116 Interesting Fun Facts About Orlando Florida USA

Liked by all travelers, this is one of the most sought-after spots in the most beautiful of theme parks and water parks. Before packing your bags to experience a fun packet trip to Orlando, here are some interesting facts about City Beautiful, Orlando:

1. City Hall

Orlando’s City Hall has two free artwork galleries which might be open to the general public year-round, facts about Orlando Florida USA.

2. Disney World isn’t in Orlando!

Wait a minute – are you certain? Yep, regardless of many people considering on the contrary – largely due to spurious advertising and marketing claims – the theme park Disney World is definitely in Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake, not Orlando itself.

3. The largest public library

The largest public library constructing within the state of Florida is the Orlando Public Library with 290,000 sq. feet, facts about Orlando Florida USA.

4. Orlando wasn’t at all times Orlando

Back within the mid-1800s, a settler by the name of Aaron Jernigan determined to place down some roots right here and gave the realm the name of, what else, Jernigan, Orlando facts.

5. Origin Stories

Four origin tales for the way Orlando bought its name exist however there’s no official documentation on it, and a conclusion has nonetheless but to be reached, facts about Orlando Florida USA.

6. The Orlando Wetlands

The Orlando Wetlands, situated in east Orange County, is dwelling to over 30 species of wildlife which might be listed on the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Threatened and Endangered Wildlife record.

7. Oldest Tree

The oldest tree in Orlando—estimated by some to be practically 400 years old—may be discovered at Big Tree Park on North Thornton Avenue, facts about Orlando Florida.

8. Award

In 1986, months before Orlando was awarded an NBA franchise, a contest was held within the Orlando Sentinel for readers to submit a decide for the name of the City’s future basketball team and the finalists had been the “Tropics,” the “Juice,” the “Heat” and the “Magic.”

9. Waterfront property

Orlando has loads of waterfront property as a result of its dwelling to more than 100 lakes, facts about Orlando Florida.

10. Well

The Wells’ Built Hotel situated in Parramore was a historic lodge now was a museum of African American history. Famous celebrities who visited the lodge embody B.B. King, Ray Charles, Thurgood Marshall, and Jackie Robinson.

11. Florida’s citrus industry

Orlando was the unique predominant hub of Florida’s citrus business after a disastrous freeze within the 1800s compelled farmers to maneuver their citrus crop south.

12. The Citrus Bowl

The Citrus Bowl was the site of 5 1994 World Cup soccer matches and in addition, hosted the 1996 Olympic soccer first and second rounds, facts about Orlando Florida USA.

13. The old City Hall was a film star

Orlando’s earlier city corridor was featured within the blockbuster Lethal Weapon 3 – the place it was demolished! City planners wanted to make means for the brand new City Hall so that they thought they might as effectively make use of the demolition whereas they did so. Who knew!

14. Scenic greenery

The city abounds with scenic greenery; over 100 parks may be discovered within the larger Orlando space, facts about Orlando Florida USA.

15. Most visited vacation spot

Orlando is probably the most visited vacation spot within the U.S. and welcomed over 62 million visitors in 2014, Orlando facts.

16. The Fountain

The fountain at Lake Eola’s precise name is the “Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain.” The fountain is famous because of the “official” symbol of the City of Orlando.

17. Nicknames

Orlando has a number of nicknames (together with O-Town), however, the best-known must be “The City Beautiful.” In 1908, Orlando adopted this as its motto. Unfortunately, this isn’t a really distinctive title. Coral Gables—one other Florida city—has been utilizing this similar slogan since 1933 and truly tried to trademark it in 2006.

Incensed, Orlando blocked their declare. After a lot of negotiating, the 2 cities made a geographic compromise. Orlando now has the unique right to promote itself as “The City Beautiful” in 22 close by counties. Meanwhile, Coral Gables exerts this similar energy over 10 different counties in South Florida.

18. City of Parks

The City has over 100 parks and 21 community heart’s providing athletics, camps, and social applications.

19. The Backstreet Boys

The Backstreet Boys had been formally based in Orlando on April 20, 1993. By the best way, they named themselves after the city’s Backstreet Market—a long-gone flea market the place the singers used to hang around.

20. The ballooning world’s Charles Lindbergh

Think of him because of the ballooning world’s Charles Lindbergh. Though he was born in Tampa, Joseph Kittinger grew up within the Orlando space. In 1984, he turned the first scorching air balloon pilot to finish a solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. Kittinger took off in Caribou, Maine, on September 14. Eighty-six hours later, his helium vessel touched down in Montenotte, Italy.

21. “On the Road”

In 1957, the well-known beat author Jack Kerouac wrote: “On the Road” in Orlando, facts about Orlando Florida.

22. The First Highway

The first freeway in Central Florida was Colonial Drive and it was initially a paved brick street, Orlando facts.

23. Games

Five video games had been performed at Orlando’s The Citrus Bowl through the 1994 World Cup soccer matches. The venue additionally held the 1996 Olympic soccer first and second rounds.

24. Back Street Boys and NSYNC

Boy-band followers may have a great cause to go to Orlando; each of the Back Street Boys and NSYNC bought their start within the city, facts about Orlando Florida USA.

25. Orlando lies right in the midst of Florida

Orlando lies in the geographical heart of the state of Florida, right at its center. It may be discovered on the crossroads of State Road 408 and Interstate 4.

26. A large sinkhole

Lake Eola is definitely an enormous sinkhole, the deepest level is 80 feet.

27. Church Street Station

Church Street Station, also referred to as the Old Orlando Railroad Depot, was inbuilt in 1889 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. SunRail now has a cease close by.

28. Walt Disney World

At 40 sq. miles (104 sq. km), Walt Disney World is so huge that the complete island of Manhattan might simply match inside its space, Orlando facts.

29. The City of Light

The City of Orlando has passed by many pet names through the years, from City Phenomenal to the City of Light… however, these days, it’s merely often known as The City Beautiful.

30. Largest Tiffany glass assortment

Orlando has the biggest Tiffany glass assortment on this planet, fun facts about Orlando.

40. Hosmer Morse Museum

If it’s a more cultural truth you’re after, then the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art will gladly oblige. This museum is dwelling to the biggest assortment of Tiffany glass on the planet, effectively price a go-to if you’re within the city.

41. Demolition of its old city corridor

In order to fund the demolition of its old city corridor, Orlando reached out to Hollywood, and producer Joel Silver ended up blowing up the construction for the opening scene of Lethal Weapon 3.

42. Tribute to Orlando Reeves, a soldier

Jernigan was renamed “Orlando” in September 1857. Nobody is aware of why. Many consider that it was a tribute to Orlando Reeves, a soldier who was supposedly killed there by a Seminole warrior. And you then bought the bard concept. Judge J.S. Speer was an enormous participant in the founding of Orange County, Florida. According to folklore, he was additionally an avid Shakespeare buff. Supposedly, Speer pushed to switch “Jernigan” with the moniker of the character from As You Like It.

43. Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth—the golf ball-shaped centerpiece of Disney’s Epcot Center—measures 165 feet in diameter and weighs 16 million pounds.

44. Part of Movie

Part of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) was shot at Gatorland, a 110-acre Orlando wildlife heart and theme park. As the name implies, it’s dwelling to a whole bunch of alligators—together with 4 ultra-rare leucistic gators. Visitors may try a petting zoo, aviary, and zip line.

45. Vacationers

In 2014, 62 million vacationers determined to go to O-Town. This made Orlando the first vacation spot in U.S. history to obtain more than 60 million vacationers inside a single year.

46. Tourism

Tourism wasn’t at all times Orlando’s declare to fame. Historically, the city has long been related to the citrus trade. In the mid-1950s, larger Orlando produced 40 p.c of Florida’s well-known oranges, facts about Orlando Florida.

Yet, by 1990, that quantity had plummeted to simply 6 p.c. Many elements helped spur the native citrus business’s decline—together with the rise of Disney World and a stretch of harsh winters within the 1980s.

47. College Park

A comparatively unassuming dwelling in Orlando’s College Park neighborhood has to turn out to be a must-see for followers of Jack Kerouac. The writer lived there from 1957 to 1958, across the time On the Road was first revealed. Today, the Kerouac Project of Orlando hosts 4 writers-in-residence on the cottage yearly.

48. Hotel rooms aplenty

Orlando has plenty of locations to remain for those who resolve to go to. In truth, the city has the second most lodge rooms in the entire United States, being overwhelmed to the top spot solely by Las Vegas.

49. It’s the place waterparks had been born

Wet n´Wild was the world’s first-ever waterpark when it opened its gates back in 1977. Not solely that, it’s additionally one of many few waterparks internationally that is ready to keep open 365 days a year due to the superb local weather in Orlando.

50. Swans

There are over 50 swans at Lake Eola, there are 5 completely different breeds – whooper, trumpeter, royal mute, Australian black, and black neck, fun facts about Orlando.

51. The Hamburger Mary

The Hamburger Mary’s on Church Street downtown was as soon as often known as “Bumby Hardware Store” constructed by Joseph Bumby, a unique pioneer, and settler in Orlando.

52. “largest entertainment McDonald’s.”

Orlando is dwelling to what’s billed because the world’s “largest entertainment McDonald’s.” A 19,000 square-foot marvel, it boasts more than 50 arcade video games and a children’s jungle gymnasium that stands 20 feet high.

53. Orlando has over 100 lakes

Orlando is actually a swampland and the flat terrain holds over 100 lakes throughout the city’s borders. The largest of those is Lake Apopka which is fed by a natural spring and flows into the Apopka-Beauclair Canal.

The bedrock in Orlando may be very porous and the realm is extraordinarily inclined to sinkholes. In truth, Lake Eola, in downtown Orlando, is definitely simply an infinite sinkhole, stretching right down to around 80 feet at its deepest level.

54. All you possibly can eat

Orlando has more than its justifiable share of eating places. Actually, it has so many who you can eat out at a distinct institution 3 times a day for a complete year, and also you’d nonetheless need an additional 5 years to go to all of them! The choice will not be an issue in Orlando.

55. It’s home to a mighty Marriott

Hotel big Marriott selected Orlando because of the city during which to construct their largest-ever lodge – an astonishing 2,000-room behemoth, facts about Orlando Florida USA.

56. Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.”

Legend has it that the city of Orlando was named for the character in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” Rosalind and Rowena are different names discovered within the city.

56. Gatorland

Gatorland was the first theme park to open in Orlando in 1949. Its predominant attraction was a 15-foot gator, stated to be the most important on this planet.

57. Endangered wildlife

Over 30 species of endangered wildlife reside within the Orlando Wetlands, situated in east Orange County, facts about Orlando Florida USA.

58. It takes over two months to see all of it

There’s no scarcity of enjoyable issues to do in Orlando. Actually, in response to the latest examination, it’d take the average traveler 67 days to take all the things in!

As you possibly can see, not solely is Orlando an incredible, family-friendly, and enjoyable trip vacation spot, it’s additionally bought fairly a number of stunning information, too. Residents love life right here and it was just lately voted as one of many top 100 cities to reside in by livability.com. So, if you’re eager about spending time right here, or perhaps even shopping for property, you definitely won’t be disenchanted.

59. Enjoy some water sports!

There are more than 100 lakes in Orlando that make it a popular spot for adventure water sports and fun activities. Tourists enjoy various water sports such as wakeboarding, boat boating, waterskiing, diving, jet-skiing, and wrecking.

60. Sport ahead!

Orlando has two professional major basketball teams – the NBA’s Orlando Magic and MLS Orlando City Lions – as well as the Solar, Bears hockey team, Orlando Predators indoor football team and professional ballet, Philharmonic Orchestra, and touring Broadway series.

61. The NBA

Every so typically, the NBA’s Orlando Magic hype up followers with their “dancing dancer dads”—a groundbreaking squad that consists fully of males who’re the fathers of former or present Magic cheerleaders.

62. Winter Park

In May of 1981, the Orlando suburb of Winter Park obtained a doubtful distinction. Over a number of days, a sinkhole swallowed up a three-bedroom dwelling, 5 Porsches, and elements of two completely different streets.

When it lastly stopped rising, the factor had turned out to be 75 feet deep by 350 feet extensive. Geologist Jim Jammal later stated that this was “the largest sinkhole event witnessed by man as a result of natural geological reasons or conditions.”

63. Oakland A’s supervisor

Oakland A’s supervisor Billy Beane was born in Orlando on March 29, 1962. His statistics-driven strategy to scouting turned the subject of Moneyball by Michael Lewis and an Oscar-nominated, 2012 big-screen adaptation.

64. Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World opened in 1971, 15 years after Walt Disney died, facts about Orlando Florida USA.

64. Rides on the Magic Kingdom

Among the unique rides on the Magic Kingdom had been Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Carousel of Progress, the Mark Twain Riverboat, It’s a Small World, Tomorrowland Speedway, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Carousel, Mad Tea Party, Swiss Family Treehouse, the Country Bear Jamboree and the Enchanted Tiki Room, all of that is round as we speak.

65. Cattle nation in Kissimmee

You can experience the cattle nation in Kissimmee, within the downtown space, on the annual rodeo, and at a working cattle ranch the place you possibly can experience horses.

66. The Orange County Convention Center

The Orange County Convention Center is America’s second-largest. At 2,100,000 sq. feet, it’s exceeded in size solely by Chicago’s enormous McCormick Place.

67. Dr. Phillips Center

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, which opened downtown in 2014, was named among the many “50 Coolest Places in the World in 2015” by Travel + Leisure.

68. “Restaurant Row”

Dr. Phillips is now the name of a prosperous neighborhood that is dwelling to “Restaurant Row,” named for the grand variety of upscale eateries on Sand Lake Road.

69. Million pairs of sunglasses

Walt Disney World estimates that, since 1971, a staggering 1.65 million pairs of sunglasses have been handed over to its “lost and found” division. More than 6000 cell telephones are turned in each year as effectively.

70. Thousands of acres of swampland

After Disneyland opened in California in 1955, Walt Disney started shopping for up 1000’s of acres of swampland in Kissimmee, Florida.

71. Why Orlando is known as Orlando

No one actually is aware of why Orlando is known as Orlando. While a number of theories abound, the one factor identified for certain is that Orlando was initially named Jernigan, after the first everlasting settler within the space.

72. Oldest constructing

The oldest remaining construction in downtown Orlando—The Rogers Building—dates back to around 1886, fun facts about Orlando.

73. Restaurant chain

The Hard Rock Café restaurant chain, which was based in London, is headquartered on Old Park Lane, facts about Orlando Florida USA.

74. Why the theme park is right here

When Walt Disney determined to construct a theme park east of the Mississippi, he quickly realized that central Florida, with its dirt-cheap swampland, could be the right locale. Greater Orlando was chosen as a result it was the place the Florida turnpike crossed Interstate 4 (which hadn’t been completed but) and there was a large airport in the town. Walt Disney World had its grand opening on October 1, 1971.

75. “I am not a crook”

“I am not a crook” might be Richard Nixon’s most well-known assertion. Denying any involvement with the Watergate scandal, Tricky Dick blurted out this line on November 17, 1973. Of all locations, he was at a press convention inside Disney World’s Contemporary Hotel when he stated it.

76. Harry Potter adventure

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Universal’s Island of Adventures in 2010. Disney had the right to Harry Potter first, however, sources say J. Ok. Rowling went with Universal for higher collaboration.

77. Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are reported to have a price of more than half-a-billion {dollars}.

78. Statue of Liberty reproduction

An 8-foot Statue of Liberty reproduction retains an eye fixed out for huddled plenty by Lake Ivanhoe. Adored by visitors and townies alike, she was donated to the city by the Boy Scouts of America in 1953 as an alternative for a big concrete sculpture that had been defaced.

79. Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando serves some completely scrumptious butterbeer. Corporate government chef Steven Jayson spent three years engaged on the recipe. Before it went public, J.Ok. Rowling herself was invited to style the completed product and apparently cherished his brew. Ten factors for Jayson.

80. Celebrities

Celebrities with ties to Orlando embody Arnold Palmer, Justin Timberlake, Carrot Top, Christina Aguilera, Wayne Brady, Ryan Gosling, Brittany Spears, Mandy Moore, Kevin Richardson, and Aubrey Peeples.

81. Tiger Wood

Tiger Woods’ notorious battle along with his ex-wife befell at his mansion in Windermere, an upscale suburb of Orlando.

82. O-Town’s signature landmark

O-Town’s signature landmark as soon as survived a lightning strike. Finished in 1957, the UFO-shaped Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain is now a part of regular music and light present.

Misfortune, effectively, struck when a bolt of lightning severely broken the fountain in 2009. It was mounted and rededicated (at a price of $1.6 million) on July 4, 2011.

83. Cattle, cotton, and citrus

Long before tourism, probably the most popular industries in Central Florida had been cattle, cotton, and citrus, fun facts about Orlando.

84. Bubba Watson

Bubba Watson ended up shopping for Woods’ home, which you might need to be guessed, is situated on a golf course.
Windermere’s Butler Chain of Lakes

85. The most well-known participant

The most well-known participant for the Orlando Magic is Shaquille O’Neal, who wears a size 17 shoe, facts about Orlando Florida USA.

86. The largest Disney retailer

Orlando is dwelling to the world’s largest McDonald’s and the world’s largest Disney retailer. The McDonald’s distinctive menu contains waffles, brick-oven pizza, and made-to-order omelets.

To be taught more about Orlando’s history, quirks, and claims to fame, spend the day with OTown Tours or go to the Orange County Regional History Center.

87. Orlando wasn’t integrated as a city

Orlando wasn’t integrated as a city till 1875. Its inhabitants on the time? Eighty-five. Only 22 of those residents had been eligible to vote back then.

88. The first feminine state senator

The first feminine state senator in Florida’s history was a Pennsylvania native by the name of Elizabeth “Beth” Johnson. Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved to Orlando in 1937. Before her election to the state senate, she chaired the city’s first municipal planning board.

89. Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney owns an apartment in Winter Park and likes to eat at Briarpatch, facts about Orlando Florida USA.

90. SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando opened in 1973 as a marine park with animal reveals.

91. Universal Studios

Universal Studios opened in Orlando in 1990 with Nickelodeon, Back to the Future, E.T., Ghostbusters, and The Bates Hotel. Of these, solely E.T. continues to be open.

92. “The Sopranos”

Orlando has 100 lakes, lots of that are the results of sinkholes. Rose Lake, an infamous lake fashioned from a sinkhole in Winter Park, was talked about within the hit HBO collection “The Sopranos” as a superb place to cover our bodies.

93. Lightning Capital

Orlando is the Lightning Capital of America.

94. Shingle Creek

Central Florida is dwelling to Shingle Creek, the source of the Florida Everglades, and sure, additionally 1000’s of alligators.

95. “Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”

Mr. Rogers wrote, “Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” as his senior thesis at Rollins College. You can see his lakefront dwelling aboard a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour.

96. Orlando’s City Hall was blown up

Orlando’s City Hall was blown up for a scene in “Lethal Weapon 3” that includes Danny Glover and Mel Gibson. Orlando’s mayor had a cameo, fun facts about Orlando.

97. Many movies

Other movies filmed in Orlando are “SHARKNADO 3,” “Sisters,” “Apollo 13” and “The Waterboy.”

98. Population of Atlanta

The variety of visitors in Orlando every day is equal to the inhabitants of Atlanta—with half the interstate. Orlando’s inhabitants are 2.3 million, Orlando facts.

99. The lake or a sinkhole?

Orlando’s 80-inch significant Lake Eola is so deep that it looks a lot like a lioness. It’s actually the result of a lionhole. The lake’s fountain is the “official” symbol of the city of Orlando.

100. Before Orlando!

Another interesting piece of information about Orlando is that it was called Jerrigan after the region’s first permanent settlement, without knowing its current name.

101. Citrus bowl

The Orlando area was originally the mainstay of the citrus industry in Florida. Just after a catastrophic snowfall just before the 1900s, farmers began to move their citrus crop to the south. The Citrus Bowl is currently under version. This is the place to make orange juice in Florida.

102. One of the tourist attractions in Vis

In Orlando, at 21, a tourist record of 62 million was recorded. People love to travel to Orlando and so it is known as the most visited tourist destination in the United States after Las Vegas.

103. “The city is beautiful”

The official nickname of the city of Orlando is “The City Beautiful”, because of the beautiful beauty of the city. Apart from these, there are several other nicknames such as ‘O-Town’, ‘City Different’ and ‘City Phenomenal’.

104. An endless debate about ‘Orlando’

There is some confusion as to how the name Orlando originated. Some said it belonged to a soldier during the Second Seminole War, while others claimed that it was a man who died on the way to Tampere and was buried.

105. The flock of animals

If you go to Orlando, you will see cattle grazing on several ends of the 417 Greenway Expressway. This is because cattle farming in Central Florida was prominent before it came to Disney World.

106. The city of the park

The city has more than 100 parks and 21 community centers that provide athletics, camps, and social programs, facts about Orlando Florida USA.

107. Florida orange juice

A showcase of Citrus is a working citrus farm simply west of Walt Disney World, and close by Lake Wales is Florida’s Natural Growers, the place Florida orange juice is made, Orlando facts.

108. Dr. Philip Phillips

Orlando businessman Dr. Philip Phillips as soon as owned 5,000 acres of citrus, perfected the canned orange juice process and bought his company to Minute Maid in 1954 for $50 million.

109. The first pilot!

The Orlando Heat was the birthplace of the first pilot to cross the Atlantic Ocean via the air balloon, the second Joseph Kittinger II in 197- 1, fun facts about Orlando.

110. The Island of Adventure

Universal Islands of Adventure or Island of Adventure is a theme park in Orlando, Florida. It opened on May 27, 2016. At 25, the theme park hosted some 1.5 million guests, ranking seventh in the United States and the eleventh worldwide.

111. The largest in the world

Orlando is the world’s largest McDonald’s and the world’s largest Disney store.

112. “Jernigan.”

The city’s unique name was “Jernigan.” Georgia native Aaron Jernigan (and his herd of 700 cattle) settled within the area in 1843. Jernigan constructed a cabin close to Lake Holden, and across the property, a thriving community emerged. Sometime within the early 1850s, it was named after him.

113. Special permission

Here’s one other truth for you film buffs. Orlando has had three City Halls in its history, the second of which was demolished in 1991. Beforehand, Warner Brothers obtained particular permission to film the six-second implosion. Their footage was later edited into the opening of Lethal Weapon 3 (1992).

114. The largest Tiffany Glass collection!

The largest collection of Tiffany glass is found in the world of the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Orlando’s Winter Park, facts about Orlando Florida USA.

115. Sound! Camera! Action!

There are a lot of movie shootings at City Beauty. There are 4 scenes from Waterboy, Dead of Thunder, Parenthood, Transformers, Apollo 13, Armageddon, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Magic Mike, Sydney White, My Girl, and Ocean.

116. 5 minutes maid orange juice is owned by Orlando

Minute Maid’s roots of drinking orange return to Orlando. At one time, Dr. Philip Phillips, a businessman by Dr. Philip Phillips, had 5 acres of citrus that his company sold to Minute Maid for $ 1 million in the year.