Walt Disney World® Resort shaped the young city of Orlando into one of the world's most popular leisure travel destinations. On average, nearly two-thirds of domestic visitors head for the theme parks. But while Disney is the centerpiece of Orlando's appeal, the City Beautiful delivers more than fantasy and fast rides.

Hike, bike or take to the water at dozens of parks. Wild Florida—in all its natural splendor—is closer than you think. Botanical gardens, meandering waterways and swampy wetlands with exotic wildlife were early tourist draws, and still are. Since 1949, Gatorland has thrilled onlookers with dangerous stunts pitting man against reptile.

Orlando began as a small settlement with a cattle ranch and a trading post; by 1890 the “cow town” had expanded, with all the trappings of 19th-century success. The postwar period ushered in dynamic growth. Kennedy Space Center created jobs and even entered the tourism race when it opened its visitors complex in 1967.

Central Florida's Disney story began in the mid-1960s, when visionary “Uncle Walt” Disney paid a series of hush-hush visits to the swamplands of southwest Orange County. Secretive property deals soon followed, sparking questions about the mysterious doings south of town. The answer came in 1971 when Magic Kingdom® Park became Orlando's first theme park. In the decades since then, expansions have presented Epcot®, Disney's Hollywood Studios®, Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and two water parks. Also adding convenience are hotel accommodations, restaurants, entertainment areas and golf courses.

Bolstered by Walt Disney World® Resort's success, Orlando evolved into a theme park mecca. On the heels of triumphs in San Diego, Calif., and Aurora, Ohio, SeaWorld creators opened a third park in Florida in 1973. Decades later, SeaWorld Orlando gained two sister parks: Discovery Cove Orlando, an interactive dolphin encounter, and Aquatica, a water park. Universal Studios Florida debuted in the summer of 1990. Within 10 years, Universal made the leap from single theme park to Universal Orlando Resort, a multifaceted family vacation destination with hotels, restaurants and nightlife.

Those who think a trip to Orlando is all about kids are in for a surprise. Orlando's cosmopolitan population supports a milieu of cultural museums and celebrity chef-helmed restaurants. The city also hosts exciting sports events ranging from Orlando Magic basketball games to the PGA's Arnold Palmer Invitational at the legend's own Bay Hill Club.