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Orlando, Florida - a Gem of a City in the Sunshine State

by Wayne Wargo (PenWay.org)

Orlando Florida is named after Orlando Reeves, a soldier killed in 1837 during the second Seminole war. From 1875 to 1895, Orlando was the hub of Florida's citrus industry. During World War II Orlando was the home to Orlando army-air force base, now Orlando executive airport. The economy and culture of Orlando drastically changed in 1971 with the opening of Walt Disney world. This event made Orlando world famous and today the Orlando area hosts over 50 million visitors a year. Orlando has the second largest number of hotel rooms in the country, second only to Las Vegas.

Orlando, Florida is rich with history and stories dating back to the early 1800's. This popular vacation spot has evolved with the major events in its national heritage. Beginning life as an outpost at fort Gatlin, it has survived the American Civil War, was deeply involved the housing boom and depression of the 1920's, to leading the tourism surge in 1965 when Walt Disney announced his plans to build a theme park in Florida.

Orlando Florida is the world's top vacation spot for families-- an impressive feat, for a landlocked town in the middle of a state famous for its gorgeous beaches.

Orlando Florida is undoubtedly the entertainment park capital of the world. Most people are familiar with the Disney name, but very few realize that the total Disney experience is made up of several different parks, being the magic kingdom, Epcot center, Disney-MGM studios, animal kingdom, typhoon lagoon, blizzard beach water park, river country water park and pleasure island.

Orlando, Florida is a good place to live in with its moderate climate. January is the chilliest month of the year, and the average low temperature even in January is 50 degrees. June, July, and August are the hottest months of the year, with average high temperatures in the low 90s. This small variance in the lowest lows and the highest highs in temperature means that Orlando is warm the majority of the time. Residents, retirees, and tourists alike enjoy the warm climate.

SeaWorld, best known for Shamu the whale, also has a theme park based in Orlando. However, unlike either Disney World or Universal, there are no distinct themes separating the sections into differently flavored entertainment. But, they do have zoned areas that segregate their various displays onsite. For example, Shamu's happy harbor, dedicated to children so that they have a place for themselves to keep happy in.

Not only does Seaworld have rides and attractions, it also has exhibits dedicated to the display of marine life. Not only are the activities at SeaWorld fun, but they're also educational, and let visitors gain new respect for Earth's sea creatures. Ranked the 7th most visited park in the U.S., Seaworld is also a very good alternative for everybody to have fun and learn something as well.

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