Menu

Author Archives: Erica Lauren

Erica Lauren is a theme park writer and content creator based in Orlando, Florida, where she enjoys the magic of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. With frequent visits to the parks, she provides an insider's perspective on the attractions. As a dedicated runDisney participant, Erica combines her love for running with her passion for theme parks. When not writing or running through the parks, she’s busy planning her next trip to discover new amusement parks. A thrill ride enthusiast, she believes the best seat is always in the front row of the fastest coaster and has plenty of trip reports to back it up.

Disney World Becomes Home To The Largest Convention Hotel on The East Coast

Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace

Most Walt Disney World guests have no idea how much of the resort’s business has nothing to do with vacations. Conventions are enormous at Walt Disney World. Companies book thousands of room nights at a time, fill ballrooms for keynote sessions, take over restaurants for private events, and buy out theme parks after hours. That business runs on a completely ...

Read More »

Disney World Adds Free Kids Play Space at EPCOT

A large, geodesic sphere with a silver, triangular panel exterior stands timelessly against a partly cloudy sky. Palm trees line the foreground while a white, modern building curves gracefully on the left—a serene scene undisturbed by any tragedy at Disney World.

EPCOT hasn’t been the easiest park for young kids in a few years. Yes, there are playgrounds during certain festivals, but there’s nothing really permanently built for kids to play in. This is when I really start to miss Innovations because it was such a great area for kids to play and explore. That is not a criticism so much ...

Read More »

Disney World Begins Cast Member Previews for New Hollywood Studios Attraction

Disney Animation Studios

There is a specific sequence Disney follows before an attraction opens, and people who follow the parks closely know it by heart. Construction walls come down. Signage goes up. Landscaping appears seemingly overnight. Then, at some point in the final stretch, cast members start walking inside. That last step is the one that matters, because cast member previews are not ...

Read More »

Disney World Continues Sweeping Replacement Project, Two More Park Areas Affected

A vibrant castle with blue and gold turrets set against a pink and blue sky. The structure features intricate detailing and a fairytale-like appearance, creating a magical atmosphere.

Trash cans are not something most people plan a vacation around. But at Walt Disney World, they have always mattered more than they should. The classic cans were designed to disappear into whatever land you were standing in, painted and shaped to match Adventureland, Tomorrowland, or the Africa section of Animal Kingdom. Guests noticed them without noticing them, which was ...

Read More »