A little known citrus farming center called Orlando was paid a visit the 1960s by a gentleman
called Walt Disney who started buying land on the outskirts of the town.
The remainder of that story is now history and by 1971, that land had become Walt Disney
World. Today, Orlando has a resident population of approximately 200,000 people and
visitor numbers swell that figure into the many millions.
The words "Orlando, Florida" immediately conjure up images of fairy tale palaces, thrill rides,
theme parks and Disney characters loved the world over. The combination of the "big 3"
Orlando entertainment parks of Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios have
no equal anywhere else in the world.
Located on the the outskirts of Orlando, the towns of Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee are
home to most of the major entertainment park attractions. It's no surprise that the
accommodation industry generates a major portion of the Orlando economy and that it
employs a high percentage of the local population.
The nearby towns of Winter Haven and Altamonte Springs offer a change of pace from the
hustle and bustle of Orlando and the parks. Their quiet rural charm and sedate pace
provides a glimpse back to the time before the area became the home of the world's best
known entertainment parks.
** Orlando Hotels And Resorts
Orlando has more beds to service the tourist industry than any other USA city except for Las
Vegas. Orlando is the fifth most popular USA city for travelers visiting from overseas. It is not
surprising that the accommodation industry represents a major portion of the Orlando
economy and employs a high percentage of the local population.
Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to Orlando accommodation and every taste is
catered for in every price range. From themed luxury hotels, fantasy resorts, exclusive golf
resorts, condominiums, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, backpacker hostels to luxury
villas, it's all available in and around Orlando.
The parks have several entrances which can be separated from each other by quite a
distance, so selecting accommodation near the best gate for you can be an important
consideration. Orlando accommodation is often named for proximity to a particular theme
park (Universal) or a particular gate (main gate east etc)
** Orlando Transport
At least 35 airlines and just as many charter operators fly into Orlando International Airport
with the bulk of these flights being Delta which accounts for around 25% of the flights that
originate in approximately 160 different cities.
Other airlines serving Orlando are America West, American, Air Canada, British Airways,
Continental, Northwest and US Airways. The Orlando Airport website provides and excellent
page about airport shuttle services and city transport.
Amtrak is the USA rail service and it operates to and from Orlando with connections to many
of the surrounding towns such as Kissimmee, Sebring, Winter Haven, Sanford and Ocala.
The I Ride trolley service is an excellent way to get around the International Drive Resort
precinct. The LYNX bus service covers the downtown Orlando metropolitan area and
surrounding cities.
The main highway through Orlando is I4, running directly from downtown Orlando to the
Disney area. If you plan on driving in Orlando, be prepared for traffic, especially at rush hour.
called Walt Disney who started buying land on the outskirts of the town.
The remainder of that story is now history and by 1971, that land had become Walt Disney
World. Today, Orlando has a resident population of approximately 200,000 people and
visitor numbers swell that figure into the many millions.
The words "Orlando, Florida" immediately conjure up images of fairy tale palaces, thrill rides,
theme parks and Disney characters loved the world over. The combination of the "big 3"
Orlando entertainment parks of Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios have
no equal anywhere else in the world.
Located on the the outskirts of Orlando, the towns of Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee are
home to most of the major entertainment park attractions. It's no surprise that the
accommodation industry generates a major portion of the Orlando economy and that it
employs a high percentage of the local population.
The nearby towns of Winter Haven and Altamonte Springs offer a change of pace from the
hustle and bustle of Orlando and the parks. Their quiet rural charm and sedate pace
provides a glimpse back to the time before the area became the home of the world's best
known entertainment parks.
** Orlando Hotels And Resorts
Orlando has more beds to service the tourist industry than any other USA city except for Las
Vegas. Orlando is the fifth most popular USA city for travelers visiting from overseas. It is not
surprising that the accommodation industry represents a major portion of the Orlando
economy and employs a high percentage of the local population.
Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to Orlando accommodation and every taste is
catered for in every price range. From themed luxury hotels, fantasy resorts, exclusive golf
resorts, condominiums, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, backpacker hostels to luxury
villas, it's all available in and around Orlando.
The parks have several entrances which can be separated from each other by quite a
distance, so selecting accommodation near the best gate for you can be an important
consideration. Orlando accommodation is often named for proximity to a particular theme
park (Universal) or a particular gate (main gate east etc)
** Orlando Transport
At least 35 airlines and just as many charter operators fly into Orlando International Airport
with the bulk of these flights being Delta which accounts for around 25% of the flights that
originate in approximately 160 different cities.
Other airlines serving Orlando are America West, American, Air Canada, British Airways,
Continental, Northwest and US Airways. The Orlando Airport website provides and excellent
page about airport shuttle services and city transport.
Amtrak is the USA rail service and it operates to and from Orlando with connections to many
of the surrounding towns such as Kissimmee, Sebring, Winter Haven, Sanford and Ocala.
The I Ride trolley service is an excellent way to get around the International Drive Resort
precinct. The LYNX bus service covers the downtown Orlando metropolitan area and
surrounding cities.
The main highway through Orlando is I4, running directly from downtown Orlando to the
Disney area. If you plan on driving in Orlando, be prepared for traffic, especially at rush hour.
by: Terry Hely
2008 (c) notjustmyflorida.com