[ Profile | Weather
| Attractions | Family Fun | Cultural
Arts | Sports/Recreation ]
[ Accommodations | Shopping
| Nightlife | Travel Info
| Fast Facts | Links | The Latest ]
 Search
for meetings in Orlando
Image Courtesy of Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau
Profile
Orlando is home to some of the largest theme parks in the world.
Currently, there are 95 theme parks and attractions, and counting.
Orlando features first-rate entertainment complexes with state-of-the-art
movie theaters, performing arts centers, parks and gardens, and
a world-class international airport. But it is perhaps Orlando's
year-round warm weather that is the city's biggest attraction for
tourists and future residents.
With a population of more than 1.7 million, and welcoming in excess
of 800,000 visitors weekly, Metro Orlando is projected to be among
the nation's fastest-growing regions throughout this decade. The
city lies at the heart of the "Sunshine State," centrally located
within a three county area consisting of nearly 3,000 square miles.
It is situated approximately 150 miles from the Florida/Georgia
border to the north, 50 miles from the Atlantic Coast to the east,
75 miles from the Gulf Coast to the west, and 370 miles from the
Florida Keys at the southern tip of the state.
back to top
Weather
Orlando offers mild weather all year long with an average annual temperature of
72.4 degrees and an annual rainfall averaging just over 50 inches,
keeping Central Florida lush and green throughout the year.
Current
Weather
back to top
Attractions
Cirque du Soleil (1478 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista;
407-824-6750; www.lanoubaorlando.com),
located at the Walt Disney World Resort, performs La Nouba, a live
theatrical experience highlighted by feats of physical daring and
acrobatics, mystical scenery and a live musical score. La Nouba
is performed twice nightly, five days a week. Ticket prices vary
according to seating and start at $47 for children ages 3-9, and
$63 for adults.
Orlando Science Center (777 E. Princeton St.; 407-514-2000;
www.osc.org), open
Tuesday through Thursday 9-5 pm, Friday and Saturday 9-9 pm, and
Sundays Noon to 5 pm, features several interactive exhibits including
"Touch the Sky," which explores the history and science of powered
flight and "Tech Works: Light Power" revealing the secrets behind
laser light beams. Visitors can also witness the world's largest
domed theater and planetarium, featuring themed light shows amidst
an eight-story CineDome screen, or marvel at the wonders of the
night sky in real-time every Friday and Saturday evening for the
SkyWatch at the Crosby Observatory.
Titanic - The Exhibition (8445 International Dr.;
407-248-1166; www.titanicshipofdreams.com),
located at The Mercado Mediterranean Village shopping center, is
the world's first permanent Titanic exhibit. Technological re-creations
of the ship's environment and interactive live interpretations combine
with historic collections and artifacts allowing visitors a life-like
glimpse into the original drama. The exhibit operates from 10-8
pm daily. Ticket prices: $17.95 adults, $12.95 children, and children
under 5 admitted free. Free parking and complimentary shuttle service available.
back to top
Family Fun
Orlando is home to Disney's four uniquely themed parks - Magic
Kingdom, Epcot Center, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal
Kingdom, as well as two water parks, Blizzard Beach and
Typhoon Lagoon, each providing all-ages fun in a world of
Disney-created magic, and feature special packages and promotions
to suit every taste (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com).
The Universal Orlando Resort is home to Universal Studios
(1000 Universal Studios Plaza; 407-363-8000; www.usf.com),
which is catching up to Disney with the number of attractions it
offers, including movie-themed rides, stage performances and behind-the-scenes
studio tours. Universal's Islands of Adventure features five
islands of thrill rides and roller coasters, shows, shops, and restaurants.
CityWalk is a 30-acre complex of restaurants, clubs, state-of-the-art
cinemas, and live entertainment venues inspired by some of pop culture's
most legendary innovators. Special ticket deals and vacation packages
are available in a variety of combinations.
An Orlando trademark for over 30 years, Sea World Orlando
(7007 SeaWorld Dr.; 407-363-2200; www.seaworld.com)
lets guests experience the world of aquatic life in the water and
on land through a number of shows, live exhibits and family activities.
Witness Antarctic adventure in the "Penguin Encounter" or come face-to-face
with a friendly dolphin or shark; journey to Atlantis on Orlando's
only floorless roller coaster or bring the kids to "Shamu's Happy
Harbour" playground. Annual park passes can be purchased in advance
through the SeaWorld website with group rates and travel packages
available.
back to top
Cultural Arts
Enjoy collections of American, African and ancient American art
and outstanding traveling exhibitions in a picturesque park setting
at the Orlando Museum of Art (2416 North Mills Ave.;
407-896-4231; www.omart.org).
The museum, one of Florida's cultural gems and most popular tourist
destinations, is open Tuesday through Friday 10-4 pm and Noon to
4 pm on weekends.
The Orlando Ballet (1111 North Orange Ave.; 407-426-1733;
www.orlandoballet.org),
the only fully professional ballet company in central Florida, is
one of the oldest and most renowned dance companies in the Southern
United States. The 30-year-old organization performs through their
annual season from September through May at the Bob Carr Performing
Arts Centre and features 24 national and international dancers under
the artistic direction of internationally renowned ballet star Fernando
Bujones.
Theatre Downtown (2113 North Orange Ave.; 407-841-0083)
was founded in the history of Tropical Theatre as an alternative
venue to produce innovative plays. Theatre Downtown has staged hundreds
of shows from classics to cutting-edge including "The Grapes of
Wrath" and "Death of a Salesman," many of which have been favorably
compared to productions in New York, Chicago and London (www.theatredowntown.net).
back to top
Sports/Recreation
Orlando's consistently pleasant weather provides for plenty of
outdoor recreation, including sailing, fishing and especially golfing
- on more than 150 courses. Orlando is home to more than 30 PGA
Tour professionals. Golfers can test their skills on signature holes
designed by Watson, Palmer, Nicklaus, and other golf legends that
will put even the most experienced players to the test.
ChampionsGate Golf Resort (1400 Masters Blvd., ChampionsGate;
407-787-4666; www.championsgategolf.com)
features two signature Greg Norman designed 18-hole championship
courses and is the new home of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy.
ChampionsGate is regarded as one of the top courses in the country
and is located 15 minutes from the Disney attractions.
Mystic Dunes Golf Club (7850 Shadow Tree Ln., Kissimmee;
407-787-5678; www.mysticdunesgolf.com)
offers two sets of nine-hole challenges that mimic the look and
feel of the Carolinas-like wetlands and the British Isles links-style
courses. Holes 15-18 have been labeled "four of the best finishing
holes anywhere" by Golf & Leisure magazine.
For more information on golf packages call (866) 246-1449 or visit
www.golforlandoinfo.com.
For fishing, 300 lakes, springs and rivers offer relaxing recreation
in the greater Orlando area. Anglers who prefer the saltwater can
cast their lines from piers, shore or deep-sea fishing boats. Incentive
Fishing Charters (445 Pine Tree Dr., Melbourne; 321-676-1948)
provides some of the area's best sport fishing and offers private
charters for one to six people.
For more active adventures, go flying across the scenic Florida
Everglades aboard an airboat with Glades Adventures High Performance
Airboat Tours (4715 Kissimmee Park Rd., St. Cloud; 407-891-2222;
www.gladesadventures.com)
or burn rubber behind the wheel of a stock car at the Walt Disney
World Speedway for the Richard Petty Driving Experience (3450
North World Dr., Lake Buena Vista; 407-939-0130; www.1800bepetty.com).
back to top
Accommodations
Offering a full range of lodging options within minutes of area
attractions, and featuring over 114,000 hotel rooms from the bare
essentials to deluxe resorts, charming villas or pool-sized spas,
everything's possible in Orlando.
For some options at Disney:
Beginning at $77 per night, the Pop Century Resort (1050
Century Dr., Lake Buena Vista; 407-939-7639) is geared for the value-conscious
visitor. The resort theme celebrates the fashions, catch phrases,
toys, and dances from decades past. Visit www.disney.com
for more information or call (407) 938-4000.
Disney's BoardWalk Resort (2101 N. Epcot Resorts Blvd.,
Lake Buena Vista; 407-939-7639) is a deluxe resort priced from $199
per night and features a whimsical waterfront setting steeped in
nostalgia and charm.
The Disney Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (4401 Floridian
Way, Lake Buena Vista; 407-828-3200) is Disney's flagship 5-star
resort with a classic Victorian theme. Rates begin at $349 per night
and include monorail service to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
For some options at Universal Orlando:
European elegance combines with Old World charm at Universal's
Portofino Bay Hotel (5601 Universal Blvd.; 407-503-1000;
www.universalorlando.com/portofino).
Universal's premier luxury hotel re-creates the seaside village
of Portofino, Italy, including cobblestone streets and outdoor cafes.
Rates start at $264 per night and include exclusive Universal theme
park benefits.
Universal's Hard Rock Hotel is a AAA-rated Four-Diamond Award winning hotel that combines luxury
with lively music themes. Rates begin at $229 per night (5800 Universal Blvd.;
407-503-2000; www.universalorlando.com/hardrock).
Universal's Royal Pacific Resort is set in an exotic tropical paradise amidst swaying palm trees
and lagoon style pool. Rates begin at $199 per night and guests
receive exclusive Universal theme park benefits (6300 Hollywood Way,
407-503-3000; www.universalorlando.com/royalpacific).
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites (5905 S. Kirkman Rd.;
407-351-3333; www.hiuniversal.com)
offers superior accommodations and amenities, but its biggest features
are the location, just across the street from the Universal Orlando
Resort, and price, from $99 per night.
back to top
Shopping
With more than 52-million square feet of retail space, Orlando
sports an eclectic mix of department stores, boutiques, outlet malls,
farmers markets, and themed shopping villages.
Central Florida features nine shopping malls. The Mall at Millenia
(4200 Conroy Rd.; 407-363-3555) is a 1.2-million-square-foot
shopping experience housing more than 150 stores, anchored by such
big names as Bloomingdale's and Macy's, and high-end retailers like
Tiffany, Burberry and Cartier.
In Downtown Orlando lies Thorton Park with more boutiques
and specialty shops; Visit Antique Row on Orange Ave. or
Market Street at Celebration (610 Sycamore St., Ste. 310,
Celebration; 407-566-4020), Disney's version of small-town America,
and search for collectibles and Old World treasures.
Pointe Orlando (9101 International Dr., Ste. 1040;
407-248-2838; www.pointeorlando.com)
is a 450,000-square-foot multilevel complex that features more than
60 shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions including theater and
nightclubs.
back to top
Nightlife
At night, guests can club hop at Downtown Disney (www.downtowndisney.com),
a combined shopping, dining and entertainment complex with a big
city feel in the heart of Walt Disney World.
Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island (407-566-6368) offers
eight unique clubs for the price of one, exclusive shops, live entertainment,
and New Year's style fireworks displays 365 days a year.
Downtown Disney Westside (407-566-6344) features sophisticated
dining, an AMC Theatre complex and nightly entertainment at places
like Planet Hollywood and the House of Blues.
Not far off is the Wall Street Plaza (407-849-0471), an
open-air area consisting of eight bars and restaurants lining a
brick-paved pedestrian street in the heart of downtown designed
for strolls, street parties and live concerts.
Universal City Walk (1000 Universal Studios Plaza;
407-224-5897; www.universalorlando.com)
offers fine dining, live music, shopping, dancing, cinemas, and
more. Visitors can rock the night away at the world's largest Hard
Rock Cafˇ, heat up the dance floor at The Groove SM, grab a tall
cool one at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, or for big-screen buffs,
there's a 20-screen theater complex.
back to top
Travel Info
The Official Orlando Visitors Center (8723 International
Dr., Suite 101; 407-363-5872; www.orlandoinfo.com/b2b/cvbhome)
will assist with information on hotels, attractions and restaurants.
Visitors can purchase discount attraction tickets and pick up a
free Orlando Magicard.
The Orlando Magicard allows vacationers to save up to $500
at area attractions, including accommodations, restaurants and dinner
theaters, shopping malls and ground transportation. Order by calling
(800) 551-0181 or visiting www.orlandoinfo.com.
The Orlando FlexTicket provides scheduling flexibility and
value for visiting Orlando's popular attractions. FlexTickets come
in 4- and 5-park denominations and provide unlimited access to Universal
Studios, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld Orlando, and more, for 14
consecutive days starting with the first day of use. Ticket prices
are subject to change. Visit www.orlandoticketsales.com
or call (877) 460-6849.
back to top
Fast Facts
Orlando's history dates back to 1838 at the height of the Seminole
Wars, and was formerly known as "Jernigan" for the Jernigan family
who first settled there before becoming Orlando 37 years later.
back to top
Links
Orlando Info
Orlando
City Search
City of Orlando
back to top
Search
for meetings in Orlando
print this page
back to top |
