Introduction To Orlando & Surrounds
In the 1960s a gentleman called Walt Disney started acquiring land on the outskirts of a little known citrus farming center called Orlando. As they say, the rest is now history and by 1971, that land had become Walt Disney World.
The name of Orlando, Florida has since become indelibly linked to thrill rides, fairy tale palaces, theme parks and Disney characters loved the world over.
The towns of Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee, located on the the outskirts of Orlando, are home to most of the major entertainment parks such as Walt Disney World, Seaworld and Universal Studios. These towns offer an incredible choice of accommodation and dining experiences plus shopping where every possible whim is catered for, both inside and outside the entertainment parks.
Nearby Winter Haven and Altamonte Springs provide a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and the theme parks. Their country charm and more sedate pace provide a peek back to a time before the region became the home of the world's best known theme parks.
The name of Orlando, Florida has since become indelibly linked to thrill rides, fairy tale palaces, theme parks and Disney characters loved the world over.
The towns of Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee, located on the the outskirts of Orlando, are home to most of the major entertainment parks such as Walt Disney World, Seaworld and Universal Studios. These towns offer an incredible choice of accommodation and dining experiences plus shopping where every possible whim is catered for, both inside and outside the entertainment parks.
Nearby Winter Haven and Altamonte Springs provide a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and the theme parks. Their country charm and more sedate pace provide a peek back to a time before the region became the home of the world's best known theme parks.
Orlando Vacation Resources
Links to Orlando web pages
- Orlando Vacation Highlights
- An introduction to the major vacation highlights and attractions in Orlando and the surrounding areas.
- Orlando Hotels And Resorts
- An extensive collection of Orlando accommodation choices that includes all the major theme park areas as well as down town Orlando
- Central Florida Vacations
- A great holiday planning resource that covers the whole of central Florida and which includes the greater Orlando area
Orlando Hotels And Resorts
Accommodation choices in Orlando
Orlando is the fifth most popular US destination for overseas travelers. The city is second only to Las Vegas for the number of beds in hotels and resorts to service the tourist industry. Little wonder that the accommodation industry represents a major portion of the Orlando economy.Visitors have a wide choice of accommodation types in a wide price range to suit all tastes and ages. From luxury Orlando hotels, fantasy theme resorts, exclusive golf resorts, condominiums and inns, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, backpacker hostels to luxury villas, it's all available in and around Orlando.
The entertainment parks have several entry and exit gates that are located quite a distance from each other. Orlando accommodation is often named for proximity to a particular theme park (Universal) or a particular gate (main gate east etc)
Orlando Transport
Getting to Orlando and getting around
There are at least 35 airlines and just as many charter operators flying into Orlando International Airport. Delta operates around 25% of the flights from approximately 160 different cities.Other airlines include America West, American, Air Canada, British Airways, Continental, Northwest and US Airways. The Orlando Airport website provides and excellent page about shuttle services and city transport.
Amtrak, the US rail service, operates to and from Orlando and connects with many of the surrounding towns such as Kissimmee, Sebring, Winter Haven, Sanford and Ocala.
The I Ride trolley service provides an excellent way for getting around the International Drive Resort Area. The LYNX bus service covers the Orlando and surrounding cities metropolitan areas.
If you plan on driving in Orlando, be prepared for traffic, especially at rush hour. The main highway through Orlando is I4, which runs directly from downtown Orlando to the Disney area. For more information on driving in Orlando traffic visit the Florida Drivers Association at 123driving.com
Orlando Entertainment Parks
So you're wondering where all the information is about the big theme parks. Well, they each deserve their own web page(s) and you'll find them via these links:Walt Disney World
Universal Studios
Seaworld
by swagman
I've been camping out on the web for over 12 years. I specialize in travel destination guides such as Australian Travel Emporium and Go Florida (more)
