GENERAL INFORMATION Orlando or the settlements around what is now Orlando dates back to 1838 at the height of the Seminole Wars. The U.S. Army built Fort Gatlin south of the present day Orlando to protect settlers from attacking Indians. By 1840, the small community of Jernigan had grown up around the fort. It was named after the Jernigan family, who had established the first permanent settlement in the area. Jernigan also set up a post office in 1850. Six years later with the settlement expanding northward, the community officially changed its name to Orlando. In 1857, the US Post Office adopted the name change. The Town of Orlando was incorporated in 1875 with 85 inhabitants, 22 of whom were qualified voters. Today Orlando is one of the world's premier travel destinations. More than 35-million people visit our area every year, enjoying the many attractions, beaches, and events that make Central Florida a great place to visit. Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Orlando are just some sights that appeal to mainstream vacationing families. Population: METRO ORLANDO 1,744,561 (approximate), Orange County 900,344, Seminole County 401,196, Lake County 220,528, Osceola County 175,4931. Flight times: Chicago-3.75 hr., NYC-3 hrs., Los Angeles-4.5 hrs., Miami-.5 hr.,London-8.5 hrs. WEATHER Expect warm winters and very warm humid summers; rain may be persistent. Average Daily High/Low Temperature: • Spring: High 88/ Low 55 • Summer: High 92/ Low 71 • Fall: High 90/ Low 58 • Winter: High 74/ Low 52 TRANSPORTATION Orlando International Airport (MCO) Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the US for passenger traffic. http://www.OrlandoAirports.net MANY HOTELS OFFER FREE SHUTTLE to and from the airport. Go to our hotel tab at the top of this page and you may find that most hotels offer some kind of pickup. AIRPORT SHUTTLES Mears Shuttle service available from the airport to the most locations in the Orlando Area. Available on Level 1 on the A and B sides of the Terminal. http://www.mearstransportation.com/ Lynx buses are available on Level 1 of the Main Terminal, on the A-side, at Commercial Lane spaces A5-A7 Lynx buses 11, 41, 42, and 51 depart every 30 minutes to downtown Orlando and International Drive, from 05:30 to 23:30 (less frequent on Sundays and holidays) Travel time to downtown is approximately 40 minutes, and to International Drive approximately 60 minutes, at a cost of $1.25 for either destination Taxicabs: Available on Level 1 on the A and B sides of the Terminal, in locations A16, A17, B20-B22 on the Commercial Lane. YOU MAY WANT TO RENT A CAR BECAUSE MOST OF ORLANDO'S THE TOURIST ATTRACTIONS WERE DEVELOPED BY THOSE WHO WORKED SO HARD TO GIVE US DISNEYLAND IN ORANGE COUNTY AND UNIVERSAL STUDIOS IN LOS ANGELES. As in Southern California your own car may be a necessary for you in the Orlando Metro Area. PUBLIC TRANSIT LYNX Bus Service Standard One-way Fare $1.25 Xpress Link One-way Fare $2.00 Single-Day Pass $3.00 7-Day Pass $10.00 30-Day Pass $36.00. Transfers are free. (407) 841-lynx. http://www.golynx.com Greyhound: 800 231-2222 http://www.greyhound.com VISITOR INFORMATION http://www.cityoforlando.net/visit.htm