Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: Sept 30 – Oct 6, 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
HHN 2013 Behind the Screams Tours: Morning Menace & Afternoon Abominations – double your horror, double your fun
I’ve written before about how great I think the Halloween Horror Nights Behind the Screams tours are. So you can imagine that I was very … Read more
Rumor round-up for October 4, 2013: World of Warcraft coming to Universal, new infrared tech coming to Disney, construction projects around Orlando
Welcome to Azeroth, the newest Island of Adventure? Ever hear of a little videogame series called Warcraft? It started as a real-time strategy game for … Read more
Arabian Nights “Royal Celebration” – a classic dinner show gets an enchanting makeover
The Arabian Nights dinner show is an Orlando original (well, technically a Kissimmee original). In fact, this classic show has been entertaining Central Florida visitors … Read more
Tasting our way around the world: Photo tour of the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
The 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kicked off this past weekend at Epcot, and a friend and I stopped by to check out … Read more
See some of the best stuff Disney has to offer (and get a great deal) at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Not everyone enjoys being scared out of their minds at Halloween Horror Nights. For those particular people, and especially families with younger children, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary … Read more
Halloween Horror Nights 2013: Veteran review, new approach to a touring plan & even more expert advice
So, what does it take to get the most out your Halloween Horror Night experience? Well, definitely plan on arriving early, around 5:30pm, to make … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: September 23 – 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
Rumor round-up for September 28, 2013: Pulling the plug on WWE Hall of Fame, NextGen & Avatar Land updates, SeaWorld show 20 million years in the making
Is Universal pulling the plug on the WWE Hall of Fame? Over the past few months, we’ve been reporting on the possibility of NBA City … Read more
Disability Access Service (DAS) to replace Guest Assistance Card (GAC) at Walt Disney World
Welcome to the newest edition of Special Needs Are Universal, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their visit to Orlando’s theme … Read more
Halloween Horror Nights 2013: Reviews of the street experience and haunted houses
Haunt season officially kicked off this past Friday with the opening night of Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 23, and I was fortunate enough to … Read more
Epcot Food & Wine Festival starts Friday: Delicious details, scrumptious fun facts & full ‘Eat to the Beat’ band lineup
Disney guests can grab a Marketplace Discovery Passport and embark on a global tasting tour during the 18th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, starting … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: September 15 – 22, 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 September 20, 2013: Advance scoop on HHN, New Fantasyland in Tokyo Disneyland, images of the Hogwarts Express & more
HHN 2013: The good, the bad & the ugly In case you hadn’t already heard, Universal had a technical rehearsal this past Wednesday that also … Read more
From the PlayStation 1 to Halloween Horror Nights 23: The evolution of Resident Evil
Tomorrow, Halloween Horror Nights 23 will be upon us, unleashing eight haunted houses, including Resident Evil: Escape from Raccoon City. To commemorate what will surely … Read more
Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue: An underrated entertainment gem the entire family can enjoy
On my last visit to Universal Studios Florida I decided to try something that even guests who have been going to Universal for year’s still … Read more
Princess Fairytale Hall debuts at Magic Kingdom; Fountain View now serving Starbucks at Epcot
Princess Fairytale Hall debuts The fantasy world of Disney royalty becomes reality in the all-new Princess Fairytale Hall, where Magic Kingdom guests get to live … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – September 2013 (Starbucks, Hogsmeade Station, JP midway games & more)
My family and I recently visited Universal’s Islands of Adventure and spent a fun day at the park. I noticed several changes as construction continues … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – September 2013 (HHN props, construction updates & gorgeous photos of the real Hogwarts Express)
My family and I recently visited Universal Studios Florida and spent a fantastic day enjoying the attractions and shows. During our visit I noticed a … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Prepare for Halloween Horror Nights, important AAP & GAP news
Welcome to the newest edition of Special Needs Are Universal, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their visit to Orlando’s theme … Read more
Open letter to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights: A true fan’s perspective on how to fix the event
Editor’s note: After the end of Halloween Horror Nights in 2012, Robert shared this “open letter” on our site to express some of the changes … Read more
Reader poll: Your favorite time of the year to visit Universal Orlando Resort
Each season of the year offers unique and fun happenings at Universal Orlando Resort. In this week’s poll, let’s find out which one is your … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: September 8 – 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
Unmasking the Horror Tour at Halloween Horror Nights 2013: I’ve gone twice and can’t wait to go again
If you’re a Halloween fan and your travels find you in Central Florida during the latter part of September or the month of October, Universal’s … Read more
Rumor round-up for September 13, 2013: No more Cars Land, Universal adds one new ride per year, Harry Potter movie & Hogwarts Express opening date
Goodbye, Cars Land – hello, something else? Theme Park Insider has something of a bombshell announcement this week: according to its inside sources at Walt … Read more
“I’m hungry and in the mood for…” Three of my favorite restaurants on I-Drive to suit your tastes
International Drive, the gateway to Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, often gets a bit of a bad rep for being one of the most touristy areas … Read more
The Halloween season begins: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Party, SeaWorld’s Spooktacular, LEGOLAND’s Brick-or-Treat & Halloween Horror Nights
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2013 Starting tonight Magic Kingdom plays host to the ultimate trick-or-treating neighborhood as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns for 23 special … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Visiting the parks with walking aids, canes, casts or braces
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: If you could, which closed USF attraction would you bring back?
Universal Orlando is recognized around the world for their collection of first-class attractions. Unfortunately, as we all know, to make room for new attractions sometimes … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: September 1 – 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
Site news: Open call for new Orlando Informer blog contributors (Update: open call closed for now)
Update We are no longer accepting applications for new writers However, for reference purposes, this post will remain viewable on our site. If you sent … Read more
Rumor round-up for September 6, 2013: Seuss Landing expansion, Disney axing FastPasses, Terminator, CityWalk, Starbucks & #NothingTaller
Project 301 at Islands of Adventure It may seem like Jurassic Park has been getting all the attention with its long-awaited new ride, but Universal … Read more
THE BIG 5: Top five most exciting prospects in Diagon Alley for diehard Harry Potter fans
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter took Islands of Adventure by storm when it opened to the public in 2010. Now, Diagon Alley is in … Read more
Despicable Me themed Kids Suites debut October 1 at Portofino Bay Hotel; reservations now available
Guests can experience the world of Despicable Me in newly-renovated, film-inspired kids suites debuting NEXT MONTH at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. The … Read more
Disney’s Animal Kingdom trip report – September 2013 (Wilderness Explorers, Gardens Kiosk, Bamboo Man)
My family and I recently visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom on a very hot and humid day. As I entered the park, I was reminded of … Read more
Discovery Cove announces FL resident savings (up to $70); SeaWorld & Busch Gardens still offer $50 weekday ticket for U.S. residence
Florida residents can experience Discovery Cove at an exclusive rate. Named the No. 1 theme park in the world by Trip Advisor 2013 Traveler’s Choice … Read more
Unexpected Orlando: Break away from the parks and explore our city this fall
The fall season brings many changes to Orlando’s theme parks, and it is the stage for several beloved events such as Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights … Read more
Reader poll: The best place to party in Orlando
There are an endless amount of fun things for people of all ages to do in Orlando, but for this poll — inspired by all … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: August 25 – 31, 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
Universal Dining Plan 2013: Details, real guest review & your chance to ask questions
Important update As of November 3, 2013, all the information in this blog post PLUS additional details about the park’s new dining plan can now … Read more
Rumor round-up for August 30, 2013: Hogwarts Express detailed, Universal’s third park revealed, Jurassic Park expansion plotted, HHN houses exposed!
You may have already seen the Hogwarts Express engine car Many pictures have been streaming in over the past few weeks of the Hogwarts Express … Read more
Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort at Walt Disney World: Tranquility in the midst of tourist mayhem
My family and I recently stayed at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort and truly enjoyed our long weekend getaway with the convenience of staying practically … Read more
Via Napoli at Epcot’s Italy Pavilion: This is the best pizza in “the world”
Via Napoli is located in the back section of the Italy Pavilion at Epcot. Opened in the summer of 2010, the restaurant is owned and … Read more
Reader poll: Your favorite on-site hotel at Universal Orlando
One thing I love about Orlando is the variety of beautiful hotels that are in the area. At Universal Orlando specifically, guests will find three … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: August 11 – 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 August 22, 2013: Diagon Alley, HHN Reveal Week, D23 Expo park news, Disney’s Polynesian Village & more
Fleshing out Diagon Alley… a little Robert Niles, the editor-in-chief of Theme Park Insider, knows a thing or two about the upcoming Wizarding World of … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – August 2013 (Hogwarts Station construction, Jurassic Park midway games & a peek at the new CityWalk renovations)
Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando provided an enjoyable afternoon for me recently as I visited for August’s trip report. Upon entering the park gates, … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – August 2013 (Springfield USA opens, prep for HHN & the first images of the real Hogwarts Express)
Although the weather was very hot and humid — and the crowds were heavy — I had a great time during my recent visit to … Read more
Real guest reviews of Universal Orlando: 10 more incredible reviews submitted by our fans (and the Review & Win contest winners are announced!)
Recently Orlando Informer introduced a new site feature that allows our readers to share reviews of the attractions and restaurants inside Universal Orlando’s theme parks. … Read more
Flight of the hat… or, how Universal’s Lost and Found returned a cherished item
Ever wonder what happens when you lose something at Universal Orlando? As I mentioned in a previous post, my daughter’s hat recently took its own … Read more