The Wandering Disciple

  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 ...

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)

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)

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)

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)

When aliens attack who do you call, well the Men in Black of course.  Here at Universal Studios you can join Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in a quest to rid the globe of alien invaders.  But remember, what you think you just saw you did not see.  (Photo: January 28, 2006)

Sesame Street' bright blue colorful friend Grover is larger then life and lighter than air at Universal Studios Florida.  When he isn't parading down the streets of Manhattan during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Grover can be found hanging out at Universal Studios during their holiday parade.  (Photo: December 25, 2005)

Tucked away between the excitement of the rides at Universal Studios is a piece of the Big Apple recreated right here in Central Florida.  In addition to being a thrilling theme park, Universal Studios is also a working studio with sound stages and even city replicas within the park.  Here you can find areas like New York City and San Francisco so realistic you might forget you are in Florida.  And depending on the filming schedule, you may even see a production in progress during your visit.  (Photo: September 21, 2003)

America's favorite cartoon family brings their crazy antics to Universal Studios Florida.  Join Bart, Homer, Marge, Lisa and Maggie on a quest to save Krustyland from an evil revenge by Sideshow Bob.  The 4 1/2 minute motion simulator ride opened in 2008 and featured many of the main characters from the hit Fox cartoon the Simpsons. (Photo: October 25, 2010)

Scooby Doo pops out the top of the Mystery Machine as it cruises through Universal Studios Florida.  Scooby, Shaggy and the rest of the gang can be seen daily on the streets of the Orlando theme park.  (Photo: January 9, 2010)

After making his annual national television appearance during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Snoopy and all his balloon friends make the trip south for the winter to perform in the Universal Studios Florida holiday festivities.  Snoopy, Curious George and many more massive balloons make the journey through the park, bringing the NYC tradition to the streets of Universal Studios.  (Photo: December 25, 2005)

Vintage cars sit outside Mel’s Drive-In at Universal Studios Florida. The diner transports guests back to the time when long skirts and American Muscle were popular. (Photo: September 20, 2003)

Tommy and Chuckie from the kid’s show Rugrats greet visitors to Universal Studios Florida. (Photo: September 21, 2003)

This futuristic building is home to the Men in Black: Aliens Attack ride at Universal Studios. Take a ride with Will Smith on a mission to defend the Earth from alien attacks. (Photo: October 25, 2010)

The Garden of Allah Villas is one of the movie backdrops found at Universal Studios Florida.  More than a theme park, Universal Studios is also a working movie studio as many of the park's buildings can be used as backdrops for productions.  (Photo: January 9, 2010)

Face the fury of Twister at Universal Studios in Florida.  Based on the motion picture Twister starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton, the attraction allows you to come face to face with the F5 and witness the destruction via Hollywood special effects.  (Photo: January 28, 2006)

Everyone's favorite Ogre greets guests at Universal Studios Florida.  Shrek can be seen outside the Shrek 4-D ride at the theme park in which guests can ride the movies.  (Photo: September 21, 2003)

The iconic Fisherman's Wharf of San Francisco has been recreated there at Universal Studios in Orlando.  It is home to Disaster, a ride on the subway system that is tragically cut short by an earthquake.  (Photo: October 25, 2010)

The sun rises over the gates of Universal Studios signaling a new day of exploration at the Central Florida theme park.  At Universal Studios, guest get to ride the movies, becoming part of some of Hollywood's biggest productions.  (Photo: January 27, 2006)