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)

  For five years in the early 2000s, contestants on NBC’s hit reality show Fear Factor would face their deepest, most visceral fears heads-on for a chance to win the grand prize of $50,000. Hosted by the imposing and witty Joe Rogan, the show became a cultural phenomenon, renowned for its shocking and often stomach-churning stunts. Week after week, participants would be challenged to perform three extreme stunts—typically involving terrifying heights, disgusting consumption challenges (such as eating live insects or blended animal parts), or close encounters with creepy-crawlies—all in a bid to prove they could conquer their psychological and physical limits. The series captivated millions, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable on primetime television and making "Fear Factor" synonymous with facing the impossible.  The immense popularity and theatrical nature of the television show soon spawned a highly-anticipated live version at Universal Studios Florida. Opened in ...

 Your Universal Orlando Resort adventure officially begins the moment you step off the convenient water taxi onto the vibrant promenade of CityWalk. This lively hub serves as the gateway to the park's main attractions and offers a diverse array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options even before you reach the turnstiles.  From the dock, it's just a short, enjoyable stroll to the entrances of the two main theme parks, each promising distinct thrills and immersive experiences. To your left, you'll find Universal Studios Florida, home to cinematic adventures and the chance to "Ride the Movies," while to your right stands Islands of Adventure, where you can explore legendary worlds, from the prehistoric jungles of Jurassic Park to the magical halls of Hogwarts in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Whether you're seeking high-octane roller coasters, incredible 3D/4D experiences, or world-class stage shows, the start of your journey is mere steps away from ...

The Royal Pacific Resort is an unparalleled escape, where no detail or expense has been spared in transforming it into a vivid slice of paradise, transporting guests straight to the South Pacific. Strategically located, the resort is just steps away from the heart-pounding thrills and non-stop excitement of Universal Orlando Resort. Despite this incredible proximity to the energetic crowds and action of the theme parks, the Royal Pacific Resort maintains a seamless transition into a tranquil, tropical oasis.  The centerpiece of this retreat is the magnificent swimming lagoon. Its design features real, sandy shores that evoke the feeling of a remote, sun-drenched beach. This stunning aquatic environment provides a critical psychological break from the clamor and pace of the theme park experience, allowing guests to completely unwind. It serves as a true haven for relaxation, enabling families and individuals alike to recharge and fully appreciate their Universal vacation, ensuring t...

Ever wonder what it would feel like to experience the ground shaking earthquakes of San Francisco? Disaster at Universal Studios Florida brought that experience to life using the magic of Hollywood special effects and the latest technology.  Your journey starts learning about how Hollywood creates some of the special effects are created. From there you board a subway train where you become part of the production. Within moments you feel the full effects of a earthquake and the following disasters including a collapse of the station, fire and eventually a flash flood. The ride was closed in 2015 to make way for a new ride based on the Fast and Furious franchise.  Taken: October 25, 2010 at Universal Studios Florida (Orlando, FL)

As you stroll the streets of Hogsmeade Village, the world of the Harry Potter film franchise comes alive right here in Central Florida. The Hogwarts Express drops you off in the heart of the snow covered village where you can shop for your wand at Ollivanders, grab a snack at Honeydukes, fill your stomach at Three Broomsticks and much more.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Islands of Adventure in 2010. It features rides, shops and restaurants based on the popular Harry Potter book series by JK Rowling. In 2014, the world expanded further into adjacent Universal Studios Florida with the addition of Diagon Alley which was connected to Hogsmeade Village by the Hogwarts Express.  Taken: October 25, 2010 at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando (Orlando, FL)

The iconic Universal globes spins as it welcomes visitors to Universal Orlando Resort. Here the classic movies of Universal Studios come to life as you ride the movies and get immersed with some of your favorite Hollywood moments.  Universal Orlando Resort is a theme park complex located in the heart of Central Florida. It features two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure), a water park (Volcano Bay), and entertainment complex (City Walk) and seven resort hotels. It continues to grow as another theme park (Epic Universe) is currently under construction.  Taken: October 25, 2010 at City Walk 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)

In conjunction with today's Photo of the Day by Donten Photography, click on the photo to see the entire gallery of photos from Universal Studios Florida in Orlando, Florida. The gallery contains photos collected over 2003-2010 while we were passholders to the Universal Orlando Resort.

Fly high with Woody Woodpecker as he takes you on an exciting ride though Woody's Nut Factory. The family coaster as Universal Studios Florida is a fun and playful coaster featuring drops and turns as you feel like you are flying much like Woody himself.  Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster opened at Universal Studios in 1999. It was the first coaster opened at the park and the centerpiece of the Woody's KidZone, an area of the park dedicated to the youngest members of the family.  Taken: December 25, 2005 at Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando (Orlando, FL)

In conjunction with today's photo of the day by Donten Photography, click on the photo above to view the entire gallery of photos from our visits to Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando in Orlando, Florida.

Walk inside the Daily Bugle and embark on your day as a fill in reporter. As you cruise the streets of the Big Apple in the Scoop, you quickly realize sinister acts are in progress and with the help of Spider-Man you are no longer covering the news but making news, ridding the city of bad guys and saving the day.  The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man located at Universal's Islands of Adventure combines a state of the art ride track with 3-D special effects for a one of a kind experience. The ride brings the pages of the Marvel comic book to life and features Spider-Man and several of his nemesis including Doctor Octopus, Hydro-Man, Hobgoblin, Scream and Electro.  Taken: December 25, 2005 at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando (Orlando, FL)

For thirty years, the Simpsons have been entertaining viewers on FOX with exciting new episodes each and every week.  But you can step inside the action of televisions longest running comedic cartoon by hoping aboard the Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Florida.  Join Bart, Homer, Lisa, Marge, Maggie and Krusty the Clown as they protect Springfield from the evil revenge plot of Sideshow Bob.  (Photo: October 25, 2010)

High in the sky on a Seuss Trolley Train Ride.  Get a birds eye view of the wild world of Dr Seuss and see the fun and excitement of his stories come to life at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure.  (Photo: October 25, 2010)

Starbucks, Universal Cineplex, Panda Express, Hard Rock, TCBY, and so much more.  There is something for everyone at CityWalk at the Universal Orlando resort.  Dining, entertainment and night life is all here with something to do for everyone in your party.  (Photo: October 25, 2010)

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)

As you cross over the bridge and enter Super Heroes Island, you enter the world of Marvel comics.  This is a place where the Incredible Hulk roars to life, Spiderman saves the city from evil villains, Doctor Doom tries to channel your fear and Storm spins you around faster and faster to try and defeat Magneto.  The entire island is themed to look like the pages of a Marvel comic book from the use of colors and angles to the Marvel characters that comes to life.  (Photo: January 9, 2010)

Nestled between the thrills of Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios lies City Walk, the epicenter of awesome. This Universal Orlando entertainment district is home to wold-class dining and entertainment as well as shopping. It may seem sleepy and quiet when you head into the parks but when the sun goes down, the action heats up and City Walk becomes your home for fun. (Photo: January 9, 2010)

Zoinks Scoob, there's lots of fun to be had at the Universal Orlando Resort in Central Florida. Scooby-Doo and Shaggy are just some of the cartoon characters available to met at Universal Studios Florida, the place where cartoons and movies come to life. (Photo: January 9, 2010)

The spirit of the South Pacific is alive and well in Central Florida at the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. Here the exotic island style meets Universal Orlando thrills in a hotel that is just steps from the parks but feels miles away in the tropics.  From colorful tropical flowers to tasty island drinks and food, it is all here to make you feel like you are in the South Pacific.  (Photo: January 10, 2010)