Meet the OPEN News Desk
Our dedicated team of analysts, editors, and theme park veterans tracking the operational reality of Central Florida’s tourism hubs.
Paul Wilson
Managing EditorPaul oversees the OPEN news desk, ensuring our structural tracking matrices and resort updates are flawlessly accurate. When he isn’t analyzing digital strategy or building out new portal feeds, he’s usually planning his next Disney Cruise Line voyage or hunting for the perfect espresso pull at Disney Springs.
- Favorite Park Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Favorite Ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Favorite Orlando Activity Anything with A/C, because Florida is hot.
Maya Sterling
Editor, Universal & SeaWorldMaya leads our coverage of Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld. She brings you the complete picture of these expansive resorts—from breaking rumors and major construction updates on Epic Universe to the newest festival food, merchandise drops, and special events happening across the parks.
- Favorite Park Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Favorite Ride Mako
- Favorite Orlando Activity Sampling every single item at a new seasonal food festival
Julian Brooks
Editor, Walt Disney WorldJulian is our dedicated Walt Disney World expert, tracking the daily magic across all four parks and Disney Springs. Whether it’s ride operations, seasonal merchandise, dining reviews, or the latest construction and entertainment updates, Julian ensures you are always prepared for your next Disney vacation.
- Favorite Park Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Favorite Ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Favorite Orlando Activity Rope-dropping the newest attractions before the crowds arrive
Carter Hayes
Editor, DCL & Orlando EntertainmentCarter navigates the expanding world of Disney Cruise Line and the broader Orlando entertainment scene. From new ship announcements, onboard dining, and port rumors to local Orlando events, shows, and attractions outside the major theme parks, Carter covers everything that makes a Central Florida vacation unforgettable.
- Favorite Park Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
- Favorite Ride AquaMouse
- Favorite Orlando Activity Exploring off-the-beaten-path entertainment districts around the city
April
Trusted Media PartnerApril is a digital content creator, theme park veteran, and the host of A Bouncin Journey. She brings our data to life through on-the-ground video coverage, offering the real-world visual context you need to plan your next Disney vacation.
- Favorite Park Magic Kingdom
- Favorite Ride The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Favorite Orlando Activity The beach (even though it’s a short 45-minute drive from Orlando!)
Learn more about how we verify our data on our Editorial Standards & Transparency page.
