Renowned for its marine parks, thrilling rides, and pulse-pounding attractions, Orlando stands as the number one destination for families vacationing in Florida.

When Orlando comes to mind, the image of a child-friendly city immediately takes shape. Colossal leisure installations have transformed the region, operated by SeaWorld, Walt Disney, and Universal Studios—companies that have fueled the dreams and fantasies of entire generations. Anyone who claims they don't love roller coasters, wouldn't jump for joy at the sight of dolphins and whales performing, or remains indifferent to exploring the magical world of Harry Potter is fibbing! Even the most skeptical visitors will be captivated. Orlando ranks as Florida's sixth-largest city by population, yet it claims the top spot in tourist traffic. Theme parks, art museums, alligator farms, auto racing, golf tournaments, and hot air balloon rides all vie for your attention. What are you waiting for? Book your flight to Orlando today and return from your Florida vacation with unforgettable memories.

Historical Notes

Human settlement in this region dates back to the 16th century. The first inhabitants were the Creek tribe of Native Americans, but white settlers displaced them around 1830. The ruins of a fortification south of the city echo this violent invasion—Fort Gatlin, constructed in 1838 by American soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Fanning. The fort witnessed the Second Seminole War. American military victory came at a devastating human cost. Soldier Orlando Reeves, who fell in battle near Lake Eola, would give his name to the burgeoning town.

Orlando achieved "city" status in 1885. With indigenous tribes pushed westward toward Oklahoma, along the banks of the Mississippi, white settlers claimed vacant lands. Citrus and lemon farming flourished. Unfortunately, the Great Freeze of 1894 decimated this production, forcing many regional notables to migrate to California and the Caribbean islands. This triggered a prolonged economic decline that wouldn't reverse until the 1920s, when Orlando became a rest destination for the armed forces.

It was 1965 that marked Orlando's economic takeoff. The arrival of the Walt Disney World park catalyzed unprecedented development. Attracted by this success, numerous entertainment companies established headquarters here. Theme parks and thrill attractions multiplied across the landscape like minarets on mosque rooftops. Such is the story of Orlando, or Beautiful City—la Coquette Cité—as locals sometimes affectionately call it. It goes without saying that this flowering of attractions secures tourism's future in the region.

Orlando, the Modern City

The latest census records thousands of residents. With a dozen leisure parks to its name, Orlando leads the way among family-friendly tourist destinations in Florida, indeed across the États-Unis. The Federal Tourism Office describes the city as the "epicenter of an absolutely colossal spectacle and entertainment industry." In 2018 alone, visitor numbers exceeded 75 million. Nowhere else in America do travelers flock more eagerly when they want to unwind and share moments of joy, laughter, and togetherness with their families.

What to See and Do in Orlando

A stay in Orlando demands energy and enthusiasm. Leisure options are virtually endless: ride attractions, experience heart-racing thrills on world-class coasters, slide down water slides, spot wildlife, and explore the wonders of marine life. Choosing activities becomes a delightful puzzle!

Walt Disney World Park

Since its 1971 opening, this world-renowned park has captivated visitors. The experience unfolds across multiple themed sections: explore Mickey's Starland village and greet heroes from your favorite cartoons; step into Disney's Animal Kingdom where over a thousand animals representing 200 different species thrive in captivity; tour the production studios, enjoy Typhoon Lagoon, and don't miss Disney's Spring for spectacular entertainment. The Epcot section introduces you to science and technology, dazzling you with cutting-edge inventions shaping our planet's future. Walt Disney World sits about 30 kilometers from downtown, in the Bay Lake area.

Universal Studios Park

Opened to the public in the 1990s, Universal Studios park ranks as the city's second most celebrated attraction. It comprises two distinct zones: the first dedicated to film productions; the second, Islands of Adventure, populated with fantasy characters from cinema's greatest films. Within the park sits a mini-park unto itself—the Harry Potter zone—its most visited section.

SeaWorld Park

True to its name, SeaWorld's mission is to showcase the magical and mysterious realm of the oceans. Sea lions, penguins, whales, playful dolphin pods... Children will be amazed to see firsthand the marine creatures described in nature textbooks! The park also features thrilling attractions, notably Mako, Kraken, and Manta.

Other lesser-known but equally engaging parks worth visiting include Legoland, Fun Spot America, and Kissimmee.

City Walk

The magic doesn't stop at theme parks—it continues at City Walk, a magnificent avenue teeming with cafés, craft beer bars, welcoming restaurants, and themed nightclubs. Note that City Walk is a shopping district within Universal Studios' grounds.

Orlando Museum of Art

Inaugurated in 1924, this museum paints a compelling portrait of Florida art and community culture. Alongside local masterworks, art enthusiasts will recognize museum-quality paintings, avant-garde works, and artistic pieces from every continent. This artistic interlude is entirely justified!

Practical Information

Climate

Orlando enjoys warm, humid weather. Thousands of affluent retirees have settled here for its pleasant living conditions. Low elevation, tropical influence, and position at the center of the Florida Peninsula explain the region's climate intensity. The year divides into two distinct seasons: a rainy season from May through September, marked by hurricanes, and a dry season beginning in October and ending in April.

When to Visit

March, April, and May offer ideal conditions for a tourist-focused trip to Orlando. That said, checking weather forecasts remains prudent. Tornado risks exist, though they're unlikely during these months.

Orlando International Airport serves as the city's gateway for international travelers. Airlines offer direct flights from London, Dublin, and Dubai. Unfortunately, no direct service exists from France as of yet. A flight from Paris to Orlando with connections typically takes 13 to 16 hours, depending on your carrier.

You'll Love...

• Dedicating a day to Universal Studios Park;
• A family outing to Walt Disney World Park;
• Scaling world-class roller coasters;
• The world of Harry Potter;
• Admiring the magnificent collection at Orlando Museum of Art;
• Strolling through green spaces;
• Playing golf;
• Enjoying an evening of shopping.