About Orlando

Florida Weather & Traffic Webcams

2009-12-28T08:16:10Z

Planning a trip within Florida... heading out to the beach... or just driving downtown?

Before you leave your house or office, check out the over 100 web cams that are listed for the state of Florida. Central Florida webcams show traffic on I-4, the UCF campus and Volusia County beach conditions.

...Just Curious? Then check these webcams out:

Sloppy Joe's Bar in Key West
Universal Studios Orlando
Biscayne Bay in Miami Beach

Florida Weather & Traffic Webcams originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Monday, December 28th, 2009 at 08:16:10.

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Mega After Christmas Sales

2009-12-25T20:24:34Z

This year, most retailers have been running sales continuously since Thanksgiving . Rather than have an abundance of unsold merchandise on the shelves, stores reduced Christmas related items extra early. While doing a little shopping last week, I noticed that almost every store I visited was already offering 50% off holiday items and most were completely sold out.

So, will there still be mega after Christmas sales this year? You better believe it! One of the largest shopping destinations in the area, Orlando Premium Outlets will be getting an early jump on after Christmas savings by opening their doors at 7 am on December 26, 2009. Several of the mall's 150 stores are offering store-wide discounts and most others are putting hefty discounts on clearance merchandise.

Are you an after-Christmas shopper? Where do you find the best buys? What types of items do you shop for? Share your comments below.

More: Orlando area Malls and Shopping Areas.

^{Photo � Chelsea Premium Outlets}

Mega After Christmas Sales originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Friday, December 25th, 2009 at 20:24:34.

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Visit Santa and his Elves for a Round of Miniature Golf

2009-12-23T08:03:09Z

A Christmas adventure that lasts all year round. Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course was created by Santa's elves - two distinctly different 18-hole golf experiences. Santa and the elves in summer attire enjoying warm Orlando temperatures and a wintery themed North Pole destination. A great family outing, located near Disney's Boardwalk.

More: Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course

Visit Santa and his Elves for a Round of Miniature Golf originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 at 08:03:09.

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Comedy Where? House Returns

2009-12-22T14:28:35Z

With a modified name (slightly) and a different location (extremely), the cast from Pleasure Island's Comedy Warehouse will be performing their popular improv show at none other than the Parliament House in Orlando. Only two more shows are scheduled: December 27, 2009 and January 03, 2010. I saw the show last Sunday and was once again amazed at the wit and talent of this group of entertainers.

Before PI closed in September, the Comedy Warehouse filled the seats with four shows nightly. Using pretty much the same format as before, with audience participation and suggestions, the show is based on improvisational comedy. It's never the same show twice. An assortment of fast-paced skits performed by a 5 member cast with the very talented Carol Stein on the keyboard, fill the 75 minute show with intelligent humor, based on wit rather than cheap vulgarity.

Order tickets on-line at Theater Events.

Comedy Where? House Returns originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 14:28:35.

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Ring in the New Year at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando

2009-12-19T08:37:15Z

Enjoy late nights at Disney's MGM Studios, the Magic Kingdom and Epcot this New Year's Eve. Party at the parks with parades, fireworks and many special New Year's Eve activities for the whole family.

CityWalk at Universal Orlando is host to The Temptations and The Four Tops. There will be street parties, music on the main stage as well as specials at the individual clubs all for one admission price.

Both Universal Theme Parks will be open later on New Year's Eve this year. Islands of Adventure until 10 p.m. and Universal Studios until 1 a.m.

More: New Year's Eve Parties for Adults, Family friendly New Year's Eve Celebrations.

^{Photo � WDW}

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Ring in the New Year at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Saturday, December 19th, 2009 at 08:37:15.

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All About Baking and Cocktails for the Holidays

2009-12-17T01:00:32Z

Cakes, Cookies and Other Treats
About's Desserts and Baking, Carroll Pellegrinelli offers a variety of recipes for the holiday season.

Traditional Holiday Drinks
Entertaining for the holidays? Here is what you need to prepare some tradtional holiday cheer from About's Cocktails guide, Colleen Graham.

^{Photo � www.CocktailTimes.com}

All About Baking and Cocktails for the Holidays originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 at 01:00:32.

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Ways to Save on Holiday Gifts

2009-12-15T08:40:55Z

It seems that everyone is looking for ways to cut back a little this holiday season, while still being able to give a nice gift to friends and family.

Until Christmas, I am going to keep an on-going list of places in Orlando that are offering special deals on holiday gift cards. Several of these are for gift cards that can be purchased at a reduced price and others are offering a bonus certificate with gift card purchases.

These special deals are from emails that I receive, newspaper ads and mail coupons. What has been your experience with this type of gift? Do you have any special deals to recommend? Share your comments below.

Ways to Save on Holiday Gifts originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 at 08:40:55.

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Postmark: Christmas, Florida

2009-12-13T08:30:26Z

Yes, Virginia, there really is a Christmas, Florida. Florida may not see much snow, but the small post office near the historical Fort Christmas sees plenty of activity this time of year. People come from miles around to have their Christmas cards postmarked "Christmas, Florida!" If you go, expect to wait in longer-than-usual lines for what has become a holiday tradition for many.

Postmark: Christmas, Florida originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Sunday, December 13th, 2009 at 08:30:26.

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Finding That Special Gift

2009-12-11T08:08:02Z

Need a unique gift for that special someone? Here are a few ideas on where to shop in the Orlando area for this holiday season.

Find the closest shopping mall complete with store phone numbers, holiday hours and mall specials. Visit Orlando Mall and Shopping Area web sites to purchase gift certificates on-line, find out where Santa will be or print out mall coupons.

More: Orlando Gift Giving Guide

Where do you like to shop? Post your comments below.

Finding That Special Gift originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Friday, December 11th, 2009 at 08:08:02.

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SeaWorld Orlando � New Holiday Shows

2009-12-09T08:26:13Z

This holiday season, families and friends can celebrate the holidays like never before at SeaWorld Orlando. A holiday favorite, The Polar Express Experience treats guests to an exciting adventure to the North Pole aboard. Plus, enjoy three all-new shows:

Winter Wonderland on Ice, an ice-skating spectacular
Clyde and Seamore's Countdown to Christmas, a holiday-themed comedy
A Sesame Street Christmas, even the little ones can celebrate the spirit of the season with Elmo, Big Bird and other Sesame Street friends

This is a great time of the year to visit SeaWorld Orlando.� In addition to the Florida Resident Fun Card which if purchased now, can be used till the end of 2010, Military members can still take advantage of SeaWorld's "Here's to the Heroes" free admission.

^{Photo � SeaWorld Orlando}

SeaWorld Orlando � New Holiday Shows originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 at 08:26:13.

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