Meet the OPEN News Desk
OPEN is an independent Orlando theme park newsroom. We track park operations, construction permits, pricing, food, merchandise, and events across Central Florida, and we report only what we can verify.
Paul Wilson
Founder & Managing EditorPaul founded OPEN and runs the news desk. He reviews every story before it publishes, checks facts against the cited sources, and covers industry news, pricing, and park expansions under his own byline. Off the clock, he is usually planning his next Disney Cruise Line sailing or looking for a good espresso at Disney Springs.
- CoversIndustry news, ticket and pricing changes, park expansions
- Favorite parkDisney’s Animal Kingdom
- Favorite rideGuardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Julian Brooks
Desk Byline: Park Operations & ConstructionJulian Brooks is the OPEN desk byline for park operations, queues, and construction. Stories under this byline focus on how changes affect your day: ride closures, walking routes, rope drop strategy, and what the latest permits show.
- CoversRide operations, queues, refurbishments, construction and permits
- StyleShort and practical, like a field guide
Maya Sterling
Desk Byline: Food, Merch & UniversalMaya Sterling is the OPEN desk byline for food, merchandise, Universal Orlando Resort, and park tech. Stories under this byline focus on prices, value, and what is new or limited.
- CoversMenus and festivals, merchandise releases, Universal Orlando, apps and park tech
- StyleSharp and value-focused, like a critic
Carter Hayes
Desk Byline: Events, Cruise & NightlifeCarter Hayes is the OPEN desk byline for seasonal events, Disney Cruise Line, and Orlando entertainment beyond the parks. Stories under this byline focus on dates, schedules, and how to plan the night.
- CoversHoliday and seasonal events, Disney Cruise Line, shows and nightlife
- StyleOrganized and upbeat, like an itinerary
About Our Desk Bylines
Julian Brooks, Maya Sterling, and Carter Hayes are OPEN desk bylines, not individual reporters. Each one represents a beat and a consistent writing style, so you always know what kind of story you are reading.
Stories under these bylines are produced by the OPEN newsroom with AI-assisted drafting. Every story is built from cited primary sources, such as official park announcements, press releases, and public permit records, and is reviewed by Paul Wilson before it publishes.
How We Report
We only publish facts we can trace to a source, and we link to it. Unconfirmed reports are labeled as rumors and kept separate from confirmed news. When we get something wrong, we correct it and note the change. Read our full Editorial Standards.
Have a tip, a photo, or a correction? Email contact@orlandopen.com or submit a tip.
