Tom Stefanchik

Thomas J. Stefanchik has over 30 years of writing experience, with a recent focus on family travel. A father of two boys, including one with autism, Thomas and his family are self-proclaimed Disney fanatics. When he's not writing or at theme parks, he enjoys music, film, Broadway, TV, and rooting for the Mets and Jets.

Latest posts by Tom

New Things Coming To Orlando Theme Parks for 2025

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Sun, 01/26/2025 - 12:00pm

For the first time in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests enjoy a live, theatrical experience at Le Cirque Arcanus. Artist conceptual rendering courtesy of Universal

2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for Orlando theme parks, with the first, all-new theme park opening in more than 20 years! And don't get us started on the awesome new attractions and experiences coming to our favorite existing parks.

To help you better plan your next Orlando trip, here is a preview of cool things coming in 2025, as well as the current time frame for their opening. Just keep in mind that Orlando theme parks are notoriously vague about opening dates, and the time frames listed can change at a moment’s notice. Take a look and get ready for the ultimate Orlando adventure!

16 Fun Things To Do ONLY in Orlando

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Sun, 11/03/2024 - 7:50am

Making magical memories with the kids in Orlando! Photo by Anna Fader

There are so many fun things to do ONLY in Orlando, where the city's magic is a treat for residents and visitors alike. The area offers a wide variety of wonderful experiences to delight all ages. And these Central Florida destinations and activities are unique to the area—there are amazingly fun things to do in Orlando that you just can't do anywhere else in the world! Take a look at our favorite things you can only do in this wonderful city!

Best Farms with Family Entertainment in the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 09/06/2024 - 8:56am

Kelder's Farm in Kerhonkson offers dozens of attractions for families to enjoy, plus plenty of pick-your-own produce. Photo courtesy of the farm

Here in Westchester and Hudson Valley, we have a bounty of farms with family-friendly activities to entertain every age. And that's a pretty fortunate state of affairs, since nothing delivers that warm, autumnal feeling like a trip to the farm and activities like apple picking, hayrides, and visiting some cute animals.

Read on for descriptions of the top farms in and around the Hudson Valley with great entertainment for families, and be sure to visit our Westchester pick-your-own guide for more farm fun.

Best Batting Cages in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 07/26/2024 - 5:56am

The batting cages at V.E. Macy Park in Ardsley are open to the public. Photo by the author

Batting cages in Westchester and the Hudson Valley let you experience the particular summertime joy of the sound and the feel of a bat hitting a ball. The fun is not limited to warm weather, either, as there are indoor and outdoor batting cages to keep the hits coming all year round.

Read on for the top batting cages in the region, and check out our Guide to Sports in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for more stories like this.

Epic Universe and More Exciting Attractions Coming to Universal Orlando

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 06/21/2024 - 11:32am

Race aboard Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge located within Super Mario Land at the upcoming Universal Epic Universe.

Universal Orlando is expanding its universe with Epic Universe —the new theme park scheduled to open in 2025. Orlando residents and visitors alike are anxiously awaiting the opening of this fantastic attraction, Universal's first entirely new theme park since Islands of Adventure opened in 2001. Steve Tatham, Executive Creative Director of Universal Epic Universe, indicated recently on a podcast that construction will end soon, and the new theme park is set to open at the beginning of next year.

Keep reading for a sneak peek into Epic Universe, as well as new attractions coming to Universal Orlando Resort!

Best Things to Do at Walt Disney World with Teens and Tweens

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Sun, 05/12/2024 - 7:41am

Teens and tweens love the wet and wild fun at Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon. Photo by author

Finding things to do at Walt Disney World for teens and tweens may seem challenging at first glance —they’ve outgrown "kid stuff," like Disney Junior Play and Dance, but aren't quite ready for frightening rides, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. I lived through this phase with my two boys. Fortunately, however, I discovered that Disney World offers a wide range of rides, shows, meals and other activities to peak the interests of tweens and teens.

Parents, take a look at our top 15 things to do at Disney World with teens and tweens and you will become the GOAT of your family trip!

Best Trampoline Parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Kids

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 02/16/2024 - 7:24am

Bounce U in Elmsford will have your kids bouncing, climbing, and sliding.

We’ve rounded up indoor trampoline parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley where kids can jump, hop, and leap to their hearts' content–so that next time they're bouncing off the walls, it doesn't have to be in your house.

Looking for more places to play when the weather isn't so great? Check out our Indoor Play Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids.

Planning a Theme Park Vacation to Orlando in 2024? New, Can't-Miss Attractions!

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 01/05/2024 - 11:59am

From your imagination to the racetrack, it's race time at the new LEGO Ferrari Build & Race Experience at Legoland Florida, opening Spring 2024. Photo courtesy of Legoland

Planning an Orlando theme park vacation is part of the fun of the trip! This is especially true in 2024, as several new or reimagined attractions, festivals, and dining options are opening or returning. To help you better navigate your theme park trip, check out our guide of the new and exciting experiences coming to Orlando theme parks for 2024. Note: Orlando theme parks opening dates can be vague and time frames can change at a moment’s notice.

Tom Stefanchik

Latest posts by Tom

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