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
Golf Universal Orlando adds two new partner courses for on-site hotel guests
Guests staying at the on-site hotels at Universal Orlando Resort – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort – can … Read more
Universal Orlando publishes their spring hours, and they reveal a few surprises!
One of my many responsibilities as steward of the world’s largest and most up-to-date Universal Orlando vacation planning resource, also known as the OI Universal … Read more
Universal Orlando: A look back at 2011 and a glance forward at 2012 (updated again)
Update 1/17/12 12:46pm Apparently someone on Universal Orlando’s social media team didn’t read the memo all the way through. Initially Universal’s Facebook post stated that … Read more
This year’s WWoHP holiday crowds and Universal’s new rules have changed the game
It has been a very interesting few weeks at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, especially for someone like me who is trying to help … Read more
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando’s Velvet Sessions starts 2012 with The Fixx
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando’s Velvet Sessions lobby concert series kicks off in 2012, with The Fixx performing their hits “Are We Ourselves?,” “Saved … Read more
Disney starts of 2012 with three major announcements (leap year celebration, FL resident discounts, Test Track refurbishment)
Since we got back from France, I’m still trying to get caught up with Universal Orlando news and updates from the last two weeks! However, … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – early January 2012 (and some CityWalk stuff too!)
January 2, 2012 January 3, 2012 Yes, the JAWS attraction and its home, Amity, have been shuttered at Universal Studios Florida. No more skippers … Read more
Children 5 and under get in for free at SeaWorld Orlando & Busch Gardens in 2012… maybe.
SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have announced that children age 5 and younger can get into their parks for free during 2012. All … Read more
Universal Orlando Premier & Preferred annual passholders get Early Park Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in January 2012
Update 1/2/12 Bumping up this post as a friendly reminder 🙂 Universal Orlando’s Winter 2011 annual passholder mailer arrived over the long weekend, and … Read more