SeaWorld Orlando trip report – February 2014 (Bands, Brew & BBQ, Larry the Cable Guy, Shamu Up Close)
When SeaWorld announced that Larry the Cable Guy would be the headline event at Bands, Brew & BBQ this past Sunday, we knew we had … Read more
Search Results for: big 5
Rumor SPOTLIGHT for February 14, 2014: Staying at Universal’s FIFTH on-site hotel
Exponentially increasing construction? Eh – business as usual Last month, word broke on Orlando United that a fifth hotel would start construction later this year; … Read more
Universal Studios Florida trip report – February 2014 (Mardi Gras parade, Daughtry in concert, construction updates)
The holidays are long over and the Celebration of Harry Potter is a fond memory. What’s next at Universal Studios? Mardi Gras! I visited Universal … Read more
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food opens at Universal CityWalk: First impressions, photo tour & tips for your visit
Editor’s note: the grand opening of Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, which replaced Latin Quarter, was February 5, but our super-fan Chuck was able to dine … Read more
Rumor round-up for February 7, 2014: Gringotts’ full story, riding Avatar Land’s boat ride, Diagon Alley signs & Seven Dwarfs Mine
Ready to visit your Gringotts vault? Breaking the story of Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts has been a long and laborious process – … Read more
Rumor round-up for January 31, 2014: Previewing King Kong at Universal, touring Orlando Eye & delaying the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
King Kong and the Raiders of the Lost Ark In last week’s episode of Orlando United’s podcast, rumormonger HateToFly shared a bit about the King … Read more
My magical experience at A Celebration of Harry Potter: Day 3 (and two additional stories from guests critical of how Universal handled the event)
We now pick up Maureen’s “A Celebration of Harry Potter” trip report at the beginning of Day 3. If you missed our post covering Day … Read more
My magical experience at A Celebration of Harry Potter: Day 1 & Day 2
This past weekend I enthusiastically participated in “A Celebration of Harry Potter” at Universal Orlando. To understand my perspective on this weekend, I think I … Read more
After the webcast: Six incredible Diagon Alley secrets revealed that weren’t mentioned in the webcast
Yes, it’s only been a few days since last Thursday’s webcast officially announcing many of Diagon Alley’s key features, but that hasn’t stopped a whole … Read more
After the webcast: Step-by-step guide to EVERYTHING we now know about Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando
After a month of waiting, today was finally the day: Universal held its Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley webcast at 10:30 this … Read more
SeaWorld Orlando trip report – January 2014 (dolphin encounters, Wild Days Sea Rescue & Shamu Up Close)
Even with temperatures below what any Floridian would call comfortable, we couldn’t miss the Wild Days Sea Rescue at SeaWorld last weekend. As we arrived, … Read more
Countdown to Diagon Alley: How Harry Potter is defining the next-generation theme park experience
On Thursday, January 23, Universal is going to finally blow open its most-anticipated attraction yet, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, in … Read more
RRU Special Edition: New details on Diagon Alley – story, food, actors, previews & the name of the Gringotts Bank attraction
Gringotts Bank coaster: The attraction’s story & name A week ago today, we lead you on a little tour through the complete Gringotts Bank ride … Read more
Countdown to Diagon Alley: Four burning questions we still have about the new Wizarding World
On Thursday, January 23, Universal is going to finally blow open its most-anticipated attraction yet, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, in … Read more
UCF Knights march into Magic Kingdom: Complete coverage & priceless parade viewing tips
What phrase do you immediately hear after the Super Bowl has just completed? Why, “I’m going to Disney World” of course! On special occasions, a … Read more
Countdown to Diagon Alley: Complete telling of the Gringotts Bank ride experience at Universal Orlando
On Thursday, January 23, Universal is going to finally blow open its most-anticipated attraction yet, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, in … Read more
Busch Gardens Tampa trip report – January 2014 (hungry birds at Lory Landing, Falcon’s Fury construction, first ride on SheiKra)
January is Pass Holder appreciation month at Busch Gardens – each annual pass can get a guest in for free this month! That news sent … Read more
Countdown to Diagon Alley: What if the new Wizarding World sucks?
On Thursday, January 23, Universal is going to finally blow open its most-anticipated attraction yet, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, in … Read more
Rumor SPOTLIGHT for January 3, 2014: CityWalk 2.0 vs. Disney Springs vs. the Orlando Eye
Did you finish our Downtown Disney & CityWalk primer we published last week? Good. History lessons can be a tough slog to get through at … Read more
Breaking all the records in 2014: Our definitive list of top new attractions & venues coming to Orlando this year
All theme park fans can agree that there is a jolt of excitement and breathlessness that only new attractions can generate. And with a huge … Read more
Rumor SPOTLIGHT for December 27, 2013: The legacy of Downtown Disney and the future of Disney Springs
Universal CityWalk and the Orlando Eye have been much in the news the past month, thanks to newly-announced expansions and, even, name changes. And at … Read more
Reader poll: 2013’s most improved theme park & your all-time favorite
While we’re plenty excited for the amazing developments that are on tap for Central Florida’s theme parks in 2014, we can’t already forget all the … Read more
Beyond the parks: Nine new ideas for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Orlando
From Universal Orlando’s legendary CityWalk celebration to the excitement and magic in Disney’s theme parks, there is no shortage of memorable ways to ring in … Read more
Rumor round-up for December 20, 2013: Diagon Alley’s secrets, Forbidden Journey’s changes & the FIRST Halloween Horror Nights 24 rumors
Rumor Harry Potter round-up for December 20 As we fast approach the five-month mark(!) until the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley opens, … Read more
The City by the Bay: Dive deep in the themes & inspiration for USF’s San Francisco backlot
San Francisco, the City by the Bay, is the final part of my backlot series that represents a real U.S. city. This portion of Universal … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Autism & food allergy concerns for first-time Universal Orlando guests, Disney contact information for disability issues
In this edition of Special Needs Are Universal, I would like to share a couple of the newest questions and comments I’ve received from readers. … Read more
Why I love the outrageous roller coasters at Universal Orlando (and a few things I’d improve)
Let me say this up front: I am a roller coaster fiend! I cannot get enough of the fast, intense experience that roller coasters present. … Read more
RRU Special Edition: Universal announces largest expansion in CityWalk history – we’ve got details and exclusive analysis
CityWalk opened in 1999, when the single-park Universal Studios Florida expanded to the full Universal Orlando Resort. And while it has seen its fair share … Read more
Preparing your kids for their Universal Orlando adventure – a clever mom’s guide
The dates are picked for your Universal Orlando vacation, the lodging is reserved, and the tickets are purchased. As you count down the days to … Read more
Rumor round-up for December 6, 2013: Gringotts coaster details, exploring Avatar’s opening-day attraction & more
EXCLUSIVE: Shedding light inside Gringotts Bank A new source has recently conjured himself up here at Orlando Informer, speaking to us in the back alleys … Read more
The flavors of Margaritaville are brighter than ever as the cafe’s new menu is introduced in Orlando
Margaritaville Cafe Orlando at Universal CityWalk has a completely revamped menu, and this week we had the honor of sampling a large variety of the … Read more
Rumor SPOTLIGHT for November 27, 2013: How Disney lost the battle for 2017 by cancelling most of Star Wars Land
Disney CEO Bob Iger was supposed to be publicly announcing Star Wars’s big arrival at Disneyland’s Tomorrowland and Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios right about … Read more
SeaWorld Orlando trip report – November 2013 (the holidays are here as SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration begins)
Last Saturday, after a day of running errands, finding Thanksgiving recipes, and last minute grocery shopping, we couldn’t wait to get down to SeaWorld for … Read more
Rumor round-up for November 22, 2013: The third Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Cabana Bay’s lazy river & some CityWalk morsels
The Wizarding World, Part III The opening of the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter in June 2010 exploded Universal Orlando’s attendance and launched it … Read more
Key West at SeaWorld Orlando: Explore a land of turtles, sting rays, dolphins & one of the world’s best roller coasters
The southernmost part of the continental U.S. is Key West, Florida. While many of us cannot take the trek to Key West — although we … Read more
Special needs are Universal: Disabled parking permits for Int’l visitors, new USF companion restrooms, changes to Universal’s attraction assistance policy
Welcome to the next edition of our Special Needs Are Universal column, featuring questions and answers to help those with disabilities plan their day at … Read more
SeaWorld celebrates the 2013 Christmas season, launches new AnimalVision experience & reveals Aquatica’s new thrill slide: Ihu’s Breakaway Falls
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration: Where the season meets the sea Select dates Nov 23 – Dec 31 Waves of holiday spirit splash over the park during … Read more
Real guest reviews of Universal Orlando: More sensational reviews submitted by our fans
Over the summer we introduced a new site feature that allows our readers to share reviews of the attractions and restaurants inside Universal Orlando’s theme … Read more
Rumor round-up for November 9, 2013: Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar at Citywalk, extensive Avatar details revealed, end of HHN originality & more [UPDATED]
Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar coming to Universal CityWalk? Quick refresher: It has been rumored for several months that CityWalk’s Starbucks, currently positioned on the second … Read more
Rumor round-up for November 1, 2013: Gringotts Bank coaster video, Universal’s theme park dominance, HP flame effects & JP midway games
Sneak peek at Gringotts Bank coaster Eager to get a taste of what the Gringotts ride may be like once it opens next year as … Read more
The Orlando Magic at Amway Center: One of the greatest spectacles Central Florida has to offer (and one of its best values too)
If there’s one thing that people from the USA and the UK have in common, it’s our cultures’ obsession with sports and sporting events — … Read more
SeaWorld Orlando trip report – October 2013 (our first in a new series)
Last Saturday my family and I set off to see the Spooktacular happenings at SeaWorld Orlando. Little did we know everyone else apparently had the … Read more
Rumor round-up for October 19, 2013: Skull Island the eighth Island of Adventure, Avatar details & theories, Potter construction update
Welcome to the eighth Island of Adventure: Skull Island King Kong, after an 11-year absence, is returning to Universal Orlando – that much all the … Read more
Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS): First-hand experience & in-depth analysis of the new system
As promised, my family and I were at Epcot when the new Disability Access Service (DAS) card rolled out Wednesday, October 9. Over the last … Read more
Reader poll doubleheader: Disney guest service vs. Universal guest service & AVATAR vs. Harry Potter
After a few weeks off, our reader poll blog posts are back, and they’re returning with our biggest battle to date! Screw up your courage … Read more
Rumor round-up for October 11, 2013: Tour through Hogsmeade Station, new Wizarding World artwork & Iron Man flies in Hong Kong
Let’s walk through Hogsmeade Station, shall we? Prolific rumor monger HateToFly is at it again over on the Orlando United boards, and this time, he’s … Read more
Halloween Horror Nights 2013: Frequently asked questions & our expert answers
We are starting a new series here on Orlando Informer. A few times each month we will pick a topic pertaining to Universal Orlando vacation … Read more
Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort: An afternoon trek, a homestyle meal & superb service
I’ve been to Walt Disney World many times since my first visit in the mid 90’s. But somehow, in all those visits, the one place … Read more
Rumor round-up for October 4, 2013: World of Warcraft coming to Universal, new infrared tech coming to Disney, construction projects around Orlando
Welcome to Azeroth, the newest Island of Adventure? Ever hear of a little videogame series called Warcraft? It started as a real-time strategy game for … Read more
Arabian Nights “Royal Celebration” – a classic dinner show gets an enchanting makeover
The Arabian Nights dinner show is an Orlando original (well, technically a Kissimmee original). In fact, this classic show has been entertaining Central Florida visitors … Read more