Florida Vacations - Orlando

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Orlando>>> 134 miles (214 km) south west of Jacksonville, 228 miles (365 km) north west of Miami

Orlando Florida

Orlando was a little known citrus farming area until Walt Disney started acquiring land on the outskirts of the town in the 1960s.

By 1971, that land had become Walt Disney World and since then the name of Orlando, Florida has become indelibly linked to the theme parks, thrill rides, fairy tale palaces and Disney characters loved the world over.

Orlando is the fifth most popular US destination for overseas travelers, and has the second highest number of hotel rooms, second only to Las Vegas.

Not surprisingly, the accommodation industry represents a large part of the local economy of Orlando and visitors have a wide choice of accommodation types in a wide price range. 

From luxury hotels,  fantasy theme resorts, exclusive golf resorts, condominiums and inns, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts.... from back-packer hostel to super luxury, it's all available in and around Orlando.

Most of the major entertainment parks are actually located outside of Orlando in the adjacent towns of Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee.

These towns provide an incredible choice of shopping, holiday accommodation and dining experiences where every possible whim is catered for, both inside and outside the parks.

Nearby Winter haven and Altamonte Springs provide a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and the theme parks.

Their country charm and more sedate pace provide a peek back to a time before the region became the home of the world's best known theme parks.

Getting There & Getting Around

At least 35 airlines and as many charter operators fly into Orlando International Airport.  Delta runs around 25% of the flights from approximately 160 cities. Other carriers include Air Canada,  America West, American, British Airways, Continental, Northwest and US Airways. 

Amtrak has services to and from Orlando and many of the surrounding towns such as Kissimmee, Sebring, Winter Haven, Sanford and Ocala.

The Orlando Airport website provides and excellent page about shuttle services and city transport.  A trolley service called the I Ride provides a great way to get around the International Drive Resort Area.  The LYNX bus service covers the Orlando and surrounding cities metropolitan areas.

Driving in Orlando

If you plan on driving in Orlando be prepared for some traffic - especially at rush hour. The main highway through Orlando is I4, which runs directly from downtown Orlando to the Disney area. For more information on driving in Orlando traffic visit the Florida Drivers Association at 123driving.com

  Orlando vacation highlights :: getting the most from your Orlando vacation

Other "Most Popular" Florida Destinations:  Miami vacations  ::  Miami Beach vacations ::  Tampa vacations

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