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Orlando History
Orlando’s history dates back to 1838 and the height of the Seminole Wars. The U.S. Army built Fort Gatlin south of the present day Orlando City limits to protect settlers from attacks by Indians.
By 1840, a small community had grown up around the Fort. It was known as Jernigan, named after the Jernigan family, who had established the first permanent settlement in the area. Jernigan had a post office, established May 30th, 1850.
Six years later with the settlement expanding northward, the community officially changed its name to Orlando. In 1857, the U.S. Post Office adopted the name change. The Town of Orlando was incorporated in 1875 with 85 inhabitants, 22 of whom were qualified voters.
Perhaps the most critical event for Orlando's economy occurred in 1965 when Walt Disney announced plans to build Walt Disney World. Although Disney had considered the cities of Miami and Tampa for his park, one of the major reasons behind his decision not to locate in those cities was the threat of hurricanes. The famous vacation resort opened in October 1971, ushering in an explosive population and economic growth for the Orlando metropolitan area, which now encompasses Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties. As a result, tourism became the centerpiece of the area's economy and Orlando is consistently ranked as one of the top vacation destinations in the world.
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Orlando Golf
Celebration—Rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest’s “Best Place to Play” 04-05, Celebration is a perfect choice for a memorable golf experience—407-566-GOLF.
Championsgate—Nationally renowned, home to World Points Father & Son Challenge, the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and 36 great holes of Greg Norman designed golf.
Falcon's Fire Golf Club - This 18-hole, 6901-yard, par 72 course offers an experience usually enjoyed only by members of the finest private clubs. Voted one of America's top 100 pro shops by GSO Magazine. Falcon's Fire, the golf experience you deserve! 407-239-5445. www.falconsfire.com.
Golden Bear Golf at Keene's Pointe - The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Keene's Pointe reflects extraordinary beauty and a challenging layout surrounded by sparking lakes and majectic oaks. This 18-hole masterpiece appeals to golfers of every level. Fully stocked golf pro shop, extensive driving range and practice facility, and a 24,000 square foot Golden Bear Club offering events and dining. 407-876-1461. www.thegoldenbearclub.com
Grenelefe Golf and Tennis Resort - The best of Florida's natural beauty with award winning golf. Two golf courses, 6 tennis courts, and a pro shop.
Kissimmee Bay Country Club - Century-old oaks, towering cypress trees, a dozen unique water hazards and friendly sand hill cranes provide the backdrop for a first-class golf experience. Includes exceptional catering and special event coordination for corporate outings, tournaments and receptions. The spacious clubhouse features the landmark Langley Golf Museum, exhibiting an interesting variety of antique balls, clubs and golf memorabilia. 407-348-4653
Kissimmee Oaks Golf Club - Nature's gift to Florida golf. Enjoy manicured course conditions, first-class customer service on a par 72 championship layout, and a comfortable, renovated clubhouse. 407-933-4055. www.kissimmeeoaksgolf.com.
Metrowest—Rates 4 stars Golf Digest. This upscale course is considered by Links Magazine “the Southeast’s finest example of Robert Trent Jones, Sr.” 407-299-1099
Mystic Dunes—Gary Koch’s design at Mystic Dunes has been rated 4 stars by Golf Digest. You’ll love the first-class facilities and top notch conditions. 407-787-5678
Orange County National—Rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest. Host of the 03 and 05 PGA Tour Q-school finals, the 36 holes at OCN will be the highlight of your trip. 407-656-2626
Remington Golf Club - Located 20 minutes from Walt Disney World. The golf club boasts an 18-hole championship golf course with a complete practice area and a unique water driving range. Visually striking,this course offers abundant water, generous landing areas, and a contemporary design that is fairly challenging. The undulating fairways and the manner in which the holes wrap around the lakes offer options to play it safe or go for it. 407-344-4004.
Ridgewood Lakes—Always one of Orlando’s best values and finest conditioned courses. Rated 3 stars by Golf Digest. Exciting finishing hole caps a great round of golf. 863-424-8688.
Shingle Creek - David Harman's great layout at Shingle Creek is centrally located just minutes from Orlando International Drive - great for a first or last-day play. www.shinglecreekgolf.com.
Southern Dunes - Rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play" 2004-2005. Ranked # 6 in Florida by Golfweek in "America's Best Courses You Can Play" www.southerndunes.com.
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Orlando Dinner Theaters
Arabian Nights - Experience the magic of Walter Farley's Black Stallion, while marveling at the beauty of the Palace of Horses. More than 60 of the world's most beautiful horses combine with special effects, thrilling music, and incredible stunts. Guests experience the adventure of an ancient storybook tale while dining on a sumptuous three-course prime rib, grilled chicken breasts or vegetable lasagna dinner, with unlimited house beer, wine and soft drinks. Shows every night of the year! Reservations recommended. Call 1-800-553-6116 or 407-239-9223 for reservations. Arabian-nights.com.
Capone's Dinner & Show - Twelfth anniversary celebration nightly with balloon drop surprise - you could win a prize! Attraction tickets, hotel stays, Beanie Babies, and Capone's t-shirts are some of the great prizes. This fun filled original musical set in the early 30s in Gangland Chicago is sure to delight your entire gang, ages two to ninety-two. Action adventure, and comedy are on the menu at Capone's every night. Flash back to the era of Prohibition where...the joint's crawling with coppers on account that we are serving illegal bootleg alcohol. You see, prohibition hasn't quite been repealed yet. But don't fear, the "family" is keeping an eye out for that renegade copper, Detective Marvel, the cop that can't be bought, even by Al Capone. Miss Jewel, Al's gal, is your hostess and M.C for the festivities. She sure is talented and beautiful. Miss Bunny-June is our very own ditzy blonde and head-dancing girl. Fingers Salvotorio is Bunny-June's boyfriend and the goofiest mobster you'll ever want to meet. Included with admission is unlimited Italian/American buffet, draft beer, sangria, rum runners, and dessert. It's a blast from the past. $43.99 for adults and $25.99 for children. Reservations suggested. For reservations, call 1-800-220-8428 or 407-397-2378. alcapones.com.
Chamber of Magic Show & Dinner - Located in the majestic Skull Kingdom hall, the Chamber of Magic Show & Dinner combines the awe of magic with a unique contemporary, comedic twist. Central Florida's best interactive magic show features a variety of world renowned magicians entertaining audiences of all ages. This thrilling 90-minute fun filled family experience will leave you laughing long after the show is over. Enjoy complimentary pizza, beer, wine and soda throughout the show. Shows are held nightly. Call for reservations and information 407-354-1564. www.skullkingdom.com.
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show - Southern Hospitality! High Speed Thrills! A fabulous four-course feast! Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show is a red, white, and blue extravaganza. The show features a blend of fast-paced entertainment by singers, dancers, trick-riders, and an array of captivating animals from racing pigs to American buffalo, along with a fabulouse four-course feast. The dinner and show conclude with a spectacular finale featuring a special patriotic tribute written by Dolly Parton herself. Come experience Orlando's Most Fun Place To Eat! To purchase tickets, call 1-866-443-4943 or 407-238-4455 www.dixiestampede.com.
Medieval Times - Begin a magnificent journey into the past featuring the new "Knights of the Realm" show. Medieval Times is more than a dinner attraction - it's a window in time where glory, chivalry, valor, and honor burst to life in thrilling authentic tournament action. On this very day, His Majesty, the King of Spain, returns to the castle battle-weary and mourning the loss of his brother. The King calls for a grand tournament and invites six of the most noble knights of the realm to compete in a tournament of games and combat. Only one knight shall be victorious and become the King's personal champion. 1-888-WE-JOUST or 407-396-1518 www.medievaltimes.com
Outta Control Magic Show - WonderWorks, the upside-down building on popular International Dr, features Orlando's funniest dinner show. This hilarious show combines high-energy comedy improvisation with spectacular magic. |
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VACATION VILLA HOMES in Orlando, Florida: |
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