With theme parks, beautiful year-round weather and sparkly beaches, Orlando is a destination in Florida. It’s touristy, though, nearly 60 million people visited in 2021. That’s a lot of floral shirts, iPads taking photos and fanny packs.
Finding an Orlando local is like finding a needle in a haystack, but they exist. And, they know the real Orlando inside and out, from the alligators to how to avoid the tourist traps. Here are the best of the Orlando facts.
Facts only an Orlando local knows are true
There are many facts about Orland that tourists and visitors just don’t know. Only locals know these things in their souls.
1. Most residents weren’t born here. Orlando is a city of transplants like so many others in America.
2. It’s a fact that no one knows how Orlando got its name. There are a lot of stories, but no one knows the truth.
3. Every tourist assumes you go to theme parks all the time. I mean you don’t, but you also have season passes for all of them.
4. The real old-timers remember when Disney World was a swamp. Yes, it was an actual swamp before Walt got a hold of it!
5. The city is under construction forever, no matter where you go or what year it is. No projects are actually finished.
6. You wish for four seasons, but when it gets cold, you count the seconds until that Florida humid heat is back.
7. There’s no superior sub sandwich than a Pub sub sandwich. You will die on this hill.
8. You’ve lost count of how many times you and your friends have googled “Florida Man + your birthdate” to find funny news.
9. There’s water everywhere. And, that means alligators everywhere. You know to check before you get in the pool just in case one slipped in like any other day.
10. You’re unfazed by random rain while the sun is out.
11. You’re nostalgic for Medieval Times class trips and a full leg of turkey while you watch knights fight.
12. When you heard that Downtown Disney was changing its name to Disney Springs and you’re still upset about it.
13. Walt Disney World isn’t even in Orlando, even though the tourists say it is. It’s in Lake Buena Vista, 20 miles out.
14. While we’re at it, Winter Park is not in Orlando. But, you find it funny when the Winter Park residents complain when people say they’re from Orlando. They think they’re fancy.
15. Did you know that Orlando is home to the first highway in Florida? Colonial Drive was originally paved with bricks.
16. The best food isn’t on International Drive, that’s the tourist district. And, while the food there is good, it’s pricey. There are spots around the city with better food at more affordable prices.
17. You pull out your puffer coat immediately when it drops below 70 degrees.
18. Mosquitos are practically another pet in your household. You’re no longer shocked by their size.
19. The old Starbucks arcade was where the Spanish market is now and you caught plenty of flying dollar bills in the money pit when you were growing up.
20. Wekiwa Springs State Park, within a day trip of Orlando, is a better spot for swimming than any of the city’s water parks. It’s a perfect, lush, tropical oasis with crystal-clear waters.
21. When people open your car trunk, you have a beach go-bag ready with at least three swimsuits and SPF 50.
22. You’re the master of the stingray shuffle, even if you know it’s an old wives’ tale to avoid getting stung.
23. The second the weatherman says there’s a hurricane coming, your phone starts blowing up with hurricane party invites.
24. You skip the big box movie theatre on your next date and instead, head to the mismatched sofas at the Enzian Theatre.
25. Nostalgia hits you when someone mentions Peaches Records and Tapes and you remember how many great records you picked up there.
26. Traffic is no joke. Rush hour on I-4 is basically all day. You’re probably reading this list while stuck in traffic (don’t read and drive!)
27. Hanson’s Shoe Repair is the only speakeasy left in Orlando. It even looks like an old speakeasy. You have to know the password to get in. (Hint: Just follow them on social media.)
28. House divided between the Seminoles or the Gators? Good luck.
29. If you’re not a Nole or a Gator, you’re irrelevant. (Sorry UCF!) And, if you live in a house divided, good luck.
30. When you enter your car, you tune in to WPRK 91.5 FM immediately. What other awesome commercial-free, only plays local bands, is there?
31. You know the perfect place to kayak is Shingle Creek, which cuts right through the city. Just make sure to keep your hands out of the water. Those gators aren’t playing around.
Did we miss any Orlando secrets?
The best thing about living in Orlando is being in sunny Florida with sandy beaches, but it’s far from the only thing. Are you packing for a move to O-Town after learning these Orlando facts? Here’s where you can find apartments for rent in Orlando.
