Family Life Magazine

Staycation Close by our Neighborhoods Orlando

Orlando, once known solely for its cotton, cattle and citrus industries, has evolved tremendously to become one of the world's leading vacation destinations.

Originally named Jernigan after Aaron Jernigan who came from Georgia and settled here in 1843, Orlando grew slowly around an old Army post - Fort Gatlin - that had been abandoned in 1849. The town's name was permanently changed to Orlando in 1857.

Cuba's demand for beef cattle led to Orlando's growth in the cattle industry prior to 1863. With the growth came widespread cattle rustling. As more settlers began working the fields, the small community soon found itself located in the middle of a large cotton plantation. "Orange fever" took over in 1870, and Orlando's residents began planting seeds in the land that once yielded cotton.

Orlando began taking steps toward becoming a world-class vacation and recreation mecca when Cypress Gardens Adventure Park opened its doors in 1936. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom was next to open its gates in 1971. SeaWorld Orlando followed suit when it splashed open in 1973 and Universal Orlando opened its doors in 1990. Orlando continues to grow, offering nearly 100 attractions, 112,000 hotel rooms and more than 5,300 restaurants, as well as the second largest convention center in the nation. Tourism has become the leading industry for Central Florida with approximately 50 million visitors annually and an economic impact of $29.6 billion.

PLAY AT NICKELODEON FAMILY SUITES located in the heart of Orlando’s tourism district, Nickelodeon Family Suites, otherwise known as the Nick Hotel, is much more than a place for guests to lay their heads at night. From two over-the-top pool complexes with slides and flumes, to live entertainment and a Character Breakfast featuring Nickelodeon’s beloved characters, to a multimillion-dollar 4-D Theater, to the colorfully themed KidSuites and gallons upon gallons of slime, the Nick Hotel offers non-stop activity from dawn to dusk for the entire family any time of the year. We enjoyed the 24 acres of fun at the Nick Hotel below is a brief description of the tons of fun.

The Lagoon is a first-of-its-kind courtyard featuring a zero-depth entry heated pool anchored by a four-story interactive water tower featuring water flumes, slides climbing nets, water jets, and a 400-gallon dump tank that splashes slime on guests during a daily mass sliming.

Studio Nick presents live, nightly interactive Nickelodeon entertainment for families.

KID’S SPA: With services such as, hair braiding, manicure and temporary tattoos, this spa is specially designed to pamper kids and moms, too.

4-D EXPERIENCE: The Nick Hotel takes guests on a ride they will never forget with innovative new entertainment technology in the 4-D theater. The 4-D Experience offers a variety of shows for all ages, and allows viewers to experience wind, water, bubbles, scents and much more while journeying along with the likes of SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Starfish.

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