There are lots of exciting things coming to Universal Orlando Resort in 2025, from new hotels like Stella Nova Resort to the return of Butterbeer Season this spring, but if there’s one addition to “Universal East” that everyone’s got their eye on, it’s the grand opening of Universal Epic Universe – which believe it or not, is only 100 days away.

The all-new theme park will feature five lands – and more than 30 dining locations – making the 100+ new culinary delights just as exciting as the park’s attractions, shows, and character experiences. From Butterbeer Crepes to The Mario Burger, here’s what’s coming to Epic Universe menus when Universal’s new theme park opens on May 22, 2025.

I've been visiting Walt Disney World Resort for over a decade with my family and I've done just about everything there is to do at the most magical place on Earth. While I love the hustle and bustle of Walt Disney World's theme parks, I've learned some of the most memorable Disney experiences take place outside the parks at Disney World's resort hotels. Case in point, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, a dinner show where guests play washboards and chow down on ribs and strawberry shortcake, all while being entertained by lively performers.

This spring, Universal Orlando Resort plans to open its Epic Universe theme park. In anticipation, the property is also launching three new hotels: Stella Nova Resort, Terra Luna Resort, and Helios Grand Hotel.

Stella Nova was the first to open its doors this January. The beautiful space-themed resort is tiled in dichroic glass and decorated with recreations of NASA space photographs. Plus, it's located right across from Epic Universe, which is set to open in May.

The Disney Pixar film “Coco” is a colorful celebration of music, family, and Mexican culture, and it’s got some unforgettable tunes, from “Remember Me” to “The World is Mi Familia.” The animated film has so much energy, that it’s no surprise kids love it. Now, aboard Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure, there’s a character dining opportunity that immerses guests in the celebrations of Miguel and his family. It’s tons of fun, and perfect for the ship’s overall theme of adventure.

A southwest Missouri town nestled in the Ozark mountains, Branson is known for its dinner shows and 1880's-themed theme park, Silver Dollar City. But as the town continues to grow as a tourist destination, its restaurant landscape is expanding, too.

As a food and travel writer who spends lots of time in theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, I’m always on the lookout for a good small bag to carry my belongings on long park days. It never occurred to me to combine my choice of crossbody bag with my love of meeting and interacting with theme park characters until I spotted a person on a recent Disney trip who was carrying a white, faux leather mini backpack and a handful of permanent markers, having characters like Mickey Mouse and Princess Tiana sign their bag.

Before I even left the park, I hopped onto Amazon, hunting for faux leather bags that were the perfect material for character autographs.

As a journalist who covers theme parks and lives in Central Florida, I often joke that the spooky season is my Super Bowl.

From family-friendly Halloween parties at Disney World to jump-scare-filled haunted houses at SeaWorld, my family starts making its seasonal rounds in late August. But there's one event that stands above the rest: Halloween Horror Nights, or HHN, at Universal Studios Florida.

I've lived in Florida for eight years but only recently heard of 30A, a growing travel hot spot in the Florida panhandle.

Nicknamed "the Hamptons of the South" by visitors, the area is located between Panama City and Destin and sits along a 24-mile stretch of highway known as County Road 30A.

While some of Orlando’s theme parks are better known for their family-friendly Halloween offerings, there’s lots of Halloween fun to be had at Universal Orlando Resort as well. Universal hosts the iconic event Halloween Horror Nights each year, but since it recommends kids only visit the scary event if they’re 13 or older, parents may wonder what else there is for kids to do to get into the spooky spirit at Universal’s hotels and theme parks.

Read on for our guide to different Halloween activities and happenings going on at Universal Orlando from now through early November when Halloween Horror Nights ends.

I stopped drinking cold turkey at the end of last year, desperate to shake hangovers and increased anxiety. I've found a sense of well-being in sobriety that I won't be giving up anytime soon. Still, I wondered what it'd be like to be in a booze-centric environment and abstain from alcohol.

The last time my husband and I visited an adults-only all-inclusive resort was over a decade ago. My memories of that trip are hazy, filled with drinks at the swim-up bar, wine-fueled dinners, and feeling a bit hungover each morning. Since then, I've chosen an alcohol-free lifestyle, but my husband still drinks.

Here's what it was like to visit Florida's "best cheap eats" winner, Gypsea Crepes — and why I'd make the long trip back to the panhandle to do it again.

I've been writing about my family's travels for over a decade and traveling for even longer. I'm also an introvert who gets easily overwhelmed by crowds and finds energy in moments of quiet solitude.

But even as a seeker of alone time, cruising remains among my favorite ways to explore the world.

It's been over seven years since my husband and I chose to relocate our family from Maryland to Florida. It's a decision I've never regretted once, but living in the Sunshine State is very different from life in the Northeast.

The multigenerational trip, for which one of my mother-in-law's best friends tagged along as her travel partner, proved to be an unforgettable memory for all of us. My kids left the ship feeling like they got to know their grandmother — who lives far from our Florida home in Pennsylvania — even better, and so did I.

Our choice wasn’t completely about the way the school handled a bullying issue or the excessive amount of homework my kids were coming home with (although those were part of it). One of the biggest motivators for the change was our desire to teach our kids through travel.

When my husband and I started toying with the idea of taking my teenagers on a whale-watching expedition cruise, we had no idea what to expect. While we’d cruised on several major cruise lines in the past, hopping on a 100-passenger ship run by National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions felt far different than anything we’d done before.

As an annual passholder and a journalist who covers theme parks, I spend a lot of time at Disney World.

My whole family used to have annual passes as well, but as my two teens have gotten older, they're not as excited about long days in theme parks.

Still, my husband and I love going together. I recently paid over $1,000 for us to spend a full day (from park-open to park-close) at Disney World.

There are lots of ways for families to enjoy time at Walt Disney World Resort (WDW), from a day of splashing at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park to leaving the theme parks for character dining at a Disney resort hotel. We especially love the restaurants at Disney Springs for a memorable meal.

The key to any good family outing to Mickey’s house, however, is knowing the best way to park and get from point A to point B at WDW. And that’s why this guide to transportation at Walt Disney World is here for you!

For the third year in a row, the Ocala Food and Wine Festival is returning to the World Equestrian Center (WEC). The event, which features celebrity chefs, food, wine, and more, will be held from November 3 through 5, 2023, with options available to attend the entirety of the weekend or to visit only on Saturday for the “Taste of Ocala” expo.

And, since the WEC is home to the Equestrian Hotel as well, guests can make a weekend out of being immersed in the beautiful hotel and grounds while sipping and tasting their way through the festival.