Discovery Series – Orlando
Starbucks Discovery Series Orlando mug showcases the following symbols and landmarks of the city (I will skip those found on the ornament):
– Golf in Orlando stands as a testament to the city’s year-round outdoor lifestyle, with over 150 courses gracing the landscape. The pristine fairways and challenging layouts have attracted both professional tournaments and casual players from around the world. The combination of warm weather and meticulously maintained courses, designed by legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, has earned Orlando its reputation as one of America’s premier golfing destinations.
– Orlando’s lakes are woven into the city’s fabric like sparkling jewels, with over 100 named bodies of water dotting the metropolitan area. These lakes serve as recreational havens for locals and visitors alike, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and waterfront dining.
– The Orlando Eye, now known as The Wheel at ICON Park, stands as a modern symbol of the city’s evolution beyond theme parks. Rising 400 feet into the Florida sky, this observation wheel provides breathtaking views of the cityscape, nearby attractions, and on clear days, even Cape Canaveral. The massive structure has quickly become an essential part of Orlando’s skyline since its opening.
– Wekiwa Springs State Park represents the natural Florida that existed long before the arrival of tourism and development. The crystal-clear springs pump out millions of gallons of water daily at a constant 72 degrees, providing a refreshing escape from Florida’s heat and a glimpse into the state’s unique aquifer system. This 7,000-acre paradise serves as a vital reminder of Florida’s natural heritage, offering visitors the chance to kayak through pristine waterways, spot native wildlife, and experience the real Florida through its network of hiking trails.
– The Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, affectionately known as the “Lake Eola Fountain,” serves as the beating heart of downtown Orlando and one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. Rising majestically from Lake Eola’s waters, the fountain’s dynamic design features multiple water jets that create spectacular displays during the day and transform into a mesmerizing light show at night, with colors often coordinated to celebrate special occasions and holidays. Lake Eola itself, spanning 23 acres in size, is actually a sinkhole lake that has evolved into an urban oasis, where visitors can stroll along the nearly mile-long sidewalk, feed the resident swans, or take a romantic paddle boat ride around the fountain, making it a perfect representation of Orlando’s blend of natural beauty and civic pride.
