Theresa's Orlando Blog

Looking for something to do for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend? Celebrate the holiday with the City of Sanford as they host their annual Memorial Day Parade.

Having a little get together at home? How about firing up the backyard grill and trying some of Derrick Riches, About's Guide to Barbecues & Grilling, mouthwatering recipes. If it gets too hot outside, cool off with a refreshing Summertime Martini.

More suggestions on how to spend Memorial Day this year.

What a great way to start a week! On Monday, May 19, 2008, the Maitland Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating their 11th annual Taste of Maitland from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. The event featuring food, drink and music will be held at beautiful Lake Lily Park.

Be sure to get there early, the chamber expects between 1500 - 2000 people to attend. This family friendly event will feature 35 area vendors - everything from Krispy Kreme donuts to Steak & Ale. All this for $15 and only $12 if you order in advance. Special pricing for children. Call 407-644-0741 for more information.

More: Information on the city of Maitland

The Orlando Magic take their first win in game 3 in their series against the Detroit Pistons at home. The Magic entered the fourth quarter only up by 4 but ended the game 111-86. Detroit leads the best of seven series 2-1.

The Magic were able to capitalize on the injury of Pistons star point guard and team captain Chauncey Billups. Billups strained his right hamstring early in the first quarter and is questionable for game four. The excellent shooting of forward Rashard Lewis also played a major factor in the Magic’s victory. Lewis scored a career play off high 33 points. Dwight Howard added on another 20 points and 12 rebounds to the Magic’s efforts.

Game four of the series will be on Saturday May 10th, at the Amway Arena in Orlando. In game 5 the series will return to Detroit so game 4 will be a crucial win for the Magic if they plan on extending the series and advancing to the next round.

Commentary by Chris Johnston 5/7/08

Street of Dreams is the nation’s premier luxury home show, where attendees can view upcoming trends in interior and home design.

The 2008 Orlando Street of Dreams at Lake Club in Lake Mary, Florida will feature three ultra - luxury homes. It will be one of the most impressive and most expensive collections of show homes ever included in Street of Dreams – with an square footage ranging from 10,000 to 17,000 and homes priced over $9 million.

The event starts May 10 and runs through June 22, 2008.

Orlando offers more than just resorts and theme parks! Every May since 1991 the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival has provided cutting-edge, genuine theatre and entertainment that is guaranteed to be everything from the unimaginable to the unforgettable.

100% unjuried, 100% uncensored, 100% accessible for artists and audiences alike, 100% of ticket sales given back to the artists. This year's festival runs starts May 15, 2008 and continues for 12 days until May 26th.

Looking for some free entertainment for the kids? This year the Orlando Fringe Festival has included a new feature - Kids Fringe. This free, kid friendly event will be held on the festival weekends from 10 am to 4 pm.

Have a favorite show? Share your experience in the comments below.

Looking for a special way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year? Preview my list of 10 ways to show your mom how special she is – everything from local museums with free admission for mom to Orlando area shows and theater productions.

More Ideas:

Starting Mother’s Day, B.B. King’s Blues Club will be featuring a live music Sunday Brunch.

Check out the Orlando Cabaret Festival’s afternoon performance of 1931’s It Was a Very Good Year.

Here are a few opportunities to save a buck or two during the month of May.

• Orlando Restaurant Week – Prix Fixe menu specials at area restaurants.
• La Nouba – Florida Residents save 20% till June 28, 2008.
• SeaWorld’s Fun Card – Pay for a day and come back all year.
• Area museums offer free admission on certain days during the month.
• Free admission for Mom’s on Mother’s Day.

Raise your Margarita and make a toast to Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo. On May 5, 1861, Mexico had a major victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla. Celebrate the day by enjoying a Mexican feast at one of the Orlando area's popular Mexican Restaurants.

Having a party at home? Try some of the authentic, spicy recipes from Mexican Food Guide, Chelsie Kenyon and Home Cooking Guide, Peggy Filippone.

Colleen Graham, About's guide to Cocktails gives a lesson on the history of Tequila and recipes for the perfect Margarita.

Until June 28, 2008, Florida Residents can take advantage of tremendous savings on this amazing Cirque du Soleil Show at Downtown Disney's West Side. For those who have heard about the daring feats and artistry of La Nouba, this is the prime opportunity to experience what the rest of Orlando has been talking about - at a 20% discount.

• Photo's from La Nouba
• La Nouba
• Cirque du Soleil
• Downtown Disney

^{Photo © wdw}

Ever been told you look like a Disney character? Hopefully it was Prince Charming and not Pluto! Well now is your opportunity to cash in on that look! On April 30, 2008 Disney is having an open casting call in Orlando for Character look-a-likes to work at Hong Kong Disneyland. Looking for something a little closer to home? Disney will also have casting calls throughout May for parade performers, singers and actors.

With 3,000 different job roles at the Disney Resorts, there is sure to be something of interest for just about everyone - from college students receiving real-world experience to lifeguards at Castaway Cay.
More: How to Find a Job at Disney
^{Photo © T Johnston}

Ever worked at Disney? Share your experience in the comments below.