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Spooky season is the perfect time to pack up your doom buggy and enjoy a road trip to die for in St Augustine. With its long and storied history of violence and conquest, St. Augustine is the perfect vacation destination for history buffs, ghost seekers, and believers in the paranormal who are looking to experience the haunts and frights that awaits, particularly during Halloween! Seriously, you won’t find a more haunted Halloween destination than the Nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida. With more than 450 years of history, ancient narrow streets, two historic cemeteries with graves dating back hundreds of years, a brooding Spanish fortress, and endless stories of roaming spirits, it’s the place to be for all things other-worldly. During October, St. Augustine embraces Halloween, it stands to reason for a city steeped in history and, as many believe is i likely loaded with the most spirits, poltergeists, and spectres. Sure, the theme parks in Central Florida feature haunted houses, but St. Augustine has the real thing, and it's only a short drive away from Orlando. St. Augustine has nearly 500 years of history that pack endless stories of supernatural encounters reportedly experienced in it's historic cemeteries, forts, brick streets, centuries-old structures, and ghoulish outposts. Believed to be one of if not the most haunted cities in America, St. Augustine embraces otherworldly encounters and provides a multitude of options to get in touch with spooky experiences. The Top 7 Things To Die For In St Augustine! Here are some of St. Augustine’s spookiest Halloween adventures that await intrepid souls and fun-seeking spirits. Old Jail After Dark Discover the grim history of St. Augustine’s Old Jail After Dark with a 2 hour and 30 minute chilling experience that allows visitors to participate in an actual paranormal investigation of the city’s most haunted building. Put your ghost-hunting skills to the test in this brand new intimate experience and prepare yourself for a spine tingling night you’ll never forget… Uncover the dark side of the Old Jail, St. Augustines most haunted and mysterious building. Use the latest ghost hunting equipment with the help of an expert guide as you conduct an investigation into the paranormal. Learn the history of this building, which was used to house prisoners from 1891 to 1953, until it was closed due to the deplorable and cruel conditions that its residents were subjected to. Be sure to grab your camera for a chance to capture something strange and phenomenal to remember this incredible and truly haunted experience. St. Augustine Lighthouse Dark of the Moon Tours Routinely labeled as a structure with the most paranormal activity in America, the St. Augustine Lighthouse provides a stunning backdrop for the Dark of the Moon paranormal tour. The St. Augustine Lighthouse Dark of the Moon Tour allows you to be one of the few to experience the St. Augustine Lighthouse at night! The 2 hour tour includes a guided talk through the 1876 Keepers’ House and the 1874 St. Augustine Lighthouse tower, with the guide sharing true tales from the history of the Light Station Guests can climb up the lighthouse in total darkness and be let free to roam, explore, and investigate. Tours are offered year round on Friday, Saturday and Sundays and more days during peak times. Ghost Tours of St. Augustine The dim flicker of a historic lantern is the backdrop for one of the most well-heeled spiritual guides on Florida’s Historic Coast. St. Augustine’s original “frightseeing” tour is an evening of fear and fun. Board Ghosts and Gravestones' Trolley of the Doomed for a spooky ride through St. Augustine's sinister past. Listen to stories of the ghosts and ghouls believed to still wander the streets of the city as you pass haunted hot spots. The St Augustine stories you will hear all come from years of research, personal accounts and hauntingly real-life experiences. Expect a tour so scary, it should come with a warning! Ghosts of St. Augustine's Past Festival Celebrating 5 centuries of historic fashions and local folklore in the Nation's Oldest City, Ghosts of St. Augustine's Past is 3 unique days of free and ticketed city-wide costumed events encouraging visitors to pick a century of fashion to "get dressed and get seen". Taking place from October 28th through 30th, this uniquely St Augustine event encourages you to roam the historic streets while professional photographers take photos. Attend costumed events to join like-fashioned others in a festive affair. Individual creative costume interpretation is encouraged. ​ A Music and Moonlight programming offers free outdoor concerts at the city's Gazebo throughout the weekend. ​ Various costumed events will feature the fashions of past centuries - the Gilded Era, Rococo Style, 1920s and the more contemporary look of Steampunk. And don't forget the pirates! ​ Professional storytellers and pop-up poets will entertain visitors with haunted tales of the past, plus tableaux actors will roam the streets recreating famous faces of St. Augustine's past... Ponce De Leon, Thomas Edison, Ernest Hemingway and more. Ghost With The Most Cocktail Tour IT’S SHOWTIME! Be careful when chanting his name three times, because ‘The Dead Guy’ is sure to make an appearance! So, let’s turn on the ‘juice’ and see what shakes loose, as you tour with the ‘Ghost with the Most’ offered by The Tasting Tours. Given the nature of this tour, it’s for adults 21 years old and older. Your experience begins when you arrive at the meeting location, to be greeted by your extraordinary tour guide. Led by your very own 'dead guy', you will stop at four of St. Augustine's best (and most haunted) pubs for a range of games, antics, and of course, cocktails! Bringing you a night of drinking shenanigans and supernatural encounters, enjoy a selection of inclusive cocktails throughout the evening. Along the way, be sure to soak in the history as you hear stories of local lore, and keep an eye out for any ghoulish figures. A Ghostly Encounter Join A Ghostly Encounter for this unique paranormal experience. Professional guides lead an investigation into what been long regarded as a supernatural hotspot, the Oldest Wooden School House, the Huguenot Cemetery and the area of the Old City Gates. Guests employ handheld monitoring equipment such as EMF’s (Electromagnetic Fields), use dousing rods, participate in EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) recording sessions and experimentation that place you in the center of an investigation environment. Ximenez-Fatio House Museum: Mourning and Mortality - A Century of Death Enjoy a guided spooky candlelight tour through this 223-year-old Historic House Museum. Learn about the ways St. Augustine townsfolk of the 1800’s practiced medicine and mourning rituals from Spanish-American last rites, Victorian Spiritualism, to Afro-Caribbean practices. Learn how illnesses were treated with at-home remedies from the colonial garden and original 1798 kitchen. This family-friendly nighttime activity will get you into the Halloween spirit!

If you’re on the hunt for an extra wild Halloween event perfect for all ages, you’re going to want to grab your cubs and roar into the Zoo Boo Bash at Central Florida Zoo. This Halloween, enjoy trick or treating with all the family while taking a walk on the wild side at the Zoo Bash, on October 29th and 30th, between 9 am and 4 pm. the cubs are encouraged to bring bags and put on their favorite costumes to take part in the wild activities for all your pride to enjoy. In addition to taking place on October 29 & 30, Boo Bash was scheduled to take place on October 22 & 23, but sadly due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian, the zoo had to make a hard decision to cancel the first weekend of the event. Zoo Boo Bash. at Central Florida Zoo is the perfect way for children safely show off those Halloween costumes and for families to enjoy trick-or-treat, while enjoying all the fun of the Zoo. This Halloween, the 2022 Zoo Boo Bash at Central Florida Zoo is presented by Orlando Health. “Halloween is such a great time to make lasting memories for families,” said CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. “The Zoo is already a go-to spot in the community, and we take pride in being able to offer this fun and affordable event that has become a seasonal tradition.” Zoo Boo Bash is included with Zoo general admission. For the Zoo’s Annual Pass Holders, admission is $5 per person named on the card.

Named one of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World by Moviemaker Magazine, the Orlando Film Festival returns to Downtown Orlando for its 17th year. The Orlando Film Festival is know for showcasing the best in new independent cinema from around the world and will run from October 27th until November 3rd, 2022. This year the festival features over 300 films and includes industry panels, workshops, parties and more. The Orlando Film Festival is an immersive eight-day experience that includes more than 350 films and industry panels and workshops, all geared to the 300+ indie filmmakers and 12,000 in attendance. Nightly parties and a variety of professional activities encourage important networking opportunities. The festival culminates with an award ceremony featuring prizes valued at more than $1 million. Located in the heart of Orlando, the Orlando Film Festival is produced by working filmmakers and industry professionals. All film screenings are presented with Q&As and filmmakers experience an unprecedented career-enhancing connection to our community. Screenings and events take place in or around the CMX Plaza Cinema, which is walking distance from all official festival venues, the festival auditoriums all feature high-end Barco projectors and 5.1 surround sound. Audiences and filmmakers get an immersive experience full of spirited Q&As, panel discussions, workshops and script reads with industry professionals from around the world. This year the Orlando Film Festival features over 350 films, check out the official website for all the films including screening details.

Grande Lakes Orlando's Fall on the Farm features family-friendly offerings celebrating the best of the fall season here in Orlando, all taking place at Whisper Creek Farm, an 18,000 square-foot farm located on-property at Grande Lakes Orlando. This fun, intimate event features family friendly activities such as kid-friendly arts and crafts, corn hole games, mazes, and more. The beautiful 500-acre resort, home to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, hosts Fall on the Farm, a family friendly fall-themed outdoor event – every Saturday and Sunday throughout October, from 10am - 3pm. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Hayrides, pumpkin picking, and pumpkin carving and painting workshops with the resort’s Olympic medalist and two-time World Champion culinary artist and carver, Victor Dagatan. Arts and crafts, corn hole, maze and family games. A farmer’s market where you can purchase a taste of Grande Lakes Orlando including locally produced and homemade items such as honey, beer, jams, BBQ sauces & rubs, popcorn and more. Locally-sourced dining options are available from local purveyors and the resort’s culinary team. Grande Lakes Orlando’s Director of Fly Fishing, Captain Mark Benson will be sharing fun facts about fishing and how to properly setup fishing line and lure. The Master Falconer will visit between 12 pm and 12:30 pm so guests will have an opportunity to see a falcon and learn about falconry school. Fall On The Farm is the perfect opportunity for fall family photos, and The Photography Concierge will be available to capture fall family portrait. Advanced reservations required. Email rco@photographyconcierge.com or call (407) 393-4530. PRICE: Souvenir Package: $30, 1 Pose, 1 Digital Image. Upgraded Souvenir Package: $50, 2 Poses, 2 Digital Images. 15 Minute Mini Session: $100, All Digital Images. Entry to Fall On The Farm is limited, and reservations are required for all guests. PRICE: $40 per person for overnight resort guests, and $60 per person for non-resort guests. Children ages two and under are complimentary. The Whisper Creek Farm features all the culinary bounty of Central Florida: from the on-site apiary, which produces honey for Grande Lakes Orlando’s restaurants and spa, to the vast assortment of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, to the dozens of chicken, ducks and quail, Whisper Creek Farm is one of the largest farms open to the public in the Orlando-area. Grande Lakes Orlando is a sprawling 500-acre luxury resort comprising two world-class hotels right here in Orlando, The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott located at 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32837. Grande Lakes Orlando Highlights: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, featuring 582 rooms and suites, including Ritz-Carlton Club Level accommodations. JW Marriott Orlando, featuring 1,010 rooms and luxury suites. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, a championship-level 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a luxury wellness center with 40 treatment rooms, private lap pool, and fitness center with exclusive programming and classes. Three sprawling swimming pools, a lazy river, and designated kid's and adults-only pool areas. Twelve dining destinations, ranging from casual to-go markets to refined restaurants and lounges. 500 acres of pristine natural beauty, including a 43-acre lake with fishing access, hiking trails, environmentally protected areas, and natural wildlife habitats. Over 100,000 square feet of event space, including outdoor and mixed-use venues for any occasion. Whisper Creek Farm, a 7,000-square-foot harvest house with a garden, chicken coop, and apiaries whose produce is used throughout the property.

It appears that the Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park will continue to stand for some time as a sad reminder of the tragic death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson who lost his life on the ride. Although the attractions operators Orlando Slingshot Group had announced on the 6th of October that the ride would be torn down, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have now said the official investigation into Tyre Sampson's death must be conclude before moving forward with the FreeFall's removal. “There are ongoing investigations into this tragedy, and the tower will not be taken down until those investigations are complete,” a statement from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services read. At the time of the announcement that the ride would be dismantled, there was no official timeline released, as Orlando Slingshot Group has been waiting on approval from all involved parties. Sampson, a 14-year-old from Missouri, fell from the ride on March 24, sparking a series of lawsuits and investigations surrounding the tragic incident. Since the death of Tyre Sampson, the Orlando FreeFall has been closed, with the towering ride standing in darkness, a sad blot on the landscape of International Drive ever since. Investigations up to this point have revealed that Sampson, who was visiting Orlando from Missouri on spring break with friends, was nearly 100 pounds over the weight limit of the ride and Orlando FreeFall employees had less than 5 weeks of experience on night the teen fell to his tragic death. Other findings show the ride did not function as intended on the night of the tragedy and found issues with the restraint locks and adjusted sensors. Orlando Slingshot also own the popular Orlando Starflyer, which is near the location of the drop tower, with this ride continuing to be in operation. Other rides owned by Orlando Slingshot include the slingshot ride at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee, plus another slingshot and a separate ride called The Vomatron at Old Town in Kissimmee. They also own slingshots in Daytona and Panama City. ICON Park officials said they support the decision to tear the ride down. “Tyre’s death is a tragedy that we will never forget. As the landlord, ICON Park welcomes and appreciates Orlando Slingshot’s decision to take down the ride,” said ICON Park.

Universal Orlando Resort have paid a simple ,yet poignant tribute to Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane who recently passed. The theme park have placing flowers in front of the Hagrid Animatronic on Hagrid’s Magical Motorbike Adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. As you can see, a bunch of tulips are now lying in front of the animatronic Hagrid, the character that Coltrane portrayed in the Harry Potter movies. Ronnie Coltrane, star of film, television and comedy died at the age of 72 last week. Credit: misswizardingworld Last Friday October 14, in another lovely gesture to the sad passing of Robbie Coltrane, Harry Potter fans unofficially gathered in front of Hogwarts Castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure to honour the man who brought the wonderful character of Hagrid to life. Fans raised wands to the sky in front of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey to honour the gifted actor. Credit: Wishes Family Travel – Annette Miller Some fans raised pink umbrellas to honour Robbie as Hagrid would use a pink umbrella to conduct a little magic in the films. This is the second time that fans have gather in Universal's Islands of Adventure to honor the passing of an actor who stared in the Harry Potter movies. In 2016, a similar gathering took place when Alan Rickman who played Severus Snape, passed away. One of Scotland's national treasures. Robbie may have passed but we will always have his wonderful legacy in Hagrid. He was JK Rowling's first choice to play Hagrid in the Harry Potter films. The author paid her own tribute, calling him "a complete one off". We are also lucky to have a fantastic ride named after Robbie's wonderful character too, right here in Orlando. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Halloween in Orlando really is the most wonderful time of the year for us horror fans, seriously there is so many horrendously frightening experiences to terrify you! One of the best spooky season scare experiences in Central Florida is a horrifying journey into A Petrified Forest! This terrifying independent outdoor scare trail which is located in the Altamonte Springs area of Orlando is legendary around these parts. A Petrified Forest is a home grown community attraction, offering three intensely horrifying scare trails set in a genuinely spooky forest location covering around 2 acres. The trails are long, with uniquely themed rooms and awesome scares around every turn. The annual Halloween event continues to grow ever year, and now offer a whole night out with great music, food concessions, local art vendors, laser tag, backstage tours, and so much more. For 2022, A Petrified Forest is back with a tag line of Natures Fury Running select evenings from now until October 29, this year’s event explores the horrors of the land, sea, and sky! This Halloween, A Petrified Forest offers three all new scares full of sheer horror, and best of all this haunt is located right in the middle of a real forest! These outdoor trails wind their way through bone-chilling houses and are home to believable scare actors that weave into the crowd to catch attendees when they least expect it. Due to the nature of the haunt, event organizers suggest no children under 12 and if they do come, they must be accompanied by an adult. There are three different experiences for you to choose from, with the most common being the FURY Pass which gives you access to all three trails starting at $31.98. The attraction is open every Thursday, Friday & Saturday in October plus special events. Wednesdays & Thursdays: 7:30 – 10 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays: 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. You will encounter A Petrified Forrest at 1360 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs FL 32701 If you’re looking for a heart-pumping, hair-raising scare this Halloween season then you’re going to want to gather your most fearless friends and take a trip to The Petrified Forest.

Ello Poppet, are you searching for treasure? Then listen up scallywags, them there land lovers at Vault Collectables in the Lakeland Antique Mall are offering you the chance to live like a pirate every day! Yes it's true, adventure awaits as Vault Collectables are selling the actual furniture and props from the Pirate rooms at the Caribbean Beach Resort directly to the public! As Jack Sparrow once said "Not all treasure is silver and gold mate." and yes, that's true!! If a pirate life is for you, then this is your chance!! The store is selling individual pieces of furniture and props or you can even purchase an entire room, right down to the carpet which features a map! Imagine, owning such an amazing piece of Walt Disney World history, an actual Pirate rooms from the Caribbean Beach Resort! You should contact Vault Collectables for pricing and specific items. They have most of the items in the room except for the mini-fridge, mattresses, TV's, pillows, sheets and bathroom vanities. The store has items from 170 rooms, but with millions of Disney fans out there many items will sell out quickly, so you best drop anchor soon at the Lakeland Mall! Have a look at the details on their Facebook Page, plus you can check out the goodies on Vault's E-Bay Page.

Hey, Florida explorers, we have great news from Wild Florida, as the attraction has announced that they will fully re-open from Thursday, October 20, 2022. The attraction has been busy recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, operating with limited attractions since the monster storm tore through the area. The Gator Park, Chomp House Grill and Airboat Tours have all been unable to open, with only the Drive-Thru Safari Park open. ⁠Now fully re-opening on October 20, when you visit Wild Florida you can enjoy an Airboat Tour, visit the Gator Park, or enjoy barbecue at the Chomp House Grill, as well as taking a wild ride through Wild Florida's Drive-Thru Safari Park and feeding some of their tallest residents on our Giraffe Feeding Platform! Wild Florida is known for their amazing Everglades airboat tours, which is a must do on any visit to Central Florida, you get to explore a part of pristine marshland that hasn’t changed from when early pioneers settled in the 1800s. Guests climb aboard a U.S. Coast Guard certified airboat and get the opportunity to see eagles, turkeys, wild boar, roseate spoonbills, alligators, and other native wildlife. After your airboat tour, you can stroll through their Alligator Park where you can see lemurs, sloths, zebras, and other animals native to South America, Africa, and Australia. The Chomp House Grill turns out some of the best barbecue around, and you should try theirr Swamp Slushy – a frozen blend of mango, orange, and passionfruit. To book your upcoming adventure, head on over to Wild Florida's website.

Word on the streets of The Norway Pavilion is that Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT could soon re-open. Located in the Norway Pavilion, this is where you can join Disney Princesses for Storybook Dining inside a medieval castle with soaring archways and cathedral ceilings, while enjoying unique Norwegian Cuisine. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall has been closed since March 2020 due to the COVID Pandemic, the restaurant along with others in EPCOT World Showcase have not re-opened as of yet due to the fact that staffing throughout World Showcase at EPCOT had been problematic for Walt Disney World management without Cast Members from the Cultural Representative Program to staff them. Walt Disney World resumed the Cultural Representative Program in August, and as Cultural Representatives return to World Showcase, we will hopefully see all pavilions return to normal. In addition to the return of the Cultural Representatives, Walt Disney World has recently made changes to the online menus for Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, including changes to the pricing, and food and drink options, an indication that Disney are preparing for the re-opening of the location. Here is the updated menu on the Walt Disney World's website: Taste of Norway Start the day with American breakfast favorites served family-style, and enjoy Norwegian-inspired fare for lunch and dinner. Breakfast may include such selections as scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potato casserole, cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit. At lunch and dinner, every Guest’s royal feast begins with a “Taste of Norway”—featuring the finest Scandinavian seafood, imported cheeses, cured and sliced meats, and a vast selection of salads and fruits. Then, take your pick from a rotating menu of hot entrées, including grilled fillet of salmon, oven-roasted chicken breast and a Norwegian meatball dish called Kjøttkake. Children’s menu options include favorites like pizza and pasta—as well as healthy selections like grilled chicken and salmon served with vegetables. Be sure to save room for The Royal Chef’s Dessert Plate too—a platter of 3 delectable desserts served family-style for the perfect ending to your feast. This is the details for Princess Storybook Dining: Join your favorite Disney princesses in a fairytale setting, while enjoying unique Norwegian Cuisine.Join your favorite Disney princesses in a fairytale setting, while enjoying unique Norwegian Cuisine. Her Highness the Queen is holding a feast in honor of the world’s best-loved Storybook Princesses—and you’re invited! Dine in a medieval castle as Disney Princesses and Friends mingle with Guests to give autographs and pose for pictures. All who attend the royal banquet can expect to meet several of the following Disney Characters: Snow White Cinderella Belle Princess Aurora Ariel

The thunder is gonna get real loud at this year's Country Thunder Florida, so get your cowboy boots on and get ready for this year's star studded lineup, right here in Kissimmee. Country Thunder Florida 2022 is taking place at Osceola Heritage Park from October 21- 23. Experience this fantastic event filled with fun, the best live country music, tasty food and drinks, and so much more. “Country Thunder Florida has become the biggest country music event in Central Florida and we have these fans to thank,” says Country Thunder Music Festivals CEO, Troy Vollhoffer. “We had an amazing festival last fall with Eric Church, Dierks Bentley and Old Dominion. We knew we had to up the ante and deliver the biggest and best artist roster possible. This is the line-up those fans have asked for, and we’re thrilled to give it to them.” Country Thunder Florida 2022 Line Up Headlining this year's festival is three genuine showstoppers, first up is one of country music’s hottest new superstars Morgan Wallen, then we have one of the biggest-selling artists in country music history Jason Aldean, along with country music's nonstop hit machine Chris Young. Sharing the stage is red-hot country stars Ashley McBryde, Chase Rice, Granger Smith feat. Earl Dibbles, Jr., and Tracy Lawrence. The stellar lineup continues with Laney Wilson, James Barker Band, Lindsay Ell, Kameron Marlowe, and Clay Walker. The star filled lineup continue with country hitmakers Phil Vassar, Niko Moon, Nolan Still, Maggie Rose, John Morgan, Jackson Dean, and Jordan Rager! For more details, and to purchase tickets head to the official website. www.countrythunder.com/FL

As if to to soften the blow of increased prices, Disney has announced a limited-time discount on shopDisney merchandise for Annual Passholders. Starting this coming Thursday, October 20, through Monday, October 31, Annual Passholders can take advantage of a limited-time, 25% discount on select merchandise on shopDisney.com. Here is the details: Passholders, get a head start on all of your holiday shopping for those on your list! For a limited time, October 20 – 31, Passholders can enjoy a special 25% discount on select regularly priced merchandise at shopDisney.* Find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list or select some new décor to deck your halls this holiday season! The discount will begin at 12:01 a.m. PT/3:01 a.m. ET on October 20, 2022 and end at 11:59 p.m. PT/2:59 a.m. on Halloween night or while supplies last, whichever occurs first.