General Information Orlando, Florida

Orlando is a beautiful city located in Central Florida in US. Orlando is the 26th largest metropolitan area in the United States and also the third largest metropolitan area in the state of Florida. It is also the largest inland city of the state. Orlando is also nicknamed as “The City Beautiful" and the fountain at Lake Eola the symbol of the city . The beautiful city is also known as "The Theme Park Capital of the World"

History of Orlando

The history of Orlando traces back to 1838. The first European to come to the city was Aaron Jernigan, a cattleman who obtained land on the shores of Lake Holden through the provisions of the Armed Occupation Act of 1842. It is believed that U.S. Army during the Second Seminole War established Fort Gatlin, a military camp in 1836, to protect settlers from attack by Indians. However, after the war the camp was abandoned. In the year 1845, the Mosquito County was divided. Orlando became the county seat of the new Orange County in 1856. The city during the Civil War remained largely rural and even suffered the blockade. From 1875, this was known as the reconstruction era and during this period Orlando was registered as a town. In the year 1885, Orlando got the status of the city. The time from1875 to 1895 was considered as the golden era of the city of Orlando.

Important Locations in Orlando

The city of Orlando is a home to many beautiful places and localities. The city has some world famous tourist sites. Following are some important places in Orlando:

Downtown Orlando Historic District: Orlando's Downtown is a popular historic place bustling with commerce and industries and numerous options for dining. Downtown area is thriving for outdoor activities, experience lakes Eola, Thornton Park and much more. Moreover staying near downtown will connect you to popular tourist attractions easily. The east has expansive scenic beauty around Lake Eola Parramore and west buzzes Central Business District. Click here to know more about Downtown.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: It was built on May 1, 1989 , has four theme parks to venture at the Walt Disney World Resort, near Orlando.The Disney Hollywood studio consist of eight sections namely: Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Echo Lake, Commissary Lane, Streets of America, Mickey Avenue, Pixar Place and Animation Courtyard areas. Click here to know more about Disney's Hollywood Studios.

The Universal Orlando Resort: It is also popularly known as the Universal Orlando. It is a theme park resort located in Orlando. The Universal Orlando is the largest resort in Orlando, operated by Universal Parks and Resorts.  Universal Orlando Resorts has two theme parks Universal Orlando Resort and Islands of Adventure. Click here to know more about Universal Orlando Resort.

Magic Kingdom Park: It is the first-built of the four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake in Orlando. Read more about Magic Kingdom Park.

SeaWorld Orlando: It is also a theme and marine-life based zoological park. The park is operated and owned by SeaWorld Entertainment. Read more about SeaWorld Orlando.

Epcot: It was opened on October 1, 1982. It is the second of four theme parks built at Walt Disney World.Click here to know more about Epcot.

The Amway Center: It is located in downtown in Orlando and it is the popular sport and entertainment venue in Orlando. Click here to know more about Amway Center.

Orlando City People and Culture

Orlando is one of the most visited tourist destination and it is mostly famous for its theme parks. The city is also popular for its various thriving local music scenario. Many state cultural events are also hosted by the city which includes the Florida Music Festival, Florida Film Festival, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, the Orlando International Fringe Festival and Disney's Festival of the Masters Art fest. Due to the presence of large Hispanic community, the city also organizes Latin-inspired festivals usually at Lake Eola Park downtown or Kissimmee's Heritage Park throughout the year. The people of Orlando are also sports lovers. The famous home teams are Orlando Predators (American-style arena football), Orlando Magic (NBA basketball), and Orlando City (soccer). The foodies will also have a plenty of option to taste various kinds of dishes in Orlando.

Time Zone and Phone Code in Orlando

Orlando is in the Eastern Time Zone. Eastern Daylight Time is abbreviated as EDT and Eastern Standard Time is abbreviated as EST.

• Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours
• Daylight saving time: 1 hour
• Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -4 hour
• Time zone abbreviation: EDT

Phone code

Orlando: 1 407

Best Time to Visit Orlando

The best season to visit Orlando is between April-January. During this time the weather generally remains pleasant and also it offers affordable prices on lodging and traveling. Summers are not recommended to visit Orlando. However, early fall is also a good option to visit Orlando.

January-April

• Orlando Citrus Bowl (January)
• Winter Park Bach Festival (February-March)
• AIDS Walk Orlando (late March-early April)
• Florida Film Festival (April)
• Florida Music Festival and Conference (late April)
• Orlando Bike Week (March)
• Mardi Gras at Universal Studios (February)

May-August

• Orlando International Fringe Festival (May)
• Gay Days Orlando (June)

September-December

• Epcot International Food and Wine Festival (September to early November)
  
• Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights (September to November)
• Macy's Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida (December)
• Grinchmas at Universal's Islands of Adventure (December)
• Florida Citrus Parade (December)

Orlando Map