If there were a word cloud describing why a solo visit is worth it, “freedom” would stand out the most. When you explore Universal Orlando Resort solo, you’re on your own schedule — or maybe no schedule at all! With only a little pun intended, a solo trip to Universal puts a universe of possibilities at your disposal.

Here are some of our favorite reasons to visit Universal Orlando Resort alone and how to make the most of your solo adventure!

Enjoy the Freedom to Explore Universal Orlando at Your Own Pace

Planning a group trip to a world-class destination like Universal Orlando Resort often takes teamwork — coordinating everyone’s schedules, balancing interests, and agreeing on must-do attractions. Even with the best intentions, it’s nearly impossible to please everyone at once. Sometimes that means not all of the mischief that everyone wants to get into is managed.

Going solo at Universal Orlando removes that challenge entirely. Want to take a quick stop into Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley on the way to catching Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees’ midday performance? Done! Planning on hunting down and mastering every single spell-casting location after riding Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry in Epic Universe on repeat? There’s no one to stop you from making your day as magical (and spontaneous) as you like.

Discover Hidden Gems When Visiting Universal Orlando Alone

When you visit Universal Orlando Resort alone, you can explore the parks on your own terms — including attractions and experiences many guests overlook. While major roller coasters like Jurassic World VelociCoaster and cutting-edge rides such as Transformers: The Ride – 3D often steal the spotlight, there’s so much more to uncover when you have the freedom of a solo Universal trip. (And don’t forget — single rider lines will be your best friend! You can find a full list of available attractions in our dedicated guide here.)

An often overlooked aspect of Islands of Adventure is its stunning views. Each land offers unique perspectives of the others, creating stunning photo opportunities and peaceful spots to pause between thrills.

The Universal Orlando App is an essential companion for anyone exploring Universal alone. You can track your score and see how you rank against other guests in Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, or even customize your E-liminator X Blaster with special ammo through the app. Over in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, guests can snag a Power-Up band to play the mini-games leading up to Bowser Jr.’s boss battle, climb the leaderboard, and earn digital trophies.

Traveling to Universal Orlando Resort alone also opens time to enjoy experiences that groups might skip, like the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience in Epic Universe. Solo guests can choose between iconic creature transformations or opt for temporary tattoos inspired by Universal’s Classic Monsters.

Dining Solo at Universal Orlando Resort

Typically, when travelling as a group, everyone must agree on when and where to eat. But when you visit Universal Orlando Resort alone, every meal is on your terms. You can grab your favorite quick-service bites on the go or finally take your time at one of Universal’s best full-service restaurants, like Atlantic in Epic Universe’s Celestial Park.

Dining solo also comes with another perk — you can often skip the wait for a full table. Many Universal restaurants serve their complete menu right at the bar, giving you a relaxed, no-reservations-needed option.

You’re Never Truly Alone at Universal Orlando

At some point during your solo day, you may find yourself wishing there were a partner in crime to share the day with. The good thing here is that you’re never actually truly alone in this. In that same spirit, don’t be afraid to strike up a friendly conversation with fellow guests or Universal Team Members. Many parkgoers are happy to chat. You never know who you’ll meet! We’re all there to enjoy the park and share our experiences and memories, even if it’s over a few minutes of conversation.

A solo Universal Orlando Resort trip is all about freedom, fun, and finding joy in every moment. You’ll discover that sometimes the best company at the parks is your own!

Ready to plan your solo Universal Orlando Resort vacation? Join 180,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook, and purchase your discounted Universal Orlando Resort 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.

The post How to Go to Universal Orlando Resort Alone Like a Pro appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Height Requirement

Before hopping aboard one of the most recognizable coasters at Universal Orlando Resort, you and your ride companions must be 51 inches or taller to experience Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Keep in mind that you will need to leave all of your belongings in one of the free lockers near the entrance before you go through the attraction’s metal detector.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Story

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is easily one of the most unique coasters you will ever board. You’re stepping onto the set of your very own music video—and yes, you can purchase a copy after the ride! While you wait in the queue, your video directors will introduce you to the various music genres available for your ride. Once seated, a screen on your lap bar will display a selection of genres and songs that will blast through your personal seat speakers, setting the perfect soundtrack for your experience! Hasta! 

Plus, there is a secret song list, which we share all the choices and details here. Be sure to select your secret song before you take off! That said, if you choose one of these hidden tunes, you cannot buy a video of your ride due to separate licensing rights.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Ride Vehicle

The vehicles for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit are as unique as the ride itself. You’ll take a moving walkway to reach your ride vehicle. There are two seats next to each other with a wide lap bar that comes over your midsection. That’s where you will find the song selection screen and the two handlebars for you to hold onto if you’re not a “put your hands in the air like you just don’t care” rider. These vehicles also offer stadium seating, so you will still feel like you’re in the front row, even if you aren’t.

If you are feeling a bit nervous, why not give the test seat a try? It’s conveniently located near the attraction’s entrance. This is a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with the seating before the ride begins, helping you feel more confident and ready to enjoy the adventure!

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Ride Ride Experience

Want a sneak peek before you ride? Here’s a great POV video that shows what’s in store:

Speed

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a typical coaster as opposed to a launch coaster. The steel track is actually filled with sand and gravel to reduce noise—fun fact, this helps you hear your chosen song even better! There are six sets of brakes on this coaster, but again, no launches. The coaster reaches a top speed of 65 mph.

Direction

Although Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit may look like it has loops and corkscrews, there are actually no full inversions on the ride. You also won’t be going backward—just speeding forward straight into your rock star moment!

Length

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has an impressive 3,800-foot steel track and lasts a little over a minute and a half.

Height

Height is one of the most awe-inspiring parts of this coaster. When you enter Universal Studios Florida, it’s impossible to miss the 90-degree top hat towering over the park at 167 feet tall. Another super unique feature of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is what they call “The Double Take.” That’s the huge loop you see when you’re looking at the ride, but this 136-foot tall maneuver has you going on top of it as opposed to inverting you upside down. It offers some great views of Production Central and the New York area of Universal Studios Florida.

Other features

This is one of these coasters where, if you enjoy it, you’ll want to experience it in the daytime and once the sun goes down. A nighttime ride offers a fantastic light show to go along with your personal song choice. For an even more epic experience, if there’s a concert happening on the stage below, you’ll get a totally unique view of the show!

If you choose not to ride…

If Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit isn’t for you, but maybe you have friends or family who plan to ride, don’t worry. Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast is right around the corner for you to check out. Or, if you just want to take a load off, Illumination’s Minion Cafe is across the street, offering fun snacks, treats, and air conditioning for those warmer Orlando days! And if it’s one of the cooler months, feel free to stretch out on the lawn in front of the stage.

Do you have any tips to overcome coaster fears? Discuss it all with 170,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook and purchase 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.

The post Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit: A Guide for Nervous Riders appeared first on Orlando Informer.

That, readers, is precisely what we’re going to get into.

A Brief History of Major Sweets at Halloween Horror Nights

Major Sweets was first introduced in 2022 as part of the New York scare zone Sweet Revenge. The zone appeared as a 1950s Halloween parade set in the town of Hollow Hills, but it had a sinister twist — the candy distributed by the Major Sweets Candy Co. turned the children into cold-blooded killers! The zone’s story was also uniquely tied in with that year’s Tribute Store via newspaper clippings posted around the shop.

We weren’t the only ones who loved the Sweet Revenge scare zone. It was so popular that Universal created a prequel house, Major Sweets’ Candy Factory, just two years later for Halloween Horror Nights 2024. Universal Orlando Resort elaborated on Major Sweets’ background via short stories that accompanied the announcements of both Sweet Revenge and Major Sweets Candy Factory. Fans can find these on the park’s official Discover Universal podcast. The short stories are great supplements to understanding Halloween Horror Nights lore and how they fit into the event. This could require some digging, but don’t worry — we did the legwork on Major Sweets for you.

Now, let’s take a bite to see who Major Sweets is.

The Untold Story of Major Sweets and the Lonely Boy

Back in the 1930s, there lived a young boy in the town of Hollow Hills who loved Halloween and candy. Every year, he’d dress up in full costume, and though he was excited for the holiday, his childhood was spent alone and bullied. The boy spent many lonely days staring out his second-story bedroom window while the other children played. While he was upset, never understanding why he was treated this way, he still desperately yearned for a friend.

Every afternoon, the boy would run from his troubles at school to his parents’ cinema, the Tribute Theater. Whether it was sneaking into one of the latest movies or spending quality time with his beloved parents, it was here where he’d escape both the torment of school bullies and his loneliness at home. As he got a little older, he started helping with the family business, with his father assigning him to work behind the snack counter.

One afternoon, as the boy took inventory of the candies, a girl his age asked for a recommendation. After a moment’s pondering, the boy suggested lollipops. She took two, thanked him, and left one for the boy. With a grand smile, he realized something special just happened. The girl returned often and became a lifelong friend of the boy.

Tragedy Strikes the Tribute Theater

In 1939, the boy and girl had become part of the Tribute Theater’s official staff. Coming into his shift one day, the boy planned on meeting with his dad as he always had before getting to his duties. He greeted his friend, who was already on her shift, making his way to his father’s office only to find no one there. Noticing his parents’ absence, he and the girl decided to clean the theater before the next movie to surprise them upon returning.

Eagerly entering the screening room with his cleaning supplies in hand, the boy noticed two patrons still seated. From a distance, he announced that the movie was over, and everyone had to leave in order to clean the theater for the next screening. When there was no response, he moved closer, only to be struck by a horrifying realization — it was his parents! Rushing to their side, he frantically checked their pulses, but it was too late. His mother and father were gone, leaving the boy heartbroken and distraught.

Three years passed as news of their deaths spread throughout Hollow Hills. Overwhelmed with grief, the boy let his family’s theater fall into disrepair, spending his days sitting in the ticket booth, staring out the window, just as he had in his lonely youth. Eventually, the girl came with the gift of a lollipop, just as the boy’s only friend had all those years ago. Unwrapping their treats, an idea sparked — a way to bring life and positivity back to the theater: candy! A free piece with every ticket, one unlike anything their patrons had ever tasted!

The Tribute Theater’s Sweet New Deal

The friends began testing. They’d need a secret ingredient since honey and gelatin are passè and all too common. They dug deep into their ingredients until one stood out: “Potions. But what are potions doing in a…” The boy paused. As years of traumatic questions flooded in, he remembered his parents’ foam-lined lips, dilated pupils, and their faces frozen in pain. What had killed his parents was now as clear as the label before him — Poison!

Hearing his sudden outburst of grief, the girl came to her friend. As she comforted him, a suggestion was made: What if poison was their candy’s secret ingredient? The idea came all too naturally, and a plan began to take shape. After all this time, the boy and girl only had each other. There was no way to truly identify the killer, and there was no one in Hollow Hills they could trust. There seemed to be only one way to get their revenge.

Not long after, the Tribute Theater reopened with its new deal! The townies of Hollow Hill came in droves, and though the plan seemed a success, it had actually worked all too well. Families began losing members not long after seeing a flick. Hollow Hills’ newspapers and the rest of Progress County ran reports rife with allegations. Investigators had even started questioning the boy and girl directly at the theater. Overwhelmed, the friends fled and were, seemingly, never seen again.

Major Sweets Arrives in Hollow Hills

The Tribute Theater’s story would have ended prior to the 1950s if not for the newly elected Mayor of Hollow Hills. Though a newcomer, he was well aware of the theater’s controversial past. But unlike the rest of the town, he saw the potential for revival, with its former glory shining through its now musty cracks. Determined to make a name for himself and knowing Hollow Hills had once loved that theater as much as they love Halloween, he decided to transform it into a family-friendly venue. Its first event? Hollow Hills’ first annual Halloween Parade Party!

There were just some minor wrinkles: The theater was in dire need of refurbishment, and what’s Halloween without candy? Fortunately, a new candy manufacturer, Major Sweets’ Candy Co., had just opened nearby. The mayor paid a visit and met the owner — Major Sweets himself! Sweets was a boisterous character, sporting a pencil-thin mustache and eccentric attire. The mayor knew little about him but was sold on his confectionery expertise, and a deal was struck — Major Sweets would fund both the event and the refurbishments! At the center would be the theater’s return, the parade, and, of course, plenty of candy for all the children.

Major Sweets Candy Factory

A few days before the parade, Major Sweets opened his factory for public tours, with local schools eagerly participating. The excitement could be felt from all the students and even the chaperones over their newest celebration. However, none could have foreseen the horrors that were in store.

According to one of the surviving chaperones, things had begun normally enough. Miss Treats greeted everyone, ushering them into the factory and offering complimentary treats to the children. As the entry doors shut, hints of the chaos lurking within began to emerge. Sounds of children running and shouting could be heard as they passed the occasional smashed candy container. When questioned, Miss Treats would simply brush it off as “the effects of extreme sugar rush.”

As they entered the projector room, Major Sweets personally greeted everyone before playing footage of their latest experiments in candy concepts. Following this, room after room became overrun with sickly sweet danger as the children, and even Miss Treats, began attacking the chaperones with broken candy pieces and even factory tools.

What had caused this? In retrospect, it’s likely that the complimentary candy had turned the children ravenous, but to what end? As the chaperone had made his escape, he remembered hearing Major Sweets instructing his associates to round up the children, destroy all evidence of what happened, and prepare to head to the Halloween celebration.

If only Hollow Hills knew what was going to happen to their fair town.

Major Sweets’ Sweet Revenge: The Shocking Finale

Major Sweets and his crew made their way to the festival, where the candy maker would be honored for his contributions. As the event began, kids and the Hollow Hills denizens arrived in high spirits. Contests were held for the best Halloween costumes, with Miss Treats and Major Sweets giving extra special candy to the winners. After the event’s keystone parade, the mayor of Hollow Hills took to the judge’s booth, with his daughter blissfully in tow, to honor Major Sweets with the key to the town. It was then that things would take a dark turn.

Sweets thanked him, handing the mayor’s daughter a chocolate bar. After the first bite, the candy’s contaminated effects quickly took hold. The candy maker revealed a knife from his coat, which the daughter snatched away before stabbing her father several times, to the horror of onlookers. Major Sweets’ blackhearted plan was underway as he and Miss Treats threw open the doors of their trucks, releasing the army of candy-crazed children from the factory and revealing what can only be described as a mobile armory as they terrorized the town. The festival’s dreadfully bloody conclusion ended with several deaths as Major Sweets and Miss Treats stole the town’s highest honor and fled into the night.

Since then, investigators have tried to understand what actually happened in Hollow Hills. Although there’s no confirmation, the strongest evidence places Major Sweets and the lonely boy of the Tribute Store as one and the same. If that were true, then one must return to the identity of his parents’ killer. How did the poison get in the theater in the first place? Did he actually enact his “sweet revenge,” or was the killer still lurking, possibly even right under Sweets’ nose? This writer has his own thoughts on the matter, but only time will tell if we’ll ever get the truth lying at the center of this candy-coated horror story.

Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights from August 30 through November 3. Find out everything you need to know about tickets here. Discuss it all with 170,000+ 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.

The post The Complete History of Major Sweets at Halloween Horror Nights appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Inspired by Latin American folklore, this house brings visitors face-to-face with three monsters of legend: Tlahuelpuchi, La Lechuza, and El Silbón, with El Muerte, the spirit of Death, acting as their guide.

While this maze is brand new to Orlando, it first appeared in Universal Studios Hollywood, where it became a hit among our West Coast friends, even opening the way for a sequel house just announced for Hollywood’s 2024 season – Monstruos 2: The Nightmares of Latin America. As we wait in anticipation for Florida’s iteration, we can use what we know from both of Hollywood’s Monstruos houses and Universal Orlando Resort’s official announcement, as well as the traditional stories Monstruos is inspired by, to get a taste of what to expect at Halloween Horror Nights 33.

Before we get too far, we should remind you that Halloween Horror Nights 33 runs on select nights from August 30 through November 3. If you’re like us and anxiously counting the days, you can purchase discounted single-night HHN tickets through us!

Now, gather your Scream Squad as we step into the dark world of Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America.

Who are the creatures in Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America?

La Muerte

While La Muerte isn’t specific to Latin America or even technically a monster, we should first touch on how they became our journey’s guide. While she’s known by many names, La Muerte (or simply translated: “Death”) is better known as Santa Muerte, or the Saint of the Dead, throughout Mexico.

In many cultures, there are some variations of the personification of Death, and we can expect Universal Orlando Resort’s creatives to put their unique spin on her. Generally, La Muerte is perceived as a woman, though she bears a familiar look as a hooded skeleton and holds a scythe.

Aside from her scythe, she’s also commonly seen holding a globe, but she isn’t restricted to just these two items. She also possesses an hourglass and an owl. Each of La Muerte’s items has a symbolic meaning, with the scythe representing her reach with its lengthy handle, the blade representing life’s beginning and end, and it overall serving hope and prosperity since it’s a common farm tool. Other items like the globe and hourglass have similar meanings to not only the scythe but also each other as they represent La Muerte’s presence across the world, her omnipotence, and that death isn’t necessarily the end since the hourglass can be inverted.

La Muerte, as our guide in Monstruos, is fitting as she’s known within a multitude of cultures for so much more than being a collector of souls. La Muerte’s appearance can seem horrific, but she’s actually a very benevolent spirit and is known as a powerful protector. As the visitors of Halloween Horror Nights encounter the monstrous legends of Latin America, one can’t help but wonder about the price of safety under the watch of such a powerful entity.

Tlahuelpuchi

Tlahuelpuchi is a vampiric witch that originates in Mexico and is thought to have origins dating back to the Aztecs. What’s especially scary about them is that a tlahuelpuchi could be anyone. Though they’re commonly women, they’re the product of an unpredictable curse that doesn’t show itself until around puberty. Once it’s in effect, the tlahuelpuchi must feed on blood once a month, or else they die.

When hunting and in the public eye, Tlahuelpuchi will shapeshift to blend in, taking on the form of a turkey vulture or another species of bird. Although much of their behaviors and abilities have a vampiric lean, they’re also mystic practitioners, performing rituals to change their form and claim victims. For example, before shapeshifting, the tlahuelpuchi must set a roaring fire in the middle of the floor of their home using specific woods and spices. They must then walk back and forth through the flames and detach their legs before becoming their chosen animal. Once they’ve chosen their victim, they must fly over their prey’s house in a cross formation before they can enter.

It should be noted that tlahuelpuchi take no pride in what they have to do, and because of this, they exist almost entirely in hiding once their curse reveals itself. Adding to these tragic circumstances, their family is obligated to protect them by any means necessary, lest the member who doesn’t abide by the curse will become one themselves. This rule has led to family members going so far as to help hide the tlahuelpuchi or even assist in their hunt for blood.

La Lechuza

By definition, La Lechuza’s name may not translate to anything scary as it’s the Spanish word for “owl,” but don’t let that drop your guard! Much like La Muerte, this monster is known by a few names in the regions of Mexico from which she hails, and many versions vary on how she became “the Owl Witch.” The majority of legends tell of a woman who was wronged in some way by either a man or her village, which led her to make a deal with the Devil to reap her vengeance.

Shifting our gaze to La Lechuza’s appearance, she’s widely accepted to appear as a gigantic barn owl with a fifteen-foot wingspan and the face of a woman of varying age as she also can shapeshift. Often, she’ll become a humanoid owl with talon-like fingers that emphasize her witchy appearance.

La Lechuza’s owl-like appearance is also more than a cryptid fashion choice. Within Latin legends, owls were messengers of Death and a bad omen, and La Lechuza is no different in this regard. To dream of her is said to be a prediction of the death of a family member or loved one.

Aside from this, the Owl Witch has quite a few supernatural powers at her disposal as well. She can manipulate the weather, is generally considered to be immortal, and is immune to most weapons. Additionally, if someone attempts to kill La Lechuza or touch one of its feathers, they’ll die.

In terms of her victims, La Lechuza will draw them out by mimicking the cries of a baby or whistling with her supernaturally alluring voice. Those who hear it are beckoned to investigate the noise, and by the time they come to their senses, it’s already too late.

El Silbón

El Silbón (or “The Whistler) is one of this author’s favorite monsters. His origin story has quite a few interpretations, but the more popular one in Venezuelan and Colombian culture tells a tragic tale along the lines of Romeo and Juliet. A teenage boy falls in love with a girl his father disapproves of. Despite his father’s requests that they cease seeing each other, the couple continue their courting until one day, the boy’s father catches them in his barn. The father, in a fit of rage, murders the girl in front of his son. Equally enraged with vengeance, the son retaliates by taking his father’s life.

To cover up what just transpired, the boy dismembers his father’s corpse, removing the meat from the bones, which he hides in a sack. He takes the meat to his mother, who uses it for their dinner, not knowing where it actually came from. Upon serving it to her family, the mother realizes the heartbreaking truth. After some time, the boy’s paternal grandfather arrives home and punishes the boy upon learning of his misdeeds. The grandfather ties the boy to a post, violently whipping his back and pouring lime juice, salt, and alcohol into his bloody wounds. After the boy is finally released, his grandfather condemns him to carry the sack filled with his father’s bones for all eternity. As the boy shoulders the grim burden and takes his first cursed steps, the grandfather sets the family’s hunting dogs on him, driving the boy into the nearby woods.

It isn’t clear exactly how or when the boy’s appearance changed, but what’s known is that it was drastic — he became a tall, gangly, ghoulish creature said to average between nine ant twelve feet tall. He also still bears the now-tattered farming clothes and hat he wore when he was punished.

Although El Silbón doesn’t need to feed upon his victims, that doesn’t mean he won’t exact his insatiable vengeance on an unsuspecting mortal. It’s been said that you can hear the bones in his sack clattering as he travels, and if you hear his namesake, an upward whistle — be wary! If the whistle sounds near, he’s actually some distance away. However, if the whistle sounds as if it’s from a distance, that poor soul’s fate is already doomed to be a part of El Silbón’s bone collection.

The Monsters of Latin America: A Haunting Presence at HHN

For anyone unfamiliar, this isn’t the first time the creatives behind Halloween Horror Nights have explored the monsters of Latin America. Over the years, we’ve made several trips to Latin America during the event. In 2022, Universal Studios Florida’s Halloween Horror Nights featured Fiesta de Chupacabras, a house steeped in the legend of the Chupacabra. Here, a seemingly innocent celebration in a Latin American village concealed a gruesome truth, as the festivities were tainted with the blood of tourists.

In 2013, HHN Orlando dipped its toes into Latin American folklore with Urban Legends: La Llorona after the concept had seen several years of success in Hollywood. Based on the legends of the Weeping Woman, this house brought guests to an old Mexican church and what’s presumed to be the funeral of one of La Llorona’s victims. Almost immediately upon entering and frequently throughout the house, they’re attacked and shown victims of the Weeping Woman. As they navigate through the house, the cries and weeps of La Llorona can be heard, often alongside the literal streams of those who have suffered at her hands. In this author’s opinion, it wasn’t a house for the faint of heart due to its nature, but it was very well executed. La Llorona was even so well received that the character also appeared in the ICONS: HHN house during HHN 25.

When Monstruos makes its appearance at Universal Studios Florida, a familiar take should be expected. This would include the monsters’ appearances, the set design, and some of the storytelling. With that said, some liberties could be taken to help differentiate Orlando from Hollywood. This could be the case with either the lore or the house. For instance, Fiesta de Chupacabras was only loosely based on the monster’s mythology, and Urban Legends: La Llorona at Universal Orlando Resort utilized roughly half of the original set from Hollywood.

In any case, Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America is sure to be a house worthy of the entire Scream Squad at Halloween Horror Nights 33.

Learn more about Halloween Horror Nights in our insider’s guide, then discuss it all with 170,000+ 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.

The post The Lore of Monstruos: Uncovering the Monsters of Latin America appeared first on Orlando Informer.

For those who haven’t attended, it’s a family-friendly event that’s authentic to what you’ll experience in the Big Easy. Although the main aspects of the event are specific to Universal Studios Florida, that doesn’t mean that guests can’t “Mardi” their way across Universal property!

Celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal CityWalk

Grab a frozen drink at Fat Tuesday

What better way to begin your Mardi Gras celebration than at its namesake bar (Mardi Gras does translate to Fat Tuesday, after all!). Fat Tuesday boasts an impressive array of frozen daiquiri flavors and mixtures, like the Cat 5 Hurricane – a traditional favorite for the season.

However, this writer would strongly recommend the 44 Magnum from the menu’s Popular Combinations. The blend brings together the Cat 5 Hurricane with their 190 Octane cocktail for the most potent, and dare we say delicious, beverage on the menu.

Step into the speakeasy at the Cursed Coconut Club

The Red Coconut Club has rematerialized as Cursed Coconut Club for the Mardi Gras season. The CityWalk venue has found a new afterlife two-fold. On the first level, guests will discover that the bar and lounge have been transformed into a vine-encumbered cemetery where the living and dead can celebrate the season with a live band. Those brave enough to venture upstairs will find that the second level has become a speakeasy where guests may encounter their shapeshifting host, Raven.

Admission to Cursed Coconut Club is free, and the venue is open on select nights until April 7th. Both levels have a bar with a menu unique to each and seasonal selections specific to Mardi Gras.

Enhance that N’Awlins spirit at Pat O’Briens at Universal CityWalk

In addition to the Mardi Gras festivities in Universal Studios Florida, guests can keep the party going at another New Orleans staple, Pat O’Brien’s at Universal CityWalk. Grab yourself a table, one of their signature Hurricanes – a specialty drink that first made waves at the original location – and groove to the sounds of their dueling pianos.

Experiencing Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure

The Mardi Gras Tribute Store

The Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida is a fan favorite of the parks. While it began as a unique extension of Halloween Horror Nights, The Tribute Store has found its way into every event since – including Mardi Gras!

This year, the Mardi Gras Tribute Store is themed as the P.S. Songbird, a haunted river steamboat luring guests to the bayou’s ghostly domain. As guests wind their way through the boat’s quarters, ballrooms, and even the bayou itself, they’ll find food and merchandise exclusive to the event. The creatives at Universal Orlando outdo the special effects and theming of the Tribute Store year after year, making it a must-visit spot for everyone.

Experience Mardi Gras like a foodie at the food and beverage stations

Universal Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval is a celebration of tastes from around the world. Guests will find 18 food and beverage stations placed throughout Universal Studios Florida. Each station is themed after different global regions, offering a variety of delicious culinary selections. You’ll also find an exclusive selection of sweet treats at the Mardi Gras Tribute Store.

It should be noted that while the event itself is included with admission, the food and beverage selection is additional. Universal offers a Food and Beverage Card that gives you $75 worth of credit for $65 at any of the food and beverage locations in Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay – the perfect way to savor more for less. Best of all, it doesn’t expire, so whatever you don’t use can be applied at a later date.

It’s not Mardi Gras without a parade

Embracing the festival’s vibrant tradition, Universal’s Mardi Gras parade showcases six beloved floats from past celebrations alongside six brand-new floats, all crafted in New Orleans—the heartland of Mardi Gras. This year’s additions draw inspiration from the elements, featuring themes like wind and fire, complemented by performers dressed in coordinating attire.

Over the years, Universal has also made advancements to its parade floats, incorporating special effects and themed audio. 2024’s enhancements bring explosions of confetti and bursts of steam blasting from the King Gator float.

Guests wanting to view the Mardi Gras parade (and grab themselves a bead or three) will want to keep an eye on the app, as the parade times can vary.

Don’t miss Mardi Gras’ Live Performances

In addition to the full array of Mardi Gras festivities, Universal Orlando elevates the experience with top-tier live entertainment. On select nights, Universal Studios Florida hosts live concerts from the likes of DJ Khaled, Zedd, and Queen Latifah included as part of your admission and take place at the Music Plaza Stage near Minion Land on Illumination Avenue.

As someone who’s attended their fair share of shows at Universal, this writer can vouch that the standing area near the stage can fill up fast. However, even if you find yourself watching from Illumination’s Minions Café, rest assured the large screens and sound system ensure you won’t miss out on an impressive show. These are full-length performances, which adds an even better value to the experience when attending the parks on a concert night.

Mardi Gras at the Lowes’ Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

The event doesn’t stop at Universal Studios and CityWalk. Lowes’ Universal Orlando Resort Hotels are also getting in on the action with their own seasonal food and beverages. Amatista Cookhouse at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort offers a Mardi Gras Empanada filled with chicken, andouille sausage, and Cajun aioli. Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s Galaxy Bowl also offers The Handsome Cajun, a chicken breast and andouille sausage sandwich that this writer may have to get his hands on, along with other incredible offerings at the sister properties.

Let the good times roll 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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We have our own hidden gem here at Orlando Informer! We offer discounts on Universal Orlando Resort admission and Express Passes, giving you more time to hunt down these fun Easter eggs. Check out our current offers here!

1. Those two velociraptors screaming at each other mean more than you think!

As you muster up the courage to take on Jurrasic World, don’t forget to wave to the two velociraptors at the entrance! Their names, Pyrock and Blizrock, are a nod to the two dragons that once battled on the Dragon Challenge coaster.

2. For another Dragon Challenge Easter Egg, check out the Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure queue!

Pyrock, who represented Fire, and Blizrock, who represented Ice, aren’t only protecting the entrance to Jurrasic World Velocicoaster. Dragon Challenge, which Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure replaced, made its mark on the queue near the entrance wall of the ruins. Though the “Dueling Club” is also a club at Hogwarts run by its very own Dark Arts Professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, the red and blue dragon surrounding these words leads fans to believe there is a dual meaning.

3. Head down Knockturn Alley to find a reference to Jaws!

As you turn down this mysterious cobblestone path within Diagon Alley, keep your eyes open for a window filled with shrunken heads. These heads, located in front of Borgin and Burkes, can be silenced with the Mimblewimble spell, but if you take the time to listen to their music, you can hear a familiar ditty. This tune, “Show Me the Way to Go Home” is famous for its feature in the Jaws film with the three leading men. The next time you find yourself lost in Knockturn, listen out for the lyrics because “you will always hear [them] singing a song.”

4. For another Jaws reference, check out the record shop in front of Diagon Alley!

Jaws references are hidden all over Diagon Alley since it directly replaced the opening day attraction. While you’re heading in to exchange your money at Gringotts Wizarding Bank, check the windows of the record shop in London. There is one album labeled “Here’s to Swimmin’ with Bowlegged Women” by the Quint Trio. This is a nod to the song Quint sings in Jaws.

5. What is a Minion’s favorite meal? BANANAS!

Head over to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem to see one of the best-kept secrets of Universal! As you make your way through the queue, keep your eyes peeled for real banana trees planted next to the path. It adds a “bunch” of fun to all of the Minion madness!

6. There are no straight lines in Seuss Landing!

One of the most memorable parts of Dr. Seuss’ illustrations was the lack of straight lines. Universal’s Creative team brought this to life by making sure his one trademark was followed through a world of twirly and swirly lines, decorations, and trees within Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure. Over the years, Universal Orlando Resort has also re-homed a number of trees from areas impacted by hurricanes. Their unique lines and variety were an easy way to incorporate the playfulness of Seuss’ work into the natural elements of Seuss Landing.

7. There is a piece of the Berlin Wall behind Hard Rock on City Walk

Want to show off your history knowledge? Walk along the path on the right-hand side of Hard Rock Cafe in City Walk to see an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall!

8. There is a nod to the Fantastic Four in front of Doctor Doom’s Fearfall

Before stepping onto this thrill-seeking drop ride, look closely at the ground in front of the attraction. Four spaces are dedicated to the Fantastic Four team — Human Torch, Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, and Thing – and presumably, all that’s left of the Fantastic Four after Doctor Doom dispatched our brave superheroes with his powerful, fear-based weapon. These are often overlooked, but before you take a chance on Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, make sure to point them out to your family and friends!

9. Look for “Adam” all over Marvel Super Hero Island!

While you’re walking around enjoying the sights of Marvel Super Hero Island, where the thunderous roars of The Incredible Hulk Coaster echo in the background, spend some time admiring the artwork done by Marvel Illustrator Adam Kubert. He is a long-time artist for both Marvel and DC and designed the giant images of famous comic book characters found all over Superhero Island. But here’s the twist – Adam’s hidden his name within each masterpiece. So, the next time you stroll through this part of the park, unleash your inner detective and see who can find his name first!

Snag your ticket at a discount through Orlando Informer to check out all these hidden treasures that Universal Orlando Resort holds!

Do you have any favorite fun facts about Universal Orlando? Share 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.

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Determining the Total Budget

Whether planning a fun-filled family adventure, a romantic escape for two, or a thrilling solo trip, one thing remains vital – nailing down that grand total budget. It all starts with making a list of the essential components to create your dream vacation: travel, lodging, park tickets, food, and souvenirs. Determine how much you are willing to spend within each category and add all these amounts together to find your total budget for your Universal Orlando visit. With this in place, it is time to figure out how to stay within your financial blueprint.

Travel

Flying to Orlando or hitting the road, travel costs can quickly consume a huge chunk of your vacation spending plan. To get the most bang for your buck, decide how you want to arrive. If you choose to travel by plane, begin researching airfare from your closest airport to Orlando International Airport (MCO), the closest airport to Universal Orlando Resort. If the airline tickets land within your budget, awesome! Snag them and cross that off your list. If it doesn’t, do not fear.

Try going to Google Flights and plugging in MCO as your destination, the travel dates, and how many tickets are needed. Then, click on “Track Prices” to be notified whenever the cost of the plane tickets has changed. If you are flexible with your travel dates and are not particularly picky about the airline you fly, hundreds can be saved in this component. For instance, a typical ticket on American Airlines to MCO can average around $275 per person, while the average flight on Spirit Airlines can average around $125 per person for the same dates.

Once you have made it to MCO, you will now need a way to get to your lodging destination. This can be an expense most people forget to prepare for. If you are staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, we recommend checking out the Super Star Shuttle, the resort’s transportation from MCO. This service must be booked at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled flight time and costs $39 per person above 10 years old and $36 per child ages 3-9.

Alternative options for airport transport are cabs and ride-share services. A ride-share service, like Uber or Lyft, from MCO to the Universal Orlando Resort area is usually about $30 for the cheapest option.

Driving to Universal Orlando can also be a cost-efficient choice, depending on where you are coming from. Opting for a road trip involves additional cost factors, like hotel parking fees. Many Orlando hotels offer convenient parking options for a small additional cost, so be sure to research whether your chosen accommodation includes this service.

Lodging

Thankfully, Orlando does not have a shortage of places to stay while on vacation. In fact, Universal Orlando Resort has eight different hotel options for any budget. They range from Value Hotels, such as the Endless Summer Resorts, to Premier Hotels, like Hard Rock Hotel.

Pricing equates to their amount of amenities and comfort. There is a hotel option for any budget on Universal property. The Endless Summer Resorts start at about $96 a night, while Hard Rock Hotel begins at $372 per night. Each accommodation provides complimentary transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk. Some hotels have water taxis in addition to free shuttles and beautiful walking paths that have their own security lines. These are usually less crowded than the main security hub outside of CityWalk, allowing less time spent going through security and more time knocking out some of your must-do attractions. It’s important to note that the Universal Endless Summer Resort hotels do not have walking path access but still benefit from quick and easy bus transportation.

If you decide to stay outside of Universal Property, there are plenty of accommodations in the surrounding area. When choosing this option, you may be faced with adding transportation costs to your budget. Not all off-site hotels have free transportation to CityWalk and the theme parks like Universal Orlando properties do. This may cause you to depend on ride-share services or renting a car to get around.

Park Tickets

Fortunately for your wallet, Orlando Informer offers a variety of discounted tickets to fit any vacationer’s plans. Purchasing through your pals at Orlando Informer can save you up to $63.37 over gate prices, meaning more cash to allocate to some delicious park snacks or sweet keepsakes. And if you are eager to minimize wait times during your Universal visit, we also have Universal Express Passes available at a lower rate, ensuring you make the most of your visit without the hassle of lines! Check out all of the possible savings here.

Food

Quickly after you arrive to Universal, you’ll find an array of dining choices and be faced with the delicious dilemma of what to eat that stays within your spending plan. This can especially be true if Universal Orlando is currently in the middle of one of their festivities. Events such as Mardi Gras and the Holidays at Universal offer a variety of limited-time food options to celebrate these occasions. If you are a foodie who wants to try everything, this can add up quickly. Research in advance what dishes you absolutely want to try and would be bummed leaving your vacation without doing so. This could be a crêpe at Central Park Crepes in Universal Studios, a burger from Wimpy’s in Islands of Adventure, or a specialty treat from Voodoo Doughnut in CityWalk.

Once you have made your list of “must tries,” factor in the prices of these items into your food budget. Those items listed above are all from quick-service food locations and tend to be lower-cost options. You can plan to spend about $15 to $20 per person in this case. Also check out our article on “Bang for Your Buck” Snacks for some great budget-friendly choices!

Another tactic? Bring your own snacks and drinks with you. While Universal won’t permit coolers or full meals to be brought into the parks, having a lunch box of snacks and a refillable water bottle can save you some serious dough throughout the day. Please check the park rules for acceptable containers and food items as you pack your bag for your day.

Prefer to savor and take time to enjoy your meals? Universal Orlando has many delicious, full-service dining establishments to check out. Lombard’s Seafood Grille, Mythos Restaurant, Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen are popular and fantastic options on Universal property. Be prepared to spend about $50 per person dining at these restaurants.

Souvenirs

Be it a funny Minions sweatshirt, a precious E.T. plush, or your favorite Harry Potter character’s wand, you’ll want to be leaving your Universal Orlando vacation with some sort of memento. What better way to remember your trip than with a piece of Universal to bring home?

Similar to the food situation, you may find yourself overwhelmed with options. One pro tip is to purchase a Universal gift card to allocate your souvenir spending. You can get these ahead of time at a local grocery store or purchase a pre-loaded Visa card to achieve the same purpose. Once the gift card is used up, you know not to purchase any more merchandise. This strategy is also sometimes a lifesaver for parents, who can dole out pre-loaded gift cards to their children and help them determine their wants and purchases.

As you can see, there is a Universal Orlando trip to suit nearly every wallet size. Let’s not forget that regardless of your financial plan, you are sure to have an unforgettable time during your Universal Orlando Resort vacation!

Learn more tips and tricks from 160,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook and purchase discounted Universal Orlando Resort 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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Overview

With the recent Las Vegas expansion announcement alluding to the possible return of Jack the Clown, we only felt it appropriate to dive into his past as we look toward the future for this character.

Jump to

• Conception
• History

Universal Orlando Resort‘s Halloween Horror Nights‘ roster of event icons have brought their unique version of horror to park goers over the years, but none can compare to Jack “The Clown” Schmidt. As the most recurring icon of the nation’s premier Halloween event, Jack the Clown has made the annual celebration his home since he emerged from his box in Halloween Horror Nights X. Since then, his lore has intertwined itself deeply with Universal. Locations like the sinister clown’s birthplace, Shady Brook Rest Home and Asylum, make several appearances throughout HHN’s mythology. Adaru, the embodiment of fear itself, made the murderous funnyman pivotal in escaping from the Sumerian god’s lamp prison. Schmidt has become so synonymous with Universal’s Horror brand that, while not officially confirmed, his silhouette is seen in the concept art for the 110,000 square foot horror-based property that will be the permanent anchor of AREA15’s 20-acre expansion in Las Vegas. Indeed, when you add this to his already frightful repertoire, it’s clear that there’s no escaping Jack.

When it comes to Jack’s background, there’s little to refer to. Especially considering that his presence can be found across many fables from Halloween Horror Nights’ timeline, Jack’s story can seem scattered and choppy at first glance. However, those paying attention through their glassy, fear-glazed eyes will notice a well-woven, intersecting narrative surrounding the icon. To that end, we’ve seamed together what can be found of him through a culmination of deep research and pooling together various HHN event and house descriptions. Before getting too lost in the fog, it’s best to start our journey into Horror Nights history outside of the lore itself and at Jack’s creation.

From idea to icon – Jack’s conception and evolution

Mike Aiello, members of Universal Orlando’s Creative team circa 2000 (namely J. Michael Roddy), and the man we’ve come to know better as Jack (James Keaton), desired to create an original character to host their annual Halloween event. Delving into the psyche of society, Universal Orlando enlisted the help of their valued guests via their usual in-park questionnaires. They took information about the public’s worst fears and eventually manifested the icon into the form of a clown. Now- scary, sadistic clowns are nothing new as a simple search for “purple and green clowns” or a “blue and red clown” will return any number found in pop culture. Universal Creative faced the task of making theirs stand out. In contrast, they opted for a more traditional appearance with a few nightmarish twists. They altered the usual red, shaggy hair into fiery orange locks resembling horns; the commonplace round cheekbones and chin were stretched and sharply angulated and across his face is a landscape of ghoulishly pale, grease paint accented by otherworldly green highlights over his brows and mouth. Jack’s sunken, yellow, and red-rimmed eyes are accompanied by a jagged-toothed smile that’s stained and seemingly decaying as he reaches to you with rough, overgrown, and grotesque nails. If this doesn’t creep under your skin, his Kreuger-esque laugh and voice, created by James Keaton while working around his original mouthpiece, will imprint his chilling presence within your nightmares.

Jack the Clown can be summed up as an amalgam of famous killers throughout history and fictitious works, such as John Wayne Gacy and Detective Comics’ Joker. He’s an incredible narcissist who relishes the spotlight. Although he’s capable of controlling his killer urges, he’s quick to turn violent. As a circus performer, his love for theatrics and showmanship are displayed in even his most homicidal moments. Jack’s look and personality have evolved through three phases. When he debuted in 2000, he was a mere serial killer in a blood-stained, polka-dotted clown suit with vibrant face paint. Then, in 2007, he became the ringmaster of his Carnival of Carnage and was granted a fleshed-out backstory, which we’ll explore in a moment. In his current form, Jack progressed into my favorite look – the cult rock star. In this stage, the ringmaster has progressed into the voice of and powerhouse behind “Jack’s Maniacs” – his legions of dedicated followers and worshippers.

So you think you know Jack – His backstory

Escaping to Oddfellow’s Carnival of Thrills

Starting at the beginning, John “Jack” Schmidt and his brother Eddie were born in Shady Brook Rest Home and Sanitarium in the late 1800s. Wanting to escape the abusive family they were brought into, Jack took it upon himself to escape to the circus and become a traveling clown, leaving Eddie behind. Over the years, he found success as part of Dr. Oddfellow’s Carnival of Thrills and developed a love to entertain everyone with hilarious acts of humiliation and pranks. Although this may sound joyous and harmless, Jack was anything but. Due to his unfortunate upbringing, he had become a darkly warped individual. As he traveled with the carnival, he began giving into his inevitable, homicidal impulses when it came to the audience.

After years of Jack submitting to his insatiable urges, the authorities caught up with him around 1920. The local and federal branches had been following cases of missing children throughout the states, which had led them to Oddfellow’s traveling show. Knowing that they were closing in, a panicked Jack confided his crimes with Dr. Oddfellow in the hope that the circus master could hide him from the police. However, having a standing warrant for the accidental deaths of several patrons, the ringmaster knew he couldn’t risk being connected to Jack’s twisted spree. He berated Jack for carelessly bringing the law to the sideshow and demanded to know the location of the children’s remains. Still in a state of desperation and fear of incarceration, Jack brought the circus master to his coach where he revealed a few small chests holding the rotting bodies of thirteen children. Disgusted and angry, Oddfellow had Schmidt killed and hid the bodies of Jack and the children in the sideshow’s House of Horrors exhibit with patrons none the wiser. Over the next sixty years, Dr. Oddfellow sold off the Carnival of Thrills and its numerous attractions with the ownership changing several times after, and Jack’s story was seemingly forgotten to history.

You can’t keep a good clown down

During the 1980s, a BBC production crew covering America’s greatest dark rides finally came across the remains of Oddfellow’s House of Horrors. As it stood decrepit and abandoned in a Louisiana junkyard, something urged them to enter it. Making their way inside, there was a funk of decay that hung thick in the air of its halls. As it reached its most pungent, the crew discovered an oversized, wooden music box with the letters J-A-C-K etched onto each of its sides. A debate lingers as to who was brave (or foolish) enough to do so, but most will agree that it was the host who grabbed the crank to play the box’s tune as the cameraman caught every moment. With each stiff turn, a creepy melody lumbered out and before long, the crank began spinning on its own, as if shambling back to life. The crew rejoiced for only a few moments until the music abruptly stopped and their electronics died out, bringing the former House of Horrors to cold darkness. After a few moments of bated breath, the cameraman was able to bring his light back on just in time to catch the box-top suddenly open and spring out Jack the Clown’s putrid corpse. Frightened beyond belief, the crew ran out and reported everything to the Louisiana authorities who took the remains of Jack, his box, and his victims into custody.

During the transit to the local Coroner’s office on Halloween night, something caused the delivery van to hurtle into the swamp. Some say it was actually Jack, others say it was another mysterious force. What actually happened is a mystery, but not long after, the bodies of both the BBC cameraman and host were found mutilated, while their killer’s identity nor their whereabouts known. Rumors spread that Jack had returned from the dead to exact revenge on Dr. Oddfellow. Among them were reports of Jack’s newfound murder spree with tales of his promise to “bestow a mysterious reward unto those who released him from his box prison.” The reward of which was eventual death. It wasn’t until 2000 that Universal Orlando Resort happened upon and purchased what was left of the House of Horror’s props during an auction, which included the box said to contain Jack. Naturally, his urban legend reached Universal Orlando’s backstage and while preparing a new maze for that year’s Halloween Horror Nights, a Universal Studios Florida team member tested the relic’s curse, turning the box’s crank. This unfortunate event would make Halloween Horror Nights 10 our official introduction to Jack The Clown. Although he didn’t have a dedicated house that year, he horrified event go-ers from nearly every angle of the park, including the mainstay attractions that were open during the event that had formerly been a safe haven from scares.

Jack’s mortal resurrection

The following year, Adaru (or Fear, itself, as it’s also known) had chosen Jack’s brother, Eddie, as the new herald of Halloween Horror Nights. However, the tragedy of 9/11 struck the nation, and Universal Orlando Resort felt the younger Schmidt’s brand of horror was too intense in light of what’d occurred. Jack was summoned back as the icon and instructed to bring a lighter-hearted tone that year. However, this wouldn’t last, as Jack made up for it soon thereafter. To promote Halloween Horror Nights 14, Universal Orlando took guests on a VIP production tour of the set for Horror Nights Nightmares, a promotional movie starring favorites from their growing catalog of event icons and other characters including Jack and Legend’s Lord of Darkness. Almost predictably, things took a turn when the movie’s icons and character tributes sprang to life! The crew was mercilessly slaughtered and the tour group narrowly escaped with their lives. Then in 2002, Jack subjected event guests to Jack’s Rat Run, a chain link maze in Terra Cruenta’s Maldaken Pass. Here, guests were heckled and tortured by the fiend as they tried to desperately make their way back to our realm through the dimensional passage.

Darkness returned to host the introduction for the event’s Sweet Sixteen and resurrected Orlando’s past Horror Nights icons, including Jack. In being restored to a human form, Jack was able to revisit his homicidal ways. However, the world was different than what he was used to and the modern arm of the law quickly caught up with him. Almost poetically, Jack found himself back “home” at Shady Brook Rest Home and Sanitarium – this time, as an inmate due to his crimes from the previous events. Strangely, it seemed that even as a mortal, Jack’s presence at the asylum still had a supernatural effect as the other patients began mimicking him. He quickly took advantage of this, caused a violent uprising, and took control of the facility. During his “residency,” he discovered Oddfellow was a former patient, and not only was he still alive, but he was now operating a new venture – Dr. Oddfellow’s Dark Carnival and Emporium. With this newfound knowledge, Jack knew it was time for him to seize his revenge.

The Carnival of Carnage and Fear’s Lamp

Seeking out Oddfellow, Jack departed Shady Brook and made his way to the ringmaster’s new traveling show. Hiding in the shadows, Jack finally took swift retribution upon Oddfellow for his murder. Reveling in his vengeance, Jack realized that he wanted to rule more than merely Shady Brook and decided it was time for a regime change at Oddfellow’s business. Inspired, he donned a red and black ringmaster’s coat, boots, and top hat. He also took Oddfellow’s prized silver-headed cane of souls as a souvenir. In preparation for what we’d know as his “Carnival of Carnage,” he scoured the world for the most malevolent killers in all existence over the course of a year. His quest reaped the rewards of Jason Voorhes, Freddy Kreuger, and Leatherface – whom he christened the Carnage Killers – along with Mary Shaw from Dead Silence and The Thing. He unleashed them and others upon the masses at HHN’s 17th annual celebration. This would also be where we’d meet his protege, Chance, for the first time as an assistant during the event’s mainstage show.

As time went on, it was revealed that Jack had a much more important role than anyone realized. As Adaru’s Chaos Lord, he played an integral part in unleashing the Sumerian God into our realm during HHN’s twentieth year. At the conclusion of the event, Fear, Jack, and the other icons were thought to have been imprisoned in Fear’s Lamp. However, thanks to Bloody Mary, the lamp was broken and Jack once again returned with his Carnival of Carnage during HHN’s 25th year. Similar to what happened during his takeover of Shady Brook, Jack became inspired and wanted adoration like that of Adaru’s followers. This brought forth Jack’s most recent evolution as the Cult Rock Star. That year, his ringmaster look took on a refined, leathery, buckled finish and the scareactors’ expressions became more visible through the makeup, as if it were bonded to his skin. Schmidt even gained a following known as “Jack’s Maniacs,” rocketing him to cult leader status and granting him more power and fame than he’d ever dreamt of. Wanting to prove his superiority to Adaru and that he is Halloween Horror Nights incarnate, he debuted an elevated Carnival of Carnage where he’d slay his victims in hyper-violent ways, such as an oversized blender while his ego drank in the cheering love of his fans.

At the event’s conclusion, Jack and Chance were apprehended by the authorities. Jack was somehow imprisoned back into his box while Chance was committed to an institution. Although the Clown King of Halloween Horror Nights made a return during HHN 30, this was said to be non-canon to the official lore. What actually happened to Jack’s box and its current location are unknown, but given what we know of from Chance’s official christening as an icon over the event’s 26th year, we’d like to assume that it’s safely in her possession. For now, all we can do is let the anxiety flow while we await the next chapter of Jack’s story.

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Although he may not be a sanctioned icon, the powers-that-be within Universal Orlando have gone so far as to give Earl in-park recognition in several other ways. But what led to Earl the Squirrel’s stardom? What’s the story behind this wild-eyed, enchanting, holiday mascot and why are we taking the time to tell you about him? To answer that, I did some digging into the resort’s history and discovered a most adorable story.

It all started with a bite on blue lights…

The infamy of Earl has been a well-known tale throughout the theme park’s backlot. Much like any classic lore or legend, however, the narrative of his notoriety changes depending on the storyteller. After connecting the most common points, here is what we do know: Nobody is sure of the exact date, but the agreed upon timeframe is around 2015, just before the holiday season. According to most tellings, Universal Studios Florida team members were hard at work with their yuletide preparations and had been assembling the park’s centerpiece Christmas tree. They were about halfway finished with it when a strand of blue lights went out unexpectedly. After a short deal of head-scratching and some investigation, it’d become apparent that something had bitten into the wiring, causing the small outage. That something, as it turned out, was a squirrel.

At this point, the story gets – please excuse the possible pun here – fuzzy. Some say the little guy was looking to make a home and found his way into one of the park’s many storage spaces and took a liking to the tree. Others believe that he simply wanted to see more of the wonderful holiday decorations and got a little nippy on his way up to the treetop. One recollection even tells of Earl attacking the woeful team member who happened upon him, possibly due to Earl thinking they were a predator on the hunt for its next meal. At any rate, the word traveled throughout the company about the scruffy scamp’s mischief and everyone was so entertained by it that they snuck a nod into the park’s Christmas Tree that year. Hidden within the green branches and colorful lights and ornaments, guests at Universal Studios Florida during the holidays could find an electronic likeness of the original squirrel holding its own strand of blue lights. Since then, Earl’s exact location within the tree varies by the year, but his fandom among both park guests and team members has inspired an unofficial holiday scavenger hunt that delights everyone.

From park fable to cult icon:

Noticing his legacy at this point and how well guests received the Tribute Store’s new, seasonal themes, Universal Creative saw the opportunity to bring something both new and unique to their Orlando theme parks during the Holidays. Thus, Earl the Squirrel was found worthy to rise from simple Easter egg of backstage lore to the status of unofficial icon. In 2020, Universal presented their inaugural Holiday Tribute Store (a venue that was previously specific to Halloween Horror Nights with a later dedication to Mardi Gras). This included a red-carpet rollout of sorts for none other than our nutty legend. Earl was granted his own portion of the Holiday Tribute Store (aptly named Earl’s Tree Farm) where guests could purchase food, beverage, and merchandise based on the titular character.

Its instant popularity brought Earl back the subsequent year in the form of Earl the Squirrel’s Christmas Curios Museum and Emporium in the 2021 Tribute Store. This iteration was stylized as a campy, roadside attraction and filled with brand new goodies emblazoned with a new look for Earl. Among that year’s additions to his themed clothing, houseware and decor lines, fans could also buy a plush squirrel to place in their Christmas tree at home- something which this writer jumped at the chance to do. To top it off, guests were finally gifted with an in-person, pop-up, meet-and-greet with Earl himself.

While Christmas is certainly at the heart of what can be called “The Fable of Earl,” it’s clear he’s made a lasting impact on Universal Orlando Resort beyond the Holidays. During the 2022 season of Mardi Gras at Universal, the Tribute Store was conceptualized as a float warehouse for the event. On the surface, one wouldn’t suspect he would have a part in this, but not only has Earl the Squirrel found his way into the New Orleans-based festivities, but it seems he may be the mastermind behind the factory’s operations. Throughout the warehouse, you’ll find E.A.R.L.S. ( which is short for Earl’s Advanced Rules Leading to Safety, for those keeping track) Safety Tips signage and other various easter eggs dedicated to the cute critter within the Tribute Store’s facades and decor. Given this, I’m excited to see how far Earl’s stardom reaches and look forward to the possible day when he’s recognized as an official icon.

Do you love Earl as much as we do? Let us know. And then discuss it all with 125,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on 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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So this begs the question: Where on Universal Orlando Resort’s property can we find nature’s revitalizing elixir?

As a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado and someone who functions almost entirely on caffeine, I’ve found myself caught in this scenario more times than I care to recall. In order to guide you through this dilemma, I’ll go over where each coffee shop is located, the general cost of bean water there, and how they may differ from each other in terms of coffee blends and types.

Never fear, dear readers- let me show you the way!

Starbucks Coffee

Located in:
– CityWalk, across from AMC
– New York, Universal Studios Florida
– Port of Entry, Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Coffee price range: $2.69 – $5.79 plus tax

When it comes to coffee, Starbucks is unquestionably the nation’s steadfast provider. They’re the coffee shop that’s familiar to everyone and you can find them no matter where you are. Universal Orlando Resort is no exception. There’s a Starbucks Coffee located just about anywhere a guest can access on the resort’s property. Each hotel features either a fully-functioning Starbucks or is at least equipped with Starbucks products. If you’re visiting the parks, the most convenient Starbucks will be at CityWalk’s main entrance as one of the first establishments you pass by, on your left. If you find yourself in need while you’re inside the parks, fear not — at Universal Studios Florida, you’ll find them in New York, located near the San Francisco border, opposite from Louie’s Italian Restaurant. Islands of Adventure has an establishment at the end of Port of Entry just as you turn to Marvel Super Hero Island. If you’re looking for a quick breakfast, each location also offers pastries and limited sandwiches in addition to the brand’s complete drink menu for your convenience.

Cinnabon

Located in:
– Port of Entry, Islands of Adventure
– Universal CityWalk, across from Starbucks
Coffee price range: $3.29 – $4.79 plus tax

Much like Starbucks, Cinnabon is a reputable chain with on-site locations offering the brand’s standard menu of baked goods and beverages. If you are heading into the parks, you can easily spot them at the entrance of CityWalk to your right and at Port of Entry’s end over in Islands of Adventure. Both locations offer their full menu to choose from, and patrons in search of a decent cup of coffee have a few options here. They can purchase a hot cup of the chain’s Signature blend or opt for their famous Mochalatta Chill beverage. Cinnabon also offers cold brew coffee, which comes in Cinnamon Bun, vanilla, or caramel flavors. I prefer to steer more in the local direction rather than nationwide chains when I’m grabbing my java or recommending where to find yours, but I won’t pass judgement on anyone for their preferences. Regardless of where you stand on the matter, there’s certainly no arguing that Cinnabon is always a solid option to grab your fix from. 

TODAY Cafe

Located in:
– Production Central, Universal Studios Florida
Coffee price range: $3.99 – $4.69 plus tax

I hide nothing when it comes to my love for Today Cafe. They have a great menu that’s unique from anything else you can get on park property, and this is the coffee shop I turn to for my caffeinated needs while visiting Universal. Being the picky coffee fiend I am, that says a lot! Their coffee is a smooth, delicious, and exclusive dark roast blend of Sumatran, Peruvian, and Ethiopian beans. Guests have the option to have it served in the form of lattes, cappuccinos, nitro blends, espresso, and hot or iced coffee. All of those options can be further enhanced with flavors of vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel for an additional ninety-nine cents. If you want my advice, this is the best coffee shop across Universal Orlando Resort. Today Cafe consistently brews a fine cuppa, and the value isn’t bad either. If you find yourself in the mood for a nibble, they offer a great selection of sandwiches and pastries to pair with with your coffee, and the wait to retrieve your order is never terrible.

Lard Lad Donuts

Located in:
– Springfield, U.S.A, Universal Studios Florida
Coffee price range: $3.00 – $4.25 plus tax

This one seems to sneak under most people’s radar. When you think of Lard Lad Donuts, the first thing that comes to mind are the donuts, and rightfully so. With that in mind, what pairs better with a donut than a good cup of coffee? In the spirit of this culinary tradition, Lard Lad serves their own brew. We should take a moment here to note that it’s only served as a standard cup and its flavor is on the bolder side with only half and half or milk in lieu of creamer and flavorings. However, none of this should deter you. Especially when paired with a tasty sweet like The Big Pink, a stronger coffee taste can be quite complementing. If you find yourself around the Springfield area and in need of some extra pep, you’ll also enjoy knowing that there’s rarely ever a line. This means that getting a coffee from a welcoming Team Member is always quick and easy. At the very least, I say if it’s good enough for Chief Wiggum, it’s good enough for me.

Finnegan’s Bar & Grill

Located in:
– New York, Universal Studios Florida
Coffee price range: $2.99 – $12.50 plus tax.

Finnegan’s Bar & Grill offers a selection of 3 different coffee types: Cafe Latte, Cappuccino, and Espresso. This is already a solid start as it falls in line with most full-service restaurants’ offerings, but anyone wanting some spirit with their bean brew can opt for a traditional Irish Coffee, which is a blend of Irish Whiskey and coffee. Astute readers may have noticed that this is technically an off-menu item since it’s not officially listed, but don’t worry — the fan-favorite restaurant has a full bar, meaning that they can craft just about anything you wish. All you’d need to do is simply request it from your server. Finnegan’s typically requires that their patrons are seated in order to be served on which could take a while depending on their crowd level. I’d suggest taking advantage of the bar counter since they’re the speedier choice to grab your beverage from.

Universal’s Fresh Eats

Location:
– Universal Orlando Security Rotunda
Coffee price range: $3.29 – $4.79 plus tax.

Much like Diagon Alley, The Fresh Eats stand is a vendor that’s hidden in plain sight amongst the daily bustle of eager guests and a large souvenir venue nearby. They offer three options of Starbucks brews as part of their standard offerings: regular cold brew, Vanilla cold brew, and regular coffee, as well as seasonal selections like their Unicorn Frappuccino. As a precaution, it’s worth mentioning that they’re only purchasable in the company’s “Grande” size, but it’s still a decent spot to grab your coffee from. In addition to this venue serving Starbucks, this is another location with little to no wait on average since guests crossing through the rotunda are either more concerned about making their way through the Security gates or are too distracted by the rack of limited edition Back to the Future glassware and other eye-catching merchandise. They also have select offerings from Voodoo Donuts, which always pair perfectly with that cup of Joe as a quick breakfast before making your way to the parks.

That leads me to my next location.

Voodoo Doughnut

Located in:
– Universal CityWalk, by NBC Sports Grill & Brew
Coffee price range: $3.29 plus tax

Voodoo Doughnut has earned a nationwide reputation around their famed donuts, but I would contend that they should be also be known for coffee. Through a partnership with Portland-based Nosso Familia — a coffee company whose humble beginning was funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign — Voodoo Doughnut serves the coffee brand’s Teodoro’s Italian roast to their beloved patrons. This full-bodied, medium-dark blend’s flavor is expressed with cocoa, roasted nuts, hints of woody spice, caramel, and a gentle touch of almond. In the spirit of transparency, I didn’t know they offered coffee until fairly recently. Once I discovered this, I rushed over to give it a try and I have to say I was impressed by how much I enjoyed it. If you’re like me and prefer a little extra flair to your brew, I’ll always suggest adding a splash of half and half or creamer and opt for the addition of vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel for 79 cents. However, if you take yours black, it’s still a smooth sip that will do the trick that I’m sure you’ll enjoy. It is considered Nosso Familia’s “crowd pleaser” after all.

Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium

Located in:
– Universal CityWalk, between Islands of Adventure and Hard Rock Live
Coffee price range: $14.00 – $15.00 plus tax

Toothsome’s is famous for two things: a passion for chocolate, and some impressive milkshakes. With that said, the latter’s menu has something that every coffee lover can dig into — the Espresso Buzzzz! To make this incredible delectable, the establishment’s confectioners fill one of their signature souvenir jars to the brim with a blend of coffee ice cream and fresh-brewed espresso. They then top and rim the jar with a chocolate mousse whip, chocolate-covered espresso beans, four biscotti cookies, and a single maraschino cherry. It’s almost too beautiful to consume, but consume you will! While it does lean more into the dessert category, it’s a sweet treat that will still provide a perk to your step and serve as the perfect way to treat yourself. Although you’ll have to grab yourself a reservation and table for this last one, it’s more than worth the effort. Toothsome’s full-service restaurant also has the Chocolate Coffee Banana, which is a cocktail made up of Caribe Club banana rum, Galliano Ristretto coffee liqueur, Faretti chocolate, soy milk, and chocolate bitters — a perfect potable for a post-meal-pick-me-up.

We hope this list makes your future coffee pursuits at Universal Orlando Resort easier! With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find something to enjoy and keep the fun going.

What’s your go-to spot for coffee at Universal Orlando Resort? Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on 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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Most of the offerings are only available during the event’s operation and you can find them being served at several themed booths and venues around Universal Studios Florida. Given that there is such an eclectic menu with more offerings than ever, we felt that we should scope it out and give you, our readers, some direction. While your mainstay menu items are popular for a reason, our collective goal was to sniff out the more unique choices that are worthy of your money and consumption. With that said, the following is a list of my suggestions to fuel you for the terrifying night ahead.

Halloween Horror Nights 2021 – Three Best Food Items

1. Jack’d Donut Slider ($9.99)

Location: Jack’s Place, New York

This sweet and savory item inspired by the legendary and depraved ringmaster himself has taken the Carnival of Carnage menu’s center stage. Plated before you is an Angus beef patty topped with bacon jam and nacho cheese, nestled between two mini doughnuts. This is served with a side of house-made potato chips. I’ve got to admit, this was a new flavor combination for me. I found the bacon jam to be naturally sweet, but not overpowering thanks to the nacho cheese, which rounded out the flavor and provided a fun mess to enjoy. The doughnut “bun” is fluffy and fresh, and the bourbon glaze topping is enough to simply add to the overall flavor without making the slider an issue to hold. The house-made potato chips add a nice salty crunch and compliment their greasy, sweet companion, making this treat worth the asking price.

The Jack’d Donut Slider is a concept straight from the Krustyburger wheelhouse, which makes it a perfect fit for Jack. It evokes thoughts of a twisted carnival food stand and hits the exact mark it’s aiming for. If you haven’t experienced a flavor combination like this before, it could take a second to get used to, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it. Although it wasn’t my personal all-time favorite, it is still first on my recommendation list for people to try and enjoy.

2. Pumpkin Guts ($9.49)

Location: Wicked Growth: Realm of the Pumpkin kiosk, World Expo

This vegan delicacy consists of zucchini and butternut squash noodles sauteed in brown butter, then topped with pumpkin seeds and a hazelnut gremolata. It’s plated on a roasted delicata squash — almost as if it’s literally exploding from it! — and has texture similar to pasta. Speaking of its textures: the zucchini and butternut squash noodles are al dente enough to maintain aspects of their natural crunch while complimenting the delicata’s softer essence. I was concerned that my meal would be swimming in butter before I was done, but the delicata soaked up the brown butter and ultimately provided a full-bodied finish to the otherwise salty dish. The sweetness of both the delicata and butternut squash (mixed with the saltiness of the nuts and seeds) helped liven the flavors with a fantastic balance of the recipe’s overall characteristics.

If I had to declare Halloween Horror Night’s best dish, this would be it. It’s impressive, complex, unique, and it easily represents the event in every way. As a bonus, its name is packed with HHN lore: Its namesake was one of the movies featured in 2018’s Slaughter Sinema house, which took place in Carey, OH (a recurring town within HHN legacy and a house of its own this year). Digging into the roots of Horror Nights mythos even deeper, guests actually get to travel through the Carvers’ farm and pumpkin patch, the central point of the aforementioned Pumpkin Guts movie plot, within this year’s Wicked Growth: Realm of the Pumpkin house . 

3. Leatherface Cherry Pie

Location: WE Slaughter Barbecue, Production Central

While cherry isn’t my go-to flavor for pie, this is a great option for a classic Horror Nights sweet treat. It has an excellent balance of the ingredients’ inherent tart and sweet flavors. The crust is tasty and compliments the pie filling well. Texture-wise, it’s flakey but holds its structure well enough to contain the cherry filling that would have otherwise fallen apart. Although it is a mini-pie, it’s still impressively deep. It’s easily enough to satisfy one appetite or a decent amount for two to share as a snack or dessert to cap the night off. 

Partaking in the selections at the Coca-Cola WE Slaughter Barbecue kiosk is already a fitting way to pay tribute to the Texas Chainsaw franchise. However, digging into a warm cherry pie whose crust resembles a person’s face — down to the nose! — seems like something Leatherface himself would want to serve his guests as a playful nod to his victims. Most assuredly, there are plenty of choices for sweet treats, especially if you’re venturing into the Tribute Store. However, if you want my direction- this is your dessert for the night and how I’d pay tribute to the Sawyer family’s terrifying legacy.

Halloween Horror Nights 2021 – Three Best Drink Items

1. Bog Slime ($10.99)

Location: Wicked Growth: Realm of the Pumpkin kiosk, World Expo

Approaching the counter of Wicked Growth: Realm of the Pumpkin’s kiosk, you’ll see the clear beverage tanks of green liquid swirling and bubbling, looming as if the attendants are actually about to serve you literal muck. Thankfully, when I ordered the Bog Slime, what was instead dispensed was a fine mixture of New Amsterdam gin, a syrup made from matcha, and cardamom with a hint of lime juice. The fusion of the citrus-forward New Amsterdam and herbal, earthy flavors flow in near-perfect sync with that of the lime. To compare it this way doesn’t do the cocktail justice, but if I had to relate it to something commonplace — you’d want to think of a variation of a margarita with botanical hints and no rim.

The Bog Slime is excellent and deserving of the hype. It’s complexity and fun in a cup. In addition to it looking like its namesake, the cocktail’s ingredients create an interesting bouquet of flavors. If you’re like myself and hesitate to drink gin, I suggest braving this concoction. Although the ingredient is traditionally a bolder, botanically forward spirit, don’t let it deter you. This one adds wonderfully to the drink rather than overtakes it. So be brave, take my lead and have a sip. 

2. Ghoul Juice ($10.99)

Location: Across the park

Halloween Horror Nights’ other spotlighted beverage is a mix of mango rum, Myers dark rum, cherry brandy, lime juice, and a touch of allspice bitters. In terms of how they play together, the rums tango and steal the show due to their flavors’ potency. While the cherry brandy and allspice bitters were present, they played the role of background characters or scenery that you’d almost miss if you weren’t aware of them. While this is something to make note of, I wouldn’t knock points off for this since the overall flavor was still highly enjoyable. 

With last year’s disappointing mango-flavored offering still weighing on my mind, I took a chance on the Ghoul Juice and I’m happy to say the mixer has been redeemed. This cocktail is a strong crowd pleaser and I appreciate that it’s not only dangerously easy to drink, but also readily available throughout the park. Since both the Bog Slime and the Ghoul Juice have their merits, I’ll just call the Bog Slime a strange, yet rewarding risk and the Ghoul Juice your new, reliable friend. Both are winners in my book.

3. Ace Blood Orange Cider Float

Location: The Sweet Shop, Production Central

This cocktail is a fizzy mix of Ace Blood Orange Cider and vanilla ice cream that’s topped with whipped cream and garnished with a dehydrated orange. Naturally, its characteristics harken back to a root beer float due to its fizziness and sweet cream flavors. Initially, you’ll note the tartness of the blood orange, but that’s quickly softened by the sweetness of the whipped cream and vanilla ice cream. This allows all the best characteristics of the drink to shine through, which I found myself increasingly enjoying as I sipped on.

I’d wanted to try the Ace Blood Orange Cider Float since it was first announced as part of the event’s offerings. While it didn’t disappoint, there were things I loved about this drink and a couple points where it could be improved upon. I loved this take on a soda fountain float. It fits right into The Sweet Shop’s theme, and I could see this as a very tempting treat. While the dehydrated orange was a great garnish, it does nothing to otherwise add to the recipe. One could argue that garnishes aren’t always meant to be eaten, but it did leave me wondering and wishing for what could have been if it were fresh. Although technically a float, it should be noted that I wasn’t provided a spoon or straws, even upon request. This was easily rectified as I simply grabbed one elsewhere.  Lastly, I’d advise not to drink too many of this easy potable — lest you find yourself meeting the Tooth Fairy not long after.

Find out everything you ever wanted to know about HHN – plus more! – in our insider’s guide. And then discuss it all with 150,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

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