the Official Blog of the Unofficial Guides

  • New Wizarding World Wands at Universal Orlando

    Second-Generation Wands Appearing at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter

    Fresh magic recently arrived at Universal Orlando in the form of second-generation interactive wands! The Unofficial Guides team was there on release day to bring you a full report on this high-tech new way to explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

  • Polynesian Village Resort’s Island Tower Form vs Function

    Polynesian Village Resort’s Island Tower: Form vs. Function

    Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has expanded with its new Island Tower, a high-rise addition aimed at offering luxurious accommodations with sweeping views and unique amenities, and The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World coauthor Becky Gandillon has given this new overnight option the Unofficial Guides once-over. While the Tower shines in some areas, she says it falls short in others, leaving

  • Epic Universe Dark Universe Preview

    Universal Epic Universe Preview: Dark Universe

    With less than 90 days left before Universal Orlando officially unveils Epic Universe, we’re taking a deep dive into the final—and most frightening—themed land in the upcoming park. Here’s our preview of Dark Universe direct from our new Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2025.

  • 10 Features You Can Expect in Staterooms on Disney Ships BANNER

    10 Features You Can Expect in Staterooms on Disney Ships

    Tammy Whiting, our Disney Cruise Line expert, shares 10 features you can expect in staterooms on Disney ships. If you’ve never been on a cruise, you probably have a lot of questions about staterooms. The staterooms on Disney ships are tastefully decorated and well-appointed. While you probably won’t spend a lot of time in your stateroom, you still want a

  • Parkside Market at Downtown Disney - 1

    What to Eat at Downtown Disney’s New Parkside Market

    The new Parkside Market is now open at Downtown Disney, and we’ve got your Unofficial Guide to this delicious new addition to Disneyland.