Orlando

Orlando, known as 'The Theme Park Capital of the World', is home to more than a dozen theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Besides theme parks, it offers a variety of cultural attractions, shopping venues, and outdoor activities.

Originally inhabited by the Seminole tribe, Orlando became a city in 1885. It was a quiet farming town until the arrival of Walt Disney World in 1971, which transformed it into a globally known tourist destination.

Orlando is a melting pot of cultures, with a significant Hispanic population and a growing number of people from around the world, making it a diverse and cosmopolitan city.

• Orlando is home to more than 100 lakes.
• The city was originally named Jernigan after the first permanent settler.
• Walt Disney World Resort is roughly the size of San Francisco.
• Orlando attracts more visitors than any other amusement park destination in the United States.
• The region is known for its large orange production.
• Orlando has the largest collection of Tiffany glass in the world at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.
• The city is a major tech hub, often referred to as 'Silicon Valley of the East'.
• Orlando's Lake Eola is actually a giant sinkhole.
• The Orlando International Airport (MCO) stands for McCoy Air Force Base, its former name.
• Orlando hosts the largest university campus by enrollment in the United States, the University of Central Florida.

• Purchase theme park tickets in advance to save time and money.
• Stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothing; the weather can be quite warm.
• Consider staying at a hotel with shuttle service to the parks.
• Explore dining options outside theme parks for more variety and better prices.
• Take advantage of FastPass+ or Express Pass options at theme parks to skip lines.
• Check the event calendar for seasonal festivals and events.
• Rent a car if you plan to explore beyond the theme parks.
• Visit during the off-peak season (late August through early November) for shorter lines.
• Pack a portable charger for your phone; you'll use it a lot for photos, apps, and maps.
• Explore natural attractions like springs and wildlife reserves for a break from theme parks.

• Visit theme parks during off-peak periods for lower admission prices.
• Buy souvenirs from off-site stores rather than inside the theme parks.
• Use free shuttle services provided by hotels.
• Look for combo tickets that offer access to multiple parks or attractions.
• Dine outside the theme parks to save on meals.
• Take advantage of happy hour specials at restaurants.
• Use coupons and discount vouchers available online or in tourist guides.
• Consider a vacation rental instead of a hotel for longer stays.
• Purchase a refillable water bottle to avoid buying bottled water.

• Emergency services: Dial 911
• Orlando Police Department: +1 407-246-2470
• Orlando Health: +1 321-843-2584
• Advent Health Orlando: +1 407-303-5600
• Poison Control: +1 800-222-1222
• Roadside Assistance: Dial *347 if you're on a highway

Orlando has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, rainy summers and cooler, dry winters. Average summer temperatures are around 90°F (32°C), while winter temperatures average around 60°F (15°C).

Late August through early November, when the weather is more pleasant and the crowds are smaller.