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The city of Orlando, Florida is a major tourist attraction of the southern United States. Orlando became a city in 1857. Until then, the Seminole Indians lived on the swampland that is now the city of Orlando. Though there are many tales on how Orlando got its name, the most commonly accepted story claims that is was named after an army man named Orlando Reeves that was killed by an Indian's arrow during the Seminole Wars.
Orlando's economy has changed over the years, in the beginning Orlando's main production was cotton. After the Civil War, cattle became big business in Orlando. In 1890, the growing of citrus became the primary force in Orlando's economy. The history of Orlando was changed in 1965 when plans to convert over 28,000 acres of swampland into Walt Disney World. The theme park opened in 1971 and led the way for a plethora of tourist attractions that would follow.
Orlando is packed full of exciting and popular tourist attractions including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure and Ripley's Believe It or Not. Come along as we discover the fun and exciting things to see and do in Orlando.
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is the number one attraction in the Orlando area. The huge entertainment mecca covers over 28,000 acres of what use to be swamp land. Disney World has four theme parks to entertain and delight the young and the young at heart! These include The Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Disney MGM-Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
The Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom is, of course, the home of Mickey Mouse and friends and the residence of Cinderella's castle. Both children and adults will be delighted by the characters, the thrill inducing rides and the entertaining shows. Some of the most popular rides at Disney World include It's a Small World, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Carribean.
Epcot Center
Epcot Center is the result of Walt Disney's vision for a futuristic world, called an Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow, or EPCOT. The majority of Epcot is set in a futuristic and educational theme. Epcot also features The World Showcase, a display of the culture and history from eleven countries around the world.
Disney MGM Studios
MGM Studios is Disney's response to Universal Studios. In addition to the thrilling rides and shows, you get a glimpse into the behind the scenes going-ons of movie making.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is Disney's newest attraction, which opened in 1998. Disney has recreated an African safari and an excavation of dinosaurs that will excite any animal lover and nature enthusiast.
The best description of the park came from Disney's CEO, Michael Eisner, in his dedication speech at Animal Kingdoms grand opening. He said the park is, "... a kingdom of animals...real, ancient and imagined." In addition to the animals, there are an assortment of rides, stage shows and shops.
Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
Universal Studios allows you to "Live the Movies." Universal Studios Florida is a place where movie fans get to go behind the scenes of some of their all time favorite films. Also home of Nickelodeon Studios, you can watch and even participate in the filming of one of their shows. Don't stand too close to the Green Slime Geyser located outside the studio, it erupts at various times, spraying anyone in its vicinity with green slime. One of the spookiest attractions is a life size replica of the Bates Motel, from the movie Psycho, looming at the top of a hill.
Islands of Adventure is the newest park in Universal Studios. It features a ton of exciting rides and shows including the Jurassic Park attraction!
Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum
Founder Robert Ripley spent 40 years circling the globe in search of exotic and unbelievable items. These items are now displayed in 27 Ripley's Museums throughout the world. One of the best museums is located in Orlando. The museum is open 365 days a year and has items on display that will astound you, surprise you and even shock you! But, don't be alarmed if the building appears to be sinking into a Floridian sinkhole, it's just an illusion....believe it...or not!
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