How Do the Interactive Wands Work at Universal Orlando?
A member of our Universal Facebook group sent Favorite Grampy some great questions about the interactive wands in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so here are her questions and my answers for every family wondering the same thing.
How Many Days Do You Need at Epic Universe?
Wondering how long to spend at Universal’s newest park? Here is exactly how many days your family needs, broken down by who you are traveling with.
How to Ride the VelociCoaster: Seats, Lockers, and Lines
How to ride the Jurassic World VelociCoaster: where to sit (front, middle, or back), locker and phone rules, how to skip the line, single-rider status, and what non-riders do.
What Is the Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios?
A brand-new, family-friendly animation experience is taking shape at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here is what your family can see now and what is coming later this summer.
Is the Jurassic World VelociCoaster Too Scary to Ride?
An honest look at the Jurassic World VelociCoaster scary factor: the 70 mph launch, 4 inversions, lap-bar restraint, and whether your kids (or you) are ready to ride.
Universal Orlando Rides That Do Not Accept Express Pass 2026
Universal Express Pass covers most major rides at Universal Orlando, but a handful of attractions are excluded, and the biggest one is changing on July 1, 2026. Here is the audited, current list by park so your family knows exactly what your Express dollars do and do not cover.
Universal Orlando Locker Requirements: Ride-by-Ride Guide
Universal Orlando requires lockers on many of its biggest rides, and the rules change park to park. This guide walks every family through what needs a locker, what fits inside, what is free, and how to plan a smooth day with kids.
How Much Are Universal Kids Resort Tickets and Packages?
Universal Kids Resort opens July 1, 2026, in Frisco, Texas. Get the full ticket pricing, the seven themed lands and rides, what is and is not included, parking, the seasonal calendar, and the 1.5-day ticket fine print.
What Is the Walt Disney Skyliner and How Do You Use It?
The Disney Skyliner is Walt Disney World’s free gondola system connecting 4 Disney resorts to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Here is the 2026 guide for first-time families covering hours, routes, strategy, and what to expect on the ride.
Is Disney’s Riviera Resort a Good Fit for Your Family?
Dreaming of a Disney stay with a little European magic? This 2026 family guide covers Disney’s Riviera Resort room types, prices, dining, pools, and the Skyliner, so you can find the perfect fit for your family.
What Are the Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Tiers?
This guide breaks down the four official Walt Disney World resort hotel categories — Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa — and walks through which hotels belong in each tier, how room sizes and transportation differ, what amenities and on-property perks come with each level, the trade-offs to weigh as a family, and how to decide which tier fits your group, your budget, and your travel style.
Disney’s Tropical Americas 2027: New Animal Kingdom Land
Tropical Americas opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2027 with an 11-acre Encanto-and-Indiana-Jones-themed land replacing DinoLand U.S.A. Here is everything Disney has confirmed so far for families planning a 2027 trip.