Cheap Hotels in Orlando - News

Orlando: A Land of Adventure

Orlando has long been a favourite destination among sun-seekers and adventurous travellers alike. With its promises of luxurious weather, picturesque surroundings and exciting excursions for the whole family, it is one of the leading lights of America's tourism industry.

The city began to assume its current form in 1856, when it became the county seat of Orange County, Florida. The 'town of Orlando' was incorporated into the expanding metropolis on July 31st 1875 and in 1885 Orlando assumed its full city status. Over the 122 years since that date, Orlando has expanded considerably and now covers an area of over 100 square miles. It is still, however, located entirely within Orange County.

Arguably one of the most important events in the history of Orlando came in 1965, when Walt Disney revealed his plans to build a Walt Disney World in the city. Orlando was in fact fortunate to be chosen as the location for the soon-to-be famous Disney World, as the Florida cities of Miami and Tampa were also considered as potential sites for the new theme park and entertainment complex. However, Miami and Tampa's proneness to hurricanes, which do not affect Orlando as severely owing to its inland location, persuaded the film producer to base his new development in the location it still occupies today. The park opened in October 1971, bringing with it an explosion in the local population and a sudden growth spurt in the Orlando economy.

Today, the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando is one of the most famous tourist attractions on the globe and the main reason that many people visit the Florida city every year. The mammoth complex contains four separate theme parks, each of which is represented by an iconic structure, starting with the Magic Kingdom, which is symbolised by Cinderella's Castle. Spaceship Earth stands as the icon of the Epcot Centre, while Disney's Hollywood Studios is characterised by the Sorcerer's Hat and the Animal Kingdom is embodied by the Tree of Life.

Despite its sheer size and the strength of its hold on the imagination of parents and children alike, the Disney World resort is not the only theme park in Orlando, as the city is also home to the Universal resort and SeaWorld Orlando, the latter of which is inhabited by Shamu, the world-famous Orca whale.

Those who are not particularly comfortable seeing their knuckles turn white on a breathless rollercoaster ride or being splashed by an enormous sea creature will not be short of things to do in Orlando, as it is also one of the United States' thriving cultural hubs. It offers a number of diverse areas that intrepid travellers can explore, including a bustling Vietnamese quarter. There is also the Orlando Science Centre, the Morse Museum of American Art and the Orange County Regional History Centre, offering everything that visitors could wish to know about the city.

While it is justifiably known as a land of excitement and adventure that will keep thrill-seekers entertained, no matter how long they decide to stay, Orlando is also a culturally and socially diverse city that will offer a fascinating, fulfilling experience to all its visitors.

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

Updated: Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:17:40

Related Links:
Orlando Tourist Board
Orlando Airport