The Wandering Disciple

The imaginative minds, affectionately known as the Imagineers, at Walt Disney World have long been the architects of wonder, continuously designing and producing spectacular parades and shows that have ignited the imaginations of park guests for multiple generations. The entertainment landscape within the parks is a dynamic one, where the visitor experience is in a constant state of flux, evolution, and innovation, ranging from breathtakingly elaborate fireworks displays that paint the night sky to engaging and meticulously choreographed daytime parades.  Among the many cherished spectacles was the highly popular Disney Stars and Motor Cars parade. This specific event was first introduced in 2001, coinciding with the massive celebration known as the "100 Years of Magic Celebration," which honored the centennial of Walt Disney's birth. The parade quickly became a staple of the Disney-MGM Studios (later renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios) park experience and continued i...

Nestled in the heart of historic San Juan, El Capolito stands as the undeniable seat of power for the island. More than just a functional administrative building, this imposing structure is a monumental testament to centuries of political and cultural evolution. Its architecture, a blend of colonial and neoclassical influences, reflects the diverse historical currents that have shaped the region. Within its hallowed halls, critical decisions that affect the daily lives of the island's residents are debated and legislated. El Capolito is not merely a government center; it is the physical and symbolic embodiment of the island's self-governance and enduring identity, making it a pivotal location on the global stage.  Taken: October 23, 2006 at El Capolito (San Juan, PR)

The Walt Disney World Railroad, a beloved staple of Magic Kingdom park since its opening day in 1971, stands as a testament to Walt Disney’s deep and abiding passion for trains. This iconic attraction has been sharing Walt Disney’s love of trains with millions of parkgoers yearly, offering a nostalgic and scenic journey around the perimeter of the park. The full-scale, functioning steam locomotives are not merely props; they are meticulously restored and maintained relics of a bygone era, often with a rich history of their own. For Walt Disney, trains represented more than just transportation; they symbolized progress, adventure, and the magic of storytelling, a philosophy that is perfectly encapsulated in the experience the railroad provides to guests of all ages.  Taken: March 28, 2007 at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

  Smoke on, throttle up—Nathan Hammond of GhostWriter Airshows ignites the sky with a high-energy performance at the SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo. Roaring low and fast, his aircraft carves tight turns and vertical climbs, trailing ribbons of smoke that ripple across the Florida blue. Each maneuver builds the tempo, drawing cheers from the crowd below as precision flying meets pure adrenaline. It’s a heart-pounding display of control, speed, and showmanship that defines the spirit of airshow excitement.  Taken: April 19, 2026 at SUN 'N FUN Aerospace Expo at Lakeland International Airport (Lakeland, FL)

  The Sheraton Vistana Villages offers a compelling blend of comfort and convenience, serving as an ideal base for any family or traveler visiting the Orlando area. Located strategically in the heart of the Central Florida theme park district, these accommodations are designed to provide a truly home-like experience, moving beyond the standard hotel room setup. Guests can enjoy spacious, well-appointed villas that typically feature separate living and dining areas, full or partial kitchens, and often in-suite laundry facilities. This comprehensive range of amenities allows visitors the flexibility to prepare meals, relax in a communal space, and settle in for extended stays with the utmost ease. The resort itself is known for its lush, tropical landscaping and an abundance of recreational features, including multiple themed swimming pools, activity centers, and dining options, all designed to enhance the vacation experience after a long day at the nearby attractions. Its prime loca...

  The genius of the Disney Imagineers lies in their unparalleled ability to seamlessly transform a simple thrill ride into a profoundly educational and immersive experience. A prime illustration of this mastery is the Kali River Rapids attraction, nestled within Disney's Animal Kingdom. At first glance, this ride might appear to be nothing more than a delightful, watery excursion—a welcome respite from the intense Florida heat. Yet, its true purpose extends far beyond mere hydro-powered entertainment. The adventure begins with guests boarding a circular raft, members of the fictional Kali Rapids Expeditions, embarking on a seemingly calm and serene journey down the Chakranadi River. The initial stages of the ride are a picturesque and tranquil passage, winding gently through a dense, lush jungle landscape and past crumbling, ancient Asian temples. This initial atmosphere is one of peace and natural beauty, setting a tone of serene exploration. However, the tone and the environment ...

  Stroll along the bright lights of Broadway as you settle into your hotel for the night. This isn't the bustling, iconic New York City theatre district, but rather a charming, themed thoroughfare that serves as a key area within Disney’s All-Star Music resort. This value-category hotel immerses guests in a vibrant world celebrating various musical genres from around the globe. The resort features larger than life decor, transforming the exterior and common areas into a whimsical tribute to music. Guests will find themselves surrounded by massive, colorful icons paying homage to genres like jazz, calypso, country, and, of course, Broadway show tunes. Each section of the resort offers a visually distinct experience, ensuring that every corner is a photo opportunity that underscores the fun and lively atmosphere that defines the Disney All-Star experience. From oversized musical instruments to playful character silhouettes, the design captures the spirit and energy of a world steeped...

The giant cannons of Fort Desoto stand as a silent reminder of a past era, an age when coastal defense was paramount and the threat of naval invasion loomed large. These massive, immobile weapons, overlooking the confluence of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, are a tangible link to the strategic military history of the region. Though they never fired a shot in combat, their mere presence was a powerful deterrent, reflecting the critical role this barrier island fort played in the early 20th century defense strategy. They speak to the foresight of military planners who recognized the vital importance of protecting the shipping lanes and port city of Tampa, and they now serve as stoic, weathered monuments to the evolution of American military technology and coastal fortification. Taken: June 27, 2004 at Fort Desoto Park (Tierra Verde, FL)  

Hop aboard the camo bus and take a ride through the wilderness at the Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours in rural Charlotte County. The 90-minute adventure takes you through a working cattle ranch where you will encounter unspoiled Florida wilderness and the wildlife that lives in it.  The McAdow family settled in the region in the late 1890's and settled the Crescent B Ranch. The 156,000 acre ranch was acquired by Edward Babcock in 1914 and became Babcock Ranch. Today, the working ranch has shrunk in size by development but the most sensitive lands have been preserved and are able to be visited as part of the eco-tours.  Taken: October 25, 2013 at Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours (Punta Gorda, FL)

Emma Clarke soars above her hometown during a performance under the big top. A resident of Sarasota, Emma joined fellow Sarasota native Nik Wallenda for A Brave New Wonderland, a holiday themed circus.  A Brave New Wonderland is located under the big top at the Mall at University Town Center. It will occur on select nights through December 31.  Taken: December 2, 2023 (Sarasota, FL)

Lynx Flight 655 touches down at Southwest Florida International Airport on the inaugural flight from Toronto. The Canadian carrier will provide four flights a week from Southwest Florida to Canada using the Boeing 737 Max aircraft.  Lynx Airlines is a ultra low-cost carrier based in Calgary. Founded in 2022, Lynx provides services to 18 destinations in Canada and the United States.  Taken: December 1, 2023 at Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers, FL)

In a town known for its circus history, its only fitting to find a tropical bird that can roller skate. This roller skating bird is just one of the entertaining acts that can be found in the daily show at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.   One of the original tourist attractions in Sarasota, Jungle Gardens is a 10 acre tropical garden located along Sarasota Bay. It features tropical gardens and tropical birds and animals that make for an enjoyable day for the whole family.   Taken: July 8, 2013 at Sarasota Jungle Gardens (Sarasota, FL)

The pulse of the country can be found in the thousands of small towns that dot the map. Main Streets like this are home to small business and big conversations that fuel the heartbeat of the USA. This Main Street is from Jonesborough , Tennessee.  Founded in 1779, Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee.  Taken: November 24, 2023 (Jonesborough, TN)

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours. As you enjoy your turkey dinner, enjoy a photo of this wild turkey found frolicking with his friends in a field at Mammoth Cave National Park.  Taken: July 3, 2022 at Mammoth Cave National Park (Brownsville, KY)

The Tree of Life rises above the Animal Kingdom Park, marking the central hub of the theme park. The man-made baobab tree towers 145 feet over the park and features carvings of 325 animals on the trunk.  Animal Kingdom opened in 1998 at the Walt Disney World resort in Central Florida. The largest of the four theme parks, Animal Kingdom features rides and animal attractions that inspire conservation of our planet.  Taken: February 11, 2013 at Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

Cam Hausinger celebrates his first period goal with his Everblades teammates during last night's game. The Florida Everblades skated to a 3-1 win over the visiting Atlanta Gladiators.  The Florida Everblades are the ECHL affiliates of the Florida Panthers and are the defending Kelly Cup champions. They play their home games at Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida.  Taken: November 18, 2023 at Hertz Arena (Estero, FL)

The beauty of nature is everywhere as you stroll along the Marsh Trail at Ten Thousands Island National Wildlife Refuge in South Florida. The mile long Marsh Trail stretches into the wetlands to an observation tower that provides a bird's eye view of the wildlife feeding in the waters of the refuge.  Ten Thousands Islands Wildlife Refuge is a 35,000 acre wetland preserve on the southern tip of Florida. The refuge is home to almost 400 species of fish and wildlife. Primarily accessible by boat, the Marsh Trail is the only public land access point.  Taken: December 9, 2012 at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge (Goodland, FL)

A cannon sits atop a ridge in Gettysburg. The cannon battery would be positioned on the ridge line protect the high ground and the troops sheltering behind the ridge from attack forces down below.  Gettysburg was site of the deadliest battle of the Civil War and the only battle to be fought on northern soil. The Union victory in the battle would become a turning point in the war. Today a large portion of the battlefield has been preserved as a National Park.  Taken: July 14, 2023 at Gettysburg National Military Park (Gettysburg, PA)

Fans of the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World may see some resemblance with this historic mansion in Jim Thorpe and the popular Florida theme park attraction. The exterior Harry Packer Mansion was the inspiration for the Haunted Mansion ride. But unlike the Florida attraction, you don’t need to become the thousandth haunt to spend a night in the mansion, the Harry Packer Mansion is now a popular bed and breakfast.  Built in 1874 by renowned architect Addison Hutton, the mansion features Victorian-age furnishings throughout the home. It was gifted to Harry Packer by his dad, Asa Packer who was a railroad magnate and eventually a political in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.   Taken: July 13, 2023 (Jim Thorpe, PA) 

When followers of the Bohemian Reformation settled the Moravian settlement in Bethlehem, the need for higher learning soon followed. They founded a girls school in 1742 which would eventually lead to the Moravian College and Theological Seminary in 1807. Today the Moravian College is an accredited university featuring a vast collection of degrees.  With roots dating back to 1742, Moravian College is the sixth oldest college in the United States. You can stroll this historic campus and the nearby Colonial Industrial Quarter to get a glimpse into early Moravian life in the region.  Taken: July 13, 2023 (Bethlehem, PA)