How to combine a cruise with your Orlando trip
An Orlando vacation is pretty incredible in itself, but there’s a way to take it to uncharted territory. With Orlando’s ideal location in the middle … Read more
Diagon Alley revisited
When the world first heard the roar of the Gringotts dragon and gazed upon the stunning scenery of Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter – … Read more
5 best tips for selecting the perfect hotel
Every hotel is different. In fact, as a hotelier, I like to say that finding the right hotel for you is liking finding your spouse. … Read more
Five more of Universal’s top adult beverages
It’s no secret that Universal Orlando offers a plethora of experiences that are perfect for adults who want to get away for a while. One … Read more
History of the New York backlot at Universal Studios Florida
I have always found it interesting that the New York City skyline can be seen from the entrance to an Orlando theme park based on … Read more
Top 5 wide-open spaces to relax at Universal
Spending the day at Universal Orlando Resort can be both exhilarating and tiring. During a busy day of excitement, it is important to take breaks … Read more
5 most expensive buys at Universal
In this edition of THE BIG 5, we explore the riches that can be found inside some of Universal’s merchandise shops. My ventures through these … Read more
Orlando’s most overlooked attraction
Orlando is known for many things, but, until recently, it hasn’t always been known as a culinary destination. Which is a shame – Orlando has … Read more
Top 5 outdoor bars at Universal Orlando
One of the defining characteristics of Universal Orlando is that it offers many more adult-oriented distractions than the Mouse House. The atmosphere of both Universal … Read more
Visiting Diagon Alley for the First Time
It has been over a half a year since the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley’s enchanted brick wall first opened for the … Read more
Top five ways to start AND end your day at Universal Orlando
With all the excitement, adventure, and thrills to be had at Universal Orlando, it’s hard to find a better place to spend your vacation day. … Read more
Best of CityWalk 2.0
Universal Orlando’s CityWalk district is now home to many new dining experiences, making it better than ever. Now that these new establishments have been … Read more
Riding a Mardi Gras float: Best rush outside of Bourbon Street
Editor’s note: This article was originally published a few years ago, but since nothing has changed we’re republishing this for the Mardi Gras 2015 season. … Read more
5 Best Bars at Disney World’s theme parks
Over the years, so many high-quality bars and lounges have sprouted up throughout Walt Disney World that they almost make the hefty admission price into … Read more
Top five New Year’s resolutions every Orlando visitor should have
A New Year is about to dawn, and many people are contemplating how they want to improve themselves in the coming year. How about resolving … Read more
CityWalk’s next generation, wave three: Bread Box and Hot Dog Hall of Fame
They’ve finally arrived, just in time for summer. The spectrum of dining options at Universal CityWalk continues to broaden as Bread Box and Hot Dog … Read more
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade is still as magical as ever: Visit again for the first time
As the world prepares to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, it’s time to remind ourselves of the true magic that is … Read more
Orlando for beginners: How to survive hurricane season
Hurricane season is upon us in the Sunshine State of Florida – six wonderful months of diligently watching the weather forecast to see if the … Read more
CityWalk’s next generation, wave two: Menchie’s, Harry Potter, and the all-new Universal Studios Store
The evolution of Universal CityWalk continues. This week marks the opening of one new treat stop, a totally revamped merchandise store, and a two-month celebration … Read more
Guide to FastPass+ at Walt Disney World: Unlimited FastPass reservations now open to all guests
Update – April 28, 2014 Starting today, Monday, April 28, guests can select more FastPasses once they are in the park and have used up … Read more
Celebrate Mardi Gras like you mean it: Our favorite ways to party before the parade & headlining concert
Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is definitely the most kicking “Nawlins” party outside of Bourbon Street. No doubt you’ve heard all about the big parade … Read more
Outdoor kitchens at the 2014 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival: Try the returning dishes and all the new flavors
The big news for this year’s Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot is the return of the delightful food and beverage booths, which are now … Read more
A guide to loyalty programs at Universal Orlando: Earn free meals, movies & hotel amenities
One of the advantages that Universal Orlando has over Walt Disney World is the number of establishments on property that are popular national and worldwide … Read more
Dick’s Last Resort now open in Lake Buena Vista: Eat, drink & laugh at a restaurant like no other
When you hear the name Dick’s Last Resort, your imagination is left to wander. If you are familiar with the brand, then you know you … Read more
Our top tips for combining a cruise with your Orlando trip for the best vacation possible
An Orlando vacation is pretty incredible in itself, but there’s a way to take it to uncharted territory. With Orlando’s ideal location in the middle … Read more
THE BIG 5: Universal’s top five desserts that will delight your taste buds
One of the many joys of visiting theme parks is indulging in sweet treats you might otherwise resist. In this edition of THE BIG 5, … Read more
A new spin on Chevy’s Fresh Mex gets its start in Orlando
The Crossroad Shopping Plaza in Lake Buena Vista, near Walt Disney World, is a popular place to find affordable, quality dining. Over the years many … Read more
From MEN IN BLACK to Springfield USA: The sci-fi & silly details of World Expo at Universal Studios Florida
At first glance, World Expo may seem to be one of the few areas inside Universal Studios Florida without the heightened level of detailed theming … Read more
UCF Knights march into Magic Kingdom: Complete coverage & priceless parade viewing tips
What phrase do you immediately hear after the Super Bowl has just completed? Why, “I’m going to Disney World” of course! On special occasions, a … Read more
Beyond the parks: Nine new ideas for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Orlando
From Universal Orlando’s legendary CityWalk celebration to the excitement and magic in Disney’s theme parks, there is no shortage of memorable ways to ring in … Read more
The City by the Bay: Dive deep in the themes & inspiration for USF’s San Francisco backlot
San Francisco, the City by the Bay, is the final part of my backlot series that represents a real U.S. city. This portion of Universal … Read more
The flavors of Margaritaville are brighter than ever as the cafe’s new menu is introduced in Orlando
Margaritaville Cafe Orlando at Universal CityWalk has a completely revamped menu, and this week we had the honor of sampling a large variety of the … Read more
From Disney World to Winter Park – an insider’s guide to the best holiday activities Orlando has to offer
As a native of Orlando, I have had the pleasure of making memories year after year in one of the world’s best holiday destinations. It … Read more
SeaWorld’s Spooktacular continues to be Orlando’s best value for a family-friendly Halloween celebration, and here’s why
During weekends in October, a visit to SeaWorld Orlando is made even better because of SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular. I was invited by Orlando Informer to … Read more
Arabian Nights “Royal Celebration” – a classic dinner show gets an enchanting makeover
The Arabian Nights dinner show is an Orlando original (well, technically a Kissimmee original). In fact, this classic show has been entertaining Central Florida visitors … Read more
Tales from the Parrot Perch: An Interview with JD Spradlin of Radio Margaritaville
When you see someone who is doing what they are meant to do for a living, they just shine. That is definitely the case when … Read more
Battle it out with the rookies at Orlando Paintball – Florida’s largest indoor/outdoor paintball facility
Orlando is full of fun and excitement, no question. And the excitement is always better when you’re smack in the middle of it. That’s exactly … Read more
Orlando Food Trucks: My picks for some of the best Central Florida food on wheels
Just thinking about the sheer volume of dining selections in Central Florida, including Orlando’s food trucks, is enough to give you hunger pangs. I am … Read more
Updated Boardwalk Bakery offers Disney guests a wider variety of quick-service selections and divine desserts
While I’ve always loved Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, I admit that one of the property’s weaknesses has been its lack of a substantial quick-service dining option. … Read more
Disney’s Animal Kingdom turns 15: An ode to Orlando’s most underappreciated park
It may be Orlando’s most misunderstood and most underappreciated theme park. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which celebrates its 15th anniversary today, is Walt Disney World’s largest … Read more
2013 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival: New Garden Marketplaces make this the park’s most delicious event
I’ve never gotten overly excited about Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival, but this year offers something new to dig into: food and wine booths called … Read more
Life is sweet at the Florida Strawberry Festival: My review, tips & photo gallery
The Florida Strawberry Festival draws a crowd of thousands and seems to get bigger every year. It’s good ol’ Southern fun, filled with hundreds of … Read more
Boating around Walt Disney World: Set sail on the Seven Seas Lagoon and beyond
Many of Orlando’s attractions, resorts, and theme parks offer various fun-filled activities outside of the traditional shows and rides. Nowhere is this more apparent than … Read more