The Wandering Disciple

  Like a scene out of the Italian waterfront, Portofino Bay Hotel brings the charm, romance, and vibrant atmosphere of coastal Italy to the heart of Central Florida. This stunning resort, meticulously designed to replicate the famous harbor town of Portofino, offers guests an immersive escape without the need for international travel. From the cobblestone streets and authentic architecture to the bustling harbor and lively piazza, every detail is crafted to transport visitors to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.  You can see more photos from Portofino Bay Hotel here .  Taken: January 27, 2006 at Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando (Orlando, FL)

As the water taxi inches towards the dock, Italian music plays on the plaza welcoming you to the Portofino waterfront. Despite the sounds and smells of Italy, you have landed at the Portofino Bay Hotel in the heart of the Universal Orlando Resort.  No detail is spared in transforming the Portofino Bay Hotel from a resort hotel to a destination that makes you feel like you are no longer in Central Florida. From the intricate details in the architecture to the food, shops and entertainment; the resort is closer to the Italian Riviera than it is to the theme park just a short boat ride away.  Taken: October 25, 2010 at Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando (Orlando, FL)

As you approach the waterfront on the taxi, this little Italian oasis is not quite Italy but rather Universal Orlando's Portofino Bay Hotel.  The Portofino Bay is a little slice of Italy transplanted in Central Florida packed with authentic Italian experiences, food, music and more just a short water taxi ride from the thrills of the theme parks.  (Photo: October 25, 2010)

The colorful and picturesque waterfront of Italy is perfectly recreated at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. From the details of the buildings, the sounds of Italian musicians in the marketplace and the taste of Italy in the restaurants, no details are spared in providing an authentic Italian experience in the heart of Central Florida.  (Photo: January 27, 2006)

The Italian waterfront comes to life in Central Florida at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando.  Music, food and accommodations recreated from the Mediterranean helps immerse visitors in the Italian culture while they visit the theme parks just a short gondola ride away.  (Photo: October 25, 2010)

No details are spared in recreating the Medeterranian waterfront in the heart of Central Florida.  The Portofino Bay Hotel brings all the charm of coastal Italy and transplant them into the Universal Orlando Resort.  The thrills of the theme park are just a short boat ride away from the dock of the resort.  (Photo: January 27, 2006)

While it looks like you are on the Mediterranean waterfront, you forget that you are actually at Universal Orlando.  No details were spared in transforming the Portofino Bay Hotel from a resort hotel to an authentic Italian waterfront.  (Photo: October 25, 2010)

This canal at the Portofino Bay Resort is the gateway to Universal Orlando.  From here the ferry transports hotel guests to the City Walk, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure,  Portofino Bay Resort is one of four Universal resort hotels with direct access to the theme parks.  (Photo: January 28, 2006)

A ring-billed Gull sits on a post by the boat dock at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando.  (Photo: January 28, 2006)

The tower at Portofino Bay Hotel rises above the resort, giving it an authentic Italian look. Opening in 1999, the Portofino Bay Hotel is a representation of the Portofino harbour. It is one of three hotels operated by Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando. (Photo: October 25, 2010)

A bell tower at Portofino Bay Hotel helps make the Central Florida resort feel like the heart of Italy. No detail is spared in making you feel like you are strolling along the Italian waterfront, not in the heart of Universal Orlando. (Photo: January 28, 2006)

The Mediterranean coast of Italy comes to life at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. From the architecture to the food and entertainment, every detail transports you to Italy without ever leaving Central Florida. (Photo: October 25, 2010)

The Italian waterfront is recreated at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. The resort looks, sounds and even smells like Italy, immersing your senses and making your mind think you are no longer in Central Florida. (Photo: January 27, 2006)

The boats in the harbor, lively music from the piazza and authentic Italian architecture as far as the eye can see, Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando spares no detail in making you feel like you have been swept away to Italy. The vibrant colors of the buildings come to life as the sun sets over the resort. (Photo: January 27, 2006)

Orlando, Florida: Since we have a few months remaining on our annual passes and the schools had a professional day, we decided to take a day trip to Universal Orlando. This was our second trip of the year, but the first since the Wizarding World of Harry Potter had opened. This trip was the first time we had gone up to Universal Orlando without staying overnight at one of their fine hotels. From the moment we arrived, I realized how much we were going to miss the perks of being a hotel guest. The first of these moments came when parking in the parking garage. Having to park the vehicle in one of the multi-story parking garages and then make your way to the park rather then hop on a boat and being transported to the park. The second “wish I would have stayed at a Universal Orlando hotel” moment came once we arrived at the entrance to Islands of Adventure. Here guests of the three hotels were allowed to enter the park early while non-hotel guests had to wait in the large crowd fo...

Lake Buena Vista, Florida: With just over a month left before out annual passes scheduled to expire, we decided to squeeze in one last trip to Walt Disney World. We booked a short stay at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort, a moderate hotel in which we had not stayed at yet. We arrived at WDW early in the morning dropped the dog off at the Fort Wilderness kennel and then headed to Port Orleans to check in. Then we boarded the bus and headed to Epcot. When we arrived at Epcot, we were given some bad news, our passes were blacked out until tomorrow. I misread the blackout dates on the back of the pass and the passes did not come out of winter break blackout until tomorrow. Not only did that put us behind schedule on our park plan, but try taking a 2 year old to the front gates of the park and then turn around and leave…what an awful feeling. But we went back to the hotel and made the most of a bad situation. Fortunately for us, our room was ready early. We moved our stuff into th...

Lake Buena Vista, Florida: Our annual passes for Walt Disney World were about to expire, so we decided to take extended weekend trip to the house of the Mouse. In our quest to stay at each of the Disney resort properties at least once, we chose the All-Star Sports Resort. The value resort was offered a great rate and since it was one we had not stayed at yet, I jumped on the deal. As we arrived at Walt Disney World, our first duty was to drop out dog off at the Disney kennel at Fort Wilderness. When we visit Disney, we always leave our dog at one of their kennels. The one at Fort Wilderness is our preferred choice because of its property. You are away from the hustle and bustle of the parks and there is so much to do at Fort Wilderness after you walk your pet. Then we headed over to the All-Star Sports and checked into our room. Although it was early and our room was not ready yet, we checked in early to avoid the crowds of traditional check-in time. Then it was off to the park...

Orlando, Florida: Crossing over the canal you can catch a glimpse of the Mediterranean style buildings across the lagoon. As you reach the piazza filled with Italian sports cars and Vespa scooters, the sound of Italian ballads fill the air. No you are not on the Italian coast but rather the luxurious Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. Opened in 1999, the Portofino Bay Hotel was the first of the Universal Orlando hotels. The hotel features over 750 guest rooms featuring Italian style furnishing, marble finishing and much more. It is the most luxurious of the three resort hotels with amenities the whole family will enjoy. The hotel features three pools to help cool off from the heat. The Beach Pool is the main pool featuring a waterslide, poolside activities and two Jacuzzis. There are three beach cabanas available for rental as well as a weekly dive-in movie. The Villa Pool is more laid back and designed for relaxation. It features sixteen cabanas and lounge chairs perfect for r...