the Official Blog of the Unofficial Guides

  • UG_banner_Washington2016

    Washington, D.C., in Pictures

    Washington, D.C., is a more international city than an American one, housing as it does the scores of embassies and consulates, the headquarters of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, the organization of American States, and so on. And, of course, repeated waves of immigration have made it, if not the melting pot of America, a sizable and simmering

  • UGbanner2017_WaltDisneyWithKids

    Halloween at the Magic Kingdom

    How to Have a Great Experience at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a hugely popular after-hours event at the Magic Kingdom; it runs from 7 p.m. till midnight on select nights from mid-September through October 31st. Good to know Even though Disney does not officially announce it, guests with valid Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be let into the park as early

  • UG_banner_MallofAmerica

    SEA LIFE Aquarium at Mall of America

    SEA LIFE Aquarium at Mall of America Offers Great Opportunities for Learning Much like Mall of America’s theme park, the SEA LIFE aquarium has gone through a number of transitions. A few years after opening, in 1996, the first Mall of America aquarium opened as Underwater World. Four years later the name changed to Underwater Adventures Aquarium. Finally, in 2011, the now Merlin

  • UGbanner2017_UniversalOrlando

    Great Live Entertainment Awaits at Diagon Alley

    An elevated area in Carkitt Market in Diagon Alley, between The Hopping Pot and the Gringotts money exchange, comes to life with short shows inspired by Rowling’s stories. Though modest in scope, these are some of the best performances found at Universal, and they’re well worth working into your touring plan if you have more than one day at the resort. Diagon Alley, Home

  • UGbanner2017_DisneyColorCompanion

    Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2016

    Feeling lucky? Now through September 29, enter our GIVEAWAY for a chance to win a copy of the 2017 edition of The Unofficial Guide: The Color Companion. But first more about the culinary treats awaiting you at this year’s International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot. Are you ready for the 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival? This year, visitors are able to eat their way through