Orlando began as an army post named Fort Gatlin. It was established in the early 1800’s in support of the Seminole Wars. Although unconfirmed, it is said the town was named after a young soldier by the name of Orlando Reeves who was taken by a Seminole arrow in 1835. Orlando spent decades as a quiet place to grow cattle and citrus. In the 1960s, NASA began the space program in Cape Canaveral which created excellent job opportunities. Then, in 1971, Disney opened up the Magic Kingdom and Orlando experienced a boom in the entertainment industry. Now, Orlando is a huge tourist destination attracting over 34 million visitors annually.

1. Walt Disney World Resort: The classic Orlando attraction, the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is so large and involved; we will add additional pages in how best to explore it. Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando offers the classic Magic Kingdom, themed water parks such as Typhoon Lagoon, Animal Kingdom, an MGM Studios, and of course, the Epcot Center. Located in Orlando, FL, 32830. Telephone for Guest Services at the Magic Kingdom is (407)939-6244

2. SeaWorld and Discovery Cove: SeaWorld is a world-class facility where you can take in a show featuring Orca whales or seals, tour the penguin or shark encounters, see a Manatee under water at Manatee Rescue all while learning about the marine life and conservation programs. Top attractions include Believe where you will see all of SeaWorld’s family of Orca whales swimming in sync to an original score performed by the Prague National Symphony Orchestra. Kids always love to see the Sea Lions featured in the Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island show (sit in the back unless you want to get wet). Next to SeaWorld is Discovery Cove where you can take in a show and swim with dolphins, rays and other amazing marine animals. Located at 7007 Seaworld Drive, Orlando, FL, 32821. Telephone (407)555-1717.

3. Orlando Magic of the NBA: The Orlando Magic were brought into the NBA as an expansion team in 1989. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. While they have not yet won the overall title, the Magic are always strong and put on a great show. They play in the Amway Arena. The Amway Arena was originally name the Orlando Arena or “O-Rena” and seats 17,248 for basketball games. Located at 600 West Amelia Street, Orlando, FL, 32801. Telephone (tickets) (888)655-5668.

4. Universal Orlando: Universal Orlando started out as a single movie park. It has now grown into a major theme park with three distinct components: Universal City Walk which is a 30-acre entertainment complex featuring restaurants, night clubs, shops and cinemas. Universal Studios Florida offers insight into the making of a movie as well as interactive rides and experiences featuring the latest hit movies. Islands of Adventure is a high-tech theme park which offers themed island reached by boat, themed rides like the Incredible Hulk Hoaster, Dueling Dragons, and The Jurassic Park River Adventure. One can spend an entire day just exploring the Islands of Adventure. Located at 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL, 32819. Telephone (407)363-8000

5. Wet ‘n’ Wild: Wet ‘n’ Wild opened in 1977 and boasts some of the more radical water park rides in Florida. For adults, the Bomb Bay features a six story drop, the Mach 5 offers an amazing solo tube which is ridden with a foam mat, and the Hydra Fighter is a swing ride in which you are given a water cannon to blast the other riders with. For more family oriented fun, wet ‘n’ wild has a Kids Park with scaled down versions of the adult rides. Wet ‘n’ Wild is only two miles from Universal Orlando and SeaWorld so you can make a big day of it. Located at 6200 International Drive, Orlando, FL, 32819. Telephone (800)992-9453.

6. Harry P. Leu Gardens: The Harry P. Leu Gardens offers 50 acres of well manicured gardens for you to wander through. The gardens feature the largest rose garden in Florida, serene wooded areas for a stroll, and you can tour the Leu House with its 20th century architecture. Located at 1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL, 32803. Telephone (407)246-2620.

7. Enzian Theater: This is an interesting spot for film buffs. The theater is old style including wrap-around porch. It does not tend to show your mainstream movies, rather, it promotes smaller budget independent and foreign films. The Enzian Theater is also host to the well known Florida Film Festival which is held in early April. Located at 1300 S. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL, 32751. Telephone (407)629-1088, ext 225.

8. Orlando Science Center: The Orlando Science Center uses a large variety of interactive exhibits to make the learning experience very interesting and fun. The center features the Dr. Phillips CineDome which doubles as a planetarium and film house. The DinoDigs exhibit is always a big hit with the younger crowd. The ShowBiz Science exhibit is very interesting in that it shows how certain effects and tricks are created in the movies. Located at 777 East Princeton Street, Orlando, 32803. Telephone is (407)514-2000.

9. Loch Haven Park: Loch Haven Park is located 2 miles north of the downtown area. The park contains many interesting attractions. There are three small museums in Loch Haven, the largest of which is the Orlando Museum of Art which features three permanent collections of figurines from Peru, African Art, and Pre-Columbian artifacts. Telephone for the Orlando Museum is (407)896-4231. Open from 10am-4pm Tue-Fri, and noon-4pm Sat & Sun. Loch Haven Park is also home to the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center. The Shakespeare Center offers plays in the 350 seat Margeson Theater and hosts the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival. Telephone for the Shakespeare Center is (407)447-1700. Loch Haven Park is located at N. Mills Avenue and Rollins Street.