Toby Goodshank Original Art 2025

Life with Chicken and Broccoli

Category: universal studios

  • Review: Duff Beer Garden, Universal Studios Florida

    Review: Duff Beer Garden, Universal Studios Florida

    Tucked along the side of the road as you meander through the Simpsons area of Universal Studios Florida, Duff Beer Garden feels like a little oasis in the middle of the park. It is not fancy, and it is not trying to be. It is a simple place to stop, cool down, have a drink, and take in the strange joy of being inside a real life version of Springfield.

    Growing up with The Simpsons, I watched Homer drink Duff Beer for years. Somewhere deep inside, probably at the subconscious level, it made me want to drink Duff Beer too. Then, finally, I got my chance.

    They have Duff Regular and Duff Light, and in the fall they usually have Duff Oktoberfest. I normally get the Light, and it is a nice draft beer. Without all the fanfare and Simpsons nostalgia, you probably would not think twice about it, but that is also part of the fun. You are standing in Springfield, drinking a Duff Beer, watching old Simpsons clips, and for a few minutes it just works.

    But what makes this place special for us is not really the beer. It is the bartender we met a few trips back, named Demar.

    I love watching a well run business, and before we even spoke to him, I noticed how well Demar worked. He was the superlative of a bartender. The bar usually has about three bartenders, and it gets busy quickly with people coming over for a cold beer. They also sell pretzels and corn dogs, although I do not think I have actually seen anyone eat one.

    What stood out to me was Demar’s speed, consistency, and command of the bar. He knew every combination of every order and exactly what it cost, including the tax. At one point, the other two bartenders went on break, and he had the whole bar to himself. That would be daunting for anyone, especially outside in the hot Florida weather, but he just kept moving. He had a knee brace on at the time and still kept cranking along, explaining the differences between the beers, ringing people up, calling out exact totals, and doing it all with almost robotic, lightning fast efficiency.

    But the impressive part was that he was not just fast. He was kind, friendly, and completely present with people. That is not easy to do when there is a line, the sun is beating down, and everyone wants something at the same time. He made it look easy.

    After a few trips, he remembered us, and that changed the whole feel of the place. It stopped feeling like we were just walking up to a theme park bar and started feeling like we were visiting someone we were genuinely happy to see. As my family sat around and hung out, we began to talk with him, and over time we developed a friendship.

    We had a lot of similar interests, and there was something almost reminiscent of Tom Cruise in Cocktail about him. He had ideas, investments, big dreams, and plans for where he wanted to go in life. That is one of the things I really respect about him. He was not just standing behind the bar pouring drinks. He was working hard, thinking ahead, and building toward something bigger.

    Now, part of the retirement plan at Universal is getting a fully loaded jacketed baked potato and making our way over to Duff Beer Garden for an excellent mixed drink or the occasional Duff Light. We sit there, let the gentle breeze carry the day away, rewatch old Simpsons cartoons, and hang out with our friend.

    That is what makes places like this special. It is not always the menu, the theming, or even the drink in your hand. Sometimes it is the people you meet along the way who become part of the tradition. Duff Beer Garden could have just been a quick stop for a cold beer in Springfield. Because of Demar, it became one of our favorite places to return to.

    Review Score: 9.5 out of 10
    Rating: Duff Worthy

  • Restaurant Review: Mythos, Universal Islands of Adventure- Final Review

    Restaurant Review: Mythos, Universal Islands of Adventure- Final Review

    “The world’s greatest theme park restaurant,” “10 time winner,” and “#1 Theme Park Restaurant in the World” are proudly displayed at the front entrance. With or without the banner, this is our favorite restaurant in a theme park and probably, for me, my favorite restaurant in the United States.

    But this visit felt different, because this was not just another meal at Mythos. It felt like the beginning of saying goodbye.

    What is there not to love about this place? I am a huge fan of the décor and the mythology surrounding it. Every time you step inside, you are transported to ancient Greece, to the time of Hercules and his legendary journeys.

    Islands of Adventure is still my favorite of the Universal parks, and I love The Lost Continent the most. From an early age, I remember looking over maps in my elementary school library, searching for Atlantis. I wanted to be a famous adventurer and archaeologist like Dr. Jones.

    I was late in coming to Universal, having been caught under the spell of Disney for too long. Because of that, I missed the real heyday of this land. I was lucky enough to get on Poseidon’s Fury once or twice before it closed, but I never had the chance to see the Sinbad stage show. Now the entire section is draped in “Pardon Our Appearance” wooden walls. The land is changing, and with it, we are losing our favorite restaurant.

    We have eaten at Mythos 15 times or more, and I still enjoy it every time. The cuisine is Mediterranean, and while they slightly vary the appetizers and dishes, the core of the menu remains the same.

    The lobby and waiting area are tight and cramped, but the generous air conditioning feels glorious on these hot May days. We check in at the front desk and make our reservation for four, but the wait times are really never that long. I do have one request, though, and that is to sit in our favorite server Madison’s section.

    Upon entering the main dining hall, you feel like you have stepped into another world, with an endless discovery of hidden features in the décor and artwork that surrounds the room. You definitely want to sit in the main hall if possible. There is a side section with some nice views of the park, and an outside area that may be nice in the fall, but the main hall is where the real immersion is. I usually end up sitting and looking toward the open kitchen, watching the army of servers and runners waiting at the pass.

    Since we eat here so often, we usually end up trying many of the different appetizers on the menu. Our favorite from this trip was the warm and savory spanakopita dip with freshly baked pita chips and za’atar spices. This was our third and best visit during our trip this week.

    We normally argue about the dip to bread ratio. My son and I are masters of making it work and making sure each pita has the appropriate amount of dip. My brother, who came along this time, was admonished the day before for disrespecting the ratios and taking a crazy spoonful out. However, on this trip, the pita to dip ratio was on point with the last cooking crew of the night.

    There are many excellent entrées, and I have tried my family’s dishes when they have ordered them. My son’s favorite is the beef loin medallions, which are always cooked correctly and come with a tasty mashed potato puree and red wine reduction sauce.

    For me, it is always the same entrée, as much as I try to deviate. I always get the souvlaki couscous bowl with pan fried tofu and a side of sriracha. It is just an excellent bowl of Greek goodness with za’atar spiced couscous, fresh cucumbers, marinated artichoke, Kalamata olives, spiced chickpeas, feta cheese, tzatziki, and tahini dressing. I just never get tired of eating it.

    Luckily, this trip we were able to have Madison again as our server. She is exemplary and everything you want when enjoying a meal. She is friendly, kind, caring, and goes above and beyond in her work. After all these trips, she has now become our friend, and having a friend makes all the food taste better.

    The portions on this night were beyond generous and also the best we have had to date. We had to give everyone kudos, so we called over the manager to let him know how much we enjoyed the place.

    Unfortunately, Mythos will be closing down next year, and we are beyond disappointed. We did find out that they hope to keep the staff together and move them over to another location in the park. I am hopeful, but there are so many little things here that make this place special, and those things will be hard to replicate.

    I wish they could just airlift the entire restaurant and place it somewhere else, untouched. The stone walls, the cavernous room, the mythology, the food, the memories, and the people all work together in a way that makes Mythos more than just a theme park restaurant. It became part of our family’s Universal story.

    We are sad to see it go, but grateful we had the time, the meals, and the experiences. Mythos gave us more than good food. It gave us a place we looked forward to returning to, trip after trip.

    And maybe that is the most fitting ending for a place like this. With a name like Mythos, it was never meant to be just another restaurant. It was meant to become part of the story. For us, and for so many others who loved it, Mythos will go down in legend.

    Restaurant Score: 9.9 out of 10
    Rating: Mythical

  • Epic Universe Part 3 – The Finale

    Epic Universe Part 3 – The Finale

    After our relaxing meal, crisscrossing back to Super Mario, we made our way out of Donkey Kong Country and into the Mushroom Kingdom. Our destination was Mario Kart Racing. This game is a favorite for both of us, and we are equally competitive against the AI and each other. We decided to use our Express Pass here to cut down on the wait.

    The inside of the ride and queue were excellent, full of detail and excitement. But the ride itself was a disappointment. The augmented reality glasses are a neat feature, but they do not succeed at immersing you in the race. The speed is painfully slow, one of the slowest in the park, and no amount of screens or AR could make up for that. I never felt like we were really moving or racing anyone.

    I had been excited about the idea of collecting power-ups, but the ride just gave you an endless supply of turtle shells. I ended up spamming them into nothing. Halfway through I lost interest and just casually tossed shells and spun the wheel without caring much. The whole thing felt more like a Disney water ride than a Universal attraction, which is the opposite of what Universal usually delivers.

    Our last stop in Mushroom Kingdom was Yoshi’s Ride, which was a big nothing. It is basically a slow loop around the area for younger kids. The highlight is seeing the land from above, but otherwise it is simple and forgettable. The colored eggs on my kart did not add much, and I kept wishing they had included some interior cut scenes or more surprises. For me, this ride needs a serious boost. I had expected Mario Kart to be the standout, but the real champ of the day was still the Mine Karts.

    From there we returned to the How to Train Your Dragon region for some nighttime rides, the Wing Gliders and the Pyre Fire Boats. The water ride was actually kind of fun. It reminded me of a half-dream memory of combining American Gladiators with a water ride, blasting other boats with water cannons. The real joy was soaking other riders and watching them get frazzled, heated, and then burst out laughing. To be fair, those spinning wooden wheels that turn when you soak them did feel like a last-minute idea that somehow made it through management.

    As the sun set, we strolled back through all the lands again, starting with the Ministry of Magic in Paris. This time we slowed down, really taking in the details, the atmosphere, and of course another butterbeer. We ended up back in Darkmoor for our third and final ride of the day on our favorite attraction, Monsters Unchained.

    The last ride of the night was the Constellation Carousel, glowing under the stars. It was a calm and fitting end to an epic day. I did not ride, it was enough for me to watch my son circle slowly under the stars, completing his list of every ride in the park. Meanwhile, I was still recovering from my final, bruising ride on the Stardust Racers. 

    I try hard to record these memories deeply in my mind, carving grooves that last a lifetime. This was one of those adventures that will last. I am so blessed, lucky, and grateful for this time together. It is a fleeting window, the teenage years before driving at sixteen, those rare years when everything still feels possible before responsibility takes over.   By the time we walked out, the park was quiet and glowing. We had conquered kingdoms, battled monsters, raced through galaxies, and sailed dragon skies. It felt like the closing of an epic quest, one that will always live in our story.

  • Epic Universe Part 2 – The Middle

    Epic Universe Part 2 – The Middle

    Stepping out of the warp pipe into the Mushroom Kingdom, the day truly began to level up. What had started as a long stretch of lines and heat was suddenly transformed into something electric. The colors, sounds, and movement around us made it feel like we had stepped into the game itself. For us, this wasn’t just another attraction—it was personal. Video game collecting has been part of our bond since the beginning, starting with an original NES we bought on eBay with Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt.

    The layout felt like a labyrinth, but I didn’t have to worry about directions. My son was a professional guide, already familiar with every turn from months of watching videos.

    The Donkey Kong Mine Cart had a posted wait time of 45 minutes, with the line stretching back to the entrance. The single-rider line looked empty, so we made the executive call to try it. Our thinking was that we’d knock out two of the three non–Express Pass rides early. It turned out to be a mistake. Because the vehicles seat two, single riders only get pulled in when there’s an odd-numbered party. We ended up waiting just over 45 minutes. The worst part was the animatronic Cranky Kong repeating the same line for the entire time: “Noisy Nincompoops.” By the end, that phrase was burned into my brain.

    I wasn’t expecting much from Donkey Kong, but it surprised me. Looking down, the track makes no sense, which makes the ride fun and exhilarating. It’s a mid-level coaster with plenty of flair, and when we got off, we both laughed and said the same thing: that was way better than expected.

    Leaving the Mushroom Kingdom behind, we entered the Monster area, Dark Universe. It was midday and the sun was blazing, but the land still pulled us in with swirling mist and eerie details at every turn.

    We went straight to Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. The first time we used our Express Pass, but we came back twice more to ride it again in the regular line. This was our ride, our jam, and in our opinion the best ride in the park. From the queue to the artwork and music, the immersion is on another level. I thought the IP might feel tired, but Universal gave it real respect and delivered for both longtime fans and first-timers. The ride is continuous like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, so the line moves quickly. Once inside, it’s pure brilliance. The graphics set a new standard, and the animatronics even surpass Disney. It’s an absolute triumph.

    After that, we saved Curse of the Werewolf for later. It’s a fine little coaster, but short. I usually get dizzy with spinning, but this one was more than manageable.

    Next was Stardust Racers, Universal’s homage to the legendary Dueling Dragons. I’d always regretted missing it, so this felt like redemption. Two coasters race side by side, dipping and weaving with breathtaking speed. We rode the right side first, then came back at night for the left. Both were incredible, but racing under the lights at night was unforgettable.

    From there we went to How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk. By then we were hungry. We passed on the famous Mac and Cheese Cones at Spit Fyre Grill—the heat made them less appealing—and went for bowls instead. My son had Stoick’s Steak Bowl and I had Valka’s Vegan Bowl. Both were tasty and surprisingly good for quick service.

    By about 4:30 or 5 p.m., we had completed nearly every ride. Ready for another meal and a break, we ducked into the Oak and Star Tavern. We found a cozy booth for two, ordered slow-smoked brisket and BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, and enjoyed the air conditioning. The food hit the spot, but the real gift was sitting down and catching our breath.

    I was fading, but my son stayed strong. I asked if finishing everything meant we could leave a little early. He just said NO. That settled it—we were staying to see the park in all its glory, both day and night.

  • Epic Universe Part 1 – The Beginning

    Epic Universe Part 1 – The Beginning

    This was the main point of the trip, a 14-day pass with just one day reserved for Epic Universe. My son had been preparing for this since the moment he found out we were going, watching an endless stream of YouTube videos from creators who make it their job to share every detail of how to do the park right.

    We were told Wednesday was the best day to go. It turned out to be one of the busiest. I’m convinced it was because everyone else was watching the same recommendations. Later we learned it was also the last day of summer break for Florida kids, which explained a lot.

    We woke at 7:00 a.m., almost like a travel day. The night before, we had booked a car service for the short 2.8-mile ride to the park, which cost $25 with tip. That expense was nothing compared to the $500 I had spent on Express Passes. These allowed us to skip the line once on 8 of the 11 attractions. If we hadn’t used them, I could have asked for a refund, but I knew better. My son knew better too, teasing me that there was no chance I’d ever stand in a line that long.

    We were dressed and ready and arrived at 8:15 a.m. to join the initial line before the 9:00 opening. My son wanted us there early so we could hit the rides quickly once inside. He was right. This would be a day of lines. One kid later humorously muttered, “Epic Universe, more like Epic Lines.” By 8:20 we were already waiting in the sun, that relentless Florida sun that hunts you down. At 8:30 I was sweating and I knew this was going to be a long one. The day would stretch into 14 hours.

    The staff did a good job raising spirits with countdowns and encouragement. When the security gates opened, we were moved forward but then held again at the ticket checkpoints. Eventually we were corralled into two groups, each pointed toward one side of the park. Our target was the Harry Potter Ministry of Magic ride, the new flagship attraction. This was the crème de la crème, the Cadillac of rides for the park. From watching the app, we knew it was always going to have a long wait and that it broke down often, so it had to be first.

    My son, quick and athletic, made his way halfway up in the pack while I was the big old lumbering dad on the side, trying to keep pace with families and kids sprinting forward. By the time we reached the Ministry, I was several rows behind. Thankfully, he gave up his hard-earned position and waited for me so we could continue together. Once inside, we were funneled into yet another queue, the last one before the ride itself.

    The silver lining was that we were in a good position and the sweet AC gave us relief. By then it was 9:15 a.m. and the ride wouldn’t open until 10:00. It felt like waiting in several lines just to avoid waiting in line. Still, the atmosphere carried that first-day-of-school energy. Everyone was buzzing, and the excitement was contagious. We sat, walked, and waited with our new-found line friends eagerly anticipating and taking in all the queue aesthetics we could handle.

    At 10:05 we were finally on the ride. It was incredible, as most Universal rides are, but it wasn’t quite the earth-shattering experience the hype had led us to expect. We both felt like there should have been more—bigger thrills, something novel, an unexpected twist to earn all that buzz. Unfazed and happy to check off the big ride we joyfully continued onward, not knowing that wow moment would come later with another ride.

    After leaving the Ministry, we walked through the Parisian area. The whole park was stunning, with every section and portal pulling you into its own fantasy setting. When you look up, you see the buildings towering, layered with detail. Every corner seemed to hold hidden Easter eggs, honoring the original material while letting the designers and engineers leave their own mark.

    Our next destination was one of the most anticipated rides of the day. The Super Mario portal was something special for us. Video game collecting has been part of our bond since the beginning of our adventures together, so this was more than just another attraction. Watching my son step into that warp pipe and emerge in the Mushroom Kingdom was a moment I’ll never forget. Suddenly, we were surrounded by the best pieces of Super Mario Brothers brought to life.

    This is where Part Two of our day begins, and where things really started to warp to the next level.

  • Restaurant Review: Mythos – Universal Studios Islands of Adventure

    Restaurant Review: Mythos – Universal Studios Islands of Adventure

    Mythos claims the title of “Best Theme Park Restaurant in the World,” a banner proudly draped across the carved stone mountain that houses its massive Greek god heads. A beautifully cascading waterfall guards the magic inside, and honestly, I don’t disagree. Mythos isn’t just good for a theme park restaurant; it’s one of my favorite dining experiences anywhere. For me, it’s the pimpest, flyest, hardcore, gangsta-ass theme park restaurant in da world to paraphrase Ice T.

    Right away, approaching the entrance, you’re impressed by the immersive theming. It feels like they almost built a ride inside but decided to take a lunch break instead and then just kept serving food. The Lost Continent region of Islands of Adventure, steeped in Greek mythology and ancient lore, has always been one of my favorite places in the park. The architecture, the stories, the atmosphere all hit the nostalgia nerve for me.

    On this trip, we ate at Mythos four times and were happy every single time. My son mixed it up with his entrées, but I stayed loyal to mine and each time, I was just as excited to order it. In August, the Florida heat is brutal (who knew), but Mythos keeps it icy cold inside. Some reviewers online actually dock points for this, claiming the restaurant is too cold. To those critics, I say: may Poseidon sink your next cruise and drag you to the depths with the Kraken himself.

    The interior matches the grandeur of the exterior. Stone-carved walls, twisting paths, soaring ceilings. There are no bad seats. We have sat in the middle, by the water, near the entrance. All were good. The middle section with its expansive view and carved details is my favorite.

    This trip we scored a center booth next to the forever-spouting fish fountain. In the past, our favorite server was Madison, though this time we did not link up. Still, every server we had was fantastic. Eric, Ewa, Javiar, Amy. Mythos must be slipping ambrosia into the staff drinks, because everyone was consistently friendly, positive, and fun.

    Starters

    We went adventurous and tried almost all the appetizers: Mediterranean Lamb Flatbread, Mezze Platter, Lamb Hummus, and Spanakopita Dip. All were very good, leaning heavily on pita variations. My son and I turned it into a game, could we spread the dip in perfect ratio to match the bread. A true challenge. I am happy to say we were damn near perfect all trip. Two pimps spreading that creamy dip across each sexy slice of pita like two Greek lamb herders walking into a disco bazaar.

    Entrées

    My son rotated between the Beef Loin Medallions and the Pad Thai (Little Spice). Both are consistent winners. The medallions cooked medium-rare with a red wine reduction are a family favorite. The Pad Thai holds up too, especially considering we have some excellent Thai spots back in Connecticut. It is not a novelty, it is genuinely good.

    My go-to was the Souvlaki Couscous Bowl with pan-seared tofu. This dish is a gem: za’atar spiced couscous, cucumbers, marinated artichokes, Kalamata olives, chickpeas, feta, tzatziki, tahini. All perfectly balanced. Add a little Sriracha on the side and it is complete. On vacation, it is rare to find something this healthy and satisfying. Mythos delivers the goods.

    Dessert

    We only had room once, but we tried the Cinnamon Bread Pudding with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. The cinnamon cuts the sweetness just enough that I convinced myself it was practically a health food, like eating celery. The warm bread pudding with the cold ice cream and caramel drizzle is a solid contender against the Bread Pudding from Disney’s Polynesian Ohana Dinner, which is one of our favorites.

    Final Verdict: 9.45/10
    If the Greek gods took a vacation, this is where they would eat. Mythos delivers atmosphere, service, and food that rise above theme park dining and land somewhere closer to Olympus.