ORLANDO, Fla. -- At the height of Michael Jackson's career, Central Florida was like a second home for the King of Pop as he spent a lot of time at Walt Disney World and a local hotel.

In the 1980s, Jackson, who died on Thursday at the age of 50, vacationed at Disney and also recorded "Captain EO," a 3D film shown at Disney parks.

During a break in his 1984 "Victory" tour, Jackson spent so much time at the Hotel Royal Plaza in Lake Buena Vista that a string of suites was dubbed in his honor. Jackson also kept several of his Grammy awards at the hotel.

Orlando real-estate mogul David Siegel would also host Jackson, who once waved to the Local 6 News helicopter Sky 6, which was flying overhead Siegel's Isleworth home.

Fans across the world are mourning Jackson, including residents and tourists in the Orlando area.

"It hurts," a woman said. "I'm working on music, so I was hoping and praying to God that I got a chance to meet him, and I'm not going to get that chance."

"He's just one of the greatest musicians of my time, and it's just a shock," another woman said.

Orlando radio stations are paying tribute to the King of Pop, playing many of his songs and letting listeners share their memories of the pop icon.

"Well, it's really a mixed reaction because a lot of people are huge fans of Michael Jackson the performer," said Jayde, of XL 106.7 FM, who added that many were quick to point out the darker side of Jackson.

"We wouldn't be so forgiving if that was the average guy down the road," a caller said.

"People are upset that he's passed, but they don't want to forget he's Michael Jackson (and) he's talented, but he did things that we shouldn't celebrate," said Johnny, of XL 106.7 FM.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.