Queuing up the next generation: An examination of theme-park attraction lines
It goes without saying that the most critical aspect of a theme-park ride is the ride itself, but there are, of course, other elements that … Read more
Hearts of Reality event in Celebration July 26 – 29 offers the opportunity to mingle with over 80 reality TV stars
Get ready for a weekend full of TV’s hottest reality stars from shows such as Survivor, Big Brother, Ghost Hunters, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, The … Read more
From the black lagoon: Weekly rumor round-up for Orlando’s theme parks
The rumor mill grew three sizes that day… Even for the biggest Disney diehard, it’s hard to deny the success Islands of Adventure has had … Read more
THE BIG 5: Top five Universal Orlando items found on eBay
Welcome to THE BIG 5, a definitive top five list of various Orlando related, uh, stuff. THE BIG 5 is wide ranging, and will run … Read more
Orlando wears its sunglasses at night! My first experience at “Crazy 80s” pub crawl in downtown Orlando
It was a night that NO ONE should ever miss! On Saturday, July 14, I attended the annual “Crazy 80s” pub crawl in downtown Orlando … Read more
Celebrating a special birthday across Orlando: Typhoon Lagoon, Universal CityWalk & Universal Studios Florida
My teenaged son’s birthday was a few days ago and since Orlando’s theme parks are his favorite place to be, my husband scheduled a vacation … Read more
From the black lagoon: Weekly rumor round-up for Orlando’s theme parks
The AllSpark Coming to Orlando The blood hounds are on the scent, and the trail is leading straight to Transformers: The Ride making it’s way … Read more
Drive into the movies at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Cars wing
It’s safe to say that Disney has the ability to make you feel transported to different worlds at their theme parks as well as their … Read more
THE BIG 5: Five more things you didn’t know you could do at Universal Orlando
Welcome to THE BIG 5, a definitive top five list of various Orlando related, uh, stuff. THE BIG 5 is wide ranging, and will run … Read more
Construction at Universal Orlando: A complete summer 2012 update
There has been so much construction going on at Universal Orlando that I want to help our readers by explaining everything in one post. There … Read more
Experience Disney magic with an enchanting phone call to Epcot’s UK Pavilion
If you’ve visited Epcot you’ve probably noticed the candy apple red phone booths that are located in the UK Pavilion. You may have even posed … Read more
Magic Kingdom update: The Fantasyland expansion continues
Casey Jr. has come to town, and the Dumbo rides are now dueling with Timothy Q. Mouse watching over in Storybook Circus, part of the … Read more
Discover the undiscovered at Walt Disney World: 17 experiences you didn’t know about
High-flying elephants and spinning teacups usually take center stage when a guest is thinking of Walt Disney World. But did you know that 9-pound lemons … Read more
Animal encounters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens in Tampa has an amazing line up of roller coasters and thrill rides, but they also have an incredible array of different species … Read more
Disney’s Polynesian Resort: Tropical escape and Disney vacation rolled into one
As you enter the grounds of Disney’s Polynesian Resort, you notice that you are close enough to the Magic Kingdom to have a monorail stop … Read more
Freshwater Oasis is now open at Discovery Cove in Orlando
Now open at Discovery Cove in Orlando is Freshwater Oasis, an all-new attraction featuring wading adventures and face-to-face encounters with playful otters and curious marmosets. … Read more
Dinner at Hard Rock Hotel’s The Kitchen: Good food, great service & open late
For the extreme park-goers like myself, it is hard to leave the park before closing. Unfortunately, there are only so many places you can go … Read more
The experience at Universal Orlando’s Hard Rock Hotel
Many places give you the experience of feeling like a rock star, but few let you live like one. The Hard Rock Hotel at Universal … Read more
Early Park Admission for Universal Studios Florida now available to on-site resort guests
It would seem that the opening of Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Florida has brought us plenty of good fortune. Not only do … Read more
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opens, including second phase: Cars Wing (the next best thing to DCA’s Cars Land)
The big blue world of Nemo and friends comes to life just in time for the summer vacation season as Disney’s Art of Animation Resort … Read more
Tijuana Flats: Come for the fresh mex, stay for the churros
Tijuana Flats opened its first location in Winter Park, Florida in 1995 by a young gentleman named Brian. The concept now has over 79 restaurants … Read more
Aquatica introduces new Weekday Pass for just $59
Aquatica, a one-of-a-kind waterpark that immerses guests in the playfulness of the sea, introduces a new Weekday Pass that allows guests to enjoy unlimited weekday … Read more
Hard Rock Hotel’s Velvet Sessions with the John Oates Band set for Thursday, June 28
WHAT: Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando’s Velvet Sessions lobby concert series continues in June with the John Oates Band performing hits “Kiss On My … Read more
What to pack for your Orlando vacation
Besides making all of your travel plans, you’ll need to decide what you want to bring along with you. Changes of clothing of course, but … Read more
Epcot’s Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar: The perfect place to sample Italian cuisine
At the beginning of May, my wife and I were fortunate enough to visit Epcot’s newest dining option – Tutto Gusto, in the Italy Pavilion. … Read more
Busch Gardens Tampa: How to ride every major ride and see every animal in one day
I recently spent a visit at Busch Gardens in Tampa, FL. I visit the Orlando parks on a weekly basis, but since moving to Orlando … Read more
Drinking at Walt Disney World: It can cost a small fortune, but it does not have to
Drinking at Walt Disney World can be expensive, but there are a few ways to minimize the damage to your wallet. Here’s some tips for … Read more
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain at Downtown Disney: A sweet spot for an afternoon treat
A few times a year, my retired parents visit us from Atlanta for a few weeks. Our plans during their visit always include going to … Read more
Themed attractions at Islands of Adventure – how do they live up to the source material?
A large majority of the attractions at Islands of Adventure, one of the two theme parks at Universal Orlando, is based on popular movies or … Read more
Orlando becomes first U.S. destination to top 55 million visitors!
It was another record-breaking year for Orlando with final 2011 visitation numbers revealing that Orlando welcomed 55.1 million visitors, up 7.2% from last year’s record … Read more
An international traveler’s guide to Orlando International Airport – the arrival
Worried about working your way round the labyrinth that is Orlando International Airport? Well, listen up as your international guide ushers you though the arrival … Read more
TurtleTrek at SeaWorld: A one-of-a-kind 3D adventure (updated with over 60 images and HD video)
Earlier this week we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at SeaWorld Orlando’s new TurtleTrek attraction during a soft opening. The attraction officially … Read more
SeaWorld: “Encounter” sharks in a new way
Two weeks ago, SeaWorld Orlando quietly unveiled a partial rehab of its Shark Encounter, an attraction that allows guests to walk through aquariums full of … Read more
The Pub at Pointe Orlando – a review
We decided last weekend instead of going to the Mardi Gras concert at Universal Orlando, which we go to quite a bit, we would try … Read more
THE BIG 5: Top five reading material about theme parks
Welcome to THE BIG 5, a definitive top five list of various Orlando related, uh, stuff. THE BIG 5 is wide ranging, and will run … Read more
2012 Bands, Brews & BBQ at SeaWorld Orlando: A review from a first-time attendee
Editor’s note: This is the first post by our newest OI contributor, Lisa. We look forward to featuring her writing and Central Florida experience on … Read more
Universal’s Royal Pacific Resort introduces Sunday Brunch at the Wantilan
Chefs at Loews Royal Pacific Resort are creating a brunch that fits perfectly with what Sundays are meant to be: a time to relax, unwind, … Read more
Preview: 2012 International Flower & Garden at Epcot
With Spring just around the corner, it is once again time for Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World. This year’s festival … Read more
W-hoop-ing it up at NBA City
On our recent trip to Orlando, NBA City was tops on the dining wishlist for our sports-loving teenage son. After an exciting day at Universal … Read more
Hard Rock Hotel’s Velvet Sessions in March to feature Tonic
What: Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando’s Velvet Sessions lobby concert series continues in March with Tonic performing their hits “Open Up Your Eyes,” “If … Read more
THE BIG 5: Top five drink options at Universal Orlando
Welcome to THE BIG 5, a definitive top five list of various Orlando related, uh, stuff. THE BIG 5 is wide ranging, and will run … Read more
Disabled views on theme parks survey
Update 3/6/12 Alice has received the maximum number of completed surveys that she can accept, so I have removed the link from the post below. … Read more
IMPACT WRESTLING live at Universal: Great entertainment (and it’s free!)
Update If you are interested in attending a taping of IMPACT WRESTLING at Universal Orlando, see this post in the OI Forum for tips on … Read more
Guide to vegetarian dining at Universal Orlando Resort
Dining at theme parks is an important part of your Orlando vacation. Good planning will make sure the least amount of obstacles get in the … Read more
How to have fun on a rainy day around the International Drive area
One of the many great things about Orlando is that there is plenty to do, even on rainy days. Don’t let the rain spoil your … Read more
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom: The park’s newest attraction is a hit for young and old alike
Some of Disney’s most notorious villains are plotting to take over the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, and it’s your job to help Merlin … Read more
Leapies jump for joy over Feb. 29 specials at Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels
Leapies with rare February 29th birthdays have something extra to celebrate this year: several Loews Hotels are offering birthday compliments. In particular, two of Universal’s … Read more
The State of the Parks: Universal Orlando Resort
OrlandoInformer.com is proud to align forces with The Daily Ticket — the recognized global leader in theme park news and investigative reporting. With more than … Read more
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf on International Drive: Old-fashioned family fun that never gets old
We visited Pirate’s Cove on a beautiful winter evening in January 2012. This was the second Pirate’s Cove mini golf property our family has had … Read more
SeaWorld Orlando announces opening date for TurtleTrek
From InsideSeaWorld.com: We know you’ve waited patiently and now we have great news to share! The grand opening of TurtleTrek at SeaWorld Orlando will be … Read more