Orlando is located in Florida. This is the most «summery» city in the USA, known for its excellent weather, beautiful and lush nature and well-developed infrastructure. Travelers from all around the planet head for Orlando in search of fun. The name of the city derives from the name of a soldier Orlando Reeves, who died here during the war against the Seminole Indian tribe.
Few people would know of Orlando if the Walt Disney World - the unique theme park - was not constructed here. That is why one can say that the year 1965 has changed the city's history. This was the year when Walter Disney, a famous American film producer, started to implement his plans of turning this deserted land into the world of fantasy. The giant Disney World occupies a 113 sq.m. territory. Its the place where children and kids alike dip into the magical fairytale world, the world where dreams come true. The park's territory is divided into several areas, each with its own name and its own attractions.
If you've never been here you can't even imagine how great the park is. Altogether «Disneylands» of Los Angeles, Paris, Spain and Tokyo are only a half of that in Orlando. But don't think that the park was built for children only. In addition to kids areas, there are golf courts, night clubs and what not.
Each area has its attractions. For instance, Magic Kingdom contains an Adventureland, with rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise, a Liberty Square has the Hall of Presidents and other democratic attributes. Fantasyland is filled with the Peter Pan's Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh spirit. There is also a Tomorrowland with such attractions as the Starcade, Astro Orbitor, Disneyland Railroad and others. Names of the parks speak for themselves and describing their advantages would take too long. But one of the park's most visited attractions is Disney-MGM Studios where visitors can meet their favourite cartoon characters.
Inhabitants of the sea - from polar bears of the Arctic to inhabtitants of the tropic waters - can be observed at the "Sea World" - one of the most popular marine mammal parks of the USA. You can even stay at one of the Walt Disney World's hotels - rates are a bit higher than that in Orlando (the resort is located 20 miles from the city), but each hotel is a true sight: imagine you live in a Polynesian hut, or in a Wild-Western style hotel, or even a music-themed hotel called Disney%s All Star Music.
The only drawback is that there are no natural reservoirs close by, and it takes 1,5 hours to reach the ocean by car. But there is another attraction - Disney's Vero Beach Resort - located on Atlantic coast.
Both children and grown-ups will like Universal Studios Florida where one can «jump into the action of the movies», and entertain oneself at one of its attractions like «Terminator 2:3-D», «The Simpsons Ride», «Revenge of the Mummy», «Animal Actors On» and many others.
These are just a few of Orlando's attractions and parks. The city of course has numerous galleries, museums and scientific centres. But that's the subject for another story.