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Articles by Simon Veness
Score a free ICEE on the first-ever National ICEE Day
The frozen drink long associated with movie theaters and amusement park outings is getting its own annual celebration, with free ICEEs coming to more than 1,800 locations on August 18, 2026, for the very first National ICEE Day. The sweet, slushy drink kids (and adults) can’t get enough of on a hot day has been around for sixty years, and it all started with a breakdown.
Knott’s Soak City will remove six slides for two new family raft rides
Knott’s Soak City is trading six individual thrill slides for two high-capacity family raft rides in 2027, replacing its relatively young Shore Break complex with Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze. Knott’s Soak City’s two groundbreaking 2027 attractions will come at the expense of one of the water park’s biggest thrill centers.
(Interview) How Celestial Goodnight represents a new era for Universal Orlando
It feels like there is a new conductor at Universal Orlando, orchestrating a creative era marked by elegance, sophistication and emotional storytelling. That transformation has been building for some time, but it comes into its clearest focus yet with the debut of Celestial Goodnight at Epic Universe.
Knott’s Scary Farm announces 2026 dates, tickets now on sale
Knott’s Berry Farm has announced the return of Knott’s Scary Farm for 2026, with Southern California’s longest-running Halloween theme park event set to haunt guests on select nights from Sept. 17 through Oct. 31. Tickets, season passes, and Fright & Fast Lane add-ons are now available, while this year’s maze and entertainment lineup will be revealed at a later date.
‘Star Wars: The Experience’ arrives in 2027 with more than 70 artifacts
Star Wars fans, mark your calendars for the opening of Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Through the Galaxy, the largest collection of Star Wars artifacts, art, and costuming. The exhibit will open to the public on February 13, 2027, at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as part of the Star Wars 50th Anniversary celebration. A long time ago, fifty years to be exact, George Lucas took audiences to a galaxy far, far away.
Pixar Summer Fest at Hong Kong Disneyland debuts exclusive character moments
From now through August 31, 2026, Hong Kong Disneyland invites guests to tap into their inner child in a park-wide celebration of all things Pixar, featuring beloved characters from the animated movies Toy Story, Up, Inside Out, WALL-E, Cars, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, Coco, and more. Even if you can’t make it to Hong Kong Disneyland this summer, the photos and descriptions are worth a look.
‘How to Train Your Dragon: Flight Academy’ brings Berk to Philadelphia for free
A new free immersive experience at Philadelphia’s Comcast Technology Center invites guests to train alongside Toothless and fellow Vikings in ‘How to Train Your Dragon: Flight Academy.’ Comcast did not rest on its laurels after financing Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park and its immersive land, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Summer of Wonder shows off new Verbolten revamp, drone show and more
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is adding new shows, free concerts, nighttime entertainment and a new twist on Verbolten for its 2026 Summer of Wonder lineup.
Captain Cacao’s delightful debut at Epic Universe: a must-do character meet and greet
Universal Orlando is rolling out another super-sweet character to coincide with the first anniversary of its Epic Universe park, and the debut of the fabled – and super-cuddly – Captain Cacao is all set for May 22. Here we share the history of this character and where to meet him inside Universal Epic Universe.
Six Flags Great Adventure reopens Wild Safari and Savannah Sunset Resort for Spring Break
Wild Safari and Savannah Sunset Resort reopen for the 2026 season on April 3, 2026, for the Spring Break season. Photos by Six Flags Great Adventure Springtime means new life, and Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J. is ready to go with a dazzling array of animals. Located in Jackson Township, New Jersey, Six Flags Great Adventure spans more than 500 acres, making it one of the largest theme parks in North America.
Give Kids The World celebrates 40 years of inspiring hope
Give Kids The World was born out of pain and loss, first on the part of its founder, Henri Landwirth, who survived concentration camps and a forced march as a child. Then out of the desire of a young girl, Amy, who wanted to meet Mickey Mouse.
Best of Orlando 2025
Written by Freya - Graduate Marketing Assistant Walt Disney World Tickets , Universal Orlando Resort Tickets , Orlando , Fun Stuff , Expert View Column By AttractionTickets.com’s Orlando-based Florida Experts, Susan and Simon Veness Our wonderful destination saw some major changes this year, and some blockbuster new additions. Here are the headlines from a year in The City beautiful.
Why Universal is Orlando’s Best Ticket in 2026
The famous 7-Eleven shops in America currently have a major money-spinning promotion on the go at the moment, insisting customers should “run, don’t walk!” to get in on the $5,000 prize handout action, which offers that big cash prize at random every day. And that’s exactly how we feel at the moment about Universal Orlando’s big ticket promotion for 2026, which is fast galloping up on us with the usual holiday advertising frenzy. “Now is the time,” they all insist.
10 Great Day Trips From Orlando
Written by Freya - Graduate Marketing Assistant By AttractionTickets.com’s Orlando-based Florida Experts, Susan and Simon Veness While Orlando boasts plenty of attractions in its own right, there are also a wide variety of worthwhile day-trips from the city that will richly reward the casual visitor. If there’s one thing we can be sure of here in the heart of Central Florida, it is that you will never be short of things to do, see or explore.
Orlando’s Top 10 Christmas Sights for Free!
Written by Freya - Graduate Marketing Assistant By AttractionTickets.com’s Orlando-based Florida Experts, Susan and Simon Veness You can enjoy a lot of the Yuletide scene in Central Florida without spending a cent. Here are our top choices this year. When it comes to Christmas, Orlando has enough ho-ho-Holiday style to fill Santa’s sack several times over.
Hit Kissimmee’s Latin Culinary Trail
Florida has long had a reputation for its Latin flair and vibe, due primarily to the proximity of the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, Central America and countries such as Colombia, Venezuela and Peru. The various cultures, music and, more importantly, food have all become Sunshine State staples, dating back to the 19th century.
SeaWorld’s Bold New Ride for 2026
Star Trek pretty much cornered the market when it comes “to boldly going where no-one has gone before,” but SeaWorld Orlando might just have come up with their own take on this “brave new frontier approach” with their dramatic new ride for 2026. Just when we thought this concept of sealife-based attractions was running out of steam with this year’s Expedition Odyssey attraction, along comes a radical proposal for what could well be the most compelling ride of the year.
Orlando’s Michelin-Rated Hotels
Written by Freya - Graduate Marketing Assistant By AttractionTickets.com’s Orlando-based Florida Experts, Susan and Simon Veness While it is common knowledge Orlando boasts a fab range of Michelin-recommended restaurants, our favourite destination now has its share of similarly-rated hotels, too. When you’re looking for some of the best dining experiences, it stands to reason you might consult the world-famous Michelin Guide for their top restaurant recommendations.
SEA LIFE’s Pirate Delight
It’s quite remarkable how many Halloween events this part of Florida has to offer its visitors, with the style and variety of attractions reaching mind-boggling proportions. You might also think that there’s nothing new to sample in 2025. But here is SEA LIFE Orlando to prove you wrong! Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Pirates of the Haunted Seas provides a fresh new take on a well-trodden path, adding some nautical amusement to the more traditional trick-or-treat season.
LEGOLAND’S Brick-or-Treat Is A Halloween Delight
Written by Freya - Graduate Marketing Assistant LEGOLAND® Florida Resort , Orlando , Seasonal Events , Expert View Column By AttractionTickets.com’s Orlando-based Florida Experts, Susan and Simon Veness For the full, family-friendly version of Halloween in Central Florida this autumn, it’s hard to beat this star-spangled spectacular at LEGOLAND Florida.
Orlando Serves Up A Real Irish Hooley!
Written by Freya - Graduate Marketing Assistant Walt Disney World Tickets , Orlando , Seasonal Events , Fun Stuff By AttractionTickets.com’s Orlando-based Florida Experts, Susan and Simon Veness Disney Springs is the home of Orlando’s premier Irish bar and restaurant, Raglan Road, and this weekend it will stage its annual Great Irish Hooley, to the merriment of all! It’s no great insight to say that the Irish love a good party, and are past masters at staging memorable shindigs that...
Orlando’s Stormy Outlook
For anyone arriving in Orlando in the next week or two – the peak of our summer holiday period – there might be a real scare in store if you look at our current 10-day weather forecast. In fact, at a quick glance, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re heading into a monsoon! But we are here to offer some meteorological words of comfort and sooth any major worries about being flooded out this month. Because what you see, in this case, isn’t necessarily what you get.
Orlando's Magical Dining Bonus Returns for 2026
Attention all Orlando visitors from 14 August to 30 September: There is a major restaurant bonus coming your way, and it is going to make dining out even tastier than usual! Yes, it's time for the annual Magical Dining "season", and there is even more in store for those who like to get maximum value for their holiday dollar.
LEGOLAND Florida & California To Go Into Orbit!
It was a major press launch with a difference – a space-themed experience that will be the biggest thing in the history of the big LEGOLAND resorts here in Florida and in California. “Get ready for lift off!” they insisted, and we were, indeed, blasted into orbit by what they are building.
Sample a SeaWorld Summer
SeaWorld proudly proclaims its seasonal programme of live entertainment around the park as its Summer Spectacular, and it’s hard to argue with that title. There is a lot to see during the summer months, and it is most definitely a major spectacle. In fact, there’s no real comparison for a bit of summer sizzle (unless you count sister park Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay with its Summer Nights event).
Disney’s Test Track Returns!
The wait is nearly over, Disney fans! The fan-favourite Test Track ride, which has been a major feature of the park since 1999, is ready to be unveiled in its all-new version, and it looks like being a big hit.
Stars, Stripes and Spectacular Rides: Why Orlando's 4th of July Is Something Special
Fireworks. Live music. Parades. Parties. More fireworks. That’s the recipe for a traditional 4th of July celebration here in Orlando and, if you’re here (or planning to be next year), you’ll definitely want to catch some of the fun and sheer spectacle of the occasion. From Walt Disney World to Winter Garden and downtown Orlando to SeaWorld, there are dozens of special events to celebrate America’s traditional Independence Day, and it’s easy to tap into the local vibe to enjoy this big public holiday.
Orlando’s Apéro Bar Is Pure Gold
James Bond never visited Orlando. The nearest he got was Miami, where he had his first run-in with Auric Goldfinger at the famous Fontainebleau hotel in the 1964 blockbuster Goldfinger. It notably marked out Bond’s affinity for a luxury hotel and a great cocktail or two, though.
Legoland’s SEA LIFE Boost
Central Florida isn’t the most likely place in the state to encounter a major undersea world, but it is now ready to surprise all-comers to the LEGOLAND Florida park in Winter Haven with its very latest creation. SEA LIFE Florida has been more than a year in the making and it now occupies some prime real estate in the extensive acres of its big brother park, just inside the main entrance in an unmissable bright blue building.
Epic Universe - Is It Really That Good?
Universal Orlando Resort Tickets , Orlando , Expert View Column , New Attractions By AttractionTickets.com’s Orlando-based Florida Experts, Susan and Simon Veness Universal Orlando’s new theme park made its debut in a welter of glowing praise last month but, now we have had time to review, we have some more thoughts on this dramatic opening. From the moment we set foot in Epic Universe, the whole style, content and vibe absolutely blew us away.
Epic Universe - Eats and Extras
During our three-day media preview in Universal’s Epic Universe, we had the chance to experience 30 dining outlets, 20-plus shops and the little “extras” that bring each of the five worlds to life. Here’s our full review. It’s worth noting that at counter service locations with dining rooms, guests can order at the counter or head straight to a table and order via QR code. Either way, servers will bring your order to your table when it’s ready.
Full Review of Universal Epic Universe
After months of hints, teasers, and insights into Universal Orlando’s brand-new Epic Universe, it is widely known what’s there. But what is it really like to experience these brand-new “worlds”? Here’s our take on all five sections after Epic’s three-day media event (with food, extras, and must-have merchandise in our next blog).
First look at Orlando’s highly-anticipated $6bn 750-acre Epic Universe
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First look at Orlando’s highly-anticipated $6bn 750-acre Epic Universe
It was the wizardry that clinched it. After diving into the world of Super Mario, being menaced by the monsters of Dark Universe, speeding around the cosmos on duelling coasters and marvelling at the dragons of Isle of Berk, the combination of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts’ Newt Scamander left our jaws totally floored by the staggering setting for their latest wizarding adventures.
First look at Orlando’s highly-anticipated $6bn 750-acre Epic Universe
1 hour ago Universal Orlando is set to permanently close a fan favorite attraction Universal Orlando has announced that the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit rollercoaster, a fan favorite, will close officially on August 18.This Fall, the … 1 day ago I Asked A VIP Guide What Rides At Universal People Throw Up On A Lot, And Yeah, I'm Not Surprised If there are two things people know about me it’s how much I hate vomiting and hugs. I was able to try out a VIP Tour courtesy of Universal Orlando …
Orlando’s A Brit Of All Right!
Hands up those who have been to Orlando multiple times….(pause for counting)….Yes, we thought so. That’s quite a lot of you. And, on current trends, we are looking at a big increase for the first time since the pandemic put everything on hold here. It’s probably no surprise to those of you who are regular visitors, but this corner of Central Florida simply holds special appeal for many UK visitors, and it keeps people coming back year after year.
Mermaids Arrive in Orlando!
If you’ve never visited ICON Park on International Drive, this month would be the ideal opportunity as, not only are the main attractions at their most enticing, the fab SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium has an eye-catching new addition each weekend in the shapely shape of genuine sea-going mermaids.
SeaWorld Set for Expedition Odyssey
It’s been more than five years since SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic habitat lost the ride part of its make-up and became just the “Arctic.” But all that is now about to change, and we are fresh from the media preview of the new ride to share what visitors can expect at its imminent grand (re-)opening. To start with, the “Wild” part of the experience is definitely gone. It shut down at the start of the pandemic in March 2020 and never resumed once the scourge of Covid-19 had largely passed.
A Day at the Magic Kingdom
We know the feeling. You’re just through the gates of the park and you’re immediately surrounded by the all-encompassing fantasy and excitement that is its stock in trade. What do you do first? How do you navigate? Where do you go to avoid the crowds?
Orlando Gets Activated!
Just when you think Orlando has got it all, and there couldn’t be anything new for its range of attractions, along comes a completely novel experience that adds still more to the city’s catalogue of activities – and to our excitement quotient! Activate, which claims to be the world’s first active gaming facility and viral social media sensation (naturally), has just made its Florida debut (as of April 19), bringing its unique interactive experience to the epicentre of family fun at The Pointe...
10 Things You Must Try at EPCOT This Spring
Written by Freya - Marketing Campaigns Executive Walt Disney World Tickets , Orlando , Expert View Column , Seasonal Events By AttractionTickets.com’s Orlando-based Florida Experts, Susan and Simon Veness Disney’s big Spring festival is now under way, and here are our top tips for enjoying it to the max this year. If it’s April, it must be a glorious Spring in Florida. And, if it’s Spring, that means Walt Disney World’s EPCOT park is the place to be.
Raglan Road Raises The Bar!
Go ahead and call us biased. We don’t mind. But, ever since it opened in October 2005, we have been smitten with a Disney Springs standout that has delivered wonderful entertainment, fab food and delicious drinks year after year. We’ve blogged about it several times in that double-decade, and, yes, we’re talking about Raglan Road.
Epic Universe - The Entertainment!
Orlando , Expert View Column , New Attractions By AttractionTickets.com’s Orlando-based Florida Experts, Susan and Simon Veness The countdown to Universal Orlando’s mega new theme park continues, with the opening of the second hotel and a major insight into the live entertainment. If we thought we were already super-excited for the imminent debut of the fabulous Epic Universe, in the words of the song, “We ain’t seen nothing yet.” There is more in store – MUCH more.
LEGOLAND Florida Festive 2025!
While Orlando tends to hog the theme park limelight in Central Florida, it certainly isn’t the only option for families with younger children – and LEGOLAND Florida is set to prove that point in the next few months. Situated in the charming town of Winter Haven, just 30 miles south of the main tourist area of Kissimmee, this wonderful line-up of fun-filled signature attractions is lining up a bumper experience for guests this spring and early summer to make it even bigger and brighter than ever.
Time for Coffee (and Tea!)
Orlando boasts lots of first-of-a-kind attractions and unique experiences, but did you know it was also No.1 for tea and coffee shops? It’s true. According to the Orlando Business Journal and Tea & Coffee Trade Journal, our city has more of these outlets per capita than anywhere in the US, and they’re well worth looking out for.
Eight Great Orlando Day-Trips
As much as we love highlighting the best of Orlando and its amazing array of attractions, we also like to underline just how much this part of Central Florida has to offer apart from the obvious line-up of world class theme parks. And the fact is, there are more than a dozen delightful destinations within easy reach of The City Beautiful for a memorable day out, including both coasts, with some gorgeous beaches and a surprising number of small towns that all have that “only in America’ vibe.
Countdown to Epic Universe
Dateline: March 3, 2025; T-minus 82, and counting. Orlando’s newest theme park is now less than three months away from its official launch, and the air of excitement around this 750-acre, multi-billion dollar project is palpable. We are getting more and more “sneak peeks” at what’s inside, and the way it is taking shape is truly, well, Epic. Yes, Epic Universe now has just 82 days before the public gets its first look inside, but we already have some pretty clear indications of what’s in store.
150 Years of Orlando!
Hands up anyone who knows that Orlando is 150 years old this month? Hmmm. Not many of you. But don’t worry! You are definitely not alone, and it is an anniversary that has crept up on us, too. But there’s still all year to celebrate, so let’s get this party up and running.
Why Visit Winter Park
We are firm advocates for seeing something of the “real” Orlando when you visit this part of Florida, and there is one place that ticks all the boxes for a genuine experience in the authentic nature of this huge metro area. It’s a city suburb called Winter Park, a well-to-do and upscale neighbourhood that started out as a winter haven for wealthy socialites from the New York and Boston areas in the 19th century and is now a picture-perfect area of sophisticated charm and attractions.
Celebrating The Inn at Celebration
Orlando has a super-abundance of just about everything that a holiday-maker could desire. From the world-class theme parks to Michelin-rated restaurants, magnificent wildlife and amazing shopping centres, this is justifiably a vacation paradise that ticks all the boxes. But that hasn’t always been true for boutique-style hotels. Convention hotels, yes; themed hotels, ditto; luxury hotels, got those, too; mass-market resorts, no problem.
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