Comments for Orlando Informer

Comment on Free things to do at Walt Disney World by John

John — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 21:38:26 +0000

Free? Yes there is no admission/cover charge but I have yet to leave Disney Springs without spending $100 and more. We love Disney Springs and all the other areas mentioned in this article but it all costs ?. There is no free pass to fun at the Parks. This article is more how to have fun and spend your money without having to pay an entrance fee. All good info here, thanks the article.

John

Comment on New Harry Potter coaster REVEALED by Andrea

Andrea — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 17:30:14 +0000

I think we could also surmise from the artwork and shape of the coaster cars that there will be no loops in this, so it’s a more gentle coaster and will attract all ages. It also seems a good fit for a parent with a child next to them, with individual restraints, but more difficult if one parent has two young kids. Hard to say what the size of the ‘sidecar’ is, but its not as ‘open’ as the bike driver, which looks like it can only have a lap belt restraint. I hope they make allowances for various sizes of passengers in this one, unlike the other new ones.

Comment on Review: Dave & Buster’s Orlando by Alicia Johnson

Alicia Johnson — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 21:03:24 +0000

I enjoyed the article. I have never been to any D&B – but it seems fun. I just left an Orlando visit a couple of weeks ago. I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in town. It was helpful for you to note the free parking. I don’t like crazy too much – but this seems like it would be very fun as an evening outing. Thanks for the write-up.

Comment on A Celebration of Harry Potter isn’t coming back to Orlando in 2019 by Heather B

Heather B — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 10:54:37 +0000

Do you think that they might shift to a smaller version of celebration in September? The recent return to Hogwarts campaign and the move of Rock the Universe could really play into that.

Comment on Turning advertisements off on Orlando Informer by Sarah Elder

Sarah Elder — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 18:49:27 +0000

What an amazing move! It’s such a poor experience when pages are stuffed with adverts, especially on mobile devices when they take up half the viewing area.
Thanks for thinking so much of your readers ?

Comment on 3 secrets behind Universal’s new Holiday Parade by MIKE M

MIKE M — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 08:17:20 +0000

Universal Orlando’s new christmas parade is VERY DISAPPOINTING ! Universal is trying to change the beautiful Traditional Parade into a cartoon. No Mrs. Claus, no reindeer, no santa girl dancers, no Candy Cane girls, no Macy’s Traditional Balloons or Floats or Characters. Universal hit the basement this time. We made a trip to Universal to see this Christmas Parade for 12 years. Hopefully they’ll see their err and modify the parade to include the Traditional joys of years past.

Comment on 3 ways Universal Orlando will change in the next decade by Minnie

Minnie — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 22:37:58 +0000

I’m not really a fan of the Jimmy Fallon line. We’ve had virtual passes and it was still 40 minutes in the waiting room upstairs. After you’ve seen the clips once or twice and the live performance it’s not an interesting queue. I much prefer the highly detailed lines a la mummy, spiderman or even the transformers.

Comment on Universal researching answer to Disney’s Minnie Vans by Minnie

Minnie — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 22:28:53 +0000

If they do expand it to include free or cheap on demand transport to and from Disney or other attractions could be a game changer. Personally I’d absolutely stay at universal for a long weekend that combined universal and Disney with a free or cheap transport option. What I hope they don’t do is just add a shuttle to make it worthwhile it should be on demand.

Comment on 3 ways Universal Orlando will change in the next decade by Ryan Serowinski

Ryan Serowinski — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 19:19:08 +0000

This is also when Marvel ends its long deal with Universal Orlando(THANK GOD!) and finally forms the Avengers and Spidey to its rival(even though the MCU would have changed big time)

Comment on Volcano Bay removes almost 30 food choices by ROBYN MUROV

ROBYN MUROV — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 02:11:53 +0000

In reply to Will. I totally agree, and that's not at all like Universal to throw in the towel so early. Something very odd about that. And why would they get rid of Mac n'cheese and all the kids meals? They sound delicious!! And replaced with nothing more than carnival food? Again, very odd and disappointing.

Comment on Volcano Bay removes almost 30 food choices by Kim

Kim — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 15:54:26 +0000

In reply to Will. And yet I just received an email from Universal 24 HOURS AGO, advertising all of those food options and how the food choices at VB are a destination themselves. What's going on?

Comment on Universal researching Star Wars hotel impact and Express changes by Phillip Thorne

Phillip Thorne — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 12:39:05 +0000

In reply to MelH.

Theme park watchers are excited about the Star Wars hotel (so I surmise) because (a) it seems to be a new concept in resort integration and (b) the lack of details encourages rampant speculation. No, it won’t be suitable for everyone’s tastes or wallet (“you can please some of the people some of the time…”), but there’s nothing wrong with being intrigued by a theme park addition even if the interest is entirely theoretical.

“It’s not going to be for the average guest” is a silly objection. This is hardly the first Disney offering that is expensive, exclusive and aspirational. A company with a range of consumer products wants some of them to induce sighs of envy.

Comment on 5 rumors we WISH came true at Universal Orlando by Deborah Alexander

Deborah Alexander — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 07:12:59 +0000

I would work inthe Hogwarts castle hotels as a live in care taker or maid icould play as one of the professor s. This would be my dream before I died. I’m 66 so get it going I am not going to live for ever.

Comment on 6 empty sunrise photos of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter by Jordana

Jordana — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 20:43:24 +0000

how did you manage to get there so early? was it some kind of deal with an Universal Hotel, that would let you in before working hours, or you just went in as soon as it opened? What time did you get there?

Comment on Volcano Bay removes almost 30 food choices by Will

Will — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 16:19:09 +0000

After loads and loads of hoopla about how vital and thematic it was for Volcano Bay to have its own cuisine! After vlogger special tasting sessions streaming up the wazoo! After endless video clips of the menu designer comparing the food creations to that of the Wizarding World. I cannot believe this.

This is supremely disappointing. If there are long lines, slot in another restaurant for crying out loud! Maybe a super quick service burger shack. Clearly, with people not standing in line for slides, more people are going to be wandering about and wanting food. Don’t decimate the menu options! I never even got to try anything!

Comment on Volcano Bay removes almost 30 food choices by Jenn Coniglio

Jenn Coniglio — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 22:04:29 +0000

I was there Friday july 28th and had a bacon cheeseburger. It cost $11.99 the bacon was hard as a rock the berger was dry and no seasonings so it had no flavor. The top of the bun was hard. A mcDonalds quarter pounder was better then this berger.

Comment on Volcano Bay removes almost 30 food choices by Claudia Cano

Claudia Cano — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 02:58:03 +0000

Nooo why they do that!!??? That was one of the things we love more about the park than all the other parks we been too their Food!!! :-/ Not fair at all, on top that we didn’t like at all the time watch for the rides since it was so long of a wait now this SMH!!! And this is not even its first year yet!!!!

Comment on Volcano Bay removes almost 30 food choices by Ryan S

Ryan S — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 21:00:50 +0000

In other words, changes made after designers and creators with no operations experience bring reality check to Volcano Bay.

Next step forward is abondoning TapuTapu.

Then finish the theming and detail promised.

Comment on 11 future attractions coming to Universal in 2017 and beyond by Ryan Serowinski

Ryan Serowinski — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 14:57:57 +0000

PS-I can’t wait when Marvel finally leaves this bust, so Disney would start meet and greets for Black Widow/Hawkeye and Ant Man. Also they need to phase out Dora OUTTA HERE(and plaster Loud House characters instead, another Nickelodeon property)!, and finally Fantastic Beasts and DreamWorks Animation should be two completely different theme parks(but same resort)

Comment on Dragon Challenge closing for a new Harry Potter ride by Gary

Gary — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 09:05:58 +0000

Harry Potter and the Chronic Overuse of Screens gets yet another chapter.

Comment on Guide to vegetarian dining at Universal Orlando Resort by Krissy

Krissy — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 05:57:08 +0000

Not sure if it’s the same there, but at universal studios Hollywood, the mac and cheese noodles are cooked in chicken stock.

Comment on Blue Man Group Bluephoria Lounge: Experience VIP treatment and a best-kept secret at Universal by David

David — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 14:47:14 +0000

Sadly they no longer offer this, its now a much more expensive VIP option…

Comment on 15 new additions to Disney World by 2021 by Brad

Brad — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 23:03:54 +0000

Wax!!!

Comment on Universal researching Star Wars hotel impact and Express changes by John Groth

John Groth — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 10:28:29 +0000

A Harry Potter Hotel would be great!

Comment on Universal researching Star Wars hotel impact and Express changes by MelH

MelH — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 23:43:53 +0000

I honestly think too much is being made of the Stars Wars hotel…sure there are super fans who will stay there but it is not going to be for the average guest. For one thing, it will be WAY too expensive!! Not to mention that the whole “360” thing is not going to appeal to everyone….Art of Animation is too much for me as far as “immersion” goes…I like my hotel to be a respite from the overstimulation of the parks.

Comment on Here’s what to do with a half day at Universal Orlando by Michelle Nguyen

Michelle Nguyen — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 18:19:22 +0000

Any tips on how to get a half day ticket to Universal?

Comment on Guardians of the Galaxy coming to Epcot by Chris

Chris — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 15:41:32 +0000

I’d be really intrigued to know some of the negotiations that allowed GoTG to come to Epcot – Thantos is both an Avengers and now GoTG Villian, so that rules him out surely.

The film is literally also called Avengers: Infinity War. One wonders if this means that the interaction between GoTG and the Avengers in the movie is going to be very limited.

Comment on Tron coaster CONFIRMED for Disney World by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Marc N. Kleinhenz — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 16:04:20 +0000

In reply to Angel. Thank you for catching that! It seems that writing, editing, and/or publishing 10 articles within 90 minutes overloads my circuits. =) ~M.

Comment on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway CONFIRMED for Disney World by ROBYN MUROV

ROBYN MUROV — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 02:33:02 +0000

While I’m sad to see the Great Movie Ride coming to an end, I’m a bit dissapointed that this is how they’re finally bringing Mickey into the parks (in ride form).
I so wish they were going to do what we all hoped and let us be part of Mickey’s journey, from steamboat Willie to today. This concept seems corny and almost a slap in the face to how Walt originally envisioned Mickey (why do they have to use the current look of Mickey instead of the classic look that all generations love?)
I hope there will be more to the ride, as I am looking forward to something new, but the Great Movie Ride was awesome, so this new attraction has big shoes to fill.
Then, on another note: there will be toy Story land, star wars land, Muppets courtyard and mickeys ride, 1) how the heck do ToT and RnRCoaster fit the park, 2)are they going to keep Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, despite both having actual attractions now at MK (though both may be saved thanks to the success of the live action movies and just get tweaked) and 3) What are they going to do with Indiana Jones? Make an Indy section of the park too? I hope they don’t get rid of Indy; bring Disneylands ride or something similar to the studios, but I hope it doesn’t leave. That is now the last remaining original attraction of the park! 🙁

Comment on Disney might become the world leader in driverless vehicle technology by Wendy

Wendy — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 02:32:08 +0000

I could imagine driverless transport/peoplemover hybrid. The tracks are laid throughout the grounds, the passengers select their destination from a touchscreen menu, and the vehicle goes off, with central command controlling all vehicles around the grounds.

Comment on Big changes announced for Disney World’s Epcot by ROBYN MUROV

ROBYN MUROV — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 01:56:50 +0000

These small steps are good, and, while I’m not a fan of Guardians coming to Future World, it was inevitable for something fresh to go into the energy pavillion.
However, for Epcot to truly be ready for WDWs 50th anniversary, I would have liked to hear 2 more pieces of news: 1) that the Imagination pavillion was finally going to get a much needed redo, while still keeping Figment and maybe even bringing back Dreamfinder, and 2) that Wonders of Life would also be given a major redo, using Inside Out, as well as their “healthy properties” (think Dancing with the Stars, The Chew and Extreme Mame over weight loss edition) to really make the pavillion new and relevant (childhood and adult obesity is a huge epidemic in this country). This pavillion is still so needed and they can do so much with it using the synergy of their ABC shows (and even tie in the food and wine festival), that it is a crime that they are still letting this pavillion sit empty for so long!!
With no mention of these 2 pavillions in their announcement, I fear the Disney execs will just bulldoze both and use the space for conventions and for the seasonal festivals, not at all what 2 key Future World pavillions should be used for. I understand Future World is absolutely not what it was, but knowing that these 2 pavillions aren’t getting the love and attention they desperately need makes me sad and I long for the early years of Epcot when the park was truly a mash up of education and entertainment. I can only hope that, with one of the original imagineers helming the project, more news about Epcots renovation is still to come, specifically about these 2 sections. Once those 2 pavillions get the attention they deserve and world showcase gets one more country (and maybe a ride in Germany), then Epcot will once again be the amazing park it was when it first opened 35 years ago.

Comment on Tron coaster coming to Disney World? by MIke Howard

MIke Howard — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 19:03:47 +0000

Now they need to upgrade the Tomorrowland Raceway to electric cars. They could have Tesla as the sponsor.

Comment on Tron coaster CONFIRMED for Disney World by MIke Howard

MIke Howard — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 19:02:36 +0000

Now they need to upgrade the Tomorrowland Raceway to electric cars and they could have Tesla as the sponsor.

Comment on Tron coaster CONFIRMED for Disney World by Angel

Angel — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 15:09:17 +0000

Just a note — Your gondolas link actually goes to the Guardians of the Galaxy announcement page. Thought you should know.

Comment on Tron coaster CONFIRMED for Disney World by Gruff320

Gruff320 — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 13:58:55 +0000

Haha! I see what you did there with the title… ??

Comment on Big changes announced for Disney World’s Epcot by Brad

Brad — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 04:54:06 +0000

WTF?!?!?!?!?!??

Comment on The Great Movie Ride closing soon at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? by Unknown

Unknown — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 03:54:45 +0000

This sucks. Of all the rides to replace. What a disappointment

Comment on Is this the REAL name of Star Wars Land? by KevyB

KevyB — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 09:11:59 +0000

Wow! That’s just stupid. It’s bad enough that every movie has to have a colon. Now they’re bringing it to theme parks?

How about just A Galaxy Far Far Away? Or is that now too close to Shrek’s Far Far Away?

Comment on Cirque du Soleil buys Blue Man Group & changes Orlando’s future by MIke Howard

MIke Howard — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 21:05:42 +0000

Now the games starts for Disney or Universal to buy Cirque du Soleil and get both properties (BMG & CDS) along with the NFL Experience.

Comment on No icon for Halloween Horror Nights 2017? by Jim

Jim — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 20:01:41 +0000

I don’t care about the icon at all. It doesn’t add anything for me.

Comment on ALL Harry Potter rides receive Express Pass access by TopMum

TopMum — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 16:57:47 +0000

If this is the case, WHY do none of the Universal websites confirm it? They all still say that the HP rides are specifically NOT included on Express passes.

Comment on Top 6 thrilling attractions at Walt Disney World by June Song

June Song — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:13:03 +0000

Walt Disney World has so many thrilling attractions. Though I go there many times, I just try several models of these thrill rides as they are too thrilling.
Thanks for your great share! It is a great lists! 🙂

Comment on ALL Harry Potter rides receive Express Pass access by Lill er

Lill er — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 10:15:42 +0000

How exciting! Does this mean if the park is so crowded that they put the Queuing system to gain entrance to WWoHP, that Express Pass holders will be able to bypass the queue?

Thanks for the great info on your site.

Comment on No icon for Halloween Horror Nights 2017? by Seaman

Seaman — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 12:02:18 +0000

We should take care with this discussion?

Comment on Celebrating your birthday or special occasion at Universal Orlando by Gill0101

Gill0101 — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 07:43:34 +0000

Thanks, found this article very informative. We are visiting for the first time and wasn’t sure how to make my daughters birthday visit extra special.

Comment on Is Disney World’s Star Wars Land getting delayed? by KevyB

KevyB — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 09:25:17 +0000

In reply to David Meyer. There has never been a rumor that the two Star Wars Lands would open at the same time. The leaks have pretty consistently said the first half of 2019 for CA and the second half for FL. With Toy Story Land opening next year, there's really zero reason to speed up that plan. There could be a plan underfoot to not get too far behind in case TSL doesn't bring in the crowds next summer. Then they could work 24/7 to open SWL as quickly as possible. Otherwise, there are more upsides to delaying it than there are to finishing it early.

Comment on Universal Orlando: Rides for Larger Guests by Kenisha lee

Kenisha lee — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 03:00:13 +0000

Thanks so much for sharing this information

Comment on Is Disney World’s Star Wars Land getting delayed? by David Meyer

David Meyer — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 14:04:54 +0000

I have been watching construction progress very closely for over a year at both locations. By by estimate, a year ago they were 6 months apart, and now are 3 months apart. So that should be taken into account. Hollywood Studios seems to be catching up. So given that January of 2019 is 18 months away, I think they could catch up. And this would be a win for Disney, as they could advertise nationally for both locations openings at once.

Comment on Is Disney World’s Star Wars Land getting delayed? by KevyB

KevyB — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 02:04:16 +0000

There was always one reason and one reason only that Disney was going to try to open this by 2019: Super Nintendo World! That was originally the year that it was rumored to open. Otherwise that date made no sense as that’s just not how Disney works.

Disney likes to stretch out construction far longer than necessary to appease their stockholders. With a late 2019 opening, they were going to have trouble with their numbers game. Especially since the true cost of Star Wars was all going to be backloaded so the combined cost of these two lands wouldn’t scare stockholders.

Now that it looks like we won’t be getting Nintendo until 2021 – at the earliest – Disney can go back to their SOP. Disney doesn’t open brand new lands in consecutive years! They couldn’t even open New Fantasyland in the same year! (Similarly, part of Toy Story Land was obviously moved to a Phase Two.) Yeah, they opened Pandora this year and Toy Story is obviously next year, but TS barely constitutes a new land, at least by budgetary standards. The whole thing probably won’t even cost as much as a single E-Ticket.

Delaying Star Wars benefits them greatly. This year Pandora was definitely the forgotten stepchild when it came to new attractions, with Volcano Bay and Mission Breakout hogging all the media attention. This park can’t afford that lack of focus. And Disneyland will always steal the spotlight.

Plus, this gives them a year to iron out wrinkles after it opens in Anaheim. In fact, they can probably soft open for Easter, allowing them about 6 weeks to fine-tune, ensuring a much smoother opening when the media arrives.

There are far more upsides to delaying this until May 2020 than there are to opening it half a year earlier.

Comment on Does the new Harry Potter ride NEED Harry Potter? by Superfan

Superfan — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 13:49:34 +0000

I believe no matter who they fashion the new ride after that people will flock to it BECAUSE it’s a new “Harry Potter ride”. It would be more enticing (for me) if it was based on one of the book/movie characters or scenes because of the familiarity. However, Universal/JKR have a massive depth of untapped capabilities with the new FB&WTFT movie saga. If Hogsmeade and DA were created 10 years after the original movies ended and are still so popular, I feel we still have at least 20-30 years worth of ideas to come out of USF/IOA in the form of rides, attractions and shows due to the new movies (and play and short stories on Pottermore).

Let’s compare to the Star Wars franchise at Disney…Star Tours opened in the 1980’s in California (not sure when it opened in FL) only a few years after the Return of the Jedi came out in theaters. It took this franchise years to build itself up (and in my opinion, looking back, it had to do with how the films were distributed after being in the theaters: VHS, and the lack of digital merchandising). Can you imagine how much more popular Star Wars would be if we had social media and Netflix back in the late 80’s-early 90’s?

After saying that, I believe because of current advertising trends (social media, instant viewing, digital downloads) that the HP franchise will continue to dominate the “war on theme park attractions” for many years to come, no matter who it’s decided upon to be the next star of a new ride. The popularity of HP and rejuvenation of the franchise each time something new is created by Universal/JKR, brings all of us Harry Potter fans back for more! Universal just needs to expand…and I wouldn’t mind it in the least if they put other HP-themed attractions into the 4th park. Let’s get moving, Comcast! We want more!