Orlando,city, seat (1856) of Orange county, centralFlorida, U.S. It is situated in a region dotted by lakes, about 60 miles (95 km) northwest ofMelbourne and 85 miles (135 km) northeast ofTampa. The city is the focus for one of the state’s most populous metropolitan areas.

The region was originallyinhabited byTimucua and laterSeminole peoples. Settlement began about 1843 around Fort Gatlin, a U.S. Army post. First called Jernigan for Aaron Jernigan, an early settler, thetown was renamed in 1857 to honour Orlando Reeves, an army sentry killed during theSeminole Wars. Prior to theAmerican Civil War, the area was a cotton and cattle centre. After the war, citrus became a leading industry. The South Florida Railroad arrived in 1880 and was extended to Tampa in 1883. The development after 1950 of theCape Canaveral aerospace complex, 50 miles (80 km) east, spurred population andeconomic growth, which were further boosted whenWalt Disney World opened in 1971 about 20 miles (30 km) southwest. The construction of other attractions followed, and the cityacquired aNational Basketball Association franchise (theOrlando Magic) in 1987.

The Disney complex alone covers 47 square miles (122 square km). In addition to its several large resorts, Walt Disney World has a variety of attractions, including the Magic Kingdom,Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Universal Orlando Resort includes theUniversal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks. The latter features theWizarding World of Harry Potter, an attraction based on the popular book series byJ.K. Rowling. Also in the Greater Orlando area are Sea World of Florida (a marine-animal park) and Wet ’n Wild (a large water park). Loch Haven Park contains art, science, and history museums. Gatorland, just to the south, is home to alligators and crocodiles.

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Tourism, conventions, and trade shows are the basis of the city’s economy. Manufacturing (especially of aerospace and missile systems), high-technology industries, and the citrus industry are also important. Educational facilities include theUniversity of Central Florida (1963) and ValenciaCommunity College (1967). Inc. 1875. Pop. (2010) 238,300; Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metro Area, 2,134,411; (2020) 307,573; Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metro Area, 2,673,376.