THE WAR ON I-4!! Orlando vs. Tampa (compare, skyline, Florida)

[EndersDrift]

Im not saying we're closer to the beach than them from anywhere in the Orlando metro. I'm comparing Orlando to the zoo is the same as Tampa to the beach. So to say Orlando doesn't have a zoo is like saying Tampa doesn't have a beach. Its technically true neither one is in city limits, but for this thread I don't think anyone is looking at strictly Tampa -vs- Orlando we're looking at metros. Im not sure what side of the Orlando metro you live on but a large portion of the Orlando metro lives between downtown Orlando and the Central Florida zoo.

[FLABoyJ]

would you rather take the 30 minute drive to the zoo and the 40 minute drive to the beach and the 20 minute drive to the aquarium ?

or the 10 minute drive to the zoo 5 minute drive to the aquarium and 30 minute drive to the beach?

[EndersDrift]

I don't really like the Beach. I go to the springs. Was there yesterday in fact to go one more time before the schools are out. And I live between downtown Orlando and Sanford in Seminole County so these places don't take me 30 minutes Wekiva Springs is 15 minutes from me and so is Downtown Orlando. In 30 minutes I could be to New Smyrna.

From the downtowns would you rather be a 10 minute drive to Busch Gardens or a 15 minute drive to Wet N' Wild, Universal Studios, Sea World, Aquatica, and Islands of Adventure? Would you rather be a 20 minute drive to St. Pete or a 5 minute drive to Winter Park? Would you rather be an hour from the liberal arts college (New College in Sarasota) or 5 minutes from an equal if not better liberal arts college (Rollins College in Winter Park). How about the 15 minute drive to Tampa Science Center vs the 5 minute drive to Orlando science Center (11.5 miles for tampa to tampa s.c vs 3.8 miles for orlando to orlando s.c.)?

The end of the day its personal preference. Orlando Metro has more but if you like the stuff Tampa has more it doesn't really matter how much Orlando has.

[EndersDrift]

The real question we should be asking is:

In 20 years from now which would we prefer:
The Orlando-Lakeland-Tampa megaregion vs the West Palm-Ft. Lauderdale-Miami megaregion

They're actually comparable in size and numbers already and most likely the only significant growth will be in Lakeland which will bring them even closer in population. I've considered making this thread but we all know the average person on City-Data loves to hate Orlando so Miami will basically win without any real discussion.

[FLABoyJ]

Originally Posted by EndersDrift

The real question we should be asking is:

In 20 years from now which would we prefer:
The Orlando-Lakeland-Tampa megaregion vs the West Palm-Ft. Lauderdale-Miami megaregion

They're actually comparable in size and numbers already and most likely the only significant growth will be in Lakeland which will bring them even closer in population. I've considered making this thread but we all know the average person on City-Data loves to hate Orlando so Miami will basically win without any real discussion.

I was actually in the process of making this thread. But I know how it will turn out, non the less still interested in what "FLORIDIANS" would have to say.

Tampa-Lakeland-Orlando are predicted to become one huge megapolis over the next 50 years so quite interesting. And I dont think they would be building the first segment between Tampa and Orlando is the cities were not important or showing signs of growth.

[OrlFlaUsa]

Originally Posted by FLABoyJ

Its NOT a REAL AQUARIUM . and $70 is a Tragic in any language.

You're right it's not a real aquarium, they only put those in cities that don't have a world renowned theme park fully dedicated to marine life which attracts over 6 million visitors a year. When combined with Discovery Cove and Aquatica, it forms the largest marine life attraction in the world. Oh and $70 gets you a fun card that is good for an entire year, again no tragedy.

I'm with the folks that like both metro's, however, I think that citing the aquarium as something Orlando is lacking in is very silly. If you're going to pay $20 a pop to look at fish, at least go to Red Lobster since you can eat them there.

[FLABoyJ]

Originally Posted by OrlFlaUsa

You're right it's not a real aquarium, they only put those in cities that don't have a world renowned theme park fully dedicated to marine life which attracts over 6 million visitors a year. When combined with Discovery Cove and Aquatica, it forms the largest marine life attraction in the world. Oh and $70 gets you a fun card that is good for an entire year, again no tragedy.

I'm with the folks that like both metro's, however, I think that citing the aquarium as something Orlando is lacking in is very silly. If you're going to pay $20 a pop to look at fish, at least go to Red Lobster since you can eat them there.

Ha Ha Nice. in all Respect I have always thought of Sea World as a large aquarium with the extra amenities other cities could not do.

But that only goes to show you how unique Orlando is.

[EndersDrift]

Eww Red Lobster? I go to Costco's I've got 2 lbs of Yellowfin in my fridge, I'll be making into Poke (pronounced poh-kay) tomorrow.

[Aficionado]

What's up Grindin?

Between these two cities, I would go with Tampa. One of my closest friend’s (an Atlanta resident) girlfriend lives in St. Petersburg, so I travel down there with him from time to time and it’s really pretty. Aside from Miami, there’s no other place in Florida that I would rather live than Tampa. I’ve actually partied more in Orlando (that’s a damn shame), but Tampa was okay. I probably can't spell it, but I think we hung out in Ybor City or something like.

I would probably feel “shorted” either way with Miami just a few hours away, so my stint would probably be short lived in either place.

[FLABoyJ]

Guess you can count Animal Kingdom as a zoo Zoos - Top Ten in the USA -- Americas Best Online

Guess you can count Discover Cove as an Aquarium http://www.americasbestonline.net/in...aquariums.html