The entertainment and theme park capital of the world, a magical destination full of adventure, shopping and fun for the whole family.
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About orlando - Culture, History & Character
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I've been there!Explora el fascinante pasado de orlando y descubre cómo se ha desarrollado a lo largo de los siglos.
Originally, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Seminoles. The region remained largely rural and unpopulated until the mid-19th century.
The city of Orlando was incorporated in 1885 and its initial growth was based on the citrus industry. However, the event that changed their destiny forever occurred in the 1960s, when Walt Disney secretly purchased vast tracts of land to build his visionary 'Florida Project'.
The opening of Magic Kingdom in 1971 was the catalyst for an unprecedented transformation. The arrival of Walt Disney World sparked a tourism and development boom that attracted other entertainment giants such as SeaWorld and Universal Studios. Today, Orlando is one of the most visited cities on the planet, with a massive tourism infrastructure and an economy fueled by magic and imagination.
La cronología histórica muestra los momentos clave que han definido el desarrollo de orlando a lo largo de los siglos.
Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system
Tourist areas and theme parks are extremely safe. However, like any large US city, it has areas with higher crime rates.
Null. Orlando is the epitome of car-dependent urban sprawl. It is impossible to move between the different park complexes or downtown without a vehicle.
Very poor for a city of its size and tourist vocation. It is a city designed for the car.
Very expensive. Park tickets are the main expense and can exceed $150 per person per day. Food and merchandise inside the parks are very expensive.
A massive nightlife offer for all tastes, concentrated in the leisure complexes and in the city center.
Culture is entertainment. However, the city has a growing arts and cultural scene beyond the parks.
A surprisingly diverse culinary scene. From character dining to celebrity chef restaurants and an authentic local food scene.
A shopping paradise. It is home to some of the largest and busiest shopping centers and outlet malls in the country.
A double-edged sword. The winters are perfect, but the summers are brutally hot, humid and rainy.
Possibly the most tourist-friendly city in the world. Everything, absolutely everything, is designed with the visitor in mind.
It is, possibly, the best family destination in the world. The entire city is designed around fun for all ages.
Orlando is one of the most LGTBQ+ friendly cities in the country, with a great community and world-famous events.
Orlando's economy depends on service and hospitality. The people are used to tourists and are professional and friendly.
Central Florida's natural beauty lies in its lakes, crystal-clear springs, and subtropical wetlands.
Architecture is a thematic spectacle. From Cinderella Castle to Hogwarts, architecture is designed for immersion and fantasy.
The story of Orlando is the story of how a vision (Walt Disney's) can transform a landscape and create a global phenomenon in the 20th century.
The 'City Beautiful' lives up to its nickname with numerous lakes and well-maintained parks that offer a respite from the theme parks.
Theme parks are famous for their almost obsessive cleanliness. The rest of the city is generally clean.
A rapidly growing startup ecosystem, especially in simulation technology (due to its proximity to NASA and the military), video games and hospitality technology.
Good infrastructure, but the high cost of living and car dependence make it less attractive than other cities in Florida.
Comprehensive assessment of this destination
For its purpose, it is an almost perfect city. It offers a concentration of world-class family entertainment that is unmatched. Despite its flaws (cost, traffic, summer weather), Orlando's ability to create magical memories is undeniable, making it a pilgrimage destination for families from around the world.
Discover the best times to visit this city and what to expect throughout the year.
A double-edged sword. The winters are perfect, but the summers are brutally hot, humid and rainy.
Warm and pleasant temperatures, with less humidity than in summer. An ideal time.
Very hot, extremely humid and with thunderstorms almost daily in the afternoon. It's hurricane season.
Heat and humidity decrease. It's still warm and it's a great time to visit.
The best time. Mild, sunny and dry days. The nights can be cool.
Winters are mild and sunny, ideal for escaping the cold.
Lots of sun throughout the year.
The heat and humidity of summer are stifling.
Daily thunderstorms in summer.
Hurricane risk.
Hurricane season officially runs from June to November, with the highest risk in August and September.
Summer is characterized by intense heat and short but strong storms in the afternoon.
Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas
Daily spending per person
An expensive destination, mainly due to the cost of tickets to the theme parks, accommodation and food within them.
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Best areas for shopping
2 areas • Recommended Areas
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1 area • Recommended Areas
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1 area • Recommended Areas
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2 areas • Recommended Areas
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Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer
A universe in itself. It includes four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom), two water parks, dozens of hotels and the Disney Springs entertainment complex.
Disney's main competitor. It consists of two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure), the Volcano Bay water park and the CityWalk leisure complex. Famous for 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter'.
The NASA launch center. An essential visit that allows you to see the space shuttle Atlantis, experience a simulated launch and walk under the gigantic Saturn V rocket.
A park that combines exciting roller coasters with marine animal shows and exhibits. Famous for its orcas and dolphins.
A massive shopping, dining and outdoor entertainment complex on Disney property, with free admission. Full of themed shops and restaurants by famous chefs.
The Universal entertainment complex, which connects the two theme parks. Full of restaurants, bars, cinemas and shops. Especially lively at night.
Orlando's main tourist artery outside of Disney. A long avenue flanked by hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions such as ICON Park and its Ferris wheel.
The heart of downtown Orlando. A beautiful park surrounding a lake with an iconic fountain. Ideal for walking, running or attending your Sunday market.
An exclusive all-inclusive park that limits the number of daily visitors. It offers the opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel on a reef with rays and relax in a tropical setting.
Haz clic en "Tours" para encontrar las mejores actividades y entradas, o usa "Planificar" para crear tu itinerario personalizado.
dayTrips.dayTripsDescription
A full-day visit to the NASA Visitor Center. An educational and fascinating experience for all ages.
Science, History, Families
The oldest city in the United States (of European origin). It offers a charming Spanish colonial historic center, an imposing castle and a completely different atmosphere than Orlando.
History, architecture, charming towns
One of the most famous beaches on the Gulf of Mexico coast, known for its sugar-fine white sand and calm, warm waters.
Beaches, relaxation, Families
A charming and exclusive suburb of Orlando. Famous for its main street (Park Avenue) full of boutiques and restaurants, its museums and its chain of lakes boat tour.
Shopping, gastronomy, relaxation, Art
Haz clic en "Tours" para encontrar excursiones organizadas, o usa "Plan" para crear tu itinerario personalizado.
Discover the unique character and charm of each city district.
The Disney bubble. Where Walt Disney World and its entire universe of hotels and leisure are located.
The tourist corridor. A long avenue full of hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and secondary attractions.
The local center. The business district and epicenter of nightlife for residents, with Lake Eola Park at its heart.
Sophisticated and charming. An exclusive suburb with luxury boutiques, fine restaurants and a European atmosphere.
Discover the best experiences and activities for each time of year
Epcot's most famous festival. Dozens of kiosks around the world offer dishes and drinks in tasting portions. A paradise for food and drink lovers.
Considered the best Halloween event in the world. The park transforms at night into a terrifying setting with cinematic-level haunted houses and scare zones.
The parks are decked out with spectacular decorations, special parades such as 'Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party' and festive events that create a magical atmosphere.
Epcot Park is filled with color with millions of flowers, Disney character topiaries, and fresh spring food kiosks. Visually spectacular.
Discover the most important events and festivals celebrated throughout the year
One of the largest Pride events in the world, attracting more than 150,000 people to theme parks and special events throughout the city.
Epcot hosts four major festivals throughout the year: Festival of the Arts, Flower & Garden, Food & Wine, and Festival of the Holidays.
Universal Studios' acclaimed and terrifying Halloween event, which requires a separate ticket.
Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe
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