Destination #7: Orlando, Florida

Orlando can be considered the amusement park and resort capital of the world.  Within a 10 mile radius there is Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World.  Orlando is an incredible destination not only for children, but also adults.

Orlando is located in the central region of Florida in the southeastern part of the United States.  The geography of Orlando is mostly wetlands, consisting of lakes and swamps.  Orlando has a warm and humid subtropical climate and there are two major seasons each year. The first season is hot and rainy, lasting from the break of June until late September. The other is the dry season, October through May, that brings more moderate temperatures and less frequent rainfall. The area's warm and humid climate is caused primarily by its low elevation, its position relatively close to the Tropic of Cancer, and its location in the center of a peninsula. Many characteristics of its climate are a result of its proximity to the Gulf Stream, which flows around the peninsula of Florida.  During the height of Orlando's very humid summer season, temperatures rarely fall below 70 °F and daytime highs average in the 90s.  During the cooler seasons, humidity is lower and temperatures are more moderate.  Average nighttime lows in January are around 50 °F and average daytime highs are about 72 °F.

The Orlando area is home to a wide variety of tourist attractions, including the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Holy Land Experience. The Walt Disney World resort is the area's largest attraction with its many facets such as the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Downtown Disney. SeaWorld Orlando is a large park that features numerous zoological displays and marine animals alongside an amusement park with roller coasters and water park. Universal Orlando, like Walt Disney World, is a multi-faceted resort comprising Universal Studios Florida, CityWalk, and the Islands of Adventure theme park.