Potter Puppet Pals, the YouTube comedy sensation, will perform live in Orlando next July for LeakyCon 2011, a charity Harry Potter conference put on by LeakyNews.com. Neil Cicierega and his fellow puppetteers will be bringing the Pals’ brand of satire and spoof to Orlando. The videos have garnered more than 172 million views to date, [...]

Column by Audrey Brown Not that I want to hone in on Andy Rooney’s territory, but there was once a time when getting to an Orlando tourist attraction was half the fun. At risk of having to start a sentence with the phrase, “You know, in my day…” I do want to say that in [...]

California Grill is celebrating 15 years atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort. In our current Fall 2010 issue, we have a review of the restaurant and talk with Executive Chef Brian Piasecki. Here’s a Q&A with Brian that we didn’t have room for in the issue. As a chef, what do you love most about the California [...]

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort started offering guests pirate-themed rooms last year and they’ve been a success. Now Disney is considering adding more themed rooms to some of their resorts, such as a Royal Room and even a Haunted Mansion themed room. Dr. James Martin and his family recently stayed at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Upon their [...]

Wizards, witches and other magical creatures were in abundance last weekend at Universal Orlando, specifically the Royal Pacific Resort, at Infinitus 2010, a Harry Potter conference. The four-day event included many discussions about the books and movies and of course, a visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Most attendees came from out of [...]

Captain EO, in the recently returned 3D movie at Epcot, may be out to change the world but Michael Jackson fans may be able to save a bit of change at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. The hotel is offering a complimentary “Disney-view” upgrade to Captain EO fans who wear a white sequin glove during [...]

Catching a wave in landlocked Kissimmee doesn’t seem likely. But soon tourists and locals will be able to experience the rush of sliding, riding and surfing waves when Fantasy Surf opens this October. The new $4 million indoor aquatic recreation venue will be located near U.S. 192 and State highway 535 on FantasyWorld Resort property. [...]

The Summer 2010 issue is now available. Subscribers should receive their copy and the issue should be available at Barnes & Noble, Borders and Books-A-Million book stores nationwide within the next few weeks. Here are some of the stories you’ll read in the latest issue: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter This most anticipated new [...]

Disney has begun presales for their new Golden Oak luxury residential resort community on Walt Disney World property. Located just down the street from the Fort Wilderness Campground and the Magic Kingdom entrance, Golden Oak will provide an entirely new way for families to connect with Disney. Golden Oak will offer a limited collection of [...]

BotCon, the Transformers convention June 25 to 27, 2010 at the Dolphin Hotel.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts unveiled plans today for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, one of the largest new hospitality projects in Florida that will create more than 800 construction jobs starting immediately. The resort will feature family suites designed around four unique themes: The Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars and The Little Mermaid. It [...]

By Christopher Ollendorf Hey Savers! Everyone here in the Orlando area is patiently waiting for the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Islands of Adventure theme park over at Universal. I feel lucky since I live here I don’t need to get a place to stay, but many of you will [...]

Coco Key Water Resort, a hotel and water park in one, opened today in Orlando. This is the 10th Coco Key Water Park and the first located in the southern part of the U.S. The resort is located on International Drive near Sand Lake Road, on the site of International Drive’s first hotel. The hotel [...]

Hey Savers, we found another great discount for our guys and gals in uniform. The Rosen Hotel and Resort group is offering 50 percent off rack room rates, and food and beverages for anyone in the U.S. Armed Forces for the rest of this year. After reading all the details, this has to be one [...]

By Jackie and Matt Roseboom A brand new Holiday Inn recently opened on Disney property. The 14-story, 323-room hotel, located near Downtown Disney on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, opened in the spot formerly occupied by a Marriott Courtyard. The Courtyard closed about five years ago after it sustained damage during a bad hurricane season. The hurricanes [...]

By Chris Ollendorf Believe it or not, spring is just around the corner. I’m sure many of you have had your fill of snow and cold weather and might be planning a trip to Orlando to thaw out. Here are a few resort specials for all Orlando visitors as well as some specials for Florida [...]

Universal is now offering a special Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package. For travel starting May 28, the package includes: • Early Park Admission to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. • A traditional British breakfast at the Three Broomsticks – one per person. • Commemorative Grand Opening ticket – one per person. [...]

Editor’s Note: We’re starting a new regular column today with PARKsaver. Writer Christopher Ollendorf will be bringing you regular news about many of the special offers for Central Florida attractions. By Christopher Ollendorf Looking for something special yet different for this Valentines Day? Well I found a few events that might just work out for [...]

Auditions have begun for Season 5 of “America’s Got Talent” and the producers will be at Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Universal Orlando this Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010. No matter what your age or talent, they want to see it. They’re looking for singers, musicians and dancers, as well as variety [...]

CoCo Key Water Resorts are adding Orlando to their portfolio of water resorts and hotels. Set to open in March at 7400 International Drive (near the convention center) [Editor's Note: It's actually not that close to the Convention Center. It's closer to Sand Lake Road.], the 58,000 square-foot canopy covered water park will be the [...]