As always, there’s plenty of Halloween-themed fun to be enjoyed in Orlando’s theme parks this year. But there are several real-life spooky stories associated with the area too!
The Ellis Exclusive Villas team has been looking into some of the real-life, local ghost stories about the haunted locations around Orlando’s theme parks and the wider Orlando and Central Florida area.
So, if you’re interested in going beyond the theme parks to find out about Orlando’s ghoulish and unnerving goings-on, check out the locations on this spooky list.
#1. Walt Disney’s apartment ghost story
While Disney World, Orlando is our favourite Walt Disney theme park, it seems that the man himself might have stuck around in the California park! In July 1954, Walt Disney moved into a small apartment on the Disneyland site so he could oversee the theme park’s construction ahead of its grand opening in July 1955. According to local legend, it’s possible the legendary cartoonist never left!
One evening, a cast member turned off the lights and locked up only for the light in the apartment’s front window to come back on again. She went in, turned off the lights again and, when she again tried to leave, the light was on again.
It’s now a tradition to leave the light on in an apartment above the Firehouse on Main Street at Disneyland every night as a tribute to Walt… spooky!
#2. Disney World’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride
Meanwhile… back in Orlando… Like the rest of the attractions at Disney World, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride is no stranger to screams of enjoyment. But legend has it that, if you don’t tread carefully, some decidedly more frightened screams could result.
No one’s certain whether the story of a local welder called George who was killed during the construction of the attraction is really true, but believing in him might be a good precaution if you’re going to ride this attraction!
It’s said that the cast members who work on the ride in the day or close it up at night like to bid George good morning and good night. It’s said that failing to keep him appeased in this way has resulted in some very strange occurrences… and, whatever you do, don’t say that you don’t believe in George while you’re on the ride… it’s said George will stop the ride if you do!
#3. Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando
If you’re looking for ghosts, it’s almost common sense to head to the local cemetery… and Greenwood Cemetery certainly adheres to that notion.
As well as being home to the tombs and mausoleums of some of Orlando’s most prominent families, the cemetery has several spooky stories attached to it. Local legend has it that in certain areas of the cemetery, you can hear the disembodied sounds of children’s laughter.
Meanwhile, just outside the mausoleum of Fred Weeks, you may spot the cemetery’s most famous long-dead resident. There have been several sightings of Fred lurking just outside his final resting place.
#4. Ceviche restaurant, downtown Orlando
If wandering around cemeteries isn’t your particular idea of fun, dining out at Orlando’s popular Ceviche restaurant used to be a much more appealing way to get your ghost story fix.
Ever since the tapas bar opened for business, tales of spooky goings-on have been reported – mostly linked to the building’s former roles as city hotel and, before that, a local church. Most of the sightings centre on a woman wearing nineteenth-century clothing who is said to linger by the bar. But some report unseen hands that pull at clothing. And some mention a ghostly priest!
However, in June we heard the sad news that Ceviche Orlando is closing its doors permanently, as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
You’ll now need to head over to St Pete to enjoy Ceviche’s delicious tapas – and while the food should be as tasty, you can’t expect the ghostly sightings!
#5. Motel ghost, International Drive
Staying in your own vacation home with a private pool (and, at the moment, the easy social distancing) is always better than staying in a hotel in our humble opinion (although we might be slightly biased!)… but nowhere is this more true than in room 206 of the Super 8 motel on International Drive, Orlando.
Room 206 is said to be impossible to heat and the room feels cold in the heat of day – even with the air conditioning turned off! Guests have also claimed to see an imprint of a human body appear on the sheets, even when nobody has been there! And some guests have been woken by the feeling of someone else in bed beside them or by the bed suddenly shaking violently in the night!
We definitely prefer the good night’s sleep of our own vacation homes!
#6. Princeton Hospital, Orlando
Ok, so it’s an unlikely vacation destination (we hope!) but this hospital is definitely part of Orlando’s spooky folklore! The psychiatric hospital is said to be haunted by the spirits of patients by the doctors, nurses and other staff who work there.
The second and third floors, in particular, are said to be host to strange paranormal goings-on, with lights flickering on and off, unexplained knocking sounds, freewheeling wheelchairs drifting along corridors and disembodied moans and voices.
#7. Cassadaga, Florida
Cassadaga is famous for its paranormal activity. The town is home to a local spiritualist camp. Located just off the I4 on the way to Daytona, Cassadaga is the place to go to meet healers and spiritualists, but it also has its fair share of spooky stories.
In the centre of town, the Cassadaga Hotel is supposedly haunted, as is the eerily named Devil’s Chair in the Lake Helen Cassadaga cemetery. It seems only natural that the place named locally as “the psychic capital of the world” should be particularly attractive for visitors from beyond the grave…
#8. St Augustine, Florida
There are many compelling reasons to make a day trip to St Augustine from one of our vacation homes in Orlando: the food, the seasonal events, the history, the beaches… The town was once the state capital of Florida and its historic sites are well worth exploring.
The iconic St Augustine lighthouse is said to be haunted by the ghosts of the Pettee girls. Their father was working on the lighthouse construction when they drowned in the sea a short distance away. Today, visitors to the lighthouse report hearing sounds of the children’s laughter and footsteps on the lighthouse’s many stairs.
Meanwhile the sprawling site of St Augustine’s seventeenth-century Castillo de San Marcos fortress has a number of ghost stories attached to it. Visitors report seeing a lovesick woman in white. While others report seeing the ghost of a Seminole man who leaps from the fortress walls.
#9. Tampa Theatre, Tampa, Florida
Beautiful old buildings seem to attract tales of hauntings and the Tampa movie theatre is no exception. This gorgeous theatre building was built in 1926. It is said to be haunted by one of the projectionists who worked there from 1930 until 1965, when he died of a heart attack in the projection room.
Since then, employees have reported many spooky and paranormal events that have happened, especially when they are alone in the theatre!
Although the theatre isn’t open at the moment, you can do your bit to support this local non-profit institution by streaming movies from its website. In honour of the season, there’s a whole range of ghostly, ghoulish and downright scary movies to enjoy.
This year, brave souls can also sign up to SpiritsFest – an exclusive online Halloween event. Sign up to receive a code to access an exclusive evening of LIVE-streaming entertainment, starting at 7:00pm Saturday night. And you can also purchase SpiritsFest sampling-to-go boxes for $95 featuring four spirited seasonal cocktails.
#10. Complex 34, Kennedy Space Centre, Florida
Now that SpaceX has revitalised the local space industry, heading over to the east coast to see a rocket launch is a must-do while in Orlando: you’re guaranteed a really amazing day trip from one of our Orlando vacation homes if you time your trip right.
It’s around a 50-minute drive to get to the East Coast beaches and, while you’re there, a trip around the Kennedy Space Centre is an absolute must!
However, the location isn’t without its share of spooky stories either. The terrible tragedy of the three astronauts who died in a cabin fire on the launch pad of Complex 34 is well known. The launch pad was immediately closed down and now Launch Complex 34 is maintained as the memorial site for the crew of Apollo 1.
In normal times, you can visit the site on official tours. Visitors who do have reported a variety of paranormal activity taking place there, including a mysterious screaming. Many who have visited the site report a feeling a sudden and overwhelming sense of dread.
Want to live the Orlando adventure for yourself? Book your visit!
Spooky stories abound – as you can see! If this has whet your appetite for some spooky Halloween fun, read our guide to the Halloween fun that’s happening at Florida’s theme parks this fall season.
Check out our vacation homes near Disney World Orlando:
Fall is one of the most fun times in Orlando’s theme parks.
This year, Orlando’s theme parks are working hard to get the right balance between ensuring guest safety and spooktacular Halloween fun in Orlando.
Even with the new rules being enforced to protect guests from COVID-19, there is still plenty of fall fun to enjoy!
Here’s our round up.
Scary Good Times at Universal Orlando
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights are one of our favourite events. Like many people we were sad to hear they won’t be running this year.
Universal have introduced plenty of “scary good” fun to occupy us though!
There are two heart-pounding haunted houses in Universal Studios:
- Universal Monsters The Bride of Frankenstein Lives
- Revenge of the Tooth Fairy.
Virtual lines are in place for both attractions to enable social distancing. Both haunted houses are included with normal admission to Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
You can take your kids (age 12 or younger) trick-or-treating in Islands of Adventure. Grab a free trick-or-treat bag, then look out for pumpkin stickers marking participating retail stores.
There’s also a fun Scarecrow Stalk. Find all 13 custom-crafted scarecrows and skeletons on this all-new scavenger hunt to receive a candy sampler bag, while supplies last.
Costumes aren’t essential, but they are encouraged. Dressing up is a good way to have Halloween fun in Orlando.
Even better for Florida residents, if you buy a day you can visit every day through to December 24th for free!
Halloween fun at DisneyWorld Orlando
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party isn’t happening this year either. However there are still plenty of special treats to enjoy.
The Boo-To-You parade, fireworks, stage shows and character meet-and-greets cannot take place this year because of social distancing rules.
Nevertheless, Disney has ensured that your little ones can still see their favourite Disney characters and enjoy the magic of the season. Magic Kingdom has introduced mini cavalcades that happen at various times throughout the day. It’s actually really nice to enjoy a more laid-back park experience without the crowds.
There are plenty of special autumnal food treats to enjoy too. How about the Pumpkin Spiced Waffle Sundaes at Sleepy Hollow? Or the Pumpkin Spice Milkshake at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies?
Disney is inviting all guests to embrace the spirit of the season by wearing Halloween costumes when visiting between September 15 and October 31, 2020. While costume masks aren’t allowed for anyone over the age of 14, all guests are required to wear approved face coverings during their visit.
Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
This year is the 25th anniversary of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. We’re pleased to say it’s still going ahead, albeit in a scaled back way.
Disney is inviting guests to sip, savour and stroll around the park. There will be twenty participating marketplaces at this year’s Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.
Kids can follow Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt. You will need to purchase a map and then explore the World Showcase to help Remy collect ingredients for his signature dish. Along the way pick up stickers from select Festival merchandise locations. At the end of the hunt claim your prize at Disney Traders.
The event is included in your Epcot admission. Remember to use the Disney Park Pass reservation system in order to enter the park.
What Halloween fun is happening at SeaWorld?
You can read more about what’s happening elsewhere in Central Florida on our blog: read about this year’s Spooktacular at SeaWorld here.
Ready to book your own Halloween fun in Orlando’s theme parks?
Check out our vacation homes near Disney World & Universal Orlando:
The Halloween fun has begun in Orlando’s theme parks!
The parks are a little different right now, thanks to the social distancing measures that are in place to keep guests safe. That isn’t affecting all the fabulous fall fun there is to be had though!
SeaWorld’s fun-filled Halloween event, the SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular, is back this year.
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
This year, Spooktacular is running on Saturdays and Sundays, from September 19th through November 1st.
You’ll notice some differences: the frequent hand-sanitising stations, the obligatory mask wearing and a few tweaks to the programme.
Plus, on the Trick-or-Treat Trail this year:
- Costumed youngsters will walk through in a single direction, with limited capacity, so they can have loads of fun whilst staying safe.
- At the entrance to the Trick-or-Treat trail guests must purchase a new reusable bag, from an assortment available, in order to prevent contact between individuals.
The Spooktacular events are all included in park admission. This year’s attractions for your little ones include:
- A trick-or-treat trail bursting with candy and adventure
- A special Halloween breakfast with Sesame Street friends
- Cookie Decorating with Cookie Monster
- Halloween Maze
- Meet a Mermaid
Plus! Enjoy a nostalgic drive-thru experience
New this year, SeaWorld have introduced a fab drive-thru movie experience as part of their Halloween events. Now, you can enjoy a spooky film night under the stars while complying with social distancing requirements.
You can buy treats before the movie from the local food trucks that will be parked up nearby. Then sit back in the comfort of your own vehicle and enjoy the movie!
Saturdays, Sept. 19 – Oct. 31 and Friday, Oct. 23 & 30
Family-friendly Halloween film: 7:45 p.m.
Fright-filled Halloween film: 10:30 p.m.
It’s $40 to park your vehicle and this includes all seated passengers in it to view the movie.
Book your Halloween fun now!
Halloween is one of the most fun times of year in Orlando’s theme parks. We’re so pleased that this year, you can still experience and enjoy the magic.
You can find out more about SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular here.
If you’d like to book your stay in Florida to enjoy a visit to SeaWorld Orlando or any of the fun-packed fall events that are happening in central Florida and its wonderful attractions this year, please check out our homes here.
November is usually a quiet month for us in Orlando.
Yet it can be a wonderful month to visit. Depending which end of November you visit, you could catch the tail end of Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival or the very start of the parks’ Christmas festivities.
Either way, temperatures in the 70s are very pleasant for exploring beyond the parks and the opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping in Orlando’s malls make November a great month to visit.
Here’s the Ellis Exclusive Villas guide to getting the most out of your Orlando vacation when you stay with us in November.
The Theme Parks
Epcot’s fantastic annual event, its International Food and Wine festival, continues for the first half of the month, so during this period the crowds at Epcot may be a little busy.
However, the Halloween festivities have finished and most of the parks are quiet, making preparations for their Christmas events; the majority of which will start towards the end of November.
The first to open is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, which opens on November 11 and runs until December 22.
Epcot opens its doors to visitors at Holidays Around the World at Epcot on November 25 at the Epcot Center, Disney World and it runs until December 31, Epcot Center, Disney World.
Towards the end of the month, the parks will start getting busy again as the Holidays events start drawing in the crowds, particularly around Thanksgiving weekend.
If you are visiting around Thanksgiving weekend then be prepared for long lines and large crowds. The usual strategies for dealing with crowds apply: get to the parks early, keep a close eye on children, invest in FastPasses and, if it is your first time to the parks it is well worth thinking about using the services of a tour guide.
You can book Orlando theme park tickets through Ellis Exclusive Villas. We guarantee you won’t get a better price.
Get some advice from our professional ticket partner to make sure you get the best prices on all your excursion and park tickets. As well as guaranteeing you won’t find tickets cheaper (and offering a money-back guarantee), their advice can also help you to work out what the best deal will be and the best days to go.
The Weather
In Orlando during November you can expect high temperatures of 78°F (25˚C) with lows reaching 57°F (14˚C) – so it is still very pleasant and warm. For Brits, and others from similarly cold climes, this definitely counts as winter sun!
What’s more, the humidity also drops around time of year so you can enjoy getting out and about a bit and exploring without getting too hot. For example, the weather during our Fall trip to Mount Dora (just north of Orlando) was very pleasant, whereas it can be very hot and sticky there in the summer months.
You can expect a pleasant eight hours of sunshine per day in November.
And, while there may always the possibility of rain in Florida, the chances of it are at their lowest in November. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack a lightweight poncho or raincoat into your daypack anyway just in case – these will come in handy on rides like Splash Mountain anyway!
Wider Central Florida
Many other attractions outside the park will begin their holiday festivities around the middle of November/ Thanksgiving weekend. One highlight is Orlando Museum of Art’s annual Festival of Trees which runs mid-month.
Check out our events list for some more ideas of things to do in the Orlando area.
Since we’re rapidly approaching Christmas, you might find the urge to visit a shopping mall or two and Orlando is well blessed for shopping malls. Whether you are into bargain hunting or designer labels, a visit to one of Orlando’s numerous shopping malls can make a really diverting excursion.
With the still warm but slightly lower temperatures, reduced humidity (and fewer bugs!) November is also a great time to explore a bit of the wider Central Florida area. It is the perfect weather for enjoying a round or two of golf at some of Orlando’s many championship golf courses.
And, if you can schedule a few days of your vacation to experience “wild Florida”, this state’s beautiful natural parks and waterways are well worth exploring. Our ticket partner, Kissimmee Guest Services, can help you with tickets for airboat rides, hot air ballooning, or off-roading trips – for slightly more unusual ways to see the State.
Your vacation home
If you are staying at an Ellis Exclusive Villas in November and you want to use its private pool you will need to book and pay for pool heat.
Let us know before you go so that the pool is warm from the beginning of your stay. It can take a few days to heat up – so don’t leave it until you get there. Please be aware that pool heat won’t heat the swimming pool (or the integrated spa pool, if you have one) up to the temperature of a warm bath. However, what it will do is take the chill off the water.
If you have paid for pool heat and your home has a pool blanket, we strongly recommend you use it for keeping the warmth in overnight. The standard pool heaters that are fitted in most of our vacation homes are only designed to run eight hours a day – so the pool blanket does help significantly in retaining some of the heat you’ve paid for.
By November we are reaching the tail end of the stormy season so you shouldn’t experience too much rain; the average rainfall for the month is considerably lower than the UK.
However, if you do experience an occasional downpour, it can sometimes affect the Wi-Fi and cable services to your vacation home. If your vacation home’s internet service is disrupted following a storm, please refer to the house manual where you will find instructions for resetting the Wi-Fi router.
Finally, if you have any questions then please contact us on the usual numbers. And, most of all, enjoy your vacation!