Visit Orlando Blog

Farris and Foster’s Opens a New Location in Orlando

Somewhere out there, a chocoholic's dream is coming true as the doors to another Farris and Foster's Chocolate Factory open in Orlando. With rows upon rows of homemade truffles, peanut butter cups and chocolate-covered delights, this locally owned venue will lead you to believe that life truly gets better with just one dollop of pure chocolately goodness.

Earlier this year, Farris and Foster's extended its sweet shop to the Waterford Lakes area (in East Orlando), opening its second store in Orlando (the other location is in quaint Baldwin Park). In addition to making their own fresh chocolates, the factory offers gourmet chocolates from around the world and hosts chocolate parties.

Yes, chocolate parties. From birthday parties to date nights, you can also become a chocolatier for a night and create your own creamy milk, dark and white chocolate wonders. Dunk, drizzle or daringly fill your creations with a variety of fresh ingredients in one family-friendly (and delicious) environment.

For more information about Farris and Foster's and its irresistible offerings, visit farrisandfosters.com. Stay tuned for another store opening in the Dr. Phillips area later this spring.

SeaWorld Orlando Debuts New Shamu Show

At the end of April, SeaWorld's guests and underwater animals will unite as one during the newest show to Shamu Stadium, "One Ocean."

This high-energy show will feature multiple killer whales performing powerful leaps and new interactions among soaring fountains, vivid underwater imagery and mesmerizing special effects. Acting as "ambassadors of the sea," these majestic creatures show guests that we are all part of one world, with one ocean, and its future is in our hands to cherish and protect.

Billed as a show with immersive energy and compelling message, "One Ocean" seeks to encourage guests to make a difference in the world that we share even after they return home. 

For more information about the show and its development, visit SeaWorld.com/OneOcean. Photo courtesy of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

Best of Orlando Apps

With so much to do in the City Beautiful, maximizing your time is as crucial as it is tricky.

Worry no more because Orlando has an app - or five - for that. With the helpful apps below, discover what it's like to have a personal tour guide in the palm of your hands.

Disney Mobile Magic
What it does: Uses the GPS in your phone to locate character appearances, attractions, restaurants and shows. It also checks wait and FASTPASS return times.
Why you'll want it: Created by Disney, this is the most trustworthy app for Disney Parks and features an interactive trivia game for entertainment while waiting in ride lines. 
Availability: $1.99 for Verizon

Orlando Essential Guide
What it does: Delivers nearly 200 detailed entries and 1,500 images
of Orlando's must-see places and hidden gems.
Why you'll want it: The app's creator, Timothy O'Keefe, is a long-time Orlando resident who knows the city well and provides frequent updates for the latest Orlando developments.
Availability: $2.99 for Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch
  
Orlando Restaurants
What it does: Provides a mobile guide to more than 250 restaurants in Central Florida.
Why you'll want it: The advice from Scott Joseph, a local restaurant critic for more than 20 years, gives an insider's look at Orlando's must-visit dining establishments. 
Availability: Free for Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch

parkIN'
What it does: Offers detailed information for downtown Orlando parking garages, including hours of operation, price and number of spots available.
Why you'll want it: With new additions to the downtown area like the Amway Center, this app will help you find the nearest (or cheapest!) downtown garage so you don't miss a minute of the big game.
Availability: Free for Apple, Android devices; coming soon for Blackberry

Universal Guide
What it does: Gives you access to in-depth attraction and facilities information for both Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure.
Why you'll want it: Set up alerts to notify you when a ride's wait time goes below a specific time making it easier for you to get the most out of your day at the parks.
Availability: $1.99 for Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch

For more information about Orlando apps, check out our Orlando App Store.

Presidents Day Sales in Orlando

It's George Washington's birthday and Orlando shopping malls and outlets are ready to celebrate with Presidents Day sales lasting all weekend. From Feb. 18-21, Orlando Premium Outlets, with two locations on International Drive and Vineland Avenue, is extending store hours to ensure plenty of sale-shopping time at its combined 300 popular stores. In addition, the outlets are featuring store sales at Kenneth Cole, TAG Heuer, Banana Republic and Converse, just to name a few.

The Mall at Millenia and The Florida Mall stores are also offering "must-shop" sales this weekend. At the GAP, you can save 44 percent off 44 different styles. And at Festival Bay Mall, located on International Drive, save some extra cash at stores like Bass Pro Shop where you can get up to 50 percent off fishing, camping and hunting gear, men and ladies' clothing, and home décor.

Editor's Tip: To get additional savings this Presidents Day, log onto premiumoutlets.com/vip and sign up for the VIP Shopper Club. The club is free to join and offers exclusive savings and discounts.   

Arnold Palmer Rocks GQ Cover and Golf Invitational March 21-27

Orlando's Arnold Palmer coolly graces the cover of GQ Magazine for the February 2011 special issue of "The 25 Coolest Athletes of All Time." One of nine cover options, Palmer joins the likes of Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan and Joe Namath.

The Orlando resident has been a fixture on the golf scene in Orlando for many years. In fact, the golf legend oversees and directs the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard at Bay Hill, one of the crown jewels on the PGA Tour. The 33rd Arnold Palmer Invitational is set for March 21-27 where reigning champion and two-time winner, Ernie Els, will look to defend his title.

For more information on the invitational or to purchase tickets, go to arnoldpalmerinvitational.com. And if you go, up your "cool" factor by ordering the "Arnold Palmer Tee." It probably won't get you to GQ status, but it will cool you off!

Universal’s Mardi Gras

What do you get when you combine top-name music acts, authentic Cajun cuisine, thousands of beads and a colorful parade straight from The Big Easy? The biggest Mardi Gras celebration outside New Orleans at Universal Orlando Resort!

Universal Studios Florida will transport you to Bourbon Street on Saturdays and select nights Feb. 12 - April 23. Stroll through the French Quarter Courtyard while some of New Orleans best performers get you grooving to the Zydeco beat. Or simply kick-back and let the music set the stage for a culinary journey to The Big Easy filled with Cajun and Creole specialties.

When the sun goes down, the party is just getting started when some of the biggest names in rock, country, pop and R&B take the stage at Universal Studios' new Music Plaza. This year's performers include Pitbull, who will perform songs from his hit album, "Rebelution," rock legend Lynyrd Skynyrd, pop sensation Neon Trees and country-super-star Blake Shelton.

Top off the night with a rocking Mardi Gras parade complete with elaborate, hand-crafted floats designed and built by Blaine Kern Artists - the same company that creates floats for the New Orleans Mardi Gras. Best of all? The excitement of Mardi Gras is included in your regular admission to Universal Studios Florida.

Visit universalorlando.com/mardigras for a full list of performers and more details.

Free Events During Orlando's Annual ArtsFest

Enjoy a sample of Orlando's arts and culture offerings for free during ArtsFest. This annual arts and culture celebration includes 220 events in 81 venues throughout Central Florida.

From theatrical performances and ballets to art galleries and museums, ArtsFest provides something for all ages. Much anticipated events this year include "Battle of the Sexes II" performed by Orlando Ballet Feb. 12 and "Riff," a new show for adult audiences by the performing arts group, DRIP, Feb. 9-10.

There are also plenty of interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy like The Wondermaker's "Story Soup!" improv event Feb. 6. and Cup O' Pottery Studio's "ArTEAsy Teapot" ceramic design events Feb. 12 from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For a complete list of events, visit ArtsFestFL.com or check out this video from United Arts to learn more:

Valentine's Day in Orlando 2011

Love is in the air in Orlando - and you and your sweetheart can be too! Take-off on an Orlando Air Tour private plane ride and enjoy breathtaking views of the theme parks that will have you seeing fireworks... literally. Add on the "romantic package" for a candlelit table set up on the runway for $85 per couple.

Or, savor the evening - on the ground - with dinner and a show at Orlando Improv Comedy Club & Dinner Theatre. Their Valentine's Day package includes admission for two to see Mark Cordes, "The Spouse Whisperer," champagne, strawberries and chocolate for $40 per couple. Or check out a dinner and a show package through Orlando Arts Getaways with tickets to "Battle of the Sexes" by the Orlando Ballet, along with dinner at Citrus Restaurant for $130 per couple.

For those couples looking to escape, Orlando resorts offer inclusive Valentine's Day packages to warm your heart and cool down the spending. Caribe Royale's Valentine's weekend package includes suite or villa accommodations, a nightly food and beverage credit, champagne and a late check-out. The package price ranges from $178.99-$262.00 per night.

With so many Valentine's Day options, you're sure to find "the one" right here in Orlando!