About Orlando in Central Florida
Orlando and Central Florida is the Theme Park Capital of the World.
Located in the center of the Florida, Orlando is the vacation capital of the world, drawing over 43 million visitors each year to the theme parks, resorts, vacation rental homes and condos located here. Many of the worlds most popular tourist destinations are located here, taking advantage of the warm Florida weather and the miles of beaches located less than one hours drive from Orlando.
Accommodations
Orlando offers an exciting, fun and sun oriented getaway with a variety of condos, vacation homes, hotels, and resorts. Choose an accommodation near any of Orlando's local attractions that offers comfort while making the most of the theme parks and attractions at affordably priced rates.
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Activities
The Orlando area is home to a wide variety of attractions. The Walt Disney World resort is the area's largest attraction with the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Downtown Disney. SeaWorld Orlando is a large adventure park that features zoological displays and marine animals as well as an amusement park with roller coasters and water park, as well as the recently opened Discovery Cove. Universal Orlando is also a multi-faceted resort comprised of Universal Studios, CityWalk, and the Islands of Adventure theme park.
Events
The Annual Walt Disney World Marathon takes place the second week in January drawing approximately 16,000 runners for this rewarding 26.2-mile race through the scenic Disney World Resort area. There is also the slightly less demanding 13.1-mile Half Marathon, as well as a 5K Family Fun Run and various Kids’ Races.
For film fans, the 10-day Florida Film Festival is a showcase for the best in American independent and foreign films, narrative films, documentaries, midnight movies, regional and family films, and animation. The Florida Film Festival has become one of the most respected regional film festivals in the United States. For sports fans, the college football Citrus Bowl is played here in January, and Orlando is also host to Spring Training Baseball.
Golfing
North Orlando golf courses boast scenic vistas of "Old Florida" as well as the natural rolling hills unique to this Central Florida area. With dramatic fairway elevation changes and spectacular lake views, courses in Lake County challenge golfers of all abilities. Some of the biggest names in golf live and play in Orlando. Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Chris DiMarco, Se Ri Pak, Ernie Els and Mark O’Meara all call Orlando home.
History
Orlando’s history dates back to 1838 when the U.S. Army built Fort Gatlin south of the present day Orlando to protect settlers from attacks by Seminole Indians. A small community grew up around the For, known as Jernigan, named after the Jernigan family who were the first permanent settlers in the area. Jernigan had a post office, established May 30th, 185 and changed its name to Orlando in 1857. Cattle ranching was the primary way to make a living. There were Indian wars, cattle rustling, gun fights, gambling and other evening pursuits.
In 1880 the South Florida Railroad extended its line down into Orlando from Sanford and central Florida’s fledgling citrus industry would rapidly expand with this easy access to Northern markets. Orlando changed dramatically and became the hub for commerce and business in Central Florida. By the mid-1920s Orlando was a bustling city with a population over 10,000. With the Florida Land boom and the advent of affordable automobiles in the 1920's, Orlando began to develop the beginnings of its tourist industry.