Orlando, Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Orlando
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| Nicknames:
The City Beautiful, O-Town, Theme Park Capital of the World
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 Orlando
Location in Florida
Orlando
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Florida |
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| County | Orange | ||
| Settled (Jernigan) | 1843 | ||
| Incorporated (Town of Orlando) | July 31, 1875 | ||
| Incorporated (City of Orlando) | February 4, 1885 | ||
| Named for | Orlando Reeves, a soldier killed during the Seminole War | ||
| Government | |||
| • Type | Strong Mayor–Council | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 119.08 sq mi (308.41 km2) | ||
| • Land | 110.85 sq mi (287.10 km2) | ||
| • Water | 8.23 sq mi (21.31 km2) | ||
| • Urban | 644.61 sq mi (1,669.5 km2) | ||
| Elevation | 89 ft (27 m) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 307,573 | ||
| • Rank | 58th, U.S. | ||
| • Density | 2,774.65/sq mi (1,071.30/km2) | ||
| • Urban | 1,853,896 (26th U.S.) | ||
| • Urban density | 2,876.0/sq mi (1,110.4/km2) | ||
| • Metro | 2,691,925 (23rd U.S.) | ||
| • CSA | 4,222,422 (15th U.S.) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Orlandoan | ||
| GDP | |||
| • Metro | $217.038 billion (2023) | ||
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | ||
| ZIP Code |
32801-32812, 32814-32822, 32824-32837, 32839, 32853-32862, 32867-32869, 32872, 32877-32878, 32885-32887, 32891, 32896-32897, 32899
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| Area codes | 407, 689 | ||
| FIPS code | 12-53000 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 2404443 | ||
| Website | www.orlando.gov | ||
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Orlando is a big city in Florida, United States. It's the main city of Orange County. In 2020, about 307,573 people lived here. This makes it the fourth largest city in Florida and the biggest city that isn't on the coast. Orlando is part of a larger area called Greater Orlando, which has over 2.6 million people.
Orlando is famous around the world for its many visitors. People come here for tourism, big events, and conventions. It's one of the most visited cities in the U.S. The Orlando International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country.
The two most famous places to visit in Orlando are Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. Walt Disney World opened in 1971 and is a bit southwest of downtown Orlando. Universal Orlando opened in 1990 and is the only theme park actually inside Orlando city limits.
Besides theme parks, downtown Orlando has important cultural places like the Orlando Museum of Art and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Other fun spots, like the Orlando Eye at ICON Park, are on International Drive. Orlando also hosts many conferences and conventions. The Orange County Convention Center is the second largest in the United States.
Orlando grew very quickly from the 1960s. It's home to the University of Central Florida, which is one of the largest universities in the U.S.
Contents
The Name of Orlando
The area where Orlando is now was once called Fort Gatlin. This fort was built in 1838 during the Second Seminole War. It was named after John S. Gatlin, an Army doctor who died in a battle. The fort was built near a special tree where Native Americans used to meet.
Before it was called Orlando, the area was known as Jernigan. This name came from the first European settlers, Isaac and Aaron Jernigan, who moved there in 1843. A post office opened in Jernigan in 1850. By 1856, it became the main town of Orange County.
In 1857, people decided to change the town's name. There are a few stories about how Orlando got its name.
The Orlando Reeves Story
One popular story says the city is named after a man named Orlando Reeves. The legend says he was a soldier who died in 1835 during a fight with Native Americans. He was supposedly a guard for soldiers camping near a lake. A memorial near Lake Eola honors this story.
However, historians have looked at military records and found no soldier named Orlando Reeves. This story seems to be a legend that grew over time. Some believe the name might have come from a cattle rancher named Orlando Savage Rees, who was in Florida during that time.
The Shakespeare Connection
Another story, which many now believe, is that the city was named after a character from William Shakespeare's play As You Like It. A pioneer named James Speer, who loved Shakespeare, suggested the name Orlando. He might have used the Orlando Reeves legend to help convince others, but his real reason was the play. It's interesting that one of downtown Orlando's main streets is called Rosalind Avenue, named after the play's heroine.
Orlando's History
Early Settlement and Growth
In 1823, the land that would become Orlando was part of a Seminole reservation. White settlers were encouraged to move here in 1842. The first settler, Aaron Jernigan, arrived in 1843.
In 1845, Mosquito County was renamed Orange County. The town of Orlando was officially laid out in 1857. It became an incorporated town on July 31, 1875, with 85 residents. In 1885, Orlando became a city.
From 1875 to 1895, Orlando was a major center for Florida's citrus industry. This time was known as Orlando's Golden Era. But a very cold winter in 1894-95, called the Great Freeze, damaged the citrus groves. This caused many people to move away or shift their farms south.
Modern Development
Orlando became a popular vacation spot before World War I. In the 1920s, many new homes were built, and land prices went up. This building boom ended with hurricanes in the late 1920s and the Great Depression.
During World War II, many soldiers were stationed at military bases in Orlando. Some of them decided to stay and live in the city after the war. In 1956, a big aerospace company, Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin), opened a factory here.
In 1962, the new Orlando Jetport was built, which later became the Orlando International Airport. This airport helped Orlando grow a lot.
The biggest change for Orlando happened in 1965 when Walt Disney announced plans to build Walt Disney World. He chose Orlando because its inland location made it safer from hurricanes than coastal areas. Walt Disney World opened in October 1971. This led to a huge increase in people and jobs in the Orlando area. Because of this, tourism became the most important part of Orlando's economy. Today, Orlando has more theme parks and fun attractions than any other place in the world.
Orlando's Geography
Orlando's land is mostly flat and has many wetlands, lakes, and swamps. The biggest lake is Lake Apopka. The ground in Central Florida is made of limestone, which is very porous. This means Orlando can have sinkholes. A famous sinkhole happened in 1981 in Winter Park, a city just north of Orlando.
Cityscape and Neighborhoods
Orlando has 115 neighborhoods within its city limits. There are also many areas that are part of Orange County but are surrounded by the city. This is why Orlando's city population seems smaller compared to the total population of the wider metropolitan area.
The heart of the Orlando area is Downtown Orlando. This is the historic center and business district. It has many banks, tall buildings, government offices, and cultural spots. It's also home to many people living in high-rise apartments. Downtown Orlando has places like the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Kia Center, and Orlando Museum of Art.
Southeast of Downtown is Lake Nona, which is growing fast. It's becoming a major healthcare area with places like Nemours Children's Hospital and the University of Central Florida's Health Sciences Campus.
The southwest part of Orlando is where most of the tourist attractions are. International Drive, or I-Drive, is a long road with many hotels, shops, and attractions. Here you'll find Universal Orlando Resort, Madame Tussauds wax museum, the Orange County Convention Center, SeaWorld Orlando, Fun Spot America, and ICON Park with its famous Ferris wheel, the Orlando Eye.
The western side of Orlando has neighborhoods like Apopka, Dr. Phillips, and Windermere. The north side includes older neighborhoods like Eatonville and Winter Park. The east side has neighborhoods like Alafaya and is home to the University of Central Florida (UCF), which has a very large student body.
Tall Buildings in Orlando
The Orlando area has many tall buildings, especially in downtown Orlando and the tourist district. The tallest building in the area is 200 South Orange, which is 441 feet (134 meters) tall. Buildings in downtown Orlando cannot be too tall because of the nearby Orlando Executive Airport.
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200 South Orange
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Plaza South Tower
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Outside of downtown, some other tall structures include the Hyatt Regency Orlando, SeaWorld SkyTower, and The Wheel at ICON Park. The StarFlyer Orlando on International Drive is 450 feet (137 meters) tall.
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Hyatt Regency Orlando
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Orlando's Climate
Orlando has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has two main seasons:
- A hot and rainy season from May to late October.
- A warm and dry season from November to April.
During the hot summer, temperatures are usually in the low 90s °F (32–34 °C). It can feel even hotter because of the humidity. Strong thunderstorms happen almost every day in the afternoon during this time. These storms bring lots of lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds.
In winter, it's less humid and temperatures are milder. It rarely gets below freezing. Snow is very rare in Orlando. The last time snow accumulated was in 1948, though some flurries have been seen more recently.
Orlando gets about 51 inches (130 cm) of rain each year, mostly from June to September. The dry season from October to May can sometimes lead to wildfires.
Even though Orlando is inland, it can still be affected by hurricanes. Hurricanes usually weaken before they reach the city, but they can still cause damage. In 2004, three hurricanes hit Orlando, causing a lot of damage. Recent hurricanes like Irma (2017), Ian (2022), and Milton (2024) also caused notable damage.
Tornadoes are not common during summer thunderstorms. They are more likely to happen during cold winter days or during hurricanes.
Orlando's People
Orlando has grown a lot over the years. In 2020, the city had 307,573 people.
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Orlando is a very diverse city. It has a large population of people from Puerto Rico, and it's home to a fast-growing Puerto Rican community. There are also many people from Cuba and Brazil. You can find Brazilian restaurants and shops, and even Portuguese signs at the airport.
Many people from the Caribbean also live in Orlando, including those from the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Haiti. The city also has active Muslim and Jewish communities.
Languages Spoken
Most people in Orlando speak English at home. However, a large number of residents also speak Spanish. Other languages spoken in Orlando include Haitian Creole, French, Portuguese, and Arabic.
Greater Orlando Area
Orlando is the main city of the "Greater Orlando" or "Metro Orlando" area. This area includes four counties: Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole. In 2020, over 2.6 million people lived in Metro Orlando, making it the third largest metropolitan area in Florida.
Orlando's Economy
Orlando is a big center for industry and technology. The area has a large technology industry with many jobs. It's known for new ideas in digital media, farming technology, aviation, and software design. More than 150 international companies have offices in Metro Orlando.
Orlando is home to the Central Florida Research Park, which is one of the largest research parks in the country. It has over 120 companies and is a hub for military simulation and training programs.
Companies like Lockheed Martin have big factories in Orlando that make missile systems and other high-tech products. Many other engineering and tech companies also have offices here. Orlando is also close to Patrick Space Force Base and Kennedy Space Center, where people can work on space projects.
Orlando is the home base for Darden Restaurants, which owns popular restaurants like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.
Film, TV, and Games
Orlando is also important for the film, television, and electronic gaming industries. This is thanks to places like Universal Studios Florida, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Full Sail University, and the University of Central Florida's arts programs. Many video games are made here, and students come to study game design, film, and animation.
Healthcare in Orlando
Orlando has two main hospital systems: Orlando Health and AdventHealth. Orlando Regional Medical Center has the only Level I trauma center in Central Florida. Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies and AdventHealth Orlando have special care units for babies. The city's medical services have grown with the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine and the new Nemours Children's Hospital in the Lake Nona Medical City area.
Jobs and Housing
Orlando has historically had a low unemployment rate, which led to a lot of growth. This growth also caused home prices to go up. After an economic downturn, home prices dropped but have been stabilizing.
Tourism in Orlando
Tourism is a huge part of Orlando's economy. The city is known as the "Theme Park Capital of the World." In 2018, a record 75 million visitors came to the Orlando area, making it the top tourist spot in the U.S.
The Orlando area has many of the most visited theme parks in North America and the world.
- Walt Disney World Resort is the biggest attraction. It includes Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and water parks like Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach.
- Universal Orlando Resort has Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay water park. A new park, Universal Epic Universe, is set to open in 2025.
- SeaWorld Orlando features marine animals and exciting roller coasters like Mako and Manta. It also has the Aquatica water park.
- Fun Spot Orlando and Kissimmee offer thrilling rides in a smaller setting.
- On International Drive, you can find ICON Park with The Wheel, Madame Tussauds wax museum, and the Sealife Aquarium.
Orlando is also a major city for conventions. The Orange County Convention Center is the second largest in the United States. Many big events and trade shows happen there.
Golf in Orlando
Orlando has many golf courses. The most famous is Bay Hill Club and Lodge, which hosts a professional golf tournament called the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Orlando's Culture
Film and TV
In the 1990s, Orlando was sometimes called "Hollywood East" because many films and TV shows were made here. Parts of movies like Lethal Weapon 3 were filmed in Orlando. Walt Disney Feature Animation even had a studio here that made films like Mulan and Lilo & Stitch. While film production has slowed, the city still has ties to the entertainment industry, especially with its theme parks.
The Florida Film Festival takes place in Orlando and shows movies from new filmmakers around the world.
Theater and Arts
Orlando has a lively theater scene. There are professional and community theaters, including the Central Florida Ballet and Orlando Shakespeare Theater. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a major venue for shows.
The Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival brings theater groups from all over the world to Orlando each spring. There are also classical music groups like the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.
Music and Local Scene
Orlando has many recording studios. Famous boybands like the Backstreet Boys and N Sync were formed here in the 1990s. Rock bands like Matchbox Twenty and metal bands like Trivium also come from Orlando. The city has active hip hop, metal, and Latin music scenes.
Shopping Malls
Orlando has several large shopping centers:
- The Mall at Millenia is a fancy mall with stores like Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus.
- Orlando Fashion Square is closer to downtown.
- Orlando International Premium Outlets is an outdoor mall with many discount stores.
- Universal CityWalk is an entertainment and shopping area at the entrance of Universal Studios Florida.
Sports in Orlando
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Orlando is home to two major professional sports teams:
- The Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
- Orlando City SC in Major League Soccer (MLS).
There are also minor league teams like the Orlando Solar Bears (ice hockey) and the Orlando Predators (arena football). The Orlando Pride is a women's soccer team that plays in the National Women's Soccer League.
Orlando has hosted the NBA All-Star Game twice. The city is also home to the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights college sports teams.
Camping World Stadium hosts two college football bowl games each year: the Citrus Bowl and the Pop-Tarts Bowl. It also hosts the National Football League's Pro Bowl.
Many famous athletes, like basketball players Shaquille O'Neal and Tracy McGrady, and golfers Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer, have lived in Orlando.
| Club | Sport | League | Venue | Average attendance | Founded | Titles |
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| Orlando Magic | Basketball | NBA | Kia Center | 16,785 | 1989 | 0 |
| Orlando City SC | Soccer | MLS | Inter&Co Stadium | 20,404 | 2015 | 0 |
| Orlando Predators | Arena football | NAL | Kia Center | — | 2019 | 0 |
| Orlando Solar Bears | Ice hockey | ECHL | Kia Center | 6,209 | 2012 | 0 |
| Orlando Anarchy | Women's football | WFA | Trinity Preparatory School | — | 2010 | 1 |
| Orlando Pride | Women's soccer | NWSL | Inter&Co Stadium | 4,837 | 2016 | 1 |
Education in Orlando
Public schools in Orlando are managed by Orange County Public Schools. There are also many private schools in the area.
Colleges and Universities
Orlando is home to several important colleges and universities:
- University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of the largest universities in the United States.
- Valencia College and Seminole State College of Florida are local community colleges.
- Other private schools include Full Sail University (known for media and entertainment studies) and Rollins College.
Media in Orlando
Orlando is a major media market. It has many TV and radio stations. The main newspaper is the Orlando Sentinel, which also has a Spanish version called El Sentinel.
NBC Sports' Golf Channel TV network is also based in Orlando.
Transportation in Orlando
Orlando has a public bus system called Lynx. There's also a special downtown bus service called Lymmo. SunRail is a commuter train that connects Orlando with nearby communities.
Airports Serving Orlando
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main airport and the busiest in Florida. It has flights to many places around the world.
- Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a smaller airport nearby.
- Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) is used mostly for private and smaller planes.
Roads and Highways
Orlando's roads can get very busy, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours.
Interstate 4 (I-4) is Orlando's main highway. It runs through the city and connects to Tampa and Daytona Beach.
The East-West Expressway (Toll 408) helps people travel across the city.
The Beachline Expressway (Toll 528) leads to the airport and the Atlantic coast.
The Central Florida Greeneway (Toll 417) is a highway that goes around the eastern side of Orlando.
The Daniel Webster Western Beltway (Toll 429) goes around the western side and can be used to get to Walt Disney World.
Florida's Turnpike (Toll 91) is a major highway that connects northern Florida to Orlando and then to Miami.
Train Services
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Amtrak offers passenger train service from the Orlando Amtrak Station. You can take trains north to New York City or south to Miami.
Commuter Train (SunRail)
SunRail is a local commuter train service that started in 2014. It helps people travel between communities north and south of downtown Orlando, reducing traffic on the highways.
High-Speed Rail (Brightline)
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Brightline is a private train service that connects Orlando to Miami. It started service to Orlando in 2023 and is one of the fastest train services in the U.S. There are plans to add a station near Disney Springs in the future.
Buses and Taxis
Lynx buses cover a wide area, including Orlando and four other counties. Greyhound Lines offers long-distance bus service from Orlando to other cities. Taxis are available, especially in downtown and near attractions. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate in Orlando.
Orlando's International Connections
Orlando has "sister cities" around the world. These are cities that partner together to promote cultural and economic ties.
- Curitiba, Brazil
- Guilin, China
- Monterrey, Mexico
- Reykjanesbaer, Iceland
- Seine-et-Marne, France
- Tainan, Taiwan
- Urayasu, Japan
- Valladolid, Spain
Because Orlando is a popular international tourist spot, several countries have consulates or honorary consulates here. These offices help their citizens who are visiting or living in Orlando.
Images for kids
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Lake Lucerne, around 1905
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Mizell-Leu House, built in 1888, shows Florida's old architectural style.
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The Wyoming Hotel, around 1905
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Lucerne Circle, around 1905
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Lake Eola in 1911
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View of downtown Orlando and Lake Apopka in January 2011
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Homes in the Thornton Park neighborhood, near Downtown Orlando
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Baldwin Park Village Center
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Lake Nona Town Center
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Map of Orlando area railroads
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See also
In Spanish: Orlando (Florida) para niños
