March 7, 2025

My Favorite Universal Park Photos: An Evening at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

Why didn't I think of this sooner? My Favorite Disney Park Photos has long been a staple of the Insight and Sounds blog. But now after three visits to Universal Orlando Resort- and more to come- it's time for me to do the same for our trips to this growing and fun-filled Disney competitor.

After a great day at Islands of Adventure, it was time for an evening out at City Walk. With so many great places, where would we go? Where else to continue the fun than Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.

When Ms. Penelope Toothsome and her steampunk robot Jacques stopped by to chat with our son, the results were hilarious and the photo opportunity great. The end result of the evening of good food, great desserts, and character interaction made for some terrific memories. And none of the exorbitant prices found at Walt Disney World's character meals. You have to check this place out!


Want to full review of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium? Jump over to this Dine or Ditch review.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

March 3, 2025

Universal Orlando Update: Harry Potter's Empty Hogsmeade

An off week and a quick trip to Florida. First stop? Universal Orlando Resort and Islands of Adventure for a tour through Hogsmeade. With Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure down for an extended time, the must do next choice ride is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The short trip began with last night's dinner at Raglan Road at Disney Springs, but that would be the only stop on the Disney property. What will I do next, you might ask? Well, I'll wait for more photos. It's (sadly) not my trip, so I'm living vicariously through other family members. But it's still a great time. Even especially when its an empty park!

March 1, 2025

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary to my folks! May God bless you with many, many more.