Walt Disney World Swan - Orlando

Orlando’s history dates back to 1838 and the height of the Seminole Wars. The U.S. Army built Fort Gatlin south of the present day Orlando City limits to protect settlers from attacks by Indians.

By 1840, a small community had grown up around the Fort. It was known as Jernigan, named after the Jernigan family, who had established the first permanent settlement in the area. Jernigan had a post office, established May 30th, 1850.

Six years later with the settlement expanding northward, the community officially changed its name to Orlando. In 1857, the U.S. Post Office adopted the name change. The Town of Orlando was incorporated in 1875 with 85 inhabitants, 22 of whom were qualified voters.

History is not as clear on where the name Orlando originated. There are four stories that are told. One involves Judge James Speer, who worked hard in getting Orlando as the county seat, naming Orlando after a man who once worked for him. Another is that Speer named it after a character from Shakespeare’s, "As You Like It".

A third version has Mr. Orlando on his way to Tampa with a caravan of ox. It is said that he got ill, died and was buried, and that folks would come by and say, "There lies Orlando"

The most common story is about a company of soldiers on duty during the height of the Seminole Wars. After battling Indians back into the swamps on the east side of Lake Minnie (now Cherokee), the military troop settled there for the night. Sentinel Orlando Reeves was guarding the camp when he spotted a log floating toward him. Recognizing the Indian disguise and wanting to warn his fellow soldiers, he fired his gun. Arrows felled the poor fellow as the Indians came out to ambush the camp. The Indians were chased back again, and the south side of Lake Eola was chosen to bury Orlando Reeves.

Location. Topped by two giant swans, the aptly named Walt Disney World Swan in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., is a massive resort stocked with endless amenities and convenient guest services. Guests can take a short riverboat ride from the hotel to Disney’s Hollywood Studios™, Epcot and Disney's Boardwalk entertainment area. A short walk across the street lands guests at Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf, where even the smallest guests can putt with small plastic clubs.

Hotel Features. The hotel shares recreational activities with The Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, including a swimming complex suitably coined The Grotto. This three-acre water playground is complete with waterfalls, slides, water volleyball and spa tubs. Active guests can enjoy four tennis courts, a basketball court and a jogging path. Guests can paddle along Crescent Lake, or play volleyball on the hotel's white sand beach. The hotel also features enormous convention facilities, various gift shops and a children's camp with arts and crafts, movies and video games. Dining options include the Garden Grove Café, traditional Italian fare at Il Mulino New York Trattoria and Japanese sushi at Kimonos. Thoughtful amenities include computer rentals, ATM, laundry facilities, concierge services and currency exchange.

Guestrooms. Sophisticated guestrooms, designed by renowned architect Michael Graves in 2003, include views of the resort, Crescent Lake or the pools. Guests appreciate high-speed Internet access for a fee, minibars and in-room safes. Westin Heavenly beds feature down comforters (bedspreads) and pillowtop mattresses.

Expert Tip. At each of the restaurants on different days, children will love character dining, where Disney characters come to guests' tables to entertain, sign autographs and pose for photographs.  Go to: Orlando Disney World Swan