Orlando Vacation, Travel, and Tourism Facts and Information

Walt Disney World® Theme Parks

Explore the Enchanted Cinderella Castle

You've heard the story of Cinderella, her Prince, and her fairy godmother ... now see the splendor of her story come to life at Cinderella Castle. Your entire family will delight at finally seeing this enchanting symbol of magic, fantasy and imagination in person at Disney's Magic Kingdom®  Park! (as to Disney artwork, logos and properties: ©Disney)

Orlando started from relatively humble beginnings. The second of three Seminole Wars had ended and settlers from Georgia moved into the abandoned Army post, Fort Gatlin. But it was an Army sentry by the name of Orlando Reeves, killed by an Indian's arrow, for whom the town was eventually renamed.

From Army post to pioneer settlement to an incorporated town in 1875, after a vote by 22 of its 85 inhabitants. Today, Orlando's population is 1.6 million, thanks mostly to something that happened less than 100 years after Orlando's incorporation. Can you say "Walt Disney World?"

In 1965, 28,000 acres of swampland southwest of Orlando began an incredible transformation. And in 1971, Walt Disney World opened its doors. This would be the first of almost a hundred themed attractions to sprout up in the Orlando area, bringing with them a boost in the economy in terms of jobs, construction, housing and tourism.

With temperate weather all year round, Central Florida is a leading vacation destination twelve months out of the year. It offers a broad selection of outdoor activities such as golf (150 courses), tennis (800 courts), water sports (over 300 lakes, springs and rivers) and more than 180 special events annually including rodeos, concerts, ethnic festivals, art shows, and of course, theme parks.

To accommodate the constant flow of visitors, Orlando has more than 105,000 rooms in a variety of resorts, hotels, motels and condominiums from luxury to economical. Disney World alone boasts 21 hotels and resorts on its premises -- including the All-Star Music Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Caribbean Beach Resort -- and seven additional hotels in Disney World Village.

Orlando's Orange County Convention Center is second largest in the U.S. -- Chicago's Convention Center is first -- in terms of exhibition space. And it continues to grow. The Orlando Centroplex is a group of several city-run facilities, including the TD Waterhouse Center, home of the Orlando Magic, as well as the Seals (hockey) and Predators (arena football). It is also the location of the Florida Citrus Bowl, a performing arts center and an Expo center.

Between the Convention Center and the Centroplex is the heart of town. There are five historic districts, saved from demolition during the 1970s and designated historic in the 80s and 90s. The Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Trail Association conducts regular walking tours through these districts. Knowledgeable guide discuss the buildings, mounds and monuments and their significance in Florida's history.

Forty million visitors come to Orlando each year. Orlando International Airport is the 15th busiest in the country. While the entire Orlando area has much to offer, many come just to go to Walt Disney World. The Disney theme parks are actually a lot closer to Kissimmee than to Orlando, making the Kissimmee/St. Cloud area more convenient for things like shopping and local dining. But the Disney complex is so self-contained, that you literally never have to leave the area during your whole vacation. You may never even have to use your car once you get there. Now that's an amazing fact!