the Official Blog of the Unofficial Guides

Before the advent of the celebrity chef, even the largest hotels had small, intimate restaurants. These were the grand gourmet rooms operated for the benefit of the casino’s most prized customers. The rooms were plush with leather upholstered booths, mood lighting, and clubby décor, all of which underscored their exclusivity. The kitchens served the best food available on property, and

Carly Gatzlaf, personal shopper, fashion stylist, and owner of À La Mode Wardrobe Consulting, knows Mall of America, as well as other Twin Cities malls. She explains what she does and offers some of her insider tips for visiting Mall of America. Q: Tell us about your personal shopper business. A: The main services we provide are closet analysis (helping clients work with what they

You can see the Disney characters in live shows and in parades. For times, consult your Times Guide. If you have the time and money, you can share a meal with the characters (see our post on this subject). But if you want to meet the Disney characters in the parks, get autographs, and take photos, it’s helpful to know where the characters

Every night, February 3rd through April 7th, Universal Studios Orlando celebrates Mardi Gras. As floats make their way through Universal Studios, bringing a family-friendly version of the New Orleans celebrations to Florida, guests excitedly collect beads, which are distributed generously. In 2017, six new floats debuted. The floats based on mythological creatures are, Manticore’s Majesty, The Rise of the Garuda,

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival: An Annual Celebration of Spring Larger-than-life topiaries, vibrant flowerbeds, floating gardens, spice and herb gardens, a butterfly house, culinary experiences, and Garden Rock Concerts await guests at the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival. For 90 days, the park welcomes spring in a most spectacular and festive way. In front of Spaceship Earth, Pluto, Mickey, Daisy,