Orlando, Florida (FL) is without doubt the theme-park capital of the world, and Orlando's most famous tourist attraction is Walt Disney World (WDW). The vast Disney complex incorporates a host of state-of-the-art theme parks, with magical characters and thrilling rides, and is located on the southwestern outskirts of Orlando. There is truly something for everyone in Orlando, with millions of visitors and tourists arriving in Orlando in each year, to marvel at the wonders, which include Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Orlando's Kennedy Space Center, the Epcot Center and Disney's Magic Kingdom, home to the enchanting Cinderella's Castle. Away from the theme parks and major tourism in Orlando, you will also find much history and many peaceful spots, together with gardens, fine dining, impressive museums, charming neighborhoods and a major nighttime scene.

There are a huge number of well-placed Orlando tourist information outlets, sited in and around central Orlando, and also at Orlando International Airport (MCO). These Orlando tourist information outlets are rich in tourism and tourist information, specializing in information about Orlando's many tourist attractions, theme parks, restaurants in Orlando, public travel, maps of Orlando, and general Orlando tourism and tourist information. The main tourist information office in Orlando is the Official Visitor Center on International Drive, where you will find the free 'Orlando Visitors' Guide', literally hundreds of leaflets and also discounted theme park tickets.

Orlando contains a range of hotels and a vast array of accommodation can be found throughout the Orlando area, particularly in and around the Disney and Universal theme parks. The famous International Drive in Orlando features many further hotels including numerous budget, mid-range and luxury hotels. Hotels can also be found close to Orlando International Airport (MCO), situated on the eastern side of downtown Orlando. More information on Orlando Hotels.

Orlando contains many premier tourist attractions, including Cypress Gardens - Florida's first ever theme park, with more than three dozen rides and a vast selection of shows; Disney's Magic Kingdom - the most famous of the four parks that make up Disney World; Disney's MGM Studios - a theme park offering an unusual mix of behind the scenes studio tours with exciting rides and live shows; Disney's Animal Kingdom - one of the latest additions to Disney's Orlando-based attractions with a strong nature theme; Epcot Center - less of a Disney theme and more of an educational edge, together with fascinating rides, shows and interactive exhibits; Downtown Disney - an evening-only complex with an array of entertainment areas; Universal Studios - combining the original theme park with Orlando's newer sister park 'Islands of Adventure'; and Wet 'n' Wild - remaining one of the best water parks in Orlando.

Other popular attractions in Orlando include the Bank of America at duPont Center - a particularly attractive skyscraper, gracing the Orlando skyline; Big Tree Park - home to one of the oldest and largest trees in America, named 'the Senator'; Bok Tower Gardens - close to the famous Radisson Resort Parkway, a tranquil spot away from busy city life; Harry P. Leu Gardens - an ideal place from which to escape the theme park glitz of Orlando; Lake Louisa State Park - a vast park providing visitors with the chance to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings; Orlando City Hall - sitting on five acres of land known as City Hall Commons and typical of an American government building; and the SunTrust Center - a giant 35-storey building, notable for its four striking pyramids. More information on Orlando Tourist Attractions and Orlando Landmarks.

Tourist attractions located near to Orlando include the Busch Gardens - a popular adventure park combining a safari theme with exciting white-knuckle rides; Cocoa Beach - featuring a six mile stretch of scenic sandy coastline, famous for its surf scene as well as great restaurants and shopping; Daytona Beach - a fantastic, relaxing spot where Orlando holiday makers can escape the madness of the theme parks, with canoeing, jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and surfing; the Kennedy Space Center - known the world over as the launch station for NASA spacecraft and satellites; and SeaWorld - a sister park of Busch Gardens, with regular shows featuring sea mammals throughout the day, including the Shamu Killer Whale show.

Orlando also contains a number of superb museums and art galleries in and around central Orlando, offering interesting information on the history of Orlando and many other exhibitions. Some of the major museums and art galleries in Orlando include the Mennello Museum - dedicated to the art collection of the late Earl Cunningham; Wells' Built Museum of African American History - previously a hotel that has been home to some of jazz's greatest names as guests; the Orlando Science Center - featuring hundreds of interactive scientific attractions; Ripley's Believe It Or Not Orlando Museum - located on International Drive, full of fascinating collections; the Orlando Museum of Art - featuring a range of displays of American art from the 19th century to the present; and the Wyland Galleries - in Orlando's Walt Disney World district, specializing in paintings of sea life. More information on Orlando Museums and Orlando Art Galleries.

More Orlando Information / Facts: -

• Country: United States of America (USA)
• Location: Orange County, Florida (FL)
• Status: city, county seat
• Area: 94 square miles / 243 square kilometers
• Population: 186,000
• Language: American English
• Currency: US Dollar (USD)
• Time zone: GMT - 5 hours Eastern Standard Time (daylight saving time is observed)
• Country dialing code: +1
• Telephone area code: 321 or 407
• Religion: various religions
• Average daily January temperature: 22ºC / 72ºF
• Average daily July temperature: 33ºC / 91ºF