Discover Orlando: Top 13 Fun Facts Every Traveler Should Know!

1. Alligator Neighbors

Feeling snappy, Orlando? Say hello to your scaly neighbors: Orlando is home to the American Alligator species, with over 250 nuisance alligators removed from the Walt Disney World Grand Floridian Resort and Spa since a fatal alligator attack in 2016, proving that even magical places can have a wild side.
Source => travelsafe-abroad.com

2. Space Enthusiast Lodging

In the land where the streets are paved with dreams and topped with mouse ears, one might be surprised to find lodging that's truly out of this world: Orlando boasts an array of top-notch hotels near the Kennedy Space Center, ensuring a cosmic stay for space enthusiasts and earthly visitors alike.
Source => distance-cities.com

Did you know that Florida is home to one of the tallest lighthouses in the nation? Discover the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, standing 175 feet tall with 203 steps, as it offers breathtaking views and a fascinating connection to the famous explorer. 🌊⚓️🔭

=> Fun Facts about Florida

3. Food Truck Heaven

In Orlando, the streets are practically paved with food trucks, making it a 'moveable feast' of epic proportions: The city is home to one of the highest concentrations of food trucks in the US, with 54.99 per 100,000 capita, and boasts six distinct dining districts that have even earned praise from the prestigious James Beard Awards.
Source => expedia.com

4. Aquatic Wonderlands

In the land of Disney magic and dreams, lies a lesser-known aquatic wonderland just waiting to make a splash: Orlando is home to several natural springs, such as Wekiwa Springs State Park, Blue Spring State Park, and Alexander Springs at Ocala National Forest, offering visitors delightful experiences like swimming, snorkeling, and paddling.
Source => cuddlynest.com

5. Swan Paddle Boats

In a flock of their own, swans in Orlando take a backseat – or rather, a back-paddle – to entertain the city's guests in the most enchanting way possible: At Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, visitors can rent swan-shaped paddle boats to glide across the serene waters, exploring the picturesque landscape and basking in the company of family or that special someone. The surrounding park also serves up the perfect leisurely walk, photo opportunities, live concerts, public restrooms, and on-street parking.
Source => tripadvisor.com

6. Titanic Experience

Feeling shipshape in the Sunshine State: Orlando's Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition transports visitors to April 1912 with over 300 artifacts, full-scale room recreations, costumed actors, and themed tours; even offering a Titanic Gala Dinner on weekends to dine like its maiden voyage.
Source => titanicorlando.com

7. Orlando Ballet Milestone

Hold on to your tutus and pointe shoes, because the Magic City is about to get a golden pirouette: Orlando Ballet, Central Florida's premier professional dance ensemble, will dazzle its way into its 50th anniversary during the 2023/24 season, showcasing an array of classic, contemporary, and oh-so-dramatic storytelling through the art of dance—complete with summer intensives, dance-inspired fitness classes, and toe-tapping summer camps for twirlers of all ages.
Source => orlandoballet.org

8. Tech Haven in Orlando

Orlando: where Mickey Mouse and master programmers mingle daily! This Florida gem isn't just for thrill-seekers, it's also a haven for code-junkies: Home to heavy-hitting tech titans like Electronic Arts, FIS Global, and Oracle Corporation, the city boasts an impressive high-tech industry backed by world-class institutions such as the University of Central Florida and Creative Village. So, space out the theme park visits to make time for mingling with some of the brightest minds in tech!
Source => business.orlando.org

9. Year-round Ice Skating

In times of frosty delight, Orlando seems like an unlikely winter paradise of gliding on frozen waters: behold the RDV Sportsplex Ice Den, the world's largest permanent ice-skating facility boasting an Olympic-sized rink and offering year-round skating opportunities despite the city's lack of wintry snowscapes.
Source => bestplaces.net

10. Magical Basketball History

In Orlando, the real magic isn't found in a certain wand-wielding boy wizard's theme park, but in a bouncing orange ball and some towering athletes on the court: The Orlando Magic has played in the NBA playoffs 16 times in 32 seasons, reaching the NBA Finals in 1995 and 2009, boasting legendary players like Shaquille O'Neal, Penny Hardaway, and Dwight Howard, while also honoring the late coach Johnny "Red" Kerr with retired number 6.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

11. Alligator Babies in Town

In Orlando, you'll find more than just Mickey Mouse lurking in the waters – these sneaky scaly sunbathers could join you on your afternoon log-rolling session! All jokes and tail-wags aside: Orlando is actually home to a thriving population of American alligators, found throughout Florida's wetlands and measuring between six to twelve feet in length. Female gators tend to be smaller and lay up to fifty eggs in mound-shaped nests, with babies hatching after two months of incubation – just don't expect a baby shower invitation!
Source => dos.myflorida.com

12. Tree City USA

If Orlando were part of the enchanted forest, trees would certainly applaud its Arbor Day antics: The city holds a Tree City USA recognition for its dedication to public trees, maintaining a sustainable canopy through a responsible entity, passing a public tree care ordinance, allocating at least $2 per capita on annual community forestry programs, and throwing a tree-mendous Arbor Day celebration.
Source => arborday.org

13. Exclusive Palm Tree Club

If palm trees could talk, they'd be bragging about their exclusive club in Orlando: The city's Harry P. Leu Gardens is home to over 400 species of cold hardy and semi-tender palms, giving it one of the largest palm collections in the United States for all tropical flora enthusiasts to gawk at.
Source => leugardens.org