Visitors Guide to Orlando, Florida, USA

The world-famous city of Orlando is located in the central area of the state of Florida, in the USA. Home to the world's number-one tourist attraction, Walt Disney World, Orlando also offers a range of must-see sights, which are popular with both children and adults. Ranging from historical museums to vast water parks, landscaped gardens to superb restaurants, Orlando has it all and is one of America's most popular vacation options, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Orlando is a spreading city and covers almost 100 square miles / 260 square
kilometers, with a population of around 200,000. Acclaimed as perhaps the
ultimate family holiday destination, Orlando is also known for its outstanding
shopping malls, vibrant nightlife and sports facilities. Other popular attractions can
be found in nearby towns and cities, including Kissimmee.

Orlando Transport:

Around Orlando, public transport is well maintained and the city offers a number of
options, which include taxis, coaches, trains, trams, and buses operated by the
Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority. Renting a car is one of the most
popular ways to travel around the Orlando area and allows the freedom to explore
the nearby towns, which surround the city.

Florida's number one airport, the bustling Orlando International Airport (MCO), is
located close to the city and each month sees several million passengers arriving
and departing. Also, the smaller Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is
nearby and has two terminals, offering a range of flights. Both airports provide a
selection of reasonably priced ground transportation, which travels into central
Orlando.

Where to Stay in Orlando:

Since the arrival of Disney's Magic Kingdom, the tourist trade in Orlando has grown
dramatically, together with the number of hotels. Orlando now offers an enormous
selection of hotels, both throughout the city and clustered around many of the
popular attractions, particularly Disney World. The nearby town of Kissimmee is just
a short trip from Orlando and offers many reasonably priced hotels, which are often
more conveniently located and offer better value for money.

Orlando Shopping:

Orlando is an impressive shopping destination offering a huge selection of
outstanding shops and stores. Facilities include an endless range of designer
outlets, many well-known department stores, countless fashion boutiques and
sprawling shopping malls. Popular shopping areas include the famous International
Drive, together with South Orange Blossom Trail, West Oakridge Road and Vineland
Road.

Orlando Tourism:

Tourist attractions in Orlando are outstanding, making Orlando the ideal holiday
destination. Facilities include many major landmarks and monuments, museums, art
galleries, historical sights, recreational and sporting activities, and in-depth guided
tours of the city. Top attractions in Orlando include the Disney Magic Kingdom -
complete with its fairytale castle and Mickey Mouse attractions; the Universal
Studios - with many outstanding rides, such as the 'Back to the Future' ride and the
'Earthquake'; the Epcot Center - Disney's vision of the future; and the MGM Studios
Theme Park - where you will find many movie-related rides and tours.

Other popular places to visit in Orlando include the Church Street Station,
Gatorland, Leu Botanical Gardens, the Orlando Science Center, Ripley's Believe It or
Not! Wet 'n
' Wild and Sea World of Florida - home to Shamu the killer whale and
featuring more than 200 acres / 80 hectares of marine stadiums and lagoons.

Orlando Weather:

Orlando has a subtropical and extremely warm climate, with hot summer weather
and sunshine throughout the year. The city has become a year-round resort, with
little rain and predictable high temperatures. Winters (from December to April) are
mild and pleasant and many of the city's most popular festivals are held at this time
of the year. Summers (from June to September) are hot, with temperatures
consistently in the 80s and 90s.