To say that this city is one of the playgrounds of the world is a fair introduction to Orlando. When you first hear Orlando, it's that famous mouse which comes to mind. But there's more to Orlando than just Walt Disney World - although it is hard to go anywhere in the city and not see those ears or logo on some merchandise or other. With its many theme parks, sports facilities, restaurants, accommodation, natural beauty and other attractions, Orlando has something to offer everyone irrespective of age, religion or cultural background.

The history of Orlando goes back to the nineteenth century when Fort Gatlin was built by the US Army during the Seminole Wars. The Fort, constructed in 1838 to protect the local settlers, was situated just a little south of where Orlando lies today. A family by the name of Jernigan had established the first permanent community around 1840 and this was the original name of the settlement. Growth of the community continued northward and although it's unclear the real reason why the name was changed to Orlando, by 1857 the US Post Office accepted the name change and the town of Orlando was on the map - population 85!

Since that time the area has continued to grow but it wasn't until 1971 when Walt Disney opened the Magic Kingdom in Orlando that the city started to really expand as a holiday destination. Theme parks and attractions have opened - and closed in some cases. Restaurants and hotels have sprang up in all areas of what is now a city catering to around 40 million tourists each year. As New York is the city that never sleeps, Orlando is the city that never closes. Year round tourists can come and enjoy the delights of what the city has to offer. The amicable weather is one of the reasons why Orlando is such a great location for this, as whether in the height of summer or the dead of winter, Orlando will afford sunshine to smile upon its visitors. In the decades that have passed since Disney first started the theme park mania in this area, residents of Orlando have become professional hosts to the various attractions their city holds. They are friendly ambassadors for their home "town" and in the main will go out of their way to help a lost or confused tourist get back on the right track.

A short introduction to Orlando would be to say that it is the perfect place to spend a vacation if you enjoy sunshine and plenty of things to do. The pace is as frantic or relaxed as you want it to be, and the attractions diverse with plenty to occupy the young, old, couples, families and single travellers alike.

Related Links: Visiting Orlando, Tourist Information on Orlando