Yesterday's post about Universal Orlando theme parks is just part of the big, big picture that is Christmas in Orlando, the world's preeminent family vacation spot.

The Disney World theme parks go all out, with the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Holidays Around the World, Candlelight Processional performances, Christmastime Parade -- to name just a few highlights of Disney Christmas.

And as with Universal Orlando's Macy's Parade and Grinchmas show, all this fun is included in the regular park admission price. You do need to pay extra (and book early) for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, though. (And you'll get to ride the attractions without crowds.)

Meanwhile, the Gaylord Palm's Resort has carved out a niche for itself with ICE! , an indoor winter wonderland with ice slides and ice sculptures.

More about Orlando Christmas.

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Once again, Universal Orlando jumpstarts its holiday celebrations with a live concert by popular entertainers Mannheim Steamroller, free with general admission-- as is "Grinchmas" in Seuss Landing, with holiday musical show, and daily Macy's Holiday Parade in the Universal Studios theme park. Two more Mannheim Steamroller concerts are scheduled in December, too. Read more...

Any traveling family knows that feeding kids in restaurants gets expensive, so we're grateful for web sites about places where kids eat free. (Of course, there's some fine print with these "Kids Eat Free" deals: typically, kids must order from a special kids' menu, and be accompanied by an adult who's ordering a regular-priced meal.)

And for extra convenience, now you can find your "Kids Eat Free" restaurant on the fly: as an iPhone app. The KidsEatFor.com site will tell you where kids eat free -- or at a reduced price-- in a particular location; the site also offers an application for iPhone or iTouch, available at the iTunes App Store for a couple of bucks.

Looks nifty. (If you've tried it, post a comment below.)

more about Kids Eat Free deals  | more free things to do with kids

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This legendary resort has a December Special, with four nights for the price of three, $200 meal credit, and kids under 12 stay and eat free.

Atlantis Bahamas -- in case you didn't know-- is a one-of-kind destination with shark lagoons, jaw-dropping waterslides, river float, large kiddie pool area, kids' waterplay zone, subterranean giant aquariums with Atlantis theme, Discovery Kids Camp-- not to mention spa, dining, casino, Marina Village with shops and restaurants...

More Family Travel Deals  | Atlantis Bahamas Resort  | photos of Atlantis Bahamas