If you’ve been reading our blog, you know that Orlando is one of our favorite cities in the US and we have previously featured many different attractions but in this article, we decided to do something a little bit different. Here, we’ll present not the city’s main attractions or hidden gems but some abandoned places in Orlando that offer a slightly different (or let’s say quirky) experience.
But first, a few helpful tips…
Helpful Tips For Visiting Orlando
For those seeking affordable flights to Orlando, look no further than this Qatar Airways link, offering a generous discount of up to 15% (which I personally rely on for most of my bookings).
Prior to your journey to the USA, it is imperative to have travel insurance in place. SafetyWing provides budget-friendly plans that cover major medical expenses, as well as miscellaneous travel costs like lost baggage and flight delays (for more info, check out our SafetyWing review).
When it comes to car rentals in Orlando, make the most of our special discount with Auto Europe, granting you savings of up to 25% (for more information, refer to our detailed Auto Europe review).
Maximize your savings by acquiring the Orlando City Explorer pass, which offers substantial discounts on up to 5 activities per day.
Booking your accommodation in Orlando? Utilize our exclusive offer to save up to 15% on all properties through Booking.
And remember, obtaining the necessary visa is crucial. iVisa offers a convenient service to assist you with all the essential arrangements, ensuring a smoother process. As a frequent user of their services, I highly recommend them.
For first-time visitors to the US, be sure to explore our informative article on things to know before embarking on your inaugural trip to the States, as well as our curated list of the finest autumn destinations across the country.
Now, let’s delve into the heart of this article, beginning with…
Orlando Sun Resort
We start off this list of abandoned places in Orlando with the Orlando Sun Resort, once a thriving vacation retreat that held the title, “largest resort in Florida” at the time of its creation. Today, this once famous resort consists of nothing but crumbling facades and remains of mid-century architecture.
Why is it abandoned?
One of the primary reasons for its abandonment was a shift in the tourism landscape of Orlando. The city got a lot of new, modern resorts that started capturing the attention of visitors, making the Orlando Sun Resort look obsolete and it gradually lost its appeal.
South Beach Orlando Luxury Suites
These magnificent suites were designed to offer a lavish escape, and state of the art luxury living in the heart of the city with their stylish decor, modern (at the time) amenities, and gorgeous views. Today, these deserted suites remain empty rooms and silent and have completely lost their appeal.
Why is it abandoned?
I’d say the most significant reason is very simple- just the changing dynamics of the hospitality industry and travelers prefering the new and modern accommodation facilities that emerged in the meantime.
Summit Charter School
Once a vibrant hub of knowledge and inspiration, this is one of the schools in Orland that fell victim to urban planning and development. Inside, it’s in a pretty bad shape as the building is falling in disrepair but the backyard seems to have attracted some talented street artists who drew a lot of fabulous murals all around the place.
Why is it abandoned?
Due to urban development and planning and changing demographics, as well as the opening of new schools in the area, slowly eliminated the need for the existance of the Summit Charter School.
Riddle House
Speaking of abandoned places in Orlando, we can’t forget to mention the Riddle House, a historic house, with intriguing past and eerie reputation. Originally, it was used as a funeral parlor, but it later became a private residence (would you ever live in a place like this knowing its history?), embracing a new chapter in its unsettling history. Ever since, tales of inexplicable occurrences and ghostly encounters have shrouded the Riddle House, leading to its abandonment under not fully disclosed circumstances.
Why is it abandoned?
One significant reason is the alleged paranormal activity reported within its walls but also, the cost of maintenance and restoration throughout the years probably became a financial burden to the owners, leading to its abandonment.
NNPTC Baldwin Park Barracks
These once bustling barracks served as a home away from home for the dedicated men and women of the Navy Nuclear Power Training Command. With their impressive architecture and strategic location, they were used for decades but about 20 years ago, the winds of change swept through the military landscape, the priorities changed, the project was closed, and the barracks were left behind.
Why is it abandoned?
As advancements in technology and changes in strategic priorities occurred, the need for nuclear power training facilities was eliminated by the government, making the barracks unusable.
Central Christian Church
Once a vibrant hub of spiritual worship and community, this architectural gem of Orlando has been abandoned for years. With its striking façade and intricate details, its abandoned state is seamingly unexplicable but unfortunately, that is the reality but despite it, the Central Christian Church remains an important part of the spiritual heritage of Orlando.
Why is it abandoned?
One primary reason was the shifting demographics and changes in the community that decreased the demand for religious institutions in the area and this decline in congregation size made it challenging for the church to sustain its operations.
The Holy Land Experience
Once a thriving religious theme park in the heart of Orlando, this extraordinary attraction offered visitors a unique glimpse into the biblical world. For years it was one of the hottest attractions in town and even today the building looks pretty good but it’s a matter of time before it falls into disrepair. Visitors can still explore the remnants of this once-lively park and be reminded of its fascinating past and the stories it once brought to life.
Why is it abandoned?
The Holy Land Experience started great but over time, there was a decline in visitor interest. Changing trends and evolving preferences resulted in a dwindling audience and the ultimate demise of the center.
Sunland Mental Hospital Orlando
With a rich history spanning decades, this institution once provided compassionate treatment and support to its mental patients but now all that’s left of it are empty corridors and decaying halls. As you step into this atmospheric relic, you can almost hear the whispers of the past, mingling with the gentle breeze that passes through broken windows.
Why is it abandoned?
Probably transformation of mental health care practices and the mixture of factors like the shift towards community-based treatment and opening of new modern, centers for treating these conditions.
Venturella Resort & Spa
With its idyllic setting and exquisite design, this resort promised an escape from the ordinary, via a lavish indulgence. The Venturella Resort & Spa had, at the time, world-class amenities, a modern (at the time) spa center, and gourmet dining experiences, just to name a few. However, as times passed by and tourism in Florida kept growing, many new, more luxurious facilities were built, leading to the inavoidable closure of this once-great resort.
Why is it abandoned?
Its operations became unsustainable, making the cost of running and maintaining the property unfeasible for its owners.
The Abandoned Water Mania Park
The abandoned Water Mania Park was once a vibrant aquatic wonderland, and one of locals’ favorite spots to escape from the scorching Florida sun. It had water slides, lazy rivers, and interactive splash zones and one of the most popular such attractions in Orlando.
Why is it abandoned?
As time flowed by, new modern and better water parks emerged, and the demands of ever-changing entertainment trends took their toll throwing the once-bustling and lobed by everyone park gradually slip into abandonment.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our guide to the national parks near Key West, Florida.
Disney’s Discovery Island
Tucked away amidst the lush foliage of Bay Lake, this island sanctuary once boomed with visitors as part of the renowned Walt Disney World Resort. Discovery Island was a zoological park with diverse wildlife and interactive exhibits. However, as time flowed on, the island’s doors closed (like many other attractions in the Disney World Resort) leaving its vibrant inhabitants behind and transforming it into an abandoned oasis.
Why is it abandoned?
As the focus shifted towards larger and more immersive experiences within the Walt Disney World Resort, the demand for a standalone zoological park like Discovery Island diminished.
Walt Disney World’s Abandoned River Country
Once hailed as the first water park at the Walt Disney World Resort, River Country was a playground of aquatic adventures along the picturesque shores of Bay Lake. It had thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and sandy beaches, enough for families to flock to experience the joyous splashes and exhilarating rides, under the Florida sun. Its doors closed, and nature gradually reclaimed what was once one of the most vibrant parks in Florida.
Why is it abandoned?
As the tides of time shifted, new water parks emerged with innovative attractions, leading to River Country’s eventual closure.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of hidden gems in Miami as well as our list of things to do alone in Miami.
Splendid China Park
Nestled amidst Florida’s vibrant landscapes, this extraordinary park showcased intricate replicas of China’s iconic landmarks, like the Great Wall, the resplendent Forbidden City, etc. Every corner of the park tried to bring visitors the authentic China experience. They also had intriguing cultural performances, vibrant festivals, and immersive exhibits to introduce visitors to the traditions and customs of Chinese civilization.
Why is it abandoned?
As time passed and cultural tastes evolved, the park faced declining attendance, ultimately leading to its closure.
A World Of Orchids
Nestled amidst Florida’s lush landscapes, this place was a haven for orchid enthusiasts with its vast collection of rare and stunning orchid species from around the globe, Visitors could visit the lush gardens and relax with the captivating scents and vibrant colors that filled the air. Educational exhibits and expert guidance were there to provide more info about each species of these beautiful plants but unfortunately, that was not enough to keep people interested in this park.
Why is it abandoned?
There was just not enough visitors which eventually led to the eventual closure of this botanical gem.
Stars Hall of Fame
A once dazzling tribute to the iconic stars of the entertainment world, the Stars Hall of Fame celebrated the achievements and legacies of beloved actors, musicians, and cultural icons. Inside, you could find a lot of memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and anecdotes about the journeys of these legendary figures, from the golden age of Hollywood to the modern era of music.
Why is it abandoned?
As tastes shifted and new attractions emerged, the allure of the Hall of Fame waned, leading to its eventual closure.
Did you like this list of abandoned places in Orlando? Did you ever visit any of them? Are there any other abandoned places in Orlando you would like to see on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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