10 Things You Might Not Know About Orlando

1. Disney World is not actually in Orlando.

Although Orlando is most associated with Walt Disney World, the theme park is actually located 15 miles outside the city in Lake Buena Vista. 

2. The Orlando Magic was almost the Orlando “Juice.”

 In 1987, a contest was held to pick the name of the future Orlando basketball team. Out of 4,296 entries the finalist were the “Heat,” the “Tropics,” the “Juice,” and the “Magic.” 

3. There are over 50 swans at Lake Eola.

Five different breeds of swan are located downtown at Lake Eola. The breeds include: whooper, royal mute, trumpeter, Australian black and black neck. 

4. “Lethal Weapon 3” featured the demolition of Orlando’s Old City Hall in the opening scene. Click to 4:15 in the video to see demolition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMQrloEFio4

5. Orlando was originally named Jernigan.

Although the origin of the name Orlando is unknown, we’re all pretty thankful that the name Jernigan didn’t stick.

6. It’s estimated that it would take 67 full days to experience Orlando.

With over 95 individual attractions and hundreds of things to do at each one, it’s estimated it would take 67 eight-hour days to experience them all.  

7. Orlando has the second largest number of hotel rooms in the country.

Second only to Las Vegas, there are over 113,000 guestrooms available in Orlando. 

8. It would take you five years to eat at every restaurant in Orlando.

Orlando has plenty of delicious options to satisfy every taste and budget. With over 5,300 restaurants, you could eat at a different Orlando restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and still not repeat a restaurant for five years.  

9. The Sun Trust Center is the tallest building in Orlando.

Built in 1988 The Sun Trust Center towers over downtown Orlando at 441 feet tall and has 30 floors.

10. There are over 100 lakes in Orlando.

Lake Eola in downtown Orlando is actually a large sinkhole. The deepest point is 80 feet.