Did you know that Universal’s second most popular attraction, Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket, is closed? About two weeks ago Universal closed it giving very little details other than saying it was minor maintenance and should be rolling again soon. Another announcement came out of Universal shortly after saying it was going to keep it down longer and perform more major maintenance on its year old coaster. All this falls on the heels of the ride maker issuing a warning that the bars holding passengers in are in danger of loosening. Universal claims that is not the reason the new coaster is undergoing maintenance. No word as to when it will reopen, it all kind of sounds fishy to me.

The Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau is teaming up with a few hotels to offer a discount package now through December 15th. These deals offer rooms as low as $50.00 per night. Hotels include Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Nickelodeon Family Suites, Sheraton Vistana Resort and the Buena Vista Suites. Personally, my first choice would be Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge followed by the Sheraton Vistana Resort. Check the OCVB deals out at www.visitorlando.com/fall.

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights turn 20 this year and they have some ghoulish new frights in store. A new character ‘Fear’ will pop up throughout the park as this year’s productions main character. Universal’s creative team wanted to create a unique new experience preparing visitors for the next 20 years. They have not completely changed everything for nostalgia sake, but be prepared for some totally new scares.  Read more about HHN and other frightful events here.