Orlando

Language

About 75% of the population speak English as a first language with other first languages being Spanish, Haitian Creole, French and Portuguese.

Best travel time

The climate in Orlando is sub-tropical and humid. In the summer, the daytime temperature ranges between 32C and 37C and in the winter it is around 23C. The rainy season is June to September.

Communication

There are comprehensive phone, broadband and cell networks.

Traditions and Culture

Orlando is one of America’s high-tech and industrial centres; it is also a hub for the computer gaming and entertainment industries. However, tourism is a massive part of the make-up of Orlando, thanks to the various theme parks located outside of the city. Orlando is a successful American city, highly professional, wealthy and industrious. Professionals that live in Orlando work hard and play hard especially on the numerous golf courses such as Bay Hill Club and Lodge, home to the Arnold Palmer Invitational competition. For younger people, several music scenes are active within the city including hip-hop, metal, rock, reggae and Latino. The winter is by far the best time to visit Orlando and there are many cultural activities to enjoy within the city although most tourists come because they plan to visit Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort or Sea World Orlando.

Religion

Roman Catholicism and various Protestant denominations are represented within Orlando.

By bus

Orlando is the end of the line for Amtrak and there is also a local rail commuter network. The Lynx Bus Company serves the city and surrounding counties.

By plane

Three airports serve Orlando: Orlando International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport are the two that serve international and European carriers and Orlando Executive Airport is for executive jets and flight training.

Sights

Within Orlando Metropolitan Area, there are several professional and community theatre groups including the Central Florida Ballet, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, and the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center. Shopping malls also play a vital role in the life of visitors to Orlando because their size is truly awesome. For example, the Florida Mall is one of the largest single-storey malls in the entire USA. Alternatively, there is Waterford Lakes which is a shopping mall that is open-air and incorporates a 3D Imax cinema.

Food

Orlando is a successful city and almost all the world’s great cuisines are represented.