An Encounter with the Past...

Like all great ghost stories, it began on a dark and rainy night on Church Street in Downtown Orlando. If you’ve ever been to the Church Street Station, you know that it has a very old time feel. The buildings have been restored and modeled to represent a past Orlando. However, most of the stories that you hear of Church Street are those of alcohol induced frolic, not of years gone by. Last night was different though. Last night those fire burning lanterns helped transfer me back in time to see past the partying of the night into the actual history of Orlando.

 

 

Whether you’re a firm believer, a skeptic, or just curious.... a night with the ghost ambassadors from American Ghost Adventures is guaranteed to be an interesting time that you will always remember. They offer several different tours in the Central Florida area throughout the year. The tour of Downtown Orlando met at Harry Buffalo’s last night, which used to be the old Orlando Hotel. We took an hour walk around a few blocks learning about various ghost sightings, interactions, and haunts. These are more than just stories to the ambassadors for most of them have actually had interactions with these ghosts when they’ve done investigations within the buildings. You will learn the three different type of ghost haunts and how they are able to research and communicate with the ghosts.

 

If you are a history buff, like me, I definitely recommend the tours because you get to learn the actual history of the areas. There were more brothels, graveyards and hospitals in Downtown Orlando than I had ever even imagined! Also, I had no idea that Ted Bundy was on trial in the old Orange County Courthouse which is now the Orange County History Center. I have so many interesting facts that I can now spout out about Downtown Orlando!

 

Do you notice what is on top of the pillars at the UCF building downtown? Urns! This used to be a funeral home!

 

One of the unique things that I love about this tour is that the second half is actually an interactive encounter, where you get to attempt to interact with actual ghosts. We went inside the Harry Buffalo, up to the third story, where it is believed to be haunted. We were provided with our own ghost hunting equipment and were able to walk around looking for activity. We also sat in one room and used the equipment to try to find out information about the spirit(s) in the room. This allows each tour to be a different and unique experience.

If it flashes up past green.. it may be a spirit. Mine kept going off; I'm apparently popular with ghosts

 

I cannot say for certain that I am a true believer, but I am curious and I love history. I have been on several ghost tours before in different cities within the US and I must say that American Ghost Adventures is my favorite. This was my second tour with them (I did the one through the Greenwood Cemetery downtown) and I would definitely do another. They provide a fun environment, a few laughs and an accurate history. As for whether or not the ghosts exist, that is up for you to decide….. so you better book a tour soon!

 

You can book your tour at www.americanghostadventures.com