I love a classic roadside attraction, and what could be better than a giant orange in the heart of…read moreCentral Florida? Eli's Orange World in Kissimmee is impossible to miss. Rising along U.S. Highway 192, the enormous fiberglass orange is one of those quirky roadside landmarks that makes you want to stop and take a picture.
The story of Orange World dates back to 1971, when Eli Sfassie moved from Indiana to Florida and opened a Texaco gas station near the newly opened Walt Disney World. To take advantage of the growing number of tourists traveling through the area, he began selling souvenirs from the station's service bay. In 1988, Sfassie transformed the building into a giant orange at a cost of about $6,000. The resulting structure stands approximately 60 feet tall and has been promoted as the World's Largest Orange.
In 2004, strong winds from hurricane Charley reportedly tore a giant decorative crystal ball from the nearby Giant Wizard gift shop. The enormous ball crashed onto the roof of Orange World, leaving a dent in the structure. According to local lore, the crystal ball was never found. In 2017 the giant orange has even appeared in Sean Baker's critically acclaimed film The Florida Project, adding to the colorful roadside scenery surrounding the movie's setting. Orange World suffered another setback in March 2023 when a fire broke out in the storage area above the gift shop, causing significant smoke damage to the interior. For a time, merchandise was sold outside while repairs were underway. The remodeled interior reopened in October 2024, bringing the attraction back to full operation.
Today, Orange World sells fresh citrus, juice, orange trees, snacks, cookies, candy, honey, alligator jerky, sauces, jams and jellies, and a huge selection of Florida-themed souvenirs. Inside, you'll find plenty of inexpensive souvenir clothing, T-shirts, Disney and Universal merchandise, gifts, and other tourist memorabilia. I was surprised by how expensive the orange juice was. It was $3.50 for a small cup. Gallons were $14.99.
While I absolutely love the giant orange itself, have to admit that I found the inside somewhat underwhelming. For me, the exterior is the star of the show. There is just something wonderfully nostalgic about this giant orange. If you enjoy quirky roadside attractions, classic Florida kitsch, and places that are fun to photograph, Eli's Orange World is definitely worth a quick stop. It's the kind of wonderfully odd attraction that is so Florida.