Beyond the Theme Parks: Orlando’s Historical Highlights

When you hear “Orlando”, the first image that comes to mind is probably Mickey Mouse and Disney World. While our theme parks are important, the city’s history is much older than Disney’s arrival in 1971. This walking tour through downtown Orlando’s highlights the area’s history, beginning with the Seminole Indian settlements. As you walk through the city center, you’ll encounter established landmarks, including the Orlando Public Library, Lake Eola, and Church Street Station. Along the way, you’ll meet the cattle barons, citrus farmers, gunslingers and NASA engineers who helped put Orlando on the map way before Disney waltzed into town. You’ll also discover little-known tidbits about our past including: • The city’s connection to William Shakespeare • Why the public library is considered both a dream and a nightmare • The central park that used to house a zoo and even a horse race track • Florida’s wild west • Exploding orange trees • Where serial killer Ted Bundy was jailed Why would anyone choose to make their home in a place originally called Mosquito County? Take this tour to find out! Allow an hour to complete the tour. You’ll pass a variety of bars and restaurants during the tour, so feel free to take a brief – or lengthy – pause to enjoy them.

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