Orlando is one of the world’s fastest-growing cities. It is among Florida’s major cities and is a center for digital media and bio medicine. The City has the 9th busiest airport in the U.S. and is warm and sunny all year round.
In 1856 Orlando became the county seat of Orange County, Florida. The “Town of Orlando” was incorporated on July 31, 1875 with an area of 4 square miles. Orlando incorporated as a city in 1885.Today, the City of Orlando as a result of numerous annexations, has an area of over 100 square miles and is still located entirely within Orange County.
Today, the historic core of “Old Orlando” resides in Downtown Orlando along Church Street, between Orange Avenue and Garland Avenue. Urban development and the Central Business District of downtown have rapidly shaped the downtown skyline during recent history. The present-day historic district is primarily associated with the neighborhoods around Lake Eola where century old oaks line brick streets. These neighborhoods, known as “Lake Eola Heights” and “Thornton Park,” contain some of the oldest homes in Orlando.
Orlando Tourism
A vital part of the Orlando area economy is tourism. The Orlando area is home to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. Over 48 million visitors came to the Orlando region in 2004. The convention industry is also critical to the region’s economy. The Orange County Convention Center, expanded in 2004 to over two million square feet of exhibition space, is now the second-largest convention complex in terms of space in the United States, trailing only McCormick Place in Chicago. The city vies with Chicago and Las Vegas for hosting the most convention attendees in the United States.
The Walt Disney World resort is the area’s largest attraction with its many facets such as the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach, . SeaWorld Orlando is a large park that features numerous zoological displays and marine animals alongside an amusement park with roller coasters and water park. Universal Orlando, like Walt Disney World, is a multi-faceted resort comprising Universal Studios Florida, CityWalk, and Islands of Adventure. The Wet ‘n Wild water park is another famous attraction. SeaWorld Orlando also comprises more than one park, alongside Aquatica and Discovery Cove. Orlando attractions also appeal to many locals who want to enjoy themselves close to home.
