the Official Blog of the Unofficial Guides

Today, I invite you to join me on a tour of Disney’s All Star Resorts! Spread over a vast expanse, Disney’s All-Star resorts comprise 30 (three-story) motel-style guest-room buildings. Although the three resorts are neighbors, each has its own lobby, food court, and registration area. Disney’s original version of a budget resort features three distinct themes executed in the same hyperbolic style. All-Star Sports features huge sports equipment: bright football helmets,

Volcano Bay’s four themed areas are based on the story of the Waturi, an ancient tribe from Polynesia. Here is the short version of the tale: The tribe set out on their outrigger canoes to find a new home, as legend told them that Kunuku, a golden-finned fish, would show them the way. The Waturi visited many Polynesian islands without

Parades at the Magic Kingdom are full-fledged spectaculars with dozens of Disney characters and amazing special effects. We rate the afternoon parade as outstanding and the evening parade as not to be missed. In addition to providing great entertainment, parades lure guests away from the attractions. If getting on rides appeals to you more than watching a parade, you’ll find substantially shorter lines just before and during

Mystère was the first permanent Cirque du Soleil production in Las Vegas and the one that set the standard for all that followed. It’s a far cry from a traditional circus but retains all of the fun and excitement. It is whimsical, mystical, and sophisticated, yet pleasing to all ages. The show is held at the Mystère Theater inside Treasure

Butting up against the Men in Black’s modernist architecture is Springfield U.S.A., Home of the Simpsons, the setting of the long-running animated sitcom The Simpsons. What started as just The Simpsons Ride and Kwik-E-Mart store was hugely expanded in 2013, with a fabulous re-creation of Moe’s Tavern, the Jebediah Springfield statue, and other cartoon landmarks. Springfield, which has long been