Orlando
Orlando is a town of magic and excitement. It is a fantasy world that beckons to the child in all of us. Before Disney's vision became reality, Orlando was a sleepy farming town originally founded as the military outpost Fort Gatlin, in 1838. The region was blessed with fertile lands, brilliant sunshine and pristine, plentiful waters. The opening of Walt Disney World in 1971 paved the way for the transformation of this quiet farming community into one of the world's most popular vacation destinations.
Today, the area is home to over 50 theme parks and attractions. Wander through fantasy of the first order at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom and travel the world without leaving Orlando at EPCOT. Visit movie sets at Universal Studios Florida or at Disney-MGM Studios. Make friends with whales and dolphins and tremble at the terrors of the deep at Sea World. Take in the natural beauty and water-ski excitement of Cypress Gardens, then ride the waves and waterspouts at Wet 'n Wild. Treat yourself to a romantic cruise. Have dinner in the company of King Henry, jousting knights or pirates. Then catch the music, excitement and fun of Church Street Station or Pleasure Island.
Disney and friends aside, Orlando has become a major city in its own right with a rapidly expanding economy and home-grown entertainment centers. It feels very much like a young city, both in terms of its energy levels and the newness of many of its neighborhoods. Orlando itself has become a center of international business, it's one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.
Orlando offers the perfect year-round weather and some of the best golfing anywhere. With over 100 golf courses in the Orlando area to choose from, there's a course for golfers of all skill levels. Many courses are world famous, designed by renowned golf course architects including Joe Lee, Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones and Pete Dye. Greats like Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods call Orlando home.
With its unique attractions and resorts, great golf courses, splendid year-round weather and abundant natural beauty, Orlando is the vacation capital of the world. Once you've experienced the magic of this one of a kind destination, you'll understand why.