Know Before You Go: About Orlando
Orlando is a city where families come together to soak up the Sunshine State's weather and create memories at some of the world's most-loved theme parks
Sprinkle in more top attractions and outdoor adventures and it is no mystery why Orlando is the leading travel destination in the United States.
Orlando Attractions
The early 1970s heralded the beginning of people rushing to Orlando with their mouse ears hanging and adrenaline pumping to celebrate the opening of Walt Disney World. Since then, theme parks have multiplied in the area, including Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, LEGOLAND and SeaWorld, with new attractions popping up every year. The family fun doesn’t stop at theme parks. Other whimsical entertainment includes dinner shows, concerts and Cirque du Soleil performances, go-karting, skydiving and taking a spin on the Orlando Eye Ferris wheel.
Orlando Weather
Orlando is a great vacation spot because the sun shines brightly on most days, especially from October through May when the climate is moderate and dry. Summer heat brings high humidity and daily afternoon rainstorms to central Florida. If you’re looking to avoid the humidity, head to Orlando in January when the daytime highs reach the low 70’s. June is the wettest month and July is the warmest, with daytime highs averaging a sticky 92° F. Orlando is about 77 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico and 45 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, so hurricanes are usually less intense than on Florida's coast.
Orlando Population
Orlando's population nearly doubled between 1980 and 2010 as it catapulted into the 21st century as one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan areas. More than 255,000 people call the city home, while the greater Orlando area, covering Kissimmee and surrounding Orange County towns, counts more than 2.13 million residents.
Greater Orlando Industries
The people like you who visit Orlando are important to the local economy—about one-third of people living in the Orlando-area are involved in travel and tourism. The film and television industry has also found a home in Orlando, calling the city "Hollywood East." The aerospace, aviation, engineering, research and high-tech industries, including nearby Kennedy Space Center, attract highly skilled professionals to the area.
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More to Explore
Fun and Free Things to do
It doesn't have to cost a fortune to enjoy some of the Orlando’s fun attractions.
Tips for Orlando Theme Parks
With so much to see and do, Orlando is the number-one destination in the United States.