Public Service Announcement: This is how you walk through a crowded theme park
As a theme park family, we have been to both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World during some of the busiest times of the year. … Read more
Rebuilding Islands of Adventure: A look at 2013 and beyond
In the not too distant future, Universal Studios Florida will, for the first time in the resort’s decade-and-a-half history, have pulled ahead of its sister … Read more
Rebuilding Universal Studios Florida: A look at 2013 and beyond
To say that Universal Studios Florida has been busy this past year is something of a profound understatement. In addition to opening Despicable Me: Minion … Read more
Top 10 new experiences coming to Orlando in 2013 – part two
Welcome to part 2 of my top 10 new experiences opening up here in Orlando in 2013. If you didn’t get a chance to read … Read more
Top 10 new experiences coming to Orlando in 2013 – part one
With Disney holding the grand opening for its New Fantasyland on December 6, as well as opening other completed projects on this date (Test Track, … Read more
Orlando Informer 2012 year in review
As 2012 draws to a close, I thought it would be fun to spend a few moments looking back at all that has come to … Read more
Universal Orlando trip report – holidays 2012 (big crowds, a little news & over 100 images!)
After a bout with a severe cold, I finally got a chance to visit Universal’s theme parks yesterday to check out the holiday crowds. Although … Read more
Rumor round-up for Dec 28, 2012: More Harry Potter expansion speculation, developments at Downtown Disney, FastPass Plus
Something wicked this way comes… We’ve talked about the rumors swirling around what’s coming to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Phase 2 and this … Read more
DRIP on I-Drive: Industrial dive bar + underground rock concert + alternative art
Tourism and attractions are a major part of what makes Orlando the thriving and active city it is. There’s always something to do, and new … Read more
Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights offers a final toast of holiday cheer through January 6
It was three days before Christmas and I still had baking to do, gift making and wrapping to finish, and the lights on the front … Read more
Rumor round-up for Dec 21, 2012: Lagoon show at Islands of Adventure, HHN 2013 haunted houses, Disney’s Hollywood Studios card game
A Nighttime Spectacular for Islands of Adventure My favorite rumor in a while started catching fire this week as word got out that Universal has … Read more
Through the eyes of a little princess: A child’s first visit to the New Fantasyland
We recently had the opportunity to visit New Fantasyland in Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Considering our granddaughter Lily has been a fan of Belle of Beauty … Read more
Universal Orlando holiday decorations 2012 – a photo tour
It is that time of year again at Universal Orlando — time for Mannheim Steamroller, time for the Macy’s Holiday Parade, and time for Grinchmas! … Read more
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K: I found the perfect way for theme park fans to get in shape
It all started about a year ago. Due to health reasons and the fact that my autistic son needs me to live a long time … Read more
Disney strikes back: “Star Wars” and the theme park menace — an analysis of the Lucasfilm purchase
Last week, of course, was the occasion of much shock and (occasional) awe: George Lucas is retiring, Disney has purchased all three of his remaining … Read more
The 2012 holiday season at Walt Disney World promises festive traditions & seasonal spectacles
Disney elves blend yuletide traditions and Christmas cheer to create a wintry wonderland ready for holiday revelers at Walt Disney World as early as November … Read more
Exiting through narrative: How theme parks can improve an attraction’s final moments
The modern-day theme park attraction is a multi-faceted entity. There’s the queue, which, at the present moment, is undergoing a transformation from decorated-but-passive waiting room … Read more
The Walt Disney Company to acquire LucasFilm, release STAR WARS: EPISODE 7 in 2015
Global leader in high-quality family entertainment agrees to acquire world-renowned Lucasfilm Ltd, including legendary STAR WARS franchise. Acquisition continues Disney’s strategic focus on creating and … Read more
Stunning descriptions of Hogwarts Express & Gringotts Bank ride emerge… but from where?
Here’s all that I’ve been able to figure out after about 30 minutes of clicking around. A few days ago the following description of Hogwarts … Read more
Press 101 Sandwich & Wine Bar: An adventurous alternative to the chain restaurants near Universal
It was one of those days — you know those ones that seem to drag on for an eternity and make you long for the … Read more
An amazing evening with Zac Brown Band at Amway Center
Last Saturday Rosie and I had the privilege of seeing Zac Brown Band at Amway Center in downtown Orlando. We were very excited about this … Read more
Has a hurricane, tropical storm or severe weather altered your Orlando plans?
I’d like to open this post so our readers can share stories about how a hurricane, tropical storm or severe weather altered their Orlando plans. … Read more
Halloween Horror Nights 2012: Bone-chillingly spectacular
Halloween Horror Nights is not something to miss if you’re a horror lover like me. I eagerly made plans to go with some friends from … Read more
SeaWorld trip report with a tour through Spooktacular (includes over 80 photos)
On Saturday we had the opportunity to visit SeaWorld on what turned out to be a simply gorgeous Saturday afternoon. It was a bit busier … Read more
SeaWorld & Busch Gardens now offer guests with food allergies new and personalized dining options
As many as 15 million Americans suffer from a food allergy. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has introduced this fall a new line of allergy-friendly dining … Read more
Around the World after hours: Why the Epcot After Four pass was my best purchase this year
I’ve been a Universal Orlando passholder for the last year, and I’m pretty biased about it. I’ve always felt that the theme parks at Universal … Read more
Disney’s Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run: Not so spooky after all
I started running eight months ago. At this time I had no idea Disney had running events. After my cousin told me to check out … Read more
SeaWorld Orlando: Fun, refreshing and a thrill for all ages
Family and friends coming into town are what really gets me to go to a lot of attractions in Orlando that I don’t usually visit. … Read more
Rumor round-up for Oct 5, 2012: Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal vacation planning, smartphone charging
Cabana Bay Beach Resort Universal’s fourth on-site hotel has begun to show some life as prep work on the Cabana Bay Beach Resort is starting … Read more
Happy birthday to me! at Senor Frog’s Orlando
September 27, my birthday, is my favorite day of the year. It’s my day to do whatever I please, be showered with attention, and receive … Read more
The haunted houses at HHN 2012: An insider’s spoiler-free reviews
As a huge Universal Halloween Horror Nights fan — and someone who has already been to the event five times this year — I’m excited … Read more
20 years of changes at Universal Orlando: A pictorial history – part three
Editor’s note: This is part three of debi’s pictorial history series. If you haven’t already, you can view part one or part two before reading … Read more
Magic Kingdom: “Where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn together”
Magic Kingdom certainly evokes childhood dreams and nostalgia for a more innocent time. “Why would you go there more than once?” some ask. “Don’t you … Read more
Epcot’s Japan Pavilion: Through the torii gate and into a land of food, music & more
The Japan Pavilion is my favorite in the World Showcase at Epcot. It is a beautiful sight as you come upon the blue-roofed pagoda and … Read more
20 years of changes at Universal Orlando: A pictorial history – part two
Editor’s note: This is part two of debi’s pictorial history series. If you haven’t already, you can view part one first. As I continue my … Read more
Design and test your own concept car in the reimagined Test Track at Epcot opening this fall
Who can say they were entirely surprised when they first heard the news of Test Track being closed for a complete refurbishment? Not me; after … Read more
An Old Town Halloween 2012: Enjoy this free & frightening event on select nights in October
Old Town will host their 2nd annual “an Old Town Halloween” multi-day event for this season. Zombies, Ghosts, and Florida Ghost Busters will inhabit the … Read more
New Vegan Marketplace, ‘Florida Local’ flavors, Chocolate Experience at the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept 28 – Nov 12
For a record 46 days beginning Sept. 28, Disney guests can taste their way around the world during the 17th annual Epcot International Food & … Read more
Halloween Horror Nights 2012 starts this Friday!
Update 9/18/12 Many of you already know that this spring Universal launched an all-new nighttime lagoon show called Cinematic Spectacular. The show combines famous movie … Read more
Rumor round-up for Sept 14, 2012: WWoHP expansion, Epcot Lagoon, Avatar, Pirates at Legoland
We’ll need to see your wand as identification… Visitors to Universal Studios Florida are seeing a lot of construction, all of it moving at a … Read more
20 years of changes at Universal Orlando: A pictorial history – part one
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
Fall events at Universal: PINKTOBER featuring Bret Michaels at Hard Rock Hotel & Harbor Nights at Portofino Bay Hotel
PINKTOBER at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando adds a pop of PINK this October in honor of the brand’s 13th … Read more
Stepping back in time for Dapper Day at Walt Disney World
My grandmother approached me with a newspaper article circled twice in pen, “You better read this – I think you’ll like it!” The small article … Read more
Leave Orlando and visit the world of odd at Ripley’s Believe It or Not
As you approach Ripley’s Believe It or Not on International Drive, you will realize something doesn’t look quite right… Indeed, the building appears to be … Read more
Rumor round-up for Sept 7, 2012: Streetmosphere, Tinker Bell & Periwinkle, USF character dining
More ‘streetmosphere’ characters coming to Universal and Disney One thing that both Universal and Disney seem to believe will help the parks is the addition … Read more
Disney’s Hollywood Studios trip report – September 2012 (Pirates, Muppets, merchandise & menu changes)
A few changes have been made since my last visit to the park. Fall is definitely in the air. Well, the thermometer may actually indicate … Read more
Family suites at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort: Better than expected… even the sofa bed!
When I made plans to spend a long weekend with my friend at Walt Disney World over the 4th of July weekend, we decided to … Read more
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream at Hollywood Studios: The very essence of the Disney spirit on display
As a Disney Passholder, I thought I had seen everything that Disney’s Hollywood Studios has to offer. Boy was I wrong… and surprised! I recently … Read more
Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure: Finding fun and inspiration
On a recent visit to Universal Orlando, we arrived mid morning at Universal Studios Florida and went straight to the newest attraction — Despicable Me. … Read more
From the Tunnel of Love to the Forbidden Journey: The past and future of dark rides
Dark rides originated in the late 19th century, at a time when amusement parks were sprouting up all over the country to allow Americans, who … Read more