20 Fun Facts About Orlando Florida

Orlando, Florida, is a city known worldwide for its incredible theme parks, sunny weather, and vibrant cultural scene. However, there’s much more to this bustling metropolis than meets the eye. From its fascinating history to surprising trivia, Orlando is full of fun and interesting facts that make it a unique destination. Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious about this iconic city, these 20 fun facts will give you a deeper insight into what makes Orlando so special.

1. Orlando Is Not Florida’s Largest City

Despite its fame, Orlando is not the largest city in Florida by population or size. That title goes to Jacksonville. However, Orlando is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, with a metropolitan area that is home to over 2.5 million people.

2. The Name “Orlando” Is a Mystery

The origins of the name “Orlando” are shrouded in mystery. While several legends exist, the most popular one is that the city was named after a soldier named Orlando Reeves, who supposedly died in the area during the Seminole Wars. However, there’s little evidence to support this story, and other theories suggest it might have been named after a character from Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

3. Walt Disney World Is the Size of San Francisco

Walt Disney World, the crown jewel of Orlando’s theme parks, spans over 25,000 acres. That’s about the same size as San Francisco! With four theme parks, two water parks, dozens of hotels, and numerous golf courses, it’s like a city within a city.

4. Orlando Is Home to the World’s Largest McDonald’s

Orlando boasts the world’s largest McDonald’s, located on International Drive. This massive, two-story restaurant offers not just the usual menu items but also pasta, pizza, and a build-your-own sundae bar. It even has a large arcade for entertainment.

5. Orlando Was Once the Heart of the Citrus Industry

Before becoming a tourism giant, Orlando was known for its citrus groves. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was a major hub for the citrus industry. The city’s nickname, “The City Beautiful,” reflects the lush, orange-laden landscapes that once dominated the area.

6. The First Theme Park in Orlando Was Gatorland

Long before Walt Disney World opened its doors, Gatorland was the first theme park in Orlando. Established in 1949, Gatorland features thousands of alligators and crocodiles, including some of the largest in captivity. It’s still a popular attraction today, offering a more old-school Florida experience.

7. Orlando Hosts More Than 100 Lakes

Orlando is home to over 100 lakes, with Lake Eola being one of the most famous. Located in the heart of downtown, Lake Eola is actually a giant sinkhole and offers a picturesque spot for boating, walking, and enjoying the city skyline.

8. Orlando International Airport Is One of the Busiest in the U.S.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the busiest airport in Florida and one of the busiest in the United States, handling over 50 million passengers annually. Its airport code, MCO, stands for McCoy Air Force Base, the airport’s predecessor.

9. Orlando’s Theme Parks Attract More Tourists Than Most Countries

Orlando’s theme parks attract more than 75 million visitors annually—more than the total population of countries like Canada or Australia. This makes Orlando one of the most visited cities in the world.

10. The Cinderella Castle Isn’t as Tall as It Looks

Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom appears grand and towering, but it’s actually only 189 feet tall. The castle uses forced perspective, where the design elements get smaller as they go higher, creating the illusion of greater height.

11. Orlando Was a Key Military Training Site During World War II

During World War II, Orlando was a major training ground for the U.S. Army Air Forces. The city was home to the Orlando Army Air Base, now known as Orlando Executive Airport, and thousands of soldiers were trained in the area.

12. The Citrus Bowl Stadium Hosts Major Events

The Camping World Stadium, commonly known as the Citrus Bowl, is one of Orlando’s major sports venues. It has hosted numerous big events, including college football bowl games, WrestleMania, and international soccer matches.

13. Orlando’s Wet ‘n Wild Was the World’s First Water Park

Orlando was home to the world’s first official water park, Wet ‘n Wild, which opened in 1977. Created by SeaWorld founder George Millay, it set the standard for water parks around the globe. Although it closed in 2016, its legacy lives on through the new Volcano Bay water park at Universal Orlando.

14. Orlando’s Science Center Is Among the Best in the Country

The Orlando Science Center is one of the most interactive and well-regarded science museums in the U.S. With exhibits on space, dinosaurs, and more, it’s a great spot for families and anyone interested in science and technology.

15. Orlando Has a Huge Convention Center

The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is the second-largest convention center in the United States, with 7 million square feet of space. It hosts hundreds of events each year, attracting millions of attendees.

16. There’s a Quirky Monument to Orlando’s Citrus Past

Lake Eola Park is home to the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, more commonly known as the “Linton Allen Citrus Craziness Monument.” This quirky monument is a nod to the city’s citrus heritage, with colorful orange globes and an unusual design that stands out in the park.

17. Orlando Is a Major Filming Location

Orlando has been the filming location for numerous movies and TV shows. Disney’s Hollywood Studios was originally a fully functioning production studio, and parts of films like Lethal Weapon 3 and My Girl were shot in the city.

18. Orlando’s Amway Center Is High-Tech

The Amway Center, home to the Orlando Magic, is one of the most technologically advanced arenas in the NBA. It features a giant, state-of-the-art scoreboard and offers fans a highly interactive experience during games and events.

19. Orlando’s Harry P. Leu Gardens Is a Hidden Gem

Just minutes from downtown Orlando, the Harry P. Leu Gardens offers a peaceful escape with 50 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. It features a wide variety of plants, including roses, palms, and camellias, as well as a historic home dating back to the 19th century.

20. Orlando Is the “Lightning Capital” of the U.S.

Orlando sits in the heart of Florida’s “Lightning Alley,” making it the lightning capital of the United States. The region experiences more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the country, especially during the summer months.