Cheap Hotels in Orlando - News

Discover a New World in Orlando

Like its fellow American cities of New York and Las Vegas, the Florida hotspot of Orlando is a holiday destination that is its own self-contained world, boasting enough attractions, sights and opportunities for fun to keep visitors entertained for weeks on end.

Orlando became the county seat of Orange County, Florida in 1856 and was incorporated as a town in 1875 before becoming a city in 1885. Today, Orlando is still located entirely within Orange County but has an area of over 100 square miles. One of the most important events in Orlando's history came in 1965 when Walt Disney announced plans to build a theme park in the city. Walt Disney World opened in 1971, creating a boom in visitation that led to tourism becoming the most important contributor to the Orlando economy.

The Florida city is now one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world and is still best known for its theme parks. Walt Disney World now incorporates the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and the water parks of Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Thrillseekers can head to big rides such as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Space Mountain, while those looking for more sedate entertainment can explore Cinderella's Castle or visit the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom.

Like many other holiday hotspots in the United States, Orlando is a movie lover's paradise. At Universal Orlando, holidaymakers can visit attractions including the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, the Jurassic Park River Adventure, the Cat in the Hat ride and the Incredible Hulk Coaster. One of the newest additions at Universal Studios Florida is the Simpsons Ride, which joins Shrek 4-D, Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black: Alien Attack and the Jaws ride.

While they may be the most popular aspects of the city's tourism industry, the theme parks and rollercoaster rides are not the only attractions to be discovered in Orlando. Visitors with an interest in horticulture should head to Harry P Leu Gardens, which boasts three miles of paved scenic walkways that course through 50 acres of southern-styled floral attractions. The gardens boast America's largest collection of camellia outside California, the biggest formal rose garden in Florida, a two-acre tropical stream garden and a butterfly enclosure.

Other popular options include visiting the picturesque Port Canaveral – where visitors can relax on beaches, explore parks, go fishing or dine in restaurants – and trips to Blue Spring State Park, a designated manatee refuge that between November and March is home to a growing population of west Indian manatees. While swimming with the animals is not permitted, tourists can go snorkelling, scuba diving and swimming in the spring's crystal clear, 73 degree waters allocated to the public.

Art lovers will also find plenty to interest them in Orlando. The Orlando Museum of Art boasts a number of permanent collections, themed around ancient America, modern America, Africa and other subject areas. Another highlight of the city for tourists who want to feel as if they have learned something from their trip is the Orlando Science Center. The Science Center boasts a giant CineDome theatre with a 28,000-watt sound system, which is currently showing Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure.

When the day is done, the museums have been explored and the white-knuckle rollercoasters ridden, holidaymakers can spend their evening relaxing in one of Orlando's many restaurants and bars. The city's eateries serve everything from Italian cuisine to authentic American food and its bars and clubs, which are mostly centred around Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue, offer music and entertainment to suit every taste.

This article is provided by Hotels Hotels Hotels suppliers of cheap hotels in Orlando

Updated: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:55:13

Related Links:
Orlando Tourist Board
Orlando Airport