Travel insights, quick updates, and discoveries from our journeys through Florida.
We just booked a single night stay in mid-October ’25 for a AAA rate of $61 at the Four Points by Sheraton Orlando on International Drive, which is within walking distance to Universal Orlando. This hotel adds a $20 per night “Destination Amenity Fee” but even after including the fee, it is an incredible value for the money.
As of May 31, 2025, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal’s Islands of Adventure now accepts Universal Express Pass. While specific real-time Express Pass wait times are not published, initial reports and guest feedback indicate that Express Pass users are experiencing significantly reduced waits compared to the regular standby line, with typical waits ranging from 15 to 30 minutes even during busy periods. This is much shorter than the standby line, which can exceed two hours during peak times.
Here’s a quick note on our two-night stay in March 2025 at the Sheraton Four Points in Tallahassee, Florida. Although we cashed in 55,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for our stay, nightly rates (outside of special events like football games or college graduations) are fairly affordable as you can get a rate for around $150 to $200. There is free parking and no resort fees, which is a refreshing change for hotels in Florida! Click here to check out our video.
SeaWorld Orlando’s 2025 Summer Spectacular is underway, offering guests a vibrant lineup of events, entertainment, and special experiences throughout the summer. Highlights for this year include:
- Hydro Surge: Located in the Nautilus Theater, this electrifying show pulses with breathtaking acrobatics, dynamic dancers, powerful live vocalists.
- Bands, Brew & BBQ: This annual event returns with weekend concerts starting July 12, 2025, and running for seven weekends.
- Ignite Fireworks and an All-New Drone Show: A brand-new nighttime fireworks and drone show has been introduced, adding to the spectacular evening atmosphere.
- Extended Park Hours & Dance Parties: The park stays open later, and guests can enjoy dance parties with world-class DJs after dark.
- Seasonal Offers: Special summer savings are available, including up to 55% off tickets, Fun Cards, and Annual Passes for a limited time. Click here to learn more!
We just returned from a two-night stay at the new Universal Terra Luna Resort. which is within walking distance to Epic Universe. Our nightly rate was $126 for May 26th and $121 for May 27th (2025).
At check-in, the team member reduced our nightly self parking rate to $25 per night (from $30). Overall it was a good stay but we prefer the Universal Stella Nova.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida is set to permanently close on August 18, 2025, after nearly 16 years of operation. The popular roller coaster, known for its unique on-ride music selection and towering vertical lift, will make way for new experiences at the park.
Fans have until mid-August to enjoy their final rides before the attraction bids farewell to Universal Orlando Resort.
For 2025, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show runs from October 29th to November 2nd. This iconic show is our favorite and is help at multiple locations along Fort Lauderdale beach and in the Broward County Convention Center.
A couple great hotels along the beach are the Courtyard Marriott Oceanside and the Conrad by Hilton.
Disney has officially announced that Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square Riverboat, at the Magic Kingdom will permanently close after July 6, 2025. The final day for guests to experience these classic Frontierland attractions will be July 6, with the closure taking effect on July 7, 2025.
This marks the end of an era for these iconic experiences in the park as Disney prepares for future developments in the area which has been reported to include the Cars-themed land area and the Villains Land.
Muppets Courtyard (often referred to as “Muppet Land”) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has officially closed. The last day of operation for the area—including the iconic Muppet*Vision 3D attraction and PizzeRizzo restaurant—was June 7, 2025.
Disney Cruise Line has established a new home port at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, expanding its presence in South Florida. In addition to the Disney Dream and Disney Magic, the Disney Destiny will homeport at Port Everglades, with its maiden voyage set for November 2025. This new terminal offers guests more convenient access to Disney cruises departing from the region, further enhancing vacation options for families and Disney fans alike.
GEO-82 is a new adults-only lounge opening inside EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth on June 4, 2025.
The lounge offers a sophisticated atmosphere with cocktails, globally inspired small plates, and exclusive experiences, including premium views of EPCOT’s nighttime fireworks with the GEO-82 Fireworks Experience package.
We stayed at the Universal Helios Grand during annual passholder previews for Epic Universe and found the exclusive overnight guest entrance a complete game changer.
While staying here does not come cheap (prepare to pay around $500 per night), this entrance make the cost completely worth it.