1. All Hail The Knights
You might not think of Orlando as a college town, but you’d be wrong, in a big way. The University of Central Florida is the second largest high education institution in the nation, sitting on more than 1,400 acres. If you’re not looking for a job, you’re probably in school.
2. Everyone Knows The Lynx Bus Is A Godsend
All the tourists pouring into town can make getting around a pain—on I-4 in particular. So skip the crazy and hop on the Lynx bus. You won’t find many of these types of public transportation around. Why? The Lynx is completely free ride. It’ll take you anywhere across downtown.
3. People In Orlando Don't Blink At Hurricanes
Contrary to what many believe, Orlando’s pretty impervious to those superstorms Florida’s known for. The city sits just outside the danger zone. Oh, you’ll feel the wind, but not enough to worry about getting swept away.
4. Disney World Isn’t Actually Where You Probably Think It Is
You probably assume Disney World is in the city of Orlando, right? In fact, it’s not. The theme park actually resides 15 miles outside the city. Keep it in mind when giving directions to visiting friends—or if you’re looking for a house out of the way of the theme park insanity.
5. The Lagoons And Lakes Look Like Something From Outer Space
Boat rides at night down the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon are literally dazzling, as you can see. The algae in the lagoon is what makes the water glow like it does, so it’s not quite as exciting as an alien life form, but still pretty cool.
6. Orlando’s Got A Job Just For You—Especially If You Like Mickey Mouse Ears
Orlando’s a major hotbed for tourism, obviously, thanks to all the theme parks. So there are plenty of jobs out there for residents. Disney and Co. alone employed almost 1,000,000 total in 2011.
7. Nerds Are The Cool Kids In Orlando
Comic-cons can be found just about anywhere in the nation, but the Megacon is something else. You’ll find the best cosplayers anywhere, and it’s the perfect place to unleash your inner geek.
8. People In Orlando Cross “Alligator Wrassling” Off Their Bucket List Early On
Wrestling? With alligators? Sure! You’d be surprised to know that it was a pastime in Florida back in the 19th century. You, however, can still watch it or do it right in Gatorland. It’s a pretty good workout.
9. Everyone In Orlando Knows Alligator Isn't Just A Source Of Fun, It's Protein Too
So you’re done gawking at them and wrestling with them? Good. Why not try taking a bite? Okay, so maybe you can’t literally do that, but everyone knows nothing beats some good fried gator tail. It’s a major staple in Orlando cuisine. Just try it.
10. Everyone In Orlando Plays Golf Because It Doesn't Get Any Better
Unless you want to frolic with Mickey Mouse and Goofy all day long, you should figure out pretty quick that Orlando is the leader in the number of golf courses in the nation. So get that driver and start swinging.
11. Winter Looks Pretty Much Just Like Summer
You won’t find any deciduous leafy monsters changing color in autumn here. And definitely no snow. Of course, the upside to that is the fact that while the rest of the country is shivering in December, you’re suntanning.
12. Christmas Is All About the Manatees
So you won’t find snow anywhere in Orlando during the holidays. But where else can you find about 400 or so migrating manatees right into the Crystal River during winter. It’s a spectacular sight to see, plus you’re actually allowed to swim with them in the river!
13. That FastPass Is Totally Worth It
Given how many people visit Disney World on a regular basis, you can’t even imagine what the lines are like. They’re not fun. If you’re a resident who visits often, though, the FastPass allows you to walk right in! They’re not cheap, but they mean no more lines and no more fuss. Kind of a no-brainer.
14. Butterbeer Is Every Orlandoian's Drink Of Choice
Since the opening of the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” in the Islands of Adventure of Universal Studios Orlando, butterbeer has become a true delicacy. If you’re a fan of the books, you’ll know what butterbeer is. If you’re not, try one anyway, and you’ll be instantly hooked.
15. People In Orlando Are Prepared With Weapons-Grade Bug Spray
Don’t be surprised if you end up seeing some gargantuan-sized pests buzzing around. They’re called “gallinippers,” and they’re about 20 times the size of a regular mosquito. Who knows why. Probably radiation.
16. Orlando Will Help You Face Your Fears Of Crawly Things
Forget your ordinary petting zoos and wildlife parks. They’ve got nothing on Orlando, thanks to Jungle Adventures. If you like petting animals, try a tarantula. No, really.
17. Haunted Houses Aren’t Just For Halloween
Seriously, a year-round haunted house? You bet. Kissimmee’s “A Haunting at Old Town” will scare you to smithereens on Valentine’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, and even the Fourth of July. It’s great.
18. You’ll Be Spoiled By Movie Theaters In Orlando
Forget about the popcorn, nachos and slushies. Think fried chicken strips, dip, drinks and appetizers. That’s what’s available at Orlando’s prestigious Plaza Cinema Café. It’s a movie theater with multiple screens, massive seating, and an actual restaurant allowing you to bring your food into the auditorium and watch the next blockbuster in style.
19. You Can Go Ice Skating In Summer
Just because there’s no snow in Orlando doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of holiday magic. In nearby Winter Park you can skate at Central Park West Meadow to your heart’s content. And unlike parts of the country with real winters, you don’t have to get all bundled up.
20. Parades Don’t Have To Be On The Street
When it comes to parades, a trip down to Jacksonville by the ocean will be an unforgettable image at night during Christmas when countless boats pass by along the dock all decked out in holiday lights. Yes, it’s an actual parade of boats.
21. You Can Go Around The World In An Afternoon At Epcot
Japan, Morocco, and even India are right at your fingertips at the Epcot Center—at least, the food is. You can stuff your face with just about every cuisine from around the world in one night if you wanted to.
22. Move Over, Houston, The Kennedy Center Has You Beat
Thanks to the renowned Kennedy Space Center, secrets of NASA are absorbed in great detail as you can even witness the Saturn V rocket launch, plus participate in an actual Astronaut Training Experience. Next comes the Shuttle Launch simulator. It’s like Disney World for young astronauts when you think about it.
What do you love about living in Orlando? Tell us in the comments below!
