt show whose theme — having guests … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: Oct 28 – Nov 2, 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 November 1, 2013: Gringotts Bank coaster video, Universal’s theme park dominance, HP flame effects & JP midway games
Sneak peek at Gringotts Bank coaster Eager to get a taste of what the Gringotts ride may be like once it opens next year as … Read more
Disney welcomes Festival of the Masters, celebrates the new film Frozen & opens The Villas at Grand Floridian
Festival of the Masters 2013 For its 38th year, Festival of the Masters is transforming Downtown Disney into an art lovers’ paradise Nov 8 – … Read more
THE BIG 5: Top five spots to capture amazing “scenic views” of Universal Orlando
Any guest can snap a photo or shoot a video as they walk through Universal Orlando Resort. But what do you do if you’d like … Read more
The Orlando Magic at Amway Center: One of the greatest spectacles Central Florida has to offer (and one of its best values too)
If there’s one thing that people from the USA and the UK have in common, it’s our cultures’ obsession with sports and sporting events — … Read more
Reader Poll: Help out our site by letting us know how often you visit Universal
Today we’d like to ask for your help so we can learn a little more about our readers! The question is straightforward, so we will … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: October 21 – 27, 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 October 25, 2013: King Kong special report, Universal’s five-year road map, Meal Deal replacement, the Hogwarts Express & more
King Kong, Disaster, and Jurassic Park: The plot thickens… King Kong’s imminent arrival at Universal Orlando Resort is quickly becoming like some of our old … Read more
Magic Kingdom trip report – October 2013 (Halloween decorations, construction updates, our first visit to Princess Fairytale Hall & talking Mickey!)
Our family recently visited Magic Kingdom over two days and truly enjoyed ourselves. I was delighted to see the Halloween and fall decorations throughout the … Read more
Marine Mammal Keeper Experience at SeaWorld: Close encounters & cherished memories
Have you ever visited SeaWorld and imagined how amazing it would be to care for some of the animals? If you book a Marine Mammal … Read more
SeaWorld Orlando trip report – October 2013 (our first in a new series)
Last Saturday my family and I set off to see the Spooktacular happenings at SeaWorld Orlando. Little did we know everyone else apparently had the … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: October 15 – 20, 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 October 19, 2013: Skull Island the eighth Island of Adventure, Avatar details & theories, Potter construction update
Welcome to the eighth Island of Adventure: Skull Island King Kong, after an 11-year absence, is returning to Universal Orlando – that much all the … Read more
Reader poll: Do you prefer when Halloween Horror Nights is based on popular stories or original concepts?
Universal Orlando is known for transporting guests into their favorite movies, TV shows, and books. Over the years, Universal has even turned some of our … Read more
Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS): First-hand experience & in-depth analysis of the new system
As promised, my family and I were at Epcot when the new Disability Access Service (DAS) card rolled out Wednesday, October 9. Over the last … Read more
THE BIG 5: Top five reasons why SeaWorld should be part of your next Orlando vacation
Orlando is home to the world’s top theme park brands: Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld! Of the three, too many Central Florida vacationers give SeaWorld the … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – October 2013 (Wizarding World & Jurassic Park updates, fun character interactions + CityWalk construction)
I just visited Islands of Adventure over the weekend and had a fun time exploring the park and noticing the changes since my last visit. … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – October 2013 (changes in Springfield, Diagon Alley construction update & more)
Last Saturday I spent an enjoyable and warm fall day visiting Universal Studios Florida. I experienced an unexpectedly higher crowd level as soon as I … Read more
Disney World debuts Glow with the Show interactive Mickey Ear hats; first look at the 2013 Disney holiday festivities
Glow with the Show interactive Mickey Ear hats Guests of the Walt Disney World will light the night thanks to new Glow with the Show … Read more
Orlando Film Festival starts Wednesday: Over 220 films, more than 50 features & Thursday is horror night!
The 8th annual Orlando Film Festival is set to once again take over Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando starting this Wednesday. With over 220 films, … Read more
Reader poll doubleheader: Disney guest service vs. Universal guest service & AVATAR vs. Harry Potter
After a few weeks off, our reader poll blog posts are back, and they’re returning with our biggest battle to date! Screw up your courage … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: October 7 – 14, 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 October 11, 2013: Tour through Hogsmeade Station, new Wizarding World artwork & Iron Man flies in Hong Kong
Let’s walk through Hogsmeade Station, shall we? Prolific rumor monger HateToFly is at it again over on the Orlando United boards, and this time, he’s … Read more
THE BIG 5: Top five “hot spots” for an evening of entertainment on I-Drive
I-Drive, more formally known as International Drive, is a fantastic destination for Orlando visitors looking get away from the theme park routine during their Disney … Read more
I-Drive Live targets New Year’s Eve 2014 for opening date, will bring a trio of “global attraction brands” to Orlando’s busy tourist corridor
In March of 2011, Merlin Entertainments – which owns and operates LEGOLAND Florida – announced that it was working to bring three of its best-known … Read more
Halloween Horror Nights 2013: Frequently asked questions & our expert answers
We are starting a new series here on Orlando Informer. A few times each month we will pick a topic pertaining to Universal Orlando vacation … Read more
LEGOLAND Florida is getting even more kid-friendly – DUPLO Valley to open in spring 2014
LEGOLAND Florida has announced new attractions and significant renovations to the theme park’s toddler-dedicated area, which will be called DUPLO Valley when it reopens in … Read more
Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort: An afternoon trek, a homestyle meal & superb service
I’ve been to Walt Disney World many times since my first visit in the mid 90’s. But somehow, in all those visits, the one place … Read more
SeaWorld’s Spooktacular continues to be Orlando’s best value for a family-friendly Halloween celebration, and here’s why
During weekends in October, a visit to SeaWorld Orlando is made even better because of SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular. I was invited by Orlando Informer to … Read more