The Orlando Real - Theme Parks

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Haunted House Lineup (and more!)

By Yasmene Warren

Prepare for terror to be unleashed as Universal Orlando has just announced its full haunted house lineup for Halloween Horror Nights 2023.

About Halloween Horror Nights

The clock is ticking as the day Universal Orlando’s annual Halloween Horror Nights is set to begin approaches.

This is the theme park’s 32nd year in throwing what has become everyone’s highlight of Halloween.

On select nights from Sept. 1 to Nov. 4, you can face your fears at “The World’s Premier Halloween Event” and take on 10 terrifying haunted houses.

Each haunted house is inspired by the biggest names in fear, and this year, there are some new faces coming through to do some hardcore scaring.

The Haunted Houses

Stranger Things 4: Try to…

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Swim with Sharks and More at Discovery Cove, an All-Inclusive Paradise

By Holley Long

Have you heard of Discovery Cove in Orlando? The all-inclusive day resort is a one-of-a-kind adventure, with opportunities to unwind, explore, and learn about oceans and marine life in a unique way - including swimming with sharks!

If your curiosity is piqued, let us walk you through what a day at this slice of paradise will look like!

What to Expect at the All-Inclusive Resort

As soon as you arrive at Discovery Cove, you’re treated like a VIP. A staff member greets guests at the resort’s reception center each morning before leading them to a day in paradise. 

Complimentary amenities during a visit include fresh towels and sunscreen, snorkeling gear, lockers, showers and changing facilities, and so much more to enjoy. 

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Puerto Rican Specialties and More at Café Coquí in Avalon Park

By Yasmene Warren

Do you want to hear the sounds of Puerto Rico while enjoying a tasteful dish? Well, the good news is you don’t have to travel there to do so! Avalon Park’s Café Coquí is based on and themed around the native amphibian on the beautiful island that is Puerto Rico - the Coquí. 

What is it?

Café Coquí is a Puerto Rican café in Orlando located on Avalon Park East Boulevard in East Orlando. This spot is known for serving some of the best authentic Puerto Rican desserts and sandwiches in town!

Café Coquí gets its namesake from the species of frog that is endemic to Puerto Rico. These frogs make a very loud, unique call at night, which you can hear when sitting at certain spots in the restaurant thanks to a special little coquí…

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Affordable Housing Programs in Development for Theme Park Cast and Team Members

By Yasmene Warren

The housing crisis is something that has been affecting Americans all across the country. For people employed at Disney and Universal in Orlando, this crisis hits pretty close to home. As of right now, these two companies are looking for ways to combat this crisis for their employees — let’s check out how!

Disney’s Affordable Housing Development

Located just mere miles from Disney’s Magic Kingdom, just west of State Road 429, lies 80 acres of what is soon to be affordable housing for Disney cast and team members.

Ground-breaking will occur next year, in 2024, and is estimated to be move-in ready by 2026. When the development is complete, it will have approximately 1,400 units available for rent. 

These units will be…

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Despite the Starcruiser’s Closure, the Halcyon is Some of Disney’s Best Work

By Ken Pozek

Just a few weeks ago, we departed on our second trip aboard Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. My family was one of the lucky first guests to enjoy the experience the first month it opened. So when we saw they were discounting trips a few months ago, we jumped at the chance to go again. Only to find out they’d be permanently shuttering the experience later this year. 

There’s been widespread coverage of the blue shrimp and storyline upon the Halcyon (the name of the Starcruiser "ship"), but nothing has been covered more than the cost of the trip and now its quick demise. On average a family of 5 will pay in upwards of $6,000 for their 3 day, 2 night stay. With many jeering the cost as something Walt himself wouldn’t have wanted. Yet,…

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What's New and Coming Soon to Multiple Orlando Theme Parks

By Holley Long

Summer is a time of relaxation and fun in the sun. And for Orlando theme parks, it’s a time for unveiling interesting attractions, shows, and more! Curious what to expect this season? Read below to find out what’s new and coming to the parks, from Universal Studios to Fun Spot America! 

Universal Orlando Resort 

Probably one of the biggest anticipated openings of the season is Minion Land at Universal Studios. The section of the park will include a new attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, during which guests will blast through the Vicious Six in order to become the star supervillain. Already open is Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, a ride in which guests assist the mischievous Gru and go on a trip through his…

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4 Treats to Stay Cool This Summer at WDW

By Holley Long

Going outside during summertime in Orlando always seems like a good idea—until you feel the sun. Floridians are well acquainted with warmth, but during this season the heat and humidity become a full-fledged monster. 

If you’re going to be out and about this summer, make sure you drink plenty of water and eat snacks to keep your energy up. And, if you plan on spending days at Walt Disney World, stay even cooler for the summer with treats across the parks. Below, we’ve highlighted a few of our faves.  

Joffrey’s Key Lime Cold Brew (EPCOT)

I don’t know about you, but when I have an early start at a Disney theme park, I need coffee, STAT. Luckily, there’s no shortage of Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company carts to grab a…

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Seaworld Day Camps for Kids of All Ages this Summer

By Holley Long

Summer is so close we can taste it (and definitely feel it in this Central Florida heat), and you may be looking at the months between school years, wondering how to fill them for your child. While there’s no shortage of things to do in Orlando, we know of something that will have kids learning in a fun, safe, and exciting environment. 

SeaWorld Orlando Day Camps 

If your child has ever expressed a curiosity in ocean wildlife, SeaWorld Orlando’s day camps are the perfect thing to turn that little interest into respect and love for the sea and its creatures. For a week, your camper will receive hands-on experience and exposure in the marine biology sphere, meeting dolphins, sharks, whales, and more. 

While the kids enjoy their…

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Disney Lake Nona Campus Cancelled and Starcruiser Announced Final Voyages

By Jessica LaVigne

The Walt Disney Company had two very big announcements yesterday, impacting thousands of Florida and California-based Cast Members and Imagineers. With news of the company not moving forward with their Lake Nona relocation, and ultimately shutting down the Galactic Starcruiser, what does this mean for Orlando?

Disney Lake Nona Campus Cancelled

The announcement for the new Disney Lake Nona campus came in 2021, where Disney would start their $1 Billion project. An estimated 2,000 Cast Members and Imagineers would be relocated from California, with many not guaranteed a role with the company if they chose not to move. 

Image by Tavistock

In 2022, however, the project was postponed and estimated to be completed by 2026.…

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5 Restaurants for Date Night in Disney Springs

By Holley Long

A day spent at Disney Springs is always full of fun, whether you’re shopping, listening to live music, or grabbing a meal at one of the many unique restaurants. Disney Springs is also a great spot for date night, and if you’re looking for the right restaurant to dine with that special someone, we have a few great suggestions! 

1. Wine Bar George

Live out your sommelier dreams during date night at Wine Bar George. With over 200 wines selected from established wineries and up-and-coming regions, the restaurant has plenty of options to delight the senses, and for novice tasters, your waiter can help find the right glass of vino for your palate. 

Wine Bar George is also a good spot for those who want to sample an…

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