Playful, Fun Lesser-known Facts About Orlando

Orlando, the Theme Park Capital of the World, a place where magic fills the air and giant mice roam. But beyond Mickey and the Wizarding World, this Floridian city harbors a treasure trove of surprising stories and hidden gems. Let’s dive in!

1. It Was All About Oranges: Before theme park dominance, Orlando was a major hub of the citrus industry. You can still spot the occasional orange grove.
2. Cow Town Roots: Orlando was once a bustling center for cattle ranching. Some of that old Florida cowboy spirit remains!
3. Gatorland: This roadside attraction opened in 1949 and predates Disney World, offering a glimpse into Florida’s wild side.
4. Nickname Mystery: While there are a few theories, no one knows for sure how Orlando got its name!
5. Sinkhole Central: Due to Florida’s geology, Orlando is prone to sinkholes. The Winter Park sinkhole in 1981 famously swallowed a house, pool, and cars!
6. I-4: Love it or hate it, Orlando’s infamous Interstate 4 highway is often the butt of jokes for its congestion and unusual driving.
7. Presidential Retreat: President Grover Cleveland had a winter home in nearby Winter Park, enjoying the Florida sunshine.
8. Lake Eola: Orlando’s iconic downtown Lake Eola is actually a giant sinkhole, and the fountain changes colors for different events.
9. World’s Largest… Entertainment McDonald’s: It’s true! A McDonald’s location on International Drive is a multi-story epicenter of fast-food fun.
10. Ripley’s Odditorium: One of several Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museums, the Orlando location is shaped like a building sinking into the earth.
11. So Many Lakes: Orlando boasts over 100 lakes within its borders, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and spotting wildlife.
12. The First “Highway”: Orlando claims the first paved brick road in the South, a section of Orange Avenue downtown.
13. Mosquito Coast Origins: Before tourism, this area of Florida was known for its, well, mosquitoes due to the swampy lands.
14. Titanic Artifact Home: An exhibition in Orlando showcases artifacts recovered from the famous and ill-fated Titanic shipwreck.
15. Tupperware HQ: Surprisingly, the global headquarters of Tupperware is located in the Orlando area.