Jessica Thompson

Jessica Thompson plans Universal Orlando vacations for Favorite Grampy Travels, a Universal U-Preferred Platinum agency, for families, first-time visitors and fall travelers who build a trip around Halloween Horror Nights. Before she planned trips, she worked inside the parks as a performer at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, and she spent Halloween seasons as a Halloween Horror Nights scare actor. She still goes every fall, and for HHN 35 in 2026 she walked the houses night after night and took both Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror tours. Her certifications include Universal Orlando Resort Specialist, Universal Studios Hollywood Specialist, College of Disney Knowledge and Orlando Certified Expert. Jessica lives in Apopka, Florida, about 20 minutes from Universal Orlando, holds an annual pass, and tries a new theme park restaurant most weeks, so her dining advice reflects this month’s menus. She also plans around Universal’s Mardi Gras and holiday events. Jessica Thompson writes about Universal Orlando vacations, Halloween Horror Nights, Universal special events, and theme park dining.