Orlando Parks Jotter

Happy Almost Holiday Season! It’s early November so in Disney reality it’s practically Christmastime, but being into food like we are, we can’t...

We're only a blog here, not a news site, so we don’t claim to be experts on the matter. But, we do go to the Disney parks and resorts a lot, often...

For as long as I’ve lived in Orlando, one Epcot restaurant has always been my go to eatery when visiting the park, the Yorkshire County Fish Shop...

Cape May Cafe is the New England inspired restaurant at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. It features an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet for breakfast and...

After a long, long wait the Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort is finally open! We were lucky enough to stumble across their soft opening...

Sometimes luck just goes your way. We knew we were going to go to one of the Disney World parks today, but weren't sure which one. We randomly...

We're two months into the 2024 International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot and we're just now getting around to trying the completer treat for...

A common question that gets asked of Disney World regulars like us is, "When is the best day to go to the parks?" What they really want to know is...

After spending a day at an unusually crowded Magic Kingdom, with nearly two-hour waits for rides like Haunted Mansion, the idea of skipping lines...

We woke up this morning to see the high temperatures were predicted to be in the low 70's. After months of extreme heat, it felt like the perfect...

The Orlando area was extremely fortunate that Hurricane Milton weakened as it made landfall, passing through central Florida as a Category 1...

Not more than two weeks ago we were at Disney World during Hurricane Helene. This storm caused major damage in the southeast, but largely spared...

We first experienced Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney's Hollywood Studios shortly after it opened in June of 2018. We had just moved...

After riding Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind at Epcot this week, we went into the merch store near the ride exit. Along the back wall on the...

We here at the Jotter are usually excited to see menu updates and new items at Disney restaurants. There’s always a sense of excitement and...

Going to Disney World can be a bit of a challenge if you have a serious fear of heights. Thrill rides like the Tower of Terror and Tron Light...

Going to Disney World during a hurricane might just be the most Florida thing ever. And we did it. “Why?” you might ask. Well, we checked the...

While passing Epcot’s United Kingdom pavilion, you might find yourself in search of the nearest restroom. In your quest, you may stumble upon an...

We recently indulged in a delicious dessert at the Refreshment Outpost in the Africa Pavilion on Epcot’s World Showcase. This limited-time treat...

Another day, another Epcot festival meal. We're really starting to look forward to these trips because the food at this year's International Food...

It may not be surprising that Disney World has some rules about where you can take photos. After all, Disney needs to keep the magic alive for...

Here’s a post for the more technically minded readers. It stems from being in the right spot at the right time. You see, we Jotters like to take...

Today, we stumbled upon a delightful surprise at the UK Pavilion in Epcot – brand new Disney Fidget Plush toys! These adorable plushies, called...

We admit it. We here at OPJ are kind of burger snobs. We love a nice thick, juicy burger, especially when draped with cheese and smothered in...

Disney World is known as the most magical place on Earth. A big part of what makes Disney so magical is the rides. They come in all varieties,...

The other day, we faced an ethical challenge. After disembarking from the monorail from Epcot to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), we...

We were on the Friendship boat taking a relaxing cruise from the World Showcase back to the Port of Entry at Epcot. We were lucky enough to have a...

We understand – you’re having a great time at Disney Parks with your little ones, and then, out of nowhere, a meltdown happens! You check the time...

We won't make you wait for our conclusion. Yes. In our opinion the All Star Resorts are absolutely worth the price… if you are on a budget and...

We found the best crepes in Disney World. Oui! You heard that right.  La Crêperie de Paris is a table service restaurant in the France Pavilion in...

So you have some questions about the Florida Blue Lounge at the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot? Well, we’ve got you covered. Read below to get your...

Our favorite coffee across all of Disney World is hands down the Almond Cold Brew at Le Petit Café at Disney’s Riviera Resort. This coffee is so...

Disney World offers a variety of transportation options, and one of the most scenic ways to travel around the Epcot resort area is Disney’s...

Does anyone really know when the pizza window in the Italian Pavilion will be open? It's not actually called the "Pizza Window". That's the name...

The interior of Connections Cafe in Epcot has always intrigued me. Especially the ceiling. It’s formed by interlocking slats angled downward....

We Jotters have a sweet tooth! After savoring some delicious grilled meats from Bramblewood Bites during our Epcot visit, we decided to indulge in...

Today, we braved the late-summer heat and humidity to explore some festival food at Epcot. To avoid a long trek into the World Showcase, we...

Losing an item at Disney World can feel like a small disaster in the midst of your magical adventure. But fear not! Disney has a well-organized...

Sorry for the cringe title, but we couldn’t help ourselves. We love hotdogs and were excited to see a variety of offerings at the Flavors of...

The Disney Parks Instagram account just revealed a new Stitch themed popcorn bucket. The Vampire Stitch Bucket will be available on Sept 12 at the...

Let’s be honest: Disney Springs can feel like a maze. Even seasoned visitors might find themselves disoriented by the winding pathways and...

While touring colleges I'm considering applying to, I came across something fascinating at the University of Central Florida (UCF). In the atrium...

So, first, let us get this off our chest. Why is tiramisu, an Italian dessert, a featured flavor at the America Pavilion at Epcot? This dessert is...

During a recent trip to the Boardwalk at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, we found ourselves reminiscing about the good old days. Back then, you could...

This may seem like a silly question, but can you buy cotton candy at the Disney World parks when it’s raining? The question struck us while we...

Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, already a fan favorite in Disneyland, is finally in Disney World! The eagerly awaited food stand opened on August 23, 2024...

During our latest visit to Disney’s Riviera Resort at Disney World, we stumbled upon a delightful surprise: the gelato cart! While we’re not sure...

Planning a trip to Disney Springs with your little ones but dreading the stroller hassle? Don’t worry! Disney Springs offers a convenient stroller...

Have you ever watched the Disney Skyliner gliding through the sky with empty gondolas and wondered, “Why on earth are they running it with no one...

Despite the ongoing refurbishment at Everything POP Dining, the food court at POP Century Resort remains a vibrant hub for guests. The renovations...

Our first visit to the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival 2024 was a rainy one, but we managed to stay mostly dry and enjoy some great...

Today, when exiting the EPCOT parking lot near where Woodpecker Lane splits, we noticed a mist drifting across the road. We thought it might be a...

We took the top Google searches related to Disney and answered them here. Always check the My Disney Experience app during your visit for the most...

Many Disney fans were heartbroken when the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the immersive Star Wars-themed hotel experience, closed last year....

We entered EPCOT today using the International Gateway entrance near the skyliner. Often times, there is a character meet and greet just inside...

The trams that go between the parking lots and the front gates of the Disney parks were closed during the pandemic. Today was the first day back...

Tribute Store for Universal Studios Florida Mardi Gras Universal Studios Florida likes spooky things. Their Monsters Cafe eatery, Mummy...

New Food Offerings at Universal Studios Florida Mardi Gras The annual Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios in Orlando begins on February 1,...

New Roller Coaster Rumored at SeaWorld Orlando SeaWorld is still in the process of building their new roller coaster, Ice Breaker, but they...

So you’re at the park early and need a quick-service breakfast? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few places around Epcot where you can grab a...

Rise of the Resistance Survey Disney is seeking out the best way to handle queuing for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. A Twitter user posted...

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Opening With the popularity of Disney’s new ride, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios, still high,...

Super Nintendo World Announcement Universal just announced what everyone already knew, that Orlando’s newest theme park is going to feature a...

Smugglers Run Fast Pass Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, one of the new rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Galaxy’s Edge, is opening up to the...

Mardi Gras Dining at Universal Although Mardi Gras is still a month away, Universal Studios Florida is gearing up for their annual celebration by...

Special Offer for UOAP If you’re a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder (UOAP) or seasonal passholder and want late night access to the parks, now...

Volcano Bay Closed through Wednesday Due to unseasonably cool weather in the Orlando area, Universal Orlando Resort has announced they are closing...

The new Skyliner popcorn bucket is at Disney World today! We got ours at a popcorn stand near the front of Epcot next to the Electric Umbrella....

WDW Lunar New Yearch Merch We wondered in an earlier Jot when Lunar New Year merch would arrive in Orlando. Turns out, we only had to wait a few...

According to Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services quarterly report, Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and...

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is in full swing at the park, and we are loving it. We’re also loving the new food “Walk” activity...

Harbor Nights at Universal Orlando Resort Only four times a year does Universal Orlando Resort host Harbor Nights, a dining event at the Harbor...

The 2020 International Festival of the Arts is now underway at Epcot. One of the first food items we wanted to try was the Vanilla, Rose Water,...

The 2020 International Festival of the Arts is now underway at Epcot. One of the first food items we wanted to try was the Vanilla, Rose Water,...

NFL Pro Bowl at Disney’s ESPN Complex Any theme park fans that are also pro football fans may want to head to Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports...

A new film, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, is now open in Epcot. Located in the France pavilion, the film is narrated by beloved actress Angela...

Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 made its world premiere today in Epcot. Now playing in the Canada pavilion and narrated by comedic...

Awesome Planet had its world premiere at Epcot today. Now playing in the Land pavilion, this film takes guests on a whirlwind tour of Earth’s...

Awesome Planet had its world premiere at Epcot today. Now playing in the Land pavilion, this film takes guests on a whirlwind tour of Earth’s...

Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 made its world premiere today in Epcot. Now playing in the Canada pavilion and narrated by comedic...

A new film, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, is now open in Epcot. Located in the France pavilion, the film is narrated by beloved actress Angela...

Star Wars Pins Fans of the mobile app game Star Wars: Dataplan may be pleased to hear Disney will be selling commemorative trading pins for in...

Right Now is Best Time to Ride New Rides Yet Want to ride the newest hit rides at Disney and Universal? If you’re a local, or if you have the...

Did Universal just hint at the opening of a new Jurassic coaster at Islands of Adventure? In a post titled “What’s Ahead for Universal Orlando...

Downstream Effects of ROTR’s Popularity With people getting to Disney’s Hollywood Studios early every morning hoping to get an early boarding...

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan The Jotter is normally focused on the latest news from the Orlando theme parks, but we’ve been...

The Millennium Falcon Ice Cream Sandwich is now available in Central Florida grocery stores. We spotted the treats at a Publix in Orlando. These...

OPINION Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the new hit ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that opened last month. Since opening, it has been a...

Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts Just a reminder that the International Festival of the Arts at Epcot is beginning on January 17, 2020....

The Black Magic cocktail, created by actor Neil Patrick Harris, debuted in December at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot. NPH is a fan favorite...

The Black Magic cocktail, created by actor Neil Patrick Harris, debuted in December at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot. NPH is a fan favorite...

SeaWorld Crisis Fund SeaWorld is making efforts to help wildlife affected by the massive bushfires that are burning in Australia. SeaWorld is...

This adorable Moana-themed drink is now at Aloha Isle in Adventureland. Previously, it was only available during last season’s Mickey’s Very Merry...

Millennium Falcon Popcorn Bucket? A new popcorn bucket is available at select Disney World locations now. A few days ago, Disney released a new...

The Jotter made the Kessel run, or rather the Disney Springs run, this evening when we heard the new Millennium Falcon popcorn holder was...

This adorable Moana-themed drink is now at Aloha Isle in Adventureland. Previously, it was only available during last season’s Mickey’s Very Merry...

IOA is the Best Theme Park? The website Theme Park Insider, announced the winners of their 2020 Best Theme Park Award. The annual competition uses...

Have you ever heard, or maybe even been a part of, a debate over which park is better, Disney or Universal? If you’re a big theme park fan, the...

Have you ever heard, or maybe even been a part of, a debate over which park is better, Disney or Universal? If you’re a big theme park fan, the...

Festival Passholder Merch The International Festival of the Arts is about to begin at Epcot on January 17. As a special perk to annual...

Besides being able to say they work at one of the most magical places on Earth, Disney employees are also eligible for a free college education....

SeaWorld Attendance Up SeaWorld stocks rallied after word broke that park attendance rose by 2% over the past three months. In an internal memo to...

Skip the Preshow For ROTR Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Disney’s newest attraction to open at Galaxy’s Ede land in Hollywood Studios, is...

IOA Power Outage Guests of Universal’s Islands of Adventure got more of an adventure than they bargained for yesterday when there was a park-wide...

Here’s a list of new rides, attractions, and shows, as well as other featured park events, that are scheduled to open at Universal Orlando Resort....

We took the top Google search related to Disney and answered them here. Use the Index below to skip to the park you’re interested in. INDEX...

We took the top Google search related to Disney and answered them here. Use the Index below to skip to the park you’re interested in. HOLLYWOOD...

Baby Yoda Drink Baby Yoda, who is officially named The Child, is a very popular character from Disney’s new Star Wars show, The Mandalorian....

Rise of the Resistance We’ve been jotting a lot about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance lately. The popular ride that recently opened at Disney’s...

After a fairly good run during the busy holiday season, Disney’s luck seems to have run out with their new ride, Star Wars: Rise of Resistance at...

The quick service eatery located in the The Landing at Disney Springs offers Irish style fare in a casual setting. Menu items include their Famous...

A food truck was seen out at Universal Studios this week. Located across from Mel’s Drive-In, the truck’s menu offered just one food item: Fish &...

The quick service eatery located in the The Landing at Disney Springs offers Irish style fare in a casual setting. Menu items include their Famous...

Wishables Disney announced they are adding a new collection of micro plushies to their existing line of Disney Wishables. The Wishables features...

Orlando Theme Park Lines Are Shorter Park lines at the Orlando area theme parks are much shorter than they were over the holiday peak around New...

Magic Kingdom New Year Fireworks Disney’s New Year’s fireworks display, Fantasy in the Sky, went off without a hitch. You can watch a replay of...

Discover Disney Tickets Disney is offering a new ticket deal for Florida residents. In an attempt to bring in the state’s residents, a 3-day and...

Here’s a list of new rides, attractions, and shows, as well as other featured park events, that will be at Walt Disney World in 2020. The...

Theme parks are big business in Orlando. Orlando’s tourism agency, Visit Orlando, counted 75 million visitors to the city last year. According to...

Disney Skyliner Downtime Disney's Skyliner broke down for about 30 minutes yesterday, stranding guests on the line to the new Riviera Resort....

Epcot: Permanent Festival Space A Disney Imagineer has confirmed that one of the new buildings at Epcot will have a permanent space to house...

The Green Eggs and Ham Cafe is finally open! Long time visitors know that in recent years the stand in Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of...

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Hours Disney park hours are generally pretty set, but occasionally Disney changes them for special events. Disney has...

OPINION We’ve been following Orlando theme park news long before the Orlando Parks Jotter filed its first story. We take these news stories at...

Rise of the Resistance Reports are that ROTR boarding passes are filling up early during this busy holiday season. Reservations open up at 7 am...

The American sociologist George Ritzer spent his career studying consumption and globalization. He was particularly interested in understanding...

The holiday season spanning from Christmas to New Year’s is one of the busiest times of the year at Disney World. Guests come from far and wide to...

After a fairly good run during the busy holiday season, Disney’s luck seems to have run out with their new ride, Star Wars: Rise of Resistance at...

Disney Cookie Recipe After releasing a cookie themed wallpaper yesterday (see that jot for details), Disney released the recipe to their chocolate...

Black Spire Outpost on Batuu is the setting for Galaxy’s Edge, the newest world at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that opened this past summer. You’d...

Disney Wallpaper SeaWorld Orlando is scrapping its One Ocean show in 2020 and replacing it with an Orca Encounter on January 1st. This makes two...

OPINION Now we know you can find a ton of great cookie and sweets options all around Disney World (hello Wookie Cookie Sandwich!), but if you’re a...

OPINION This report was filed by one of OPJ’s junior correspondents. First, there is the fish. The fish tastes really good. The fish is not dry or...

Disney Wallpaper Disney released another new wallpaper that you can set as your background on your desktop computer or mobile device. It features...

Walt Disney World: Christmas Parade The Walt Disney World Magical Christmas Day Parade is set to air on Christmas day on ABC at 10 am EST. Expect...

Keep an eye out for this new snack at the Backlot Express at Hollywood Studios. We happened to spot it while checking out Rise of the Resistance...

Keep an eye out for this new snack at the Backlot Express at Hollywood Studios. We happened to spot it while checking out Rise of the Resistance...

OPINION I’ve been critical of Disney’s newest land in Orlando, Galaxy’s Edge. I mention my main reason here. It’s actually a well-done and...

The Lego Minifigure Factory at the Lego Store in Disney Springs is an experience where you create your own Minifigure . It also includes a Lego...

The holidays always bring a variety of seasonal treats to Disney parks. We recently got to try the Chocolate Chestnut Pinecone at Disney’s...

Back in September, Universal Studios announced a sweepstakes that encouraged Harry Potter fans to dress up as one of the beloved characters from...

If you’ve ever wondered what a Disney Christmas tree wonderland looked like, you can catch a glimpse of one at Disney Springs. The Christmas Tree...

This report was filed by one of OPJ’s junior correspondents. The Lego Minifigure Factory at the Lego Store in Disney Springs is an experience...

So you’re at the park early and need a quick breakfast? There are a few places in Animal Kingdom where you can grab a coffee, a pastry, or even a...

The Grinch, a fictional character created by Dr. Seuss (A.K.A. Theodor Seuss Geisel) for his 1957 children’s book How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,...

This fall, The Walt Disney Company, through its partnership with the Disney Conservation Fund, awarded $6 million in grants to protect the...

Disney has no shortage of icons. From Mickey ears to the phrase “Hakuna Matata”, The Walt Disney Company has over 6000 registered trademarks. Some...

More Americans are dining out than ever before. According to the U.S. Census Bureau restaurant sales are up 4% this year, exceeding grocery store...

It can be scary to travel to a new city. It can also be dangerous. According to the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing at Arizona State...

So you’re at the park early and need a quick breakfast? There are a few places in Disney’s Hollywood Studios where you can grab a coffee, pastry,...

Whether you’re talking about size, popularity, or diversity of experiences, Disney is the champion of theme parks. Another area where that is...

The Orlando parks are big money makers for the companies that own them, but they’re not the biggest sources of revenue. Both The Walt Disney...

Orlando Florida is one of the largest tourist destinations in the world. In 2018, a record 68 million visitors flew into Orlando International...

It’s only been a few months since Universal Studios Florida officially announced the Bourne Stuntacular. The long-rumored, live action stunt show...

Orlando Florida is one of the largest tourist destinations in the world. In 2018, a record 68 million visitors flew into Orlando International...

What better time of the year to take stock of Disney stock (NYSE: DIS) than the year’s end? And what a year Disney had. By most measures it was an...

OPINION This report was filed by one of OPJ’s junior correspondents. First, there is the fish. The fish tastes really good. The fish is not dry or...

OPINION I love going to the parks. My family and I go all the time. There’s so much to do and see. So much to experience and enjoy. That’s why I...

OPINION To be honest, I was pretty disappointed by the new Galaxy’s Edge land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Not because it wasn’t massive in...

Since Walt Disney began his company in 1923 as Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, it has undergone many name changes. In fact, it did not become The...

Disney is known for their movies, princesses, and now a streaming service, but they are also powerhouses in developing new technologies. Disney...

When people think of Florida, the list is topped by oranges, sunshine, and sandy beaches. But alligators are not far behind. After a fatal...

Theme parks are big business in Orlando. Orlando’s tourism agency, Visit Orlando, counted 75 million visitors to the city last year. According to...

We wanted to provide some basic information to visitors that are new to Universal Orlando Resort to help them plan their visit. Use the Index...

We wanted to provide some basic information to visitors that are new to Universal Orlando Resort to help them plan their visit. Use the Index...