In the U.S. State of Florida and the county seat of Orange County is the city of Orlando.
In the 2020 census it was shown to be the 67th largest city in the United States and the fourth largest city in Florida, and the state’s largest inland city.
Most of us know that Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, but did you know that Orlando is one of the top cities for golf?
Question – Who knows which was Orlando’s first theme park? No, not Disney World, believe it or not its Gatorland.
Gatorland opened in 1949 where Disney’s Magic Kingdom opened much later in 1971.
Seaworld followed in 1973, Epcot in 1982 and Hollywood Studios in 1989, with Animal Kingdom opening in 1998.
Why did Walt Disney choose Orlando?
Orlando’s strategic location being right in the middle of two major highways the Interstate 4 and Florida Turnpike. Orlando International Airport is not far away either, making it the perfect spot for the tourists to arrive to, the warm and sunny weather with cheap vast open swamplands that certainly added to the appeal, very smart Mr Disney!
Orlando is not just theme parks. It is so much more!
We often think of only theme parks be it Disney, Universal, Seaworld, Legoland!) when planning our Orlando itinerary. Don’t we? But Orlando is so much more.
There are so many fun things to do in Orlando other than theme parks such as going up The Wheel at ICON Park for stunning views, swimming with manatees, taking a wine tour, visiting an art museum, watching the launch of a space shuttle, or simply relaxing in the wide open green spaces.
