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Orlando Attractions and Activities

History

Historians date Orlando's name to around 1837, when a soldier named Orlando Reeves allegedly died in the area during the Second Seminole War. It seems, however, that Orlando Reeves (sometimes Rees) operated a sugar mill and plantation about 30 miles (50 km) to the north at Spring Garden in Volusia County, and pioneer settlers simply found his name carved into a tree and assumed it was a marker for his grave site. They then referred to the area as "Orlando's grave" and later simply Orlando. A memorial beside Lake Eola designates the spot where the city's namesake fell.

During the Second Seminole War, the U.S. Army established an outpost at Fort Gatlin, a few miles south of the modern downtown, in 1838. But it was quickly abandoned when the war came to an end.

Prior to being known as its current name, Orlando was known as Jernigan, after the first permanent settler, cattleman Aaron Jernigan, who acquired land along Lake Holden by the terms of the Armed Occupation Act of 1842. But most pioneers did not arrive until after the Third Seminole War in the 1850s. Most of the early residents made their living by cattle ranching.

After Mosquito County was divided in 1845, Orlando became the county seat of the new Orange County in 1856. It remained a rural backwater during the Civil War, and suffered greatly during the Union blockade. The Reconstruction Era brought a population explosion, which led to Orlando's incorporation as a town on July 31, 1875, and as a city in 1885.

The period from 1875 to 1895 is remembered as Orlando's Golden Era, when it became the hub of Florida's citrus industry. But the Great Freeze of 1894–95 forced many owners to give up their independent groves, thus consolidating holdings in the hands of a few "citrus barons" who shifted operations south, primarily around Lake Wales in Polk County.

The Wyoming Hotel in c. 1905 There were a couple of notable homesteaders in the area, including the Curry family. Through their property in east Orlando flowed the Econlockhatchee River, which travelers crossed by fording. This would be commemorated by the street's name, Curry Ford Road. Also, just south of the airport in the Boggy Creek area was 150 acres (0.61 km2) of property homesteaded in the late 1800s by the Ward family. This property is still owned by the Ward family, and can be seen from flights out of MCO southbound immediately on the south side of SR-417.

Orlando, as Florida's largest inland city, became a popular resort during the years between the Spanish-American War and World War I. In the 1920s, Orlando experienced extensive housing development during the Florida Land Boom. Land prices soared. During this period several neighborhoods in downtown were constructed, endowing it with many bungalows. The boom ended when several hurricanes hit Florida in the late 20s, along with the Great Depression.

During World War II, a number of Army personnel were stationed at the Orlando Army Air Base and nearby Pinecastle Army Air Field. Some of these servicemen stayed in Orlando to settle and raise families. In 1956 the aerospace/defense company Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) established a plant in the city. Orlando AAB and Pinecastle AAF were transferred to the United States Air Force in 1947 when it became a separate service and were redesignated as Air Force Bases (AFB). In 1958, Pinecastle AFB was renamed McCoy Air Force Base after Colonel Michael N.W. McCoy, a former commander of the 320th Bombardment Wing at the installation, killed in the crash of a B-47 Stratojet bomber north of Orlando. In the 1960s, the base subsequently became home to the 306th Bombardment Wing of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), operating B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, in addition to detachment operations by EC-121 and U-2 aircraft.

Orlando is close enough to Patrick Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and Kennedy Space Center for residents to commute to work from the city's suburbs. It also allows easy access to Port Canaveral, an important cruise ship terminal. Because of its proximity to the Space Coast near the Kennedy Space Center, many high-tech companies have shifted to the Orlando area.

Lucerne Circle in c. 1905 Perhaps the most critical event for Orlando's economy occurred in 1965 when Walt Disney announced plans to build Walt Disney World. Although Disney had considered the regions of Miami and Tampa for his park, one of the major reasons behind his decision not to locate there was due to hurricanes— Orlando's inland location, although not free from hurricane damage, exposed it to less threat than coastal regions. The famous vacation resort opened in October 1971, ushering in an explosive population and economic growth for the Orlando metropolitan area, which now encompasses Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties. As a result, tourism became the centerpiece of the area's economy. Orlando is consistently ranked as one of the top vacation destinations in the world, and now boasts more theme parks and entertainment attractions than anywhere else in the world.

Another major factor in Orlando's growth occurred in 1962, when the new Orlando Jetport, the precursor of the present day Orlando International Airport, was built from a portion of the McCoy Air Force Base. By 1970, four major airlines (Delta Air Lines, National Airlines, Eastern Airlines and Southern Airways) were providing scheduled flights. McCoy Air Force Base officially closed in 1975, and most of it is now part of the airport. The airport still retains the former Air Force Base airport code (MCO).

In addition to McCoy Air Force Base, Orlando also had a naval presence with the establishment of Naval Training Center Orlando on the former Orlando AFB in 1968. The newest of three Naval Training Centers in the United States providing training to recruits, as well as being a base for selected post basic training programs for enlisted personnel, NTC Orlando also conducted nuclear power training for commissioned officers and the base had a prominent presence in the area. In 1993, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission ordered that NTC Orlando be closed, along with a companion installation, NTC San Diego. NTC Orlando continued in a diminished capacity until the base closed for good in 1999 with the last graduates of the base's Naval Nuclear Power School leaving in December 1998. The former base has been developed into tracts for upscale housing called Baldwin Park. Other than Reserve and National Guard activities, the Orlando area's remaining military presence is the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division/Naval Support Activity Orlando, located just east of the city limits in the Central Florida Research Park. The U.S. Army's Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO-STRI), the United States Army Research, Development and Engineering Command's, Simulation and Training Technology Center (STTC), the U.S. Marine Corps' Program Manager for Training Systems (PMTRASYS) and the U.S. Air Force's Agency for Modeling and Simulation are also collocated at this location.

Lake Eola in 1911 The SunTrust Center, the tallest building in Orlando at 441 ft (134 m), was built in 1988. The second tallest building is the VUE at Lake Eola (2008, 426 ft (130 m) tall, but with 35 stories it will have more stories than the SunTrust Center.[8][9] The third tallest is the Orange County Courthouse (1997, 416 ft (127 m). The next tallest buildings are the Bank of America Center (Formerly Barnett Plaza), built in 1988, 409 ft (125 m), Solaire at the Plaza, 2006, 359 ft (109 m) and the Orlando International Airport ATC Tower (2002, 346 ft (105 m). The SeaWorld SkyTower, at 400 ft (122 m) tall, is the tallest tower in Orange County outside Orlando proper. There are also several tall transmission towers in Orange County, the tallest of which is the WFTV transmission tower in Christmas at 1,617 ft (491.6 m) tall.

In the hurricane season of 2004, Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne battered the Orlando area, causing widespread damage and flooding and impeding tourism to the area.

How To Find The Tours and Attractions That Interest You

The Orlando Tours web site offers many tours and attractions. To find the tours and attractions that are of the most interest to you, there are three ways to look. On the left side of every page, our "Most Popular Tours and Attractions" are displayed. These are the tours and attractions that generate the highest sales for us, so we know they are the most popular with visitors.

On the right side of every page, the Tour and Attraction Types" are displayed. We categorize each tour and attraction to make it easy for you to find the options for a specific type of tour or attraction. So, for example, if you know you want to see the Kennedy Space Center, by clicking on "Kennedy Space Center" under the Tour and Attraction Types, you will then see a brief summary of each tour that goes to the Kennedy Space Center. Click on the summaries that sound interesting, and you can read the full description for the tour.

The last way to look is by clicking on the "Tours" link underneath our logo at the top of each page. This will give you a complete list of every tour, attraction, and activity that we offer. You may then scan the summaries of each tour and click on those of interest to read the full description and access the ordering information.

Orlando Attractions

Welcome to MetroGuide Networks' overview of Orlando-area attractions. The Greater Orlando area is full of attractions for all ages. Famed worldwide as the land of Mickey Mouse, multifaceted Orlando thrives with dozens of powerhouse attractions unrelated to fabled Disney entertainment. As for size, Orange County’s Walt Disney World Resort alone covers 47 square miles, theoretically allowing New York’s Manhattan to fit inside twice. Walt Disney spring-loaded Orlando tourism, yet historians credit Dick Pope Sr., who in 1936 opened what was known as Cypress Gardens, as Florida’s first “Father of Tourism.” Actually, groundwork for Orlando as a leisure destination was laid even earlier, after a devastating 1895 freeze, when citrus grower John B. Steinmentz converted his packing house into a skating rink, built a toboggan slide into nearby springs, and added a picnic area and bathhouse. Cattle and cotton, of course, were Orlando’s first hot commodities. Originally named Jernigan after Georgia settler Aaron Jernigan in 1843, Orlando developed around Fort Gatlin, an abandoned Army post. An 1857 name change honored Orlando Reeves, a U.S. soldier killed by an arrow in 1835 while serving sentinel duty at what is now downtown’s Lake Eola Park. Cuban demand for beef spurred Orlando’s cattle industry prior to 1863, and with that came widespread rustling, which led to gunfights downtown just like in the old wild west. Cotton gained popularity as a less risky enterprise. But after the Civil War took away pickers and an 1871 hurricane battered crops, it dawned on homesteaders that growing citrus was a better bet. A century after people got orange fever, along came mouse fever with the 1971 opening of Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, followed by the 1973 debut of SeaWorld Adventure Park. WDW expanded, Universal Studios arrived in 1990, and attractions have mushroomed ever since. Hometown Orlando film and television celebrities include Anthony Perkins of Psycho, Buddy Ebsen, the late Beverly Hillbilly, Delta Burke of Designing Women, and comedian Wayne Brady, who got his start at a downtown club. Pop stars Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake launched careers at Orlando’s Disney MGM Studios, and long before that Orlando witnessed plenty of other hot stuff. It was at Disney’s Contemporary Resort during a newspaper editors convention, on Nov. 17, 1973, that Richard Nixon delivered his memorable “I am not a crook” speech. Laser technology used worldwide by plastic surgeons to zap wrinkles and tattoos was pioneered in Orlando by Schwartz Electro-Optics. Even so, Orlando’s sizzle centers on tourism, to the tune of $20.9 billion in annual economic impact. No vacancy signs rarely flash, given Orlando’s 110,000 room inventory. Going hungry is also unlikely, with more than 4,500 restaurants serving up continental and ethnic cuisine at bargain prices. Shoppers delight in more than 52 million square feet of retail nirvana, plus outlet centers, flea markets and wholesale barns. More than 300 lakes, springs and rivers provide for boating, fishing, and swim fun. For golf and tennis, more than 150 courses and 800 courts await. Drawing more than 43 million visitors annually, it’s safe to say Orlando has more attraction power than any other amusement park destination in America.

Orlando, Florida Theme Parks & Area Attractions

There are few places that have as many things to do as Orlando, Florida. Sure there is Disney, but a whole lot more as well. When planning your vacation, look through this list before finalizing your itinerary while in Orlando, Florida.

Adventures in Florida- This unique attraction allows you to spend an amazing day trip exploring the wild-side of Florida. You will be able to discover many new things as you are taken on river cruises, airboat rides, nature trails, wildlife parks, Indian mounds, canoe trips, historic tours, horseback riding and more! Comfortable transportation is provided as well as great meals and friendly guides.

Busch Gardens- Busch Gardens Theme Parks are famous for their unique combination of daring rides, exciting entertainment and animal habitats. Busch Gardens of Tampa is no exception, with thrill rides such as the Kumba roller coaster and the new Montu, the largest inverted roller coaster in the world. It also offers a children's play area, Land of the Dragons and live entertainment on ice.

Cypress Gardens- Cypress Gardens offers water ski shows, a butterfly conservatory, acrobatic acts, floral festivals and exciting shows on ice! This open year-round attraction allows an adult ticket purchaser to bring in 2 children (6-12) for free.

Disney- A world renowned name, which offers 7 different, unique attractions in the Orlando area. Blizzard Beach, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Pleasure Island, River Country & Discovery Island, Typhoon Lagoon and MGM Studios can all be found on the Walt Disney World Resort and are best experienced with the usage of a Disney Multi-Day Pass.

Gatorland- Get ready for some exciting learning experiences featuring over 5,000 alligators and crocodiles in 3 shows. Also come see an Alligator Breeding Marsh with observation tower, cypress swamp and other animals. For the daring and non-vegetarian, come try smoked gator ribs and deep-fried gator nuggets.

Kennedy Space Center Visitors Center- Make a trip down to Florida's Space Coast to take a bus tour of Space Shuttle launch sites, see the new exhibits and watch a movie on the 5.5 story IMAX screen.

Ripley's Believe it or Not!- Straight from the Ripley's books, you can explore this museum with exhibits and galleries that are all true and are bound to fascinate.

Sea World- This entertaining marine-life park is offering many new attractions such as a live water adventure, a polar expedition, killer whale breeding, a research and observation facility and more that bring you into this wonderful animal habitat, the sea.

Thompson Aire - Hot Air Balloon Rides - If you are going to be in Orlando or coming to the Disney parks don't miss one of the most spectacular rides of your life. See the real Florida by floating effortlessly across the pristine beauty that is the real Florida. Areas absolutely untouched by human hands. Nature in all of its awesome glory. This is an experience you will talk about the rest of your life. Hot air balloon flights in the Disney area 7 days a week at sunrise.

Universal Studios- Come and experience over 40 different rides from movies and shows plus a new attraction for the kids!

Dinner Attractions American Gladiators- This dinner show allows you to spend 90 minutes watching the Gladiators up-close in the new 1600 seat Gladiator arena. These world famous athletes battle every night in Orlando. The Gladiators and contenders compete in Assault, Breakthrough & Conquer, Whiplash, the Wall, Powerball and Joust.

Arabian Nights- This #1 dinner show in Orlando features the world's most famous horses and the best riders performing an equestrian spectacular. While enjoying the excitement, romance and comedy that you will experience, enjoy a wonderful prime rib meal with unlimited beer, wine and Coca-Cola products.

King Henry's Feast- Come to this exciting banquet and show where you can dine on royal dinner (unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks included) with live entertainment right before your eyes.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament- Become a serf or peasant and cheer on your knight as battles, sword fighting and horseback riding are performed while you dine medieval-style inside a 1,000 seat 11th century castle.

Entertainment Complexes Church Street Station- This is downtown Orlando's #1 nighttime dining attraction with 5 different show rooms featuring live Dixieland jazz, country, rock and roll and more. The Station, offers specialty shops and unique dining.

Pirates at Colossal Studios- This dinner-entertainment complex is one of Orlando's newest attractions. It features a 2 hour show with dazzling displays, stunts and special effects.

Water Parks Water Mania- Fun for all ages can be found at this Water Theme Park with oodles of slides, a wave pool, bumper boats, kiddy areas, a lazy river and some on-land activities. Water Mania features a surfing-simulator which can only be found in the Southeast.

Wet 'n Wild- This park is the nation's best attended water attraction. It offers an extensive children's area plus a new toboggan ride, the Fuji Flyer which takes you through 450 feet of exciting pools. This park is open year round, and has heated pools.

Gatorland Another roadside attraction? Maybe, but this is one of Florida's largest and most elaborate, with 110 acres devoted to that toothy Florida icon, the alligator. After entering the park through a giant concrete gator head, fans of "Crocodile Hunter" style entertainment will love the alligator wrestling and jumping shows. Crocodiles, snakes, flamingos and many other species of birds, bats, and other wildlife also make an appearance. Little ones can get their faces painted, hop on the Gatorland Express Train, and hang out at the Lily's Pad playground. Four "Adventure Tours" are also available for brave families who want to try their hand at gator wrestling, explore behind the scenes, view gators at night or be a trainer-for-a-day. All of this was started in 1949 by Owen Godwin, a man with an alligator pit in his backyard and a dream.

Things to do in Orlando, Florida

One of the world's most captivating vacation and convention destinations, Orlando, Florida offers an exciting mix of legendary theme parks, blockbuster rides, world-class entertainment and arts, sublime shopping, championship golf courses, magnificent museums, unique attractions, and breathtaking scenery that create a magical experience in Central Florida. Come explore Orlando’s incredible amusement parks, including Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Wet ‘n Wild, and the famed Walt Disney World Resort. Feel the adrenaline rush of indoor skydiving, twisting on a thrilling roller coaster, or hang gliding over Florida. When your vacation heats up, you can cool off at Orlando’s water and ski parks.

Outdoor Orlando. Central Florida's natural treasures - 300 lakes, springs, and rivers - are waiting to be explored. Discover beautiful parks, verdant gardens, walking, jogging and hiking trails, and the area's zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, which showcase Florida's animal inhabitants. Enjoy limitless recreational activities in Orlando - biking and hiking on scenic paths, golfing on spectacular courses, and playing tennis in our parks.

Orlando Culture. Orlando's rich history and culture come to life through its museums, galleries, and theaters. From the weird to the historic to the spectacular, Orlando’s cultural attractions will entertain and amaze. Check out the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Center.

Orlando Golf. From links–style layouts to narrow lake–strewn designs, Orlando’s 168 world–class golf courses provide outstanding golf experiences. PGA superstars Vijay Singh and Tiger Woods battle it out at Orlando’s Arnold Palmer Invitational and the FUNAI Classic at Walt Disney World Resort. The LPGA plays the Ginn Clubs & Resorts Open in Orlando in April.

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