10 things you probably didn’t know about Orlando

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Orlando is a great tourist destination, especially if there’s still a bit of childishness left in your weathered traveler heart. The city has quite a few gardens and museums, but clearly the major attractions are the many theme parks, shopping centers and the great nightlife.

Even if you are tempted to think that you’re too old for attractions like Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Disneyland or the Discovery Cove, but you’ll be missing a lot of fun if you don’t go.  But don’t be deceived into thinking that this is all there is to Orlando, just like any other cities, it has its little quirks and secrets. Here are 10 things that you probably didn’t know about Orlando.

1. You can drink butterbeer in Orlando

Harry Potter fans will be overjoyed to know that in the new ‘Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ theme park, at the Universal Studios, they can drink the mysterious wizard drink, which apparently tastes like butterscotch and gingerbread.

2. There are 325 carvings on the Tree of Life

The main attraction of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the gigantic Tree of Life, has no less than 325 carvings of animals on it, carved by 10 artists from all over the world.

3. You can skip the line

Well, not everywhere, but at Disney theme parks you can buy a fastpass that will tell you exactly when to come back to the queue so that you won’t have to stand in line until it’s your turn.

4. You can swim with sharks

At the Typhoon Lagoon water park, you can swim with dolphins and other friendly creatures, but also with some less then friendly ones like sharks and stingrays – in perfect safety, of course.

5. 210 sunglasses are lost every day at Disney World

Or maybe more than that, but on average 200 glasses are turned in at the lost and found office.

6. Alligator wrestling used to be fashionable in Orlando

Granted, it was the 1800s, but you’ve still got to admire the courage of the volunteers (or the blood thirst of the crowds). Regular wrestling matches were held on Orange Avenue.

7. You can take part in the American Idol competition

Not the real one, but the American Idol Experience organized at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The grand prize is the chance to take part in the regional try-outs for the real American Idol.

8. Kerouc lived in Orlando

Famous beatnik writer Jack Kerouac lived in Orlando while he was writing his iconic “On the Road”, and fans can visit the place where he wrote (and was miserable, too).

9. 50 million tourists visit Orlando every year

And only about 2 million are coming from outside the US.

10. Before 1971, hardly anyone knew where Orlando was

Few could have pointed out Orlando’s location on the map before Disneyland was opened, but the city has been around since the 19th century.

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