Why do you hate Orlando so much? (Kissimmee, Sanford: renting, camping)

[Bellamouse]

There is so much more to do here than the theme parks. Makes me wonder what some of these people who only see the theme parks are doing, walking around with their eyes closed?

There is hiking, biking, boating, kayaking/canoeing, fishing, concerts GALORE (more than we had in Chicago I would say), shows (ie, theater/dance - check out the schedule for Dr Phillips Center for the Performing arts), farmer's markets, art shows, festivals (Strawberry festival, Oktoberfests, etc), food truck nights, car racing (not my thing, but lots of people like it!), county fairs, botanical gardens, state parks, a couple museums, and the list goes on. Seriously, you could do SO many things without ever even going near the theme parks. People need to OPEN THEIR EYES.

One could also mention that there are beaches within an hour's drive to either coast. That goes without saying.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by Bellamouse

There is so much more to do here than the theme parks. Makes me wonder what some of these people who only see the theme parks are doing, walking around with their eyes closed?

There is hiking, biking, boating, kayaking/canoeing, fishing, concerts GALORE (more than we had in Chicago I would say), shows (ie, theater/dance - check out the schedule for Dr Phillips Center for the Performing arts), farmer's markets, art shows, festivals (Strawberry festival, Oktoberfests, etc), food truck nights, car racing (not my thing, but lots of people like it!), county fairs, botanical gardens, state parks, a couple museums, and the list goes on. Seriously, you could do SO many things without ever even going near the theme parks. People need to OPEN THEIR EYES.

One could also mention that there are beaches within an hour's drive to either coast. That goes without saying.

Exactly, I find there is so much more to do here from shopping, biking, concerts, shows, fishing, festivals, markets, hiking, boating, swimming, snorkeling, food trucks, etc etc etc. There aren't many places that offer so much to do in such a small area and PLUS we have theme parks where people save for years just to visit a week or two. We are spoiled here in my opinion. Now if somebody wants to live in an apartment and walk or take the bus everywhere, then I can understand them not liking it here. However, for me at least, I've been there, done that... it's cool as a tourist, but gets tiring as a resident (at least for me).

[ScottFL78]

As a vet from St. Pete I have lived in 8 states. If you hate Orlando I feel bad for you. You must have unrealistic expectaions of America, or you need to find a relationship or a hobby. Orlando isn't half bad. There is a lot to do here!

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Bellamouse

There is so much more to do here than the theme parks. Makes me wonder what some of these people who only see the theme parks are doing, walking around with their eyes closed?

There is hiking, biking, boating, kayaking/canoeing, fishing, concerts GALORE (more than we had in Chicago I would say), shows (ie, theater/dance - check out the schedule for Dr Phillips Center for the Performing arts), farmer's markets, art shows, festivals (Strawberry festival, Oktoberfests, etc), food truck nights, car racing (not my thing, but lots of people like it!), county fairs, botanical gardens, state parks, a couple museums, and the list goes on. Seriously, you could do SO many things without ever even going near the theme parks. People need to OPEN THEIR EYES.

One could also mention that there are beaches within an hour's drive to either coast. That goes without saying.

The list you just rattled off is something one can find in most mid-sized American cities and hardly unique assets. If one isn't blown over by amusement parks, it's really no different than anywhere else which I think is the point that was being made.

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

The list you just rattled off is something one can find in most mid-sized American cities and hardly unique assets. If one isn't blown over by amusement parks, it's really no different than anywhere else which I think is the point that was being made.

Correct. As I stated in an earlier post, it's a very plain city. On a structural standpoint, it's pretty much like anywhere else in NA. However, the weather puts Orlando at a huge advantage over those other cities. It's borderline tropical (January being the only reason why it isn't listed as tropical) and sunny year-round. None of that doomsday gloom that you experience in other areas.

Basically, you take your general, average, plain American city, and drop in in an ideal climate, plus plop it an hour's drive from two separate coasts, not to mention you're extremely close to the Bahamas, Cuba, the Keys... If you're into water sports, you can jetskii, fish, boat year round, visit the springs, go hiking...

If you look at it from more than just a structural standpoint, it does offer quite a bit. Its geographical location is ideal.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Arcenal352

Correct. As I stated in an earlier post, it's a very plain city. On a structural standpoint, it's pretty much like anywhere else in NA. However, the weather puts Orlando at a huge advantage over those other cities. It's borderline tropical (January being the only reason why it isn't listed as tropical) and sunny year-round. None of that doomsday gloom that you experience in other areas.

Basically, you take your general, average, plain American city, and drop in in an ideal climate, plus plop it an hour's drive from two separate coasts, not to mention you're extremely close to the Bahamas, Cuba, the Keys... If you're into water sports, you can jetskii, fish, boat year round, visit the springs, go hiking...

If you look at it from more than just a structural standpoint, it does offer quite a bit. Its geographical location is ideal.

That's all assuming one finds seven to eight months of summer heat and humidity "ideal". I like it myself and after many years of cold/chilly wish it was actually longer but I think some have a romanticized image of palm trees swaying in balmy breezes and are shocked when the reality doesn't play out since as we know here on City-Data/Florida many don't perform due diligence before moving here. I guess my point is there's no such thing as a universal "ideal" and accept the idea that people can/will not like Orlando, and not have to feel like they're being beat up for it. Not everyone can pack up and go elsewhere at the drop of a hat either, so there is the presence of a lot of stuck individuals who might wish they were elsewhere.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

The list you just rattled off is something one can find in most mid-sized American cities and hardly unique assets. If one isn't blown over by amusement parks, it's really no different than anywhere else which I think is the point that was being made.

What other cities offers the same quality of these things? Honest question. I've driven across the country three times, traveled to most of the major cities. I haven't found anywhere else that offers as many things to do. A

Tourists have generated so many attractions that no other city can compete in that regard. The natural springs make Central Florida very unique to the rest of the country. Where else can you drive 30 minutes and be able to swim/snorkel/dive/kayak in crystal clear fresh water? The availability of housing allows even non-2%-ers to own a nice home. You can drive to multiple beaches and return the same day. It's lush and green all year long.

[cfbs2691]

Originally Posted by OTownKnight

Oh boy, the "everyone is a loser jerk except me" troll is back lol.

I thought the same thing!!
It's a little entertaining.

[Bellamouse]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

The list you just rattled off is something one can find in most mid-sized American cities and hardly unique assets. If one isn't blown over by amusement parks, it's really no different than anywhere else which I think is the point that was being made.

Wrong. I couldn't do most of these things back in Chicago. Hiking? Nope. Biking, kind of, but biking on City streets was NOT fun, and getting to designated bike paths usually meant a long drive first. Kayaking? Canoeing? Fishing? Nope, nope, nope. Shows? Yes. But the cost for tickets/parking was exorbitant!!!! Insane.

Seriously, there is SO much more to do here than in Chicago it isn't even funny.

[cfbs2691]

Originally Posted by Bellamouse

I couldn't do most of these things back in Chicago. Hiking? Nope. Biking, kind of, but biking on City streets was NOT fun, and getting to designated bike paths usually meant a long drive first. Kayaking? Canoeing? Fishing? Nope, nope, nope.

all of the above can be done in Chicago