Therapy dogs are known to lower blood pressure, reduce heart rates, and ease anxiety—factors that can significantly affect travelers navigating airport stresses. That’s why, several times a week, MCO Paw Pilots, a group of certified therapy dogs, visit Orlando International Airport to offer comfort and joy during these challenging moments.

The MCO Paw Pilots program includes 16 teams, each consisting of a volunteer handler and their therapy dog, certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. After gaining a year of experience, the dogs undergo an interview process with MCO to ensure they’re ready to unleash their skills on the traveling public.

If you spot one in action, don’t hesitate to ask their handler for a business card—it’s a great way to learn more about your new furry friend!

While the MCO Paw Pilots don’t have a set schedule, you can check Orlando International Airport’s social media for the latest information on when you can meet them.

Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads,  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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On top of our world-class theme parks, we also have exciting, unique water parks and experiences. Aquatica Orlando and Universal Volcano Bay offer their distinctive takes on tropical escapes, while visitors can also embark on excursions to destinations like the Kennedy Space Center and Clearwater Beach. Furthermore, Florida’s picturesque beaches and refreshing springs are a short drive away. We’ll touch on those momentarily. For now, let’s do a little housekeeping.

Before those of you who may have skimmed this already and raised the ever-inquisitive eyebrow at us – we know what you’re thinking: “Where are the theme parks?” Don’t worry, they’re always on our list. Even if it’s not stated outright, Orlando’s infamous trio of theme parks, Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, are always our top recommendations for anything. Yet, this vibrant city also boasts an array of non-theme park destinations that promise to elevate your week-long break to unforgettable heights.

Now then, let’s get into the meat of why Orlando should be your next destination for Spring Break!

Swim through Spring Break at Orlando’s water parks

Orlando is home to amazing water parks like Universal Volcano Bay and Aquatica Orlando, where you can bask in the sun or speed down a water slide to rinse the day away.

One of this writer’s fondest memories was when he first braved Aquatica’s Reef Plunge. It was both his first time on a water slide of that caliber and an exhilarating experience as he zoomed past colorful tropical sealife and the park’s own Commerson’s dolphins. Imagine the bragging rights you’ll have when you go back to school with that vacation to write an essay about!

For anyone who wants a truly unique water park like no other, Volcano Bay is just that. Universal’s water theme park is situated at the foot of Krakatau, the park’s colorful volcano centerpiece. Upon entering the park, prepare to be captivated by the stunning vista of Krakatau, a sight you’ll definitely want to capture with your camera.

Volcano Bay stands out as the sole water park to feature the unique TapuTapu virtual queue technology, allowing you to explore other areas of the park while you wait. It’s also home to the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, the only magnetically propelled water coaster in Orlando.

Splash into the local beaches and natural springs

While Orlando might be a city by definition, that doesn’t mean there aren’t natural Florida habitats just minutes away. Within a 30 to 40-minute drive sit three natural springs of interest. Wekiwa Springs stands as a popular favorite, yet its bustling nature paves the way to explore many serene alternatives. To that, countless others like Blue Springs, Rainbow Springs, and Kelly Park Rock Springs are great options that exist not far from Orlando. These are the perfect “true Florida” spin on the mainstream beach options. Much like their sandy siblings, this Floridian can say that there’s nothing like laying down a towel and complimenting a hot summer day with a dip into the cool waters of Florida’s natural springs.

Speaking of the beaches, some of Florida’s best lie a few mere miles outside Orlando. Although Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach are the most famous, they’re not quite at the top of our list here. The Indiatlantic Beach is just a little further past Cocoa and Daytona and is equally worthy of your time. Cocoa Beach’s popularity is a testament to its appeal, drawing visitors from far and wide. Its vibrant atmosphere is perfect for those who love a bustling beach scene. For those seeking a quieter spot still close by, Jetty Park Beach and Pier offers a delightful alternative. Jetty Park is located in the Cape Canaveral portion of Cocoa Beach and has a $15 entry fee which you can pay for ahead of time or at the park’s gate. Rest assured that the fee goes toward the property’s cleanliness and upkeep, which is a small price for the proper experience you’re looking for.

Take an excursion while you’re in Orlando

There are also plenty of other options to maximize your Spring Break while you’re in Orlando. Not far from our fair city lie other destinations like amazing coastal beaches and exhilarating airboat exhibitions. The options are endless, with worthwhile destinations like the Kennedy Space Center, Clearwater Beach, and even single-day trips to Miami, all accessible from Central Florida.

As a South Florida-born frequenter of Clearwater Beach, I can attest to its exceptional ability to create lasting memories. Whenever we go to Clearwater, my wife and I make it a point to experience the Sea Screamer speedboat. It’s always a great time as the boat captains and hosts take you around the outskirts of Clearwater’s ritzier neighborhoods and share a bit of the beach city’s history. If you’re lucky, there may even be some fancy-flippered friends racing the boat while flying through the currents at top speeds!

Ready to start planning? Share your thoughts with 160,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook and purchase your general discounted theme park admission here.  And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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With so many great watering hole options at Universal Orlando Resort, what makes a bar “the best”? The drinks are the obvious factor, but it’s more than a quality libation poured by a generous hand. A “good” bar consists of attentive service and a welcoming, well-themed, and entertaining atmosphere alongside a considerable menu. The best bars provide the utmost in all of these accordingly.

Given these demands and some investigation, here is a compilation of our suggestions from the vast array of fantastic options across Universal Orlando Resort. Along with each feature, we’ve also provided a drink recommendation that represents that bar the most.

NBC Sports Grill & Brew

Location: Universal CityWalk Orlando
Drink recommendation: When in Rome Beer Flight

While both parks have fine offerings for beer lovers, this venue is a great choice for someone wanting to enjoy a cold one and have the ultimate game-watching experience. It takes everything you know and love about the standard American sports bar while tremendously amplifying it with classy Edison theming.

The establishment features several high-definition, big-screen televisions playing various sports games, including an outdoor jumbotron, and bars on both the upper and lower floors with a decent amount of seating. Mention what game you’re trying to follow, and there’s the possibility they can seat you accordingly, depending on the table availability. If you have friends and family who aren’t exactly sports fanatics, some tables are even equipped with shuffleboard games to keep non-spectators entertained while everyone else takes in the game day excitement.

The menu has an impressive offering of food and beverage but excels in its beer and cider selections. Its extensive list includes over 100 types of ales, ciders, and lagers, which come in bottled and draft forms. Within their impressive lineup is their exclusive local house brew – the 862. This IPA blends floral, citrus, grapefruit, and pine aromas balanced with a medium-high hop bitterness. Keep an eye out for its ever-changing seasonal version crafted at a local brewery with fresh, Florida farm-grown ingredients of the season.

NBC Sports Grill & Brew also offers several great flight options. Personally, I’d suggest their When in Rome flight, consisting of two of their three exclusive brews, the Firkin beer and the 862 seasonal flavor, as well as Florida’s own Swamp Ape IPA and Key West Sunset Ale.

Antojito’s Authentic Mexican Food

Location: Universal CityWalk Orlando
Drink recommendation: Antorita

Antojito’s theme can be stated as “Traditional Mexican with a modern, urban flare” and is one of the most vibrant venues on property inside and out. Within its festive exterior, it offers two indoor bars on both the upper and lower floors and a quick-service stand outside in the form of a food truck near the entrance for when you want to grab a drink on the go. Within their neon-accented interior are decorations of contemporary art celebrating Mexican culture with highlights of luchadors, colorful graffiti, and other urban-style art. As one of the only venues that offer live entertainment on Universal Orlando property, guests can enjoy the music stylings of a solo guitarist and a mariachi band on select evenings.

Focusing back on the bar itself, the service has always been top-notch during my visits. Their menu is consistent with their theme, offering Mexican beers, different mezcals, and an extensive list of tequilas. In our opinion, The Antorita is the drink that conveys this bar the best. Their namesake margarita is their take on a traditional house margarita that consists of José Cuervo Silver Tradicional tequila, Cointreau, Gran Gala, and garnished with a fresh lime.

If you want something a little less traditional that’s still representative of the bar, I’d also suggest the Blood Orange or my current favorite, The Pineapple Fire and Ice, which comes with a bonus pineapple ice pop! Best of all, their drinks are made from scratch, meaning you can technically customize how you take your beverage.

Strong Water Tavern

Location: Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Drink recommendation: Tavern Grog

If I were to take a stance, Strong Water Tavern should be on anyone’s list of Orlando’s Best Theme Park Bars, and I dare to not-so-humbly call it the best bar on Universal Orlando’s property. Sapphire Falls’ lobby bar has a classy but laid-back vibe with cobblestone and dark wood tones and nautical wall splashings behind the bar’s white marble counter. It’s spacious with plenty of comfortable places to relax that almost beckon you to take a seat and have a drink.

Venturing to their outdoor seating, the patio boasts several choice spots to enjoy a beverage while taking in the serenity of the hotel’s waterfall and lagoon that joins Sapphire Falls with its neighboring hotels. Strong Water Tavern is a rum bar by nature. As such, they have an extensive selection of over 60 types, some of which are barrel-aged right there at the establishment, and a menu of inspired cocktails to choose from, as well as regional Caribbean tapas to pair with your drink of choice.

Of course, I’ve pinpointed their Tavern Grog to be their representative libation. This cocktail utilizes Plantation Original Dark Rum, pimento dram (rum-based liqueur for those taking notes.), demerara sugar, and citrus. The flavors mingle with each other in a subtle but enjoyable fashion, helping this drink define the term “craft” within mixology and showcasing their creative prowess. It’s also likely the best drink on property. It’s so popular that Universal Orlando offers a video tutorial on making the signature beverage at home. Alternatively, they offer expert-guided tastings of their rum selections. The difference with them is you’ll have in-depth education from their Rum Captain on each sampling instead of a simple pairing.

Finnegan’s Bar and Grill

Location: Universal Studios Florida, New York
Drink recommendation: Finnegan’s G&T

Intricately themed as a traditional Irish pub, Finnegan’s is the go-to in-park bar considered a favorite spot of both Universal Orlando Passholders and guests traveling abroad.

The venue is split in two as Finnegan’s offers full food service and a bar, each having its own entrances. Those just wanting to grab a quality “trip enhancer” need only to hop over to their side before returning to their Universal Studios Florida visit. Finnegan’s Bar & Grill also sits alongside Antojito’s as an establishment where you can often pair live entertainment with a meal or libation.

Naturally, beer and whiskey are featured, but Finnegan’s also offers a full bar bursting with potential for crafting signature drinks. As we delve into the depths of this liquid playground, there are two handcrafted creations we would like to highlight that embody this bar. Sip on Finnegan’s twist on a gin and tonic with their Finnegan’s G&T, crafted with New Amsterdam Gin, Chambord Liqueur, tonic water, and simple syrup, and topped with a fresh sprig of rosemary. But if your taste buds crave the taste of Emerald Isle charm, the Green Tea Clover is calling your name! This elixir offers a melon-infused spin on the traditional Irish Whiskey Sour, comprised of Jameson Irish whiskey, Midori liqueur, peach schnapps, and sour mix.

Bar 17 Bistro

Location: Aventura Hotel
Drink recommendation: Night on Fire

Aventura’s rooftop bar secures a well-deserved spot among the top-recommended bars at Universal Orlando Resort and is widely considered to be one of the best watering holes in Orlando. Accessing the elevated Bar 17 Bistro is incredibly easy, thanks to a dedicated express elevator that whisks you away to the 17th floor in no time.

Once you’re there, the lounge’s plexiglass surroundings offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the cityscape and three Universal Orlando’s parks. Rest assured, wherever you choose to settle into among their wide array of seats, an awe-inspiring vista awaits. We suggest aligning your visit with dusk as it acts as a wonderful mood setting and is when Orlando is most vibrant.

I’ll admit that researching this article marked my inaugural visit to this bar, and since that first encounter, I’ve been drawn back into its welcoming, laid-back ambiance with a drink in hand. Speaking of drinks – at first glance, there isn’t a concoction that boldly claims the title of this bar’s representative signature drink.

I’d say that the Night on Fire would be the drink of choice here. Bar 17 Bistro’s expert bartenders fill your glass with Absolut Vanilia Vodka, Absolut Citron Vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, simple syrup, and blackberries topped with Fresno pepper. The combined experience with each sip pleasantly compliments Bar 17’s open-air environment with a little added spice. Bonus points are awarded for those who pair it with a view of Krakatau at Volcano Bay.

Honorable Mention: Fat Tuesday

Location: Universal CityWalk Orlando
Drink recommendation: 44 Magnum

This quick-service, walk-up bar may not be unique to Universal Orlando, but its notoriety warrants consideration. They have a consistent line-up of frozen, colorful daiquiris and seasonal flavors, which you can get on their own or swirl together. The guest demand for Fat Tuesday at their upper-level location next to Pat O’ Brien’s has become such that they’ve expanded to a secondary stand on CityWalk’s lower level across from the Universal Studios Store.

Both offer the same speedy, friendly service and selection of frozen drinks, but I gravitate toward their lower-level location. It offers a good amount of seating and prime people-watching opportunities, as well as a great view of the lagoon stage during the nights when CityWalk arranges live entertainment.

If I had to choose what drink defines Fat Tuesday, it’d have to be the 44 Magnum. It’s a mix of their strongest flavors and darn fine to enjoy, especially during that Spring and Summer Florida heat – And don’t be afraid to add in the extra shot!

Do you have a favorite bar at Universal Orlando Resort? Discuss it with 160,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions. Orlando Informer also offers discounted admission to Universal Orlando Resort’s incredible theme parks, which you can explore available options here.

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Before the gates officially creek open for this event, we received a shriek peek into what awaits this Halloween season at Gatorland. 

The Creepy Creature Carnival

Come one, come all! Step right up to enter this world of monsters and myths. Do not fear, these creatures are here not to scare but to host an array of Halloween midway games. 

Unleash your inner mad scientist at Dr. Frankenstein’s Franken-Factory where you will wield a mallet to send the monster’s brain flying into the air in hopes that it will land in the creation’s noggin. Next, sink your fangs into Coffin Cornhole. Aim the bags of garlic straight for the heart of the casket with undead accuracy. 

Have your camera ready for fantastical photo ops with a werewolf peddling delicious treats, a mummy crafting unique hairstyles, and Frankenstein’s Bride basking in the sun. Strike a pose as you now have undeniable, photographic proof of your legendary encounter.

Frightful Frontier

Strap on your chaps and spurs, partner, as you take a gander through this ghost town that was once filled with the echoes of saloon chatter and cowboy boots. A seemingly one-horse town has been claimed by cowboys who have gone to meet their maker… and returned. The past and the paranormal merge when you come face-to-face with the restless spirits of the Old West who will have you quaking in your boots. You won’t want to miss this showdown, where the living and departed share the same dusty trail. 

Cryptid Express

All aboard the Cryptid Express! This train is your ticket to the uncharted territories of the unknown. As this locomotive chugs along its track, curious passengers will revel in the wonders of hidden beasts, like the Florida Skunk Ape, Moth Man, Chupacabra, and more!

Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum

This once hustling and bustling all hallows eve exhibition has been seemingly replaced by something far more sinister – Spirited Shop-o-ween Super Duper Store. The gallery once filled with relics from the past have been lost to a wide selection of conveniently packaged Halloween costumes like “Crazy Cat Lady” and “‘Super’ Skunk Ape.” 

We had just been selected to begin our training at this retail establishment when our orientation was interrupted by a creature who materialized from the great beyond. We followed this otherworldly guide into the depths of what once appeared to be a storage room, only to discover an entire exhibit showcasing the history of Halloween. 

As this walkthrough unravels the tales of this haunted holiday, onlookers are met at a crossroads. Here, you can push forward into the depths of a haunted house experience or choose to end your journey. Due to the nature of this specific experience, younger guests and those seeking a scare-free escape will be led to an exit prior to the scares that ensue further into Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum. 

Halloween Costumes

Guests of all ages are welcome to don their family-friendly All Hallows best during their time at Gatorland. In fact, the kids can show off their attire during the Children’s Costume Parade, taking center stage at the Upclose Arena at 1:30 PM. In the true spirit of the holiday, all participants will receive candy! 

From the youngest trick-or-treaters to seasoned Halloween enthusiasts, Gators, Ghosts & Goblins is sure to bewitch guests with an entire realm of daytime, wholesome fun at Gatorland this October. Hurry and snag your discounted Gatorland admission through Orlando Informer before this event vanishes like a ghost in the night!

Follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads,  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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Not convinced by free beer? Read 6 more reasons why you must visit SeaWorld’s Bands, Brews, and BBQ below from our contributor Dani below…

If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to visit SeaWorld, I urge you to consider a visit during one of their annual special events. SeaWorld absolutely excels in this area, and one of the best special events they offer is Bands, Brews, and BBQ happening right now! This event takes place over four weekends from mid-February to the first weekend in March. I can safely say it is one of the driving forces behind my decision to be an annual passholder.

The event is better than ever this year with enhancements to their food and beverage offerings as well as bringing in some great talent for the headlining concerts. There are two weekends of this great event left, leaving you just enough time to get out and enjoy one of the best events of the year. And even if you can’t make it out to this year’s event, it’s never too early to plan for next year. Here are the six reasons you need to visit SeaWorld’s Bands, Brews, and BBQ event.

Dig into some great BBQ – photo by Brandon Glover

Merchandise

SeaWorld’s merchandise is generally a mix of SeaWorld branded items and a collection of home decor and housewares that are both branded and non-branded. This mix of merchandise is simple and fun, though not as creative and unique as much of the merchandise found at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

During Bands, Brews, and BBQ there is a selection specialty merchandise found along the festival pathway. Many items would make great gifts. Some items I’ve never seen elsewhere like a Bud Light portable six pack carrier with a coozie wrapped around it or beer flavored jelly beans (no thanks).

Note: Annual Passholders currently receive 30% off all merchandise for a limited time.

Specialty merchandise at SeaWorld’s Bands, Brews, and BBQ – photo by Brandon Glover

Specialty merchandise at SeaWorld’s Bands, Brews, and BBQ – photo by Brandon Glover

Special food offerings at select dining locations

This year the food at Bands, Brews, and BBQ is better than ever, for a few reasons. One of those reasons is select dining locations throughout the park now offer a special festival food item, dubbed the Chef Creation, on their menu. In years past the BBB festivities were contained within the festival pathway on one side of the park. These new offerings expand the festival into the rest of the park. There are 11 Chef Creations to be found throughout the entire park, including Nathan’s Bacon Slaw Dog, BBQ Chop Chicken Salad, Creamy Cream Cheese Corn, a Maple Bacon Cupcake and more! Be sure to grab an Event Guide inside the park to find all the creations.

A Chef Creation – SeaWorld Bands, Brews, and BBQ

A Chef Creation – SeaWorld Bands, Brews, and BBQ

Festival walkway setting

Every SeaWorld annual special event includes activities and food & beverage along the festival pathway. Over the past year I have formed a strong affinity with this pathway. It is off to the side, away from the rest of the park without being out of the way, but just enough to provide a dedicated festival setting. It is a lovely, lush park atmosphere and the smells of the special food waft over the breeze.

You can play simple midway style games, sit in shady spots, or around a cozy firepit during rare chilly nights. The festival walkway is lined with five large tents, each with a small menu of specialty food. Then there are eight beverage huts offering craft beer. We’ll discuss specific food and drinks a little later. There is also a small stage with live bands and dance parties throughout the afternoon before the main event at Bayside Stadium.

Festival Pathway at SeaWorld Bands, Brews, and BBQ – photo by Brandon Glover

Festival Pathway at SeaWorld Bands, Brews, and BBQ – photo by Brandon Glover

Festival Pathway at SeaWorld Bands, Brews, and BBQ – photo by Brandon Glover

Dance party… with a penguin!

The Concert

On the day of our visit we were lucky enough to have American Idol Winner Scotty McCreery grace the main stage. He put on a great show, told a few stories in between songs, and seemed to genuinely enjoy himself. The concert is a great way to cap off a fantastic afternoon at the festival. Performances start at 4:00 PM. I highly recommend purchasing reserved seating for $10 or there is a VIP package for $40 which includes front row seating, five BBQ food samplings, and Quick Queue Unlimited access at all major rides.

There are four dates remaining for the event with the bands Alabama on Saturday 2/27 and Foreigner on Sunday 2/28, plus the Steve Miller Band performs on Saturday 3/5 and closing out the festival is Daughtry on Sunday 3/6. The Bayside Stadium was not originally built as a concert venue, and it shows. If you don’t make it there early enough and can’t snag a good seat you can still view the concert from the festival pathway.

Scotty McCreery performs – photo by Brandon Glover

Craft beer (plus mixed drinks and new wine tasting)

One of the biggest draws of Bands, Brews, and BBQ is definitely the brews. Craft beer has never been more popular and the festival makes it easy to try some of the most well known craft beers available, as well as discover a few up and comers. As a Florida girl I am proud to say Florida breweries had some impressive representation including Orlando Brewing, Florida Beer Company, Crooked Can, Two Henry’s, and 3 Daughters. Other, more national breweries include Woodchuck, New Belgium, and Abita.

There are multiple ways to purchase sample sizes of beer. The best value does seem to be the Tasting and Craft Brew package for $35 which gives you five food items (sample size) and five 5oz. pours of your choice of craft beer. Or, if you are just really, really thirsty you can purchase the Craft Brew Sampler for $30 which gives you 50 oz. of beer by way of 10 samples at 5 oz. each. You can sample beer at the brew huts along the festival pathway as well as Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen near Shamu Stadium.

Annual passholders receive 10% off the sampler purchase price.

Craft beer SeaWorld Bands, Brews, and BBQ – photo by Brandon Glover

Craft beer SeaWorld Bands, Brews, and BBQ – photo by Brandon Glover

There is also a hut with whiskey, rum, and vodka so you can order your favorite mixed drink. But, my favorite new feature is the wine tasting. The real value in this option is you are purchasing a wine glass from SeaWorld’s beautiful collection for $14.95 and then you receive a full pour of wine from Lakeridge Winery (a local Central Florida winery). This tasting is available along the festival pathway as well as at the Waterfront area. I purchased the wine tumbler and selected the Sunblush wine from Lakeridge Winery at the Waterfront area and received 30% off as part of the limited time annual passholder discount on merchandise. So for $11.14 I receive a wine tumbler and a full glass of wine, not bad!

Weekend Wine Tasting (choose from any wine glass in this display)

Weekend Wine Tasting

The food! (it’s more than just BBQ)

At the beginning of our visit, we were able to enjoy a special tasting of some of the festival’s best food and a presentation from Executive Chef Hector Colon. In previous years, other BBQ restaurants like Sonny’s and Bubbalou’s were brought in, standing side by side with SeaWorld’s own food during Bands, Brews, and BBQ. I always thought this was a weird concept because these restaurants are so easily accessible throughout Central Florida and most people chose to visit those BBQ stands rather than SeaWorld’s. Chef Colon, however, has turned that around completely.

Chef explained that there is more than just BBQ for guests to chow down on. Let me set the record straight, ain’t nothing wrong with some good BBQ and I’d be perfectly content with just good old finger licking good BBQ. But variety is the spice of life and it is good to have choices.

Executive Chef Hector Colon – photo by Brandon Glover

Between the Chef Creations offered at select dining locations and the five food booths along the festival pathway guests can sink their teeth into over 20 different fantastic foods. I have no problem admitting that the return of Frito Pie made me gleeful. This indulgent, hearty meal in a bag was available during SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. For those that are unfamiliar with Frito or Corn Chip Chlli Pie, it is crazy indulgent: a bag of Frito’s corn chips is opened a long the side, like a pita bread pocket. Chili seasoned ground beef is spooned on top of the chips which is then topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar. Then the mountain is topped with sauce, usually salsa or a spicy chipolte sauce. It’s portable and affordable at only $6 (annual passholder discount can be applied).

Frito Pie! – photo by Brandon Glover

Other highlights on the food menu include smoked chicken and ribs, fried pickles and friend jalapenos. But the three standouts in my book can be found at the Comfort Kitchen booth and the Fieldhouse Eatery booth. At the Comfort Kitchen food is served in a cone… all the food in a cone. You can have a waffle cone filled with gooey, delicious warm apple crisp topped with a sweet oatmeal crumb topping and whipped cream, comfort food for sure.

Gooey warm apple crisp before being tucked into a waffle cone – photo by Brandon Glover

Warm apple crisp in a cone – photo by Brandon Glover

But perhaps the biggest surprise is how good savory food served in a cone can be. I couldn’t choose between the Smoked Brisket or the Chicken, so I got both! Cheesy mashed potatoes fill the bottom of the cone then slices of smoked brisket or tender fried chicken are pilled on top and drizzled with tangy BBQ sauce.

When you can’t choose between chicken or brisket, get both! – photo by Brandon Glover

The final favorite is also sinful and savory. May I present the BBQ Pulled Pork Sundae. Cornbread is topped with tender pulled pork which is then topped with baked beans, cole slaw, and corn bread crumbles and BBQ sauce. It’s messy and full flavor, and oh so good.

Pulled pork sundae – photo by Brandon Glover

This year’s event is the best year of all. If you’ve been before or if you’ve never been this is the year to go! And if you can’t make it to Bands, Brews, and BBQ I encourage you to check out SeaWorld’s other annual special events. Each one is brilliantly executed, included in admission, and makes a visit to SeaWorld the best it can be.

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On the day of my visit, the first day of operations for this shop, there was all manner of management and Team Members gathering in every corner of the shop admiring their new domain. I entered through the smaller entrance at the far right end of the building. The shop sits at the corner of the Hollywood area and Production Central.

Before you even enter you are sure to notice the brightly colored window displays. I also noticed that the sign on the building had yet to be installed. I love visiting something when it first opens. You’ll never see a ride, attraction, shop, or restaurant in that same state as when it first opens and welcomes guests for the first time.

Outside of the far right entrance is a fun little detail. There used to be a large I Love Lucy sign. When it was removed a large rectangular hole needed to be filled, so in true Hollywood style, Hello Kitty’s autograph was scrolled into a concrete block. It’s a cute touch for anyone who notices it.

Once inside the bright colors and circular curvy shapes hit like a wall of happiness. I’m a pretty upbeat person, but I think if I stayed in this store long enough I’d get a migraine. The merchandise offers a good selection for little kids, preteens, and adults that are young at heart. It is very apparel focused, but you’ll also find toys and a few housewares, especially cups and mugs.

So far there is no merchandise that is exclusive to Universal. Everything on the shelf is something you could find at any other Sanrio store or online. However, I spoke with a manager and he said that Universal Orlando and Hello Kitty mashup merchandise is in development. I continued the inquisition and asked if he knew if the awesome Universal Hello Kitty mashup movie posters would be used as inspiration and he gave me every indication to believe this may be the case.

The prices are on the high side, though nothing really out of the ordinary for a theme park store. Especially when you consider that both Universal and Sanrio need to make money off this stuff.

I was surprised to find a case full of Hello Kitty confections at the back of the store. These items are brightly decorated and absolutely adorable. I can see these treats being popular with any fan of Hello Kitty. Prices range from $4 for fudge (the flavor variety is impressive) to $10 for gourmet apples. Each piece of fudge has an adorable Hello Kitty style red bow, simply precious, almost too cute to eat….. almost.

Overall, I can see this store being popular and a big money maker for Universal. The whole space is adorable, friendly, welcoming, and upbeat. I can’t wait to see what the Universal + Hello Kitty merchandise looks like!

New Hello Kitty Store – Photo Gallery

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