Let the Good Times Roll
Every spring in our April issue, we love to take a tour of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and the rest of the amazing amusement parks and attractions that make Central Florida one of the entertainment capitals of the world to shine a light on the latest rides, exhibits and events coming to each one in the months ahead. Following the unprecedented closures and changed park... Read More
Prime Performer
From life on Broadway to her iconic performance as the voice of Elsa in Frozen, Idina Menzel has always looked for the next challenge in her career and the multi-talented performer has checked off plenty of boxes along the way. After bursting onto the scene as Maureen in the original cast of Rent, Menzel has gone on to give several memorable stage performances, including a star... Read More
Top-notch Care for Our Furry Friends
Check out this year’s list of Central Florida’s Top Veterinarians. Read More Read More
Money Matters
The term “unprecedented times” has been thrown around often in reference to the COVID-19 pandemic. As it relates to the economic crisis that struck early last year as a result of the coronavirus, and which the United States continues to fight its way through, it is true that we are facing unique conditions. “It’s completely different because of the circumstances. We’ve... Read More
The Man of the Hour
Blake Shelton talks new music, The Voice, getting engaged during the pandemic and why the party never stops at his new Orlando restaurant. The pandemic may have brought the world around Blake Shelton to a screeching halt, but the country superstar and television personality has still found plenty of ways to occupy his time over the course of the past year. This month, he’s returning... Read More
Seizing the Moment
After the spring season was cut short last year due to the pandemic, these standout student-athletes from Central Florida are making the most of their opportunities in 2021. When the coronavirus pandemic first struck last year, one of the first casualties was the scholastic spring sports season. Instead of chasing championships or personal milestones, student-athletes were faced... Read More
Warm Welcome
While most NBA teams have not yet allowed fans back into their arenas, the Orlando Magic have rolled out the red carpet. Local residents are thrilled to be seeing live basketball again in a safe environment. Jan. 11, 2021 will not go down as a significant date in the history of the Orlando Magic. Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the visiting Milwaukee Bucks pinned a 121-99... Read More
Pandemic Academics
Whether learning in the classroom or online, students have faced a variety of obstacles caused by COVID-19. When Central Florida schools began to shut their doors last March due to COVID-19, many believed it was only for a matter of weeks. However, weeks turned into months and soon it became evident that the entire 2020-2021 school year would be altered altogether. Over the last... Read More
A Long Shot
While employers may encourage or incentivize vaccinations, they are unlikely to make them mandatory. As the COVID-19 vaccine rolls out to more people as they become eligible, many are wondering if the shot could become a requirement in the workplace, but the bigger question is: Should it? By law, employers are permitted to mandate a vaccine, and it’s common in professions where... Read More
Whole Hearted
Leslie Odom Jr. has learned many lessons along the way to starring in Hamilton, One Night in Miami and other heights he could never have imagined. The pandemic has had a major impact on so many industries, and the entertainment business certainly has seen its share of challenges. Yet, one could make the case that the past year has been quite good to Leslie Odom Jr., the multi-talented... Read More
Fully Focused
A star actress, successful entrepreneur and doting mother of three, Kate Hudson isn’t letting the world pass her by. Photo by Action Press In her various guises as movie star, retail entrepreneur and wellness advocate, Kate Hudson leads a very active life. She’s the kind of woman whose indomitable spirit is both empowering and engaging. Drawing on the life lessons handed... Read More
Tables with a View
Grabbing a seat outdoors at these restaurants makes for an enhanced dining experience. Central Florida’s favorable weather makes outdoor dining a year-round attraction, but the allure of al fresco dining has only grown during the pandemic as area foodies look to support their favorite eateries. Here we spotlight some of Greater Orlando’s top spots for enjoying a meal outdoors.... Read More
Awesome Attorneys 2021
Our annual list of the leading lawyers in Greater Orlando as chosen by their peers and our readers. The best attorneys not only know how to interpret the law, they know how to be assertive on their client’s behalf to deliver desired results time and time again. And whether that means dealing with divorce, helping plan an estate for loved ones, seeking rightful compensation or... Read More
Rendezvous for Two
Safe and romantic getaways to escape pandemic fatigue, all within a day’s drive. Are you in desperate need of a date night or long weekend away with your significant other? You’re not alone. Even though the pandemic has people spending more time together, they are not connecting. After a long day of remote work and virtual education, couples are emotionally exhausted, and being... Read More
Playing it Forward
At age 70, Steven Van Zandt continues to make a difference with his music, acting and activism. For the first 20 minutes of a lengthy interview, Steven Van Zandt, aka Little Steven, comes across as a very sweet and considerate man, willing to talk about a wide variety of subjects ranging from his music to his acting to his political causes. But then one question in particular sends... Read More
The Tin Man
After losing their young son to a congenital heart defect, one area family has kept his memory alive by creating a foundation to help others affected by the disease. Trey and Nicole Flynn’s lives were turned upside down in 2011 when they went for Nicole’s 20-week ultrasound. They walked into their appointment excited to find out the gender of their baby—it was a boy—but... Read More
2021 Year in Review
Orlando Family Magazine Year in Review Quotes “I’ve been very blessed to play some of the most iconic venues in the world and be on those stages. But the gratitude I have for Orlando for the quality of training and what I was able to do here, I couldn’t be prouder to be from the city.” Michael James Scott, Broadway star and Orlando native “I’ve had times where... Read More
Motivated by the Music
Decades after he took the world by storm and became a cultural icon, Paul McCartney is still having the time of his life. Just as the year 2020 has seen so many greats pass across to the other side, it does leave you to imagine the reaction that will follow when Paul McCartney leaves us. “I tend not to think about death too much,” he says, “but when you get to the age I am... Read More
Orlando Family Magazine: Year in Review 2020
Before we can fully close the books on 2020 and move on to what we hope are much brighter days ahead, we wanted to take our annual look back at the year that was. In the following pages you’ll read memorable quotes from our many celebrity interviews as well as find a comprehensive roundup of Central Florida’s top attorneys, dentists, doctors and realtors in addition to the best... Read More
Hope on the Horizon
As COVID-19 vaccines are beginning to be distributed in the United States, Central Floridians look towards 2021 with optimism. As we present Orlando Family Magazine’s annual look at what the new year will bring, the irony of making predictions is not lost on us. Yes, this time last year, we made some prognostications about 2020. At the time, we could have never foreseen the health... Read More
The Show Must Go On
Michael James Scott sang his way from Orlando to Broadway and he’s refused to let the pandemic close the curtain on his creativity. Like the rest of us, Michael James Scott’s year hasn’t gone exactly as planned. But for the acclaimed Broadway star, 2020 ended similarly to how it began; with him on stage performing in front of a live audience in his hometown of Orlando. “I... Read More
