3 adorable love stories from Orlando’s theme parks
If you had asked me at the age of 21 if I thought I’d find love in the theme parks, I’d say not likely; it … Read more
Search Results for: big 5
6 Things You Need to Know about The Orlando Eye
Orlando is chock full of big amusements; towering icons, colossal entertainment, and ginormous thrills are just a few of the reasons tourists and locals alike … Read more
13 Best Pictures from Universal This Week
Take a look at Orlando Informer’s 13 favorite Universal moments from February 7-8. 1. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Guests take the plunge on the … Read more
Riding a Mardi Gras float: Best rush outside of Bourbon Street
Editor’s note: This article was originally published a few years ago, but since nothing has changed we’re republishing this for the Mardi Gras 2015 season. … Read more
Visiting Universal Studios Florida with kids – a complete, up-to-date guide
A common misconception about Universal Orlando Resort is that the attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are designed mainly with teens and … Read more
“Let Your Heart Take Flight” as a Macy’s Holiday Parade balloon handler
In the spring of 2005, I needed a change in my life. I don’t particularly know how, at 22 years old, I knew this, or … Read more
Gotham Island: What Batman’s gift shops, carnival games, and nightclub would’ve looked like at Islands of Adventure
Back in 1992, when Universal first began to sketch out the expansion that would turn its single-park Universal Studios Florida into the full-resort Universal Orlando, … Read more
Rumor SPOTLIGHT for July 16, 2014: What if Universal buys SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment?
In case you missed the news last week, we’ve recently been hearing that Universal owner Comcast might want to buy SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment (which … Read more
Islands of Adventure trip report – July 2014 (Hogsmeade Station, Kongstruction, fun in Toon Lagoon + a CityWalk update)
The summer always brings many tourists to Orlando to enjoy all the world-class attractions, especially Universal Orlando Resort. Over the weekend, I joined my fellow … Read more
Rumor round-up for July 11, 2014: Universal’s Volcano Bay water park, Disney expansions, and Comcast buying SeaWorld
Volcano Bay, the future, and you Three years ago, HHNRumors, of all sites, came across a trademark filling for a new water park called, oddly … Read more
Diagon Alley: Everything we know about Monday’s soft opening, Tuesday’s grand opening, and Early Park Admission
Monday’s soft opening We’ve had many days of steady soft openings for Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express. Today is the first day that might … Read more
Cocoa Beach’s endless possibilities: Gators, rocket launches, surfing, and so much more
If spending every day of your Orlando vacation in the theme parks seems a bit daunting, consider a relaxing day trip to one of Central … Read more
Busch Gardens Tampa trip report – July 2014 (Summer Nights extravaganza, Rhino Rally reopens, Falcon’s Fury more beautiful than ever)
I’d heard so many great things about Summer Nights at Busch Gardens from last year that, this year, I jumped at the chance to go. … Read more
Fourth of July 2014 round-up: Universal, SeaWorld, Disney, LEGOLAND, Celebration Town Center, and Lake Eloa
Universal Orlando This time of year, I get a lot of fans asking about Independence Day celebrations at Universal Orlando. This happens because Universal itself … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: June 22 – 28, 2014
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 June 27, 2014: Universal is building three more hotels, all the HHN 24 scare zones, and a few Diagon Alley updates
Hotels, hotels, and more hotels It has long been known that Universal has been interested in eventually developing five hotels on its property – that’s … Read more
Uber’s “shared driver service” is Orlando’s slick new transportation option for saving money
The background It’s been a few months since Uber first appeared on my radar, thanks to some of my friends who have been using it … Read more
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade is still as magical as ever: Visit again for the first time
As the world prepares to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, it’s time to remind ourselves of the true magic that is … Read more
Universal Orlando trip report – June 2014 (Hogsmeade spell markers, Diagon Alley dragon, Kong-struction & more)
While I am impatiently waiting for possible soft openings of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, I decided to report on the most … Read more
Rumor SPOTLIGHT: Diagon Alley’s journey from rumor to fact (2011 – 2013)
On July 8, 2014, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will finally, after two-and-a-half-years of construction, be opened to the general public. … Read more
As if you were there: The Tonight Show at Universal Orlando with special guest Jimmy Buffett
My journey to see Jimmy Fallon started as most journeys begin these days – with a Facebook post. “Did you know Jimmy Fallon is coming to … Read more
Orlando for beginners: How to survive hurricane season
Hurricane season is upon us in the Sunshine State of Florida – six wonderful months of diligently watching the weather forecast to see if the … Read more
Reader poll: Winning the theme park wars – Disney vs. Universal on food
It’s time to head to the front lines again and fight the theme park wars. And in honor of this week’s one-year anniversary of The … Read more
Rumor round-up for June 6, 2014: More Diagon Alley stores and their locations, casting spells in the wizarding world, and conversational goblins
At last! The most exact(ing) layout of Diagon Alley yet If you’ll recall from last week, we were on something of a tear to find … Read more
Harry Potter stars tour Diagon Alley: Relive the magic and examine every detail we learned
Yesterday, on Thursday, June 5, Harry Potter stars Oliver Phelps (George Weasley), James Phelps (Fred Weasley), and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) stopped by both Wizarding … Read more
CityWalk’s next generation, wave two: Menchie’s, Harry Potter, and the all-new Universal Studios Store
The evolution of Universal CityWalk continues. This week marks the opening of one new treat stop, a totally revamped merchandise store, and a two-month celebration … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Diagon Alley attraction requirements, expectant mothers rider’s chart, Team Members continue to impress us
Welcome to our latest edition of Special Needs Are Universal, a now-monthly column that will highlight the questions received and answered on the OI Community … Read more
Rumor round-up for May 30, 2014: New details about Gringotts, limiting the Hogwarts Express, and the latest intel on wands, drinks & shops
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts: The good Just recently, the wonderful Bob Wadd posted some pics and video of his latest helicopter fly-by … Read more
Real guest reviews of Universal Orlando: Even more amazing reviews submitted by our fans (and last weekend’s Review & Win contest winners announced!)
Our site is the world’s most popular independent guide to Universal Orlando Resort — comprehensive, obsessively updated & completely free — and used by more … Read more
Piecing together Diagon Alley’s grand opening date: Everything we know right now
Let’s be honest: it’s a little disheartening – not to mention just a tad crazy – that Universal hasn’t announced the opening date of the … Read more
Duplo Valley: Making LEGOLAND Florida the very first theme park for the entire family
With so many theme parks to choose from in Central Florida, how do you choose which one to take your family to? Well, if you’ve … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: May 18 – 24, 2014
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 Studios Florida trip report – May 2014 (Diagon Alley is almost complete, media invites sent out for a preview event, the joy of Springfield)
With so many changes happening, it feels like it has been forever since I visited Universal Studios Florida. (In reality, it’s only been a few … Read more
Magic Kingdom trip report – May 2014 (Festival of Fantasy is lyrical, Frozen is dominating & Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is almost here!)
Take five days in early May, add in three theme park enthusiasts and one condominium a few miles from Downtown Disney, and you’ve got the … Read more
Staying on-site at Hard Rock Hotel: Experience a Universal Orlando vacation at its best
Being the poor college graduate that I am, all my visits to Universal Orlando have included accommodations at an off-site hotel. However, recently I had … Read more
Rumor round-up for May 2, 2014: New Harry Potter food & souvenirs, clues to Early Park Admission, but where’s the grand opening announcement?
Eating, drinking & buying your way around Diagon Alley It’s already May, which means that (more than likely) the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – … Read more
Busch Gardens Tampa trip report – April 2014 (Falcon’s Fury test runs, Pantopia progress, “Iceploration” & the new Refresh Market)
When we asked my daughter whether she wanted a party for her birthday or to bring a friend with her to Busch Gardens, she only … Read more
Fun Spot America trip report – April 2014 (new attractions, the Sweet Spot & deals to save you money)
The first time I wrote about Fun Spot America, they just had their grand re-opening. Almost a year has gone by since then, and I … Read more
Guide to FastPass+ at Walt Disney World: Unlimited FastPass reservations now open to all guests
Update – April 28, 2014 Starting today, Monday, April 28, guests can select more FastPasses once they are in the park and have used up … Read more
Reader poll: Winning the theme park wars – Disney vs. Universal on cleanliness & immersion
This week, Universal psyched us all out when it flew The Today Show’s Al Roker out to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon … Read more
Three incredible ways Diagon Alley is lavishly improving on Hogsmeade’s wizarding formula
It isn’t just with park-connecting rides and compelling merchandising opportunities that Universal plans on expounding upon the Wizarding World of Harry Potter formula that it … Read more
Spring Break 2014 survival guide: Lessons learned from visiting Universal Orlando at its busiest
There is a Universal Orlando vacation, then there is a Universal Orlando vacation during Spring Break. While the rising temperatures and festive spirit of the … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: April 7 – April 12, 2014
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 Studios Florida trip report – April 2014 (CityWalk & Diagon Alley construction, parking fee increase & inside Curious George Goes to Town)
Wouldn’t you agree that spending a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Universal Studios Florida is a great way to spend a spring day? I just did … Read more
Rumor round-up for March 28, 2014: Sharpening our thoughts on Diagon Alley’s opening, first glimpses of King Kong & Jurassic World, Universal’s water park
Let’s figure out Diagon Alley’s opening date, shall we? A new source has dropped off an owl to us here at Orlando Informer, and the … Read more
Orlando Informer Weekly Dispatch: March 16 – 23, 2014
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 March 22, 2014: Disney’s FastPass+ controversy – the good, the bad & the indifferent
Rumor FastPass+ round-up All four of Walt Disney World’s theme parks have been switched over to the new FastPass+ ride reservation system for the past … Read more
Celebrate Mardi Gras like you mean it: Our favorite ways to party before the parade & headlining concert
Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is definitely the most kicking “Nawlins” party outside of Bourbon Street. No doubt you’ve heard all about the big parade … Read more
Outdoor kitchens at the 2014 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival: Try the returning dishes and all the new flavors
The big news for this year’s Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot is the return of the delightful food and beverage booths, which are now … Read more
Rumor SPOTLIGHT for March 14, 2014: Hogwarts Express ride details reveal the world’s most authentic theme park attraction
At the beginning of this week, Universal teased that it was going to be sharing some new details today about the Hogwarts Express train ride … Read more