Dark Tourism Archives | Passport Symphony

Orlando is a city famous for Disneyland and Universal Studios, and you might not think of it as a city that's a nice Halloween destination but there are actually many haunted places in Orlando that dark tourism enthusiasts can visit. We have previously written about relaxing things to do in Orlando, unusual and hidden places, or even abandoned places in Orlando, Instagrammable places in Orlando, but in this article, we kick it up a notch, covering some of the city's scariest places. But first things first... 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… Apollo 1 Launch Site We start off this list with the Launch Complex 34, a place where a fire during a test killed astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee in 1967. Today, visitors describe the site as eerie. Over the years, many have claimed to hear loud, bizarre cries near the remaining structures, and public tours no longer include the site. Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of haunted destinations in San Francisco, Halloween destinations in San Diego, haunted places in Atlanta, and our list of haunted places in Portland. Historic Church Street Historic Church Street is one of Orlando's most iconic haunted destinations. Visitors have often reported seeing a woman from the 19th century standing in front of an old mirror at one of the bars. Some people say that they feel a tug at their clothes when no one is around. Others claim to have seen the spirit of a priest standing just outside the building. The street has long been a center for ghost tours and events like Terror on Church Street, mixing real local legends with some theatrics over the years. Albin Polasek Museum The Albin Polasek Museum in Winter Park has its own quiet mysteries. Dedicated to the work of sculptor Albin Polasek, the museum holds more than 200 of his pieces. Staff have long believed that Polasek’s spirit still watches over the collection. One visitor even took a photo of his "Stations of the Cross" sculpture and captured what looked like a tear on the statue’s cheek. No one at the museum has been able to explain it, and the photo remains a quiet reminder that not everything there can be understood. Elijah Hand & Carey Hand Buildings The Elijah Hand and Carey Hand buildings tell a story rooted in Orlando’s early history. Today, the UCF Ying building stands where the Carey Hand Funeral Home once operated. Opened in 1920, it was the largest funeral home in Central Florida and the first in Florida with an attached chapel. Sounds of footsteps and faint whispers have been reported both by people walking outside and employees working late inside. Some say the spirit of Elijah Hand, who used to store bodies in his upstairs furniture shop, still makes his presence known by tossing small objects or just watching from a distance. Hyatt Regency Orlando The Hyatt Regency in Orlando, which was once the Peabody Hotel, also carries a darker history.It was once the second-tallest building in the city and became known for several tragic deaths, including suicides. Guests and staff alike have spoken of seeing figures wandering the halls, especially late at night. Some even report hearing quiet conversations in empty corridors, adding to the hotel’s reputation for being quietly unsettling. Inside Outside House This list of the most haunted places in Orlando couldn't be complete without one of the city's most iconic attractions. Built in 1873 in Boston, the Inside-Out House was later moved to Florida. It is named for its exposed ship-style framing. Captain W. Pierce and his cat, Brutus, are said to haunt the house. Visitors report cold spots, strange voices, and footsteps. Today, the house operates as a gift shop. Would you dare to go in and buy something? Greenwood Cemetery Greenwood Cemetery, established in 1880, is one of Orlando’s oldest eternal resting places. It holds the graves of some of the city’s most important historical figures, including names like Robinson, Boone, and Delaney. Those who visit after dark have reported seeing flashes of light, the sound of children laughing, and even the figures of Confederate soldiers walking among the graves. Some say that once you step inside the gates after sundown, the air itself feels heavier. Pritchard House Pritchard House in Titusville has its own reputation for being unsettled. Built in 1891, it is said to still be home to Lola Pauline Smith Pritchard, one of the original owners. People who have visited the house speak about hearing strange voices, seeing lights flicker without cause, and even hearing a broken grandfather clock chime as if it were still working. While the house isn’t open to casual visitors, those who find themselves inside sometimes leave with a story they can’t explain. Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College The Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College has been telling ghost stories for generations.Annie Russell, a famous actress and the theater’s founder, is said to still linger in the building where she taught and directed until her death in 1936. Her favorite seat reportedly folds down on its own and stays there. Applause has been heard from the empty balcony, and a closet door that once led to her dressing room sometimes swings open without anyone touching it. Every fall, new students are told these stories as part of their introduction to the theater. The Garden Theater, Winter Garden The Garden Theater in Winter Garden also has more than its share of strange events. The theater, along with nearby buildings like the Railroad Museum, has been the site of many ghost sightings. People have seen figures sitting in seats when no one should be there. Footsteps are heard upstairs when the building is locked up for the night. One employee, convinced that someone had broken in, once searched the entire building with a weapon drawn—only to find nothing at all. Harp & Celt The Harp & Celt on Magnolia Avenue is another spot where the past lingers. Once a neighborhood brothel, today it’s an Irish pub with a ghost named Maximilian, who many believe still watches over the place. Staff and visitors say Maximilian prefers women and often draws them toward a certain corner of the pub without them realizing it. Despite the stories, Maximilian isn’t considered dangerous. Those who have felt his presence describe him more as a quiet guardian than a threat. Highland Manor, Apopka Highland Manor is now a popular wedding venue, but it has a darker past. Dr. McBride and his wife, Helen, lived there. In 1956, Helen confessed to shooting a ticket agent during a property dispute, though rumors suggest an affair. She was acquitted and lived at the manor until her death. Some say a woman still appears on the staircase, and others believe Dr. McBride haunts the home. Do you like visiting haunted places? Then you may also like this list of haunted places in Europe, the world's most haunted islands, and this list of haunted castles in Europe. Hotel Forrest Lake, Sanford Hotel Forrest Lake opened in 1926 and later became known as the Mayfair Hotel before a missionary group took over the property. Plans to reopen it as a hotel have stalled, with former residents saying that the building houses several spirits. One plays the piano, while others cause cold spots, footsteps, and sightings of a figure in white. Orange County Regional History Center/ Wall Street The area around Wall Street and Court Avenue holds its own secrets. The site used to house the Kit Kat Club, where staff over the years have reported bottles flying off shelves and sightings of a woman in a black dress near the back staircase. Before the club, the building served as a jailhouse, and some believe the ghosts of that era never truly left. Even today, people working late in the area report strange noises and unexplained movement out of the corner of their eyes. Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Founded in 1875, Cassadaga is a community built by spiritualists who believed the land held special energy. Many homes and the Cassadaga Hotel are said to be haunted. Arthur, a ghost, is said to linger at the hotel. However, the community dismisses many urban legends like the “Devil’s Chair,” preferring a more serious approach to the paranormal. Ma Barker’s House This list of the most haunted places in Orlando couldn't be complete without this house that was named after one of America's most notorious gang leaders, Katy Barker, also known as Ma. In Ocala, Ma Barker and her sons were gunned down in their hideout after a shootout with law enforcement. Over 2,000 bullets were fired into the house. Locals believe their ghosts remain. Each January, the town re-enacts the shootout as part of its history. Ashley’s Rockledge Ashley’s restaurant opened in 1985 in a building that once housed Jack’s Tavern. In 1934, regular customer Ethel Allen was murdered nearby. Her death remains unsolved. Guests report feeling a presence at the restaurant, and Ashley’s doesn't shy away from these events. Instead, it embraces its haunted reputation with regular ghost-themed events. Sugar Mill Ruins The Sugar Mill Ruins once belonged to a plantation burned during the Second Seminole War. Visitors have reported seeing shadow figures at sunset and ghostly sightings of Seminole Indians in the early morning. I-4 Dead Zone A stretch of I-4 near Sanford is called the "I-4 Dead Zone." Legend says it was built over the graves of four German immigrants who died of yellow fever. They were buried without religious rites and drivers report strange radio interference and ghost sightings along the road. Sunland Mental Hospital WWL Last but not least, we conclude this list of haunted places in Orlando with Sunland, which was once a mental hospital for children. Stories from the site include reports of ghostly children, a haunted playground, and the spirits of staff members who died by suicide. One investigator fell down an elevator shaft and is said to haunt the site, warning others to stay away. How did you like this list of haunted places in Orlando? Did you get the chance to visit any of them in the past? Which one was your favorite? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Like it? Pin it.

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