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Guide to Orlando, USA (Florida)
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Orlando
Orlando is the chief amusement park centre of the world, with Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and more. The city itself doesnt have many major attractions, but is still one of the top destinations for overseas travellers. Most people visit Orlando for the theme parks, but there are interesting things to do and see if that isnt your thing.
How To Get There
Orlando International Airport receives flights from domestic and international locations. The airport is the largest in the state and boasts speedy service, great shops, and lots of restaurants. A few hotels within the city offer free shuttle service for customers, but if yours doesnt, there are buses which leave for downtown (one route is free), and car rental companies.
Travelling Around
Getting around Orlando is a breeze. It is a fairly laid back city so you wont be caught in gridlock unless its rush hour, in which case you might experience a bit of bumper-to-bumper traffic. Renting a car is a good idea especially if you plan on going further afield. Be warned that traffic around Disney World can get manic.
When To Go
Orlando enjoys temperate weather year-round. We recommend avoiding school holidays if you dont have children as it can get very busy. Autumn is a good time to visit Orlando. The crowds are noticeably thinner, prices drop after their high-summer peaks, but everything is still open and running.
What To See
Disney World is Orlandos biggest attraction - in fact, its the biggest attraction in the south-eastern USA. Its made up of four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and the Animal Kingdom. The park is completely self-sustaining. With restaurants, shopping districts, a police force, transportation system, medical centres, and more than 20 hotels - its a city of its own. Other popular theme parks are SeaWorld and Universal Studios.
If youre all Disneyed out, take some time to explore Orlandos other attractions. Downtown youll find the Orlando Museum of Art and the Science Center which has a great working exhibit of the laws of physics known as the Tunnel of Discovery.
Orlando is famous for golf courses, and has lots of golf resorts with sporting facilities.
Hotspot
You dont have to be a horticultural expert to enjoy the Harry P. Leu Gardens. With nearly fifty acres of landscaped gardens and lakes, these public gardens are perfect for a day trip.
The Gardens were founded by Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Leu, who bought Leu House and grounds in 1936. The couple travelled all over the world and brought back all sorts of exotic plants including 240 varieties of camellias. The house and gardens were opened to the public in 1961.
Highlights are the Palm Garden, Tropical Steam Garden and Arid Garden where plants can be seen in their natural habitat. The butterfly garden is especially popular with children.
Admission is very reasonable - $5 for adults an $1 for children. Monday mornings are free.
Night Life
Downtown Orlando has a great selection of clubs and bars. The music scene is thriving (the pop group Creed hail from here) and local theatre and dance is worth a look. See the Orlando Night Guide for up-to-date listings.
fast facts
- Orlando is the fourth most popular US destination for overseas visitors after Miami, L.A. and New York City
- Orlando has almost 500 hotels and 113,000 guestrooms
- It is the county seat of Orange County, Florida
Quick History
Orlando started life as a small cattle post when central Florida thrived on cow raising. The South Florida Railroad extended its line to Orlando in 1880, allowing the citrus fruit industry to develop. By the mid-1920s it was a thriving city with a population of over 10,000. The land boom of the Roaring Twenties changed the look of the city, and tourism started to grow. Orlando played a part in World War II when air bases were established along with a Navy training centre. The original defense company Lockheed Martin relocated to Orlando in 1956, making it a technological power house.
It was the arrival of Disney that secured Orlandos success. Each year Disney World receives more visitors than the population of California making Orlando the number one tourist destination in the world.
Money
There are around two US dollars to the pound. Up-to-date exchange rates can be found here.
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