Orlando, Florida Offers Much More than Walt Disney World

Orlando, Florida, is the county seat of Orange County. It serves as the center of the Orlando metropolitan area and is the third-largest metropolitan area in the state. 

Most people know Orlando because it is home to Walt Disney World. However, there are many other things that draw people to this area, including the Orlando Museum of Art and the Wheel at ICON Park. 

The History of Orlando

The city of Orlando originally started as an army fort during the Seminole Wars. Fort Gatlin was established in 1838 to protect settlers from Indian attacks.

This fort was located south of today’s city limits. 

Within two years, there was a small community around this fort. The Jernigan family was the first to settle permanently in the area, and the community was named after them. A post office wasn’t established until May 30, 1850, however. 

In 1856, the name of this settlement was changed to Orlando. The town was incorporated 19 years later. At that time, 85 people lived in the settlement, and 22 of the residents were qualified to vote. Nobody can agree on where the name Orlando came from, but it is one that has endured.

Orlando served as a popular resort during the Spanish-American war and World War I. When World War II arrived, Army personnel were brought to the area. 

They were stationed at Orlando Army Air Base and Pinecastle Army Airfield. Following the war, many of these military personnel remained in the area, and members of the armed forces continue to live here today. 

Remnants of Old Orlando can still be seen in downtown Orlando.

While urban development and the central business district have changed the way the city looks, people can easily get a glimpse of the city’s past by visiting these areas. 

Orlando’s Demographics

The 2020 census reports 307,573 people call Orlando home, although that figure may have changed slightly since it was issued. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates this number may now be 309,154 as of July 2021.

Sixty-eight percent of residents are between the ages of 18 and 65. Of these residents, 53 percent are white and 24 percent are black. 34 percent state they are Hispanic or Latino. Twenty-three percent of residents living in Orlando between the period of 2017 and 2021 state they were born in another country. 

There were 118,834 households in Orlando in the period between 2017 and 2021, with 2.53 people living in each household. Over 38 percent of these homes were owner-occupied, and the median value of a home was $283,700. 

Ninety-two percent of residents over the age of 25 possessed a high school diploma during that same time period. Forty percent went on to pursue a higher degree successfully. 

Tourism in the City

Tourism remains a major industry for this city. In fact, thanks to its theme parks, major events, and convention centers, the city saw over 59 million visitors in 2021 alone. Tourist figures have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels but are climbing. Visitors to the city find they can choose from 129,292 hotel rooms. 

Orlando International Airport is now the 13th-busiest in the country and ranks 29th in world airline travel. This airport saw 40.3 million travelers move through its hallways and entrances in 2021. 

Experts credit Disney with bringing tourists to the region. Walt Disney originally considered Miami or Tampa as the home for his theme park. However, he had concerns about hurricanes and chose to move the park inland. When the park opened in 1971, the area saw a population explosion and the accompanying economic growth. 

The opening of the Orlando Jetport, Orlando’s airport prior to the opening of the Orlando International Airport, also helped to bring more people to the area.

Orlando Schools

Orlando schools are part of the Orange County school district. This district is the fourth-largest in the state and the eighth-largest in the country. It is home to approximately 209,000 students spread across 210 schools. 

There are currently 130 elementary public schools, 40 public middle schools, 22 public high schools, and 10 public schools catering to kids in K-8. Orange County has eight exceptional schools, along with alternative and charter schools. The elementary schools also serve pre-K children. 

Parents may also send their children to one of the many private schools in the area. Options include Saint James Cathedral School, Bishop Moore High School, and Lake Highland Preparatory School. 

Individuals interested in pursuing a higher education will find it easy to do so in and around Orlando. Local universities and colleges include the University of Central Florida, Florida A&M University College of Medicine, and Seminole State College of Florida. 

Private higher education institutes are also plentiful in Orlando. Individuals may choose from universities and colleges, such as Anthem College, Columbia College, and the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, all within Orlando. Nearby schools include Full Sail University and ITT Technical Institute. 

Parks in Orlando

Theme parks aren’t the only parks in Orlando. This city is home to 148 gorgeous parks and other recreational areas. Big Tree Park is home to the city’s oldest tree, which is around 350 to 400 years old. 

The Cady Way Trail is ideal for men and women who want to bike or jog outdoors. This trail is part of a larger regional trail and is heavily used on weekends and during the early evening hours. Over 8,800 people used this trail each month during the period of July 15, 2019, to October 21, 2019. Park officials gathered this information using a bicycle and pedestrian counter, and only those who passed in front of the counter were included in this figure. 

Orlando Skate Park is a favorite for those who love to skateboard. It has areas for skaters of all skill levels, including beginners and advanced riders. A person could spend the day here on their board. Skaters must wear helmets and additional safety gear is recommended. Take advantage of a monthly or yearly membership to save on entrance fees. 

Park of the Americas is ideal for parents with toddlers. Children love the swings, climbers, and motion activities designed with them in mind. They also love seeing dogs making their way to the dog park found here. 

Major Orlando Attractions

When you think of Orlando, Florida, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Walt Disney World.

This magical place, which first opened in 1971, is on the bucket list for many people, and those who visit want to return.

There is so much to see and do at this theme park a person could come every day and still find new things to enjoy. However, it is only one of several Orlando attractions. 

Universal Orlando Resort is another popular destination in Orlando. This theme park opened in 1990 as an extension of Universal Studios Florida. It is actually the only theme part that exists within Orlando’s city limits. 

For those who love history, a visit to Church Street is called for. This is the unofficial center of Downtown Orlando.

Here a person can try a new restaurant, have a night on the town, and visit the Railroad Depot.

This depot, constructed in 1889, serves as the historical center of the city.

It provides a glimpse of what life in Orlando was like before Disney came to town. 

Orlando Neighborhoods

Orlando is home to many neighborhoods. The late 1800s saw the establishment of some neighborhoods while others are fairly new, constructed this century.

A person may wish to buy a house in a historic district, including Colonialtown South which was established in 1923 or 1925.

Other buyers, however, might want a newer home, such as those found in Southeastern Oaks.

This neighborhood was established in 2013. 
When a person moves, they often find they have possessions they don’t want to take with them.

If you find yourself in this situation, a local dumpster can help. 

You may have already moved into your new home and are now questioning why you brought many items, as they don’t fit in the new residence.

They clash with the decor, aren’t the right size for the area where you envisioned them, or you just want them gone.

They can all go into a dumpster rental, so you won’t have to deal with them anymore. 

The dumpster rental in Orlando, FL, ensures you address these items in a timely manner.

You don’t have to worry about them fitting in a garbage can or sitting on the side of the road waiting for a waste management provider to pick them up.

They will be out of sight and out of mind.

Your neighbors will appreciate your thoughtfulness because the dumpster rental in Orlando means they won’t see the mess. 

When you are ready to schedule an Orlando dumpster rental, call us. We are the premier dumpster company in the area, as we always put our customers first. 

Our team can have a dumpster rental in Orlando to you in little time, so there is no delay in the moving process. We’ll help you find the right dumpster for the project and always provide you with a free estimate, so you can budget accordingly. 

Call us today. We have staff members ready to help. 

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