Blogs

Review: Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

Review: Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a luxury resort within walking or boat distance of Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure, with unlimited Express Pass line-skipping at rides. This review features room photos, amenities info, pros & cons, and how these luxury accommodations compare to Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts. Themed to the seaside town […]

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Disney Delays World Drive Construction That Opens Door for New Magic Kingdom Hotel by 447 Days

Disney Delays World Drive Construction That Opens Door for New Magic Kingdom Hotel by 447 Days

A major Walt Disney World infrastructure project that literally paves the way for a potential new park entrance Magic Kingdom resort has been delayed again, this time by another 447 days. Here’s the latest, along with our commentary on the project and its implications for future expansion. The most recent Central Florida Tourism Oversight District

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Should You Skip Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

Should You Skip Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

With construction equipment digging in Dinoland and multiple attractions closed, many Walt Disney World vacation planners are questioning whether they should skip Animal Kingdom on trips in 2026 through late 2027 when Tropical Americas opens. This covers what’s happening, when projects will be completed, and how they’ll impact your experience on upcoming visits. When it

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Disney World & Florida Continue Repairing Relationship as Investment & Construction Ramp Up

Disney World & Florida Continue Repairing Relationship as Investment & Construction Ramp Up

Walt Disney World and the City of Orlando have unveiled a new plaque at the site of the “Florida Project” announcement, honoring the press conference that happened 60 years ago. Here’s the latest on this commemorative historic marker, along with how its the latest in a line of moves to thaw tensions between Florida and

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Disney’s Positive New Changes Aimed at Attracting More Middle Class Families

Disney’s Positive New Changes Aimed at Attracting More Middle Class Families

One of the hottest and most controversial topics over the last year-plus has been the claim that Walt Disney World and Disneyland are turning their backs on middle class families with young children. The company has heard these complaints, and is actively working on changes to address the criticism. This is hugely positive news, and

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Disney Reveals Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Muppets is Top Tier Lightning Lane Multi Pass Ride

Disney Reveals Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Muppets is Top Tier Lightning Lane Multi Pass Ride

Walt Disney World has updated its website to confirm that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will remain a top tier Lightning Lane attraction when the ride reopens in Summer 2026. Here’s the latest official news, plus our predictions about how the LL landscape will change at WDW once all of the reimagined rides

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Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift Roller Coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood Opens in Summer 2026

Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift Roller Coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood Opens in Summer 2026

Universal Studios Hollywood announced the long-rumored Fast & Furious roller coaster, and construction is officially underway. This post shares details & opening timeframe revealed by USH, along predictions for soft openings & previews of the new thrill ride, our commentary, and more. The first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster at USH, “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift”

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Yoshi Character Meet & More Coming for New Mario Movie in Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe!

Yoshi Character Meet & More Coming for New Mario Movie in Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe!

Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are getting new limited-time experiences in Super Nintendo World and at CityWalk in celebration of Illumination’s upcoming, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Here’s the latest on the character meet & greet, merchandise, and more coming to the parks. For those who are unfamiliar with it,

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New Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Construction Permit Extended to Late Summer Suggests Delayed Reopening

New Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Construction Permit Extended to Late Summer Suggests Delayed Reopening

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of Walt Disney World’s biggest ride (re)openings in 2026, and there’s a new sign suggesting that the project has been derailed or delayed. Here’s the latest, along with our commentary and a predicted reopening timeframe. As basic background, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for a lengthy refurbishment project on

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2026 Free Dining vs. Resort Discount + Kids Eat Free at Disney World

2026 Free Dining vs. Resort Discount + Kids Eat Free at Disney World

Walt Disney World has brought back the Free Dining deal for Summer through Christmas 2026, after releasing (and revoking!) several other special offers that are (or were) stackable with the Kids Eat Free promo, including room-only discounts, $250 off per night, free nights & tickets, and more. When Walt Disney World released special offers for

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