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Top 10 Haunted Places in Orlando

Ghostly Encounters in the Sunshine State

By Suraj KumarPublished 10 months ago 4 min read

Orlando, Florida, is famous for its roller coasters, sunny skies, and wild nightlife. But under the magic and roller coasters, there is a darker side a world of ghostly encounters, haunted structures, and bone-tingling stories. If you enjoy the paranormal, you'll be thrilled to discover that Orlando contains some of Florida's most haunted locations. If you're a disbeliever or a believer, these spooky spots are worth investigating. Take out your flashlight and let's embark on the haunted side of Orlando!

1. Greenwood Cemetery: Spirits Among the Graves

One of Orlando's oldest cemeteries, the 19th-century Greenwood Cemetery, is the resting place of many of the city's most famous citizens. But it's not only a piece of history—it's also said to be haunted. People have claimed to hear strange whispers, feel cold spots, and even see shadowy figures roaming among the graves. Others report sighting the ghost of a woman wearing white, the ghost of a bereaved mother who is seeking her missing child. If you dare, night ghost tours will guide you along the most haunted areas of this cemetery.

2. The Annie Russell Theatre: A Stage for Ghosts

The eerie Annie Russell Theatre is a historic monument situated in Winter Park, just outside of Orlando, on the campus of Rollins College. The theater was constructed in 1932 and is rumored to be haunted by the well-known actress Annie Russell. Actors and staff have experienced unusual happenings, such as flickering lights, cold drafts, and unexplained noises, and legend has it that her ghost never left the stage. Some even claim to have spotted her spectral form on the balcony, observing rehearsals. Watch out for any unexpected guests in the audience if you ever attend a show at this theater.

3. The Presidential Ballroom at the Park Plaza Hotel

Winter Park's Park Plaza Hotel is a classy, historic establishment that has been welcoming visitors for more than a century. Some visitors, though, have arrived but never left. The ghost of a woman wearing a blue dress is said to haunt the Presidential Ballroom in particular. Both workers and visitors have complained about doors slamming shut on their own, hearing footsteps when no one is nearby, and even feeling as though they are being watched. A visit to the Park Plaza can be ideal if you are searching for a haunted hotel experience.

4. Lake Lucerne’s Dr. Phillips House: A Ghostly Residence

Dr. Philip Phillips, one of Orlando's most important personalities, originally lived in the historic Dr. Phillips House, which is close to Lake Lucerne. The mansion has a spooky reputation even though it is being used as an event space. Numerous visitors and staff members have reported paranormal experiences, ranging from ghostly apparitions to inexplicable voices. Some claim that the ghosts of past residents continue to haunt the hallways, watching over their cherished house. The Dr. Phillips House will give you chills whether you are just passing by or attending a wedding.

5. The Riddle House: A House of Horrors

The Riddle House has a haunting and terrible past. It was first situated in West Palm Beach and then relocated to Orlando's Yesteryear Village. The house, which was once a funeral parlor, is rumored to be haunted by several ghosts, including one of a former employee who committed himself in the attic. Upon arriving, visitors have experienced doors slamming shut, objects moving on their own, and an overwhelming sense of fear. This property is among the most haunted places in Orlando, according to paranormal investigators who have found terrifying proof of ghostly activity.

6. The Super 8 Motel on International Drive: A Paranormal Pitstop

Do not believe that haunted hotels are only found in movies. Ghostly visitors who will not depart the Super 8 Motel on International Drive have earned a reputation for themselves. Many visitors are feeling concerned due to reports of flickering lights, disembodied whispering, and abrupt temperature decreases. Some people have even reported seeing eerie people lurking in the corridors. You might not be the only person checking in, so be ready if you intend to stay here.

7. Harry P. Leu Gardens: A Hauntingly Beautiful Escape

During the day, Harry P. Leu Gardens is a beautiful botanical haven teeming with colorful flowers, meandering paths, and serene lakes. But under the cover of darkness, it becomes one of Orlando's most haunted sites. Mary Jane Leu, wife of the garden's founder, is believed to haunt the site, particularly around the historic Leu House Museum. Travelers have reported strange noises, dim lights, and even a sense of being followed. Ghost hunter or nature enthusiast, Leu Gardens has a little bit of everything for everyone.

8. The Orlando Railroad Depot: A Journey into the Unknown

Constructed in the late 1800s, the Orlando Railroad Depot has been a center of travel and history for centuries. But it's also infamous for its paranormal activity. Travelers and employees have witnessed ghostly apparitions, heard phantom voices, and felt inexplicable cold spots. Some think that the ghosts of long-departed travelers still haunt the station, waiting for a train that never comes. If you ever happen to be at the depot, listen carefully—you may hear whispers from the past.

9. The Old Orange County Courthouse: Justice Never Sleeps

The Old Orange County Courthouse, which houses the Orange County Regional History Center, has experienced its share of trials and tribulations. With criminals, executions, and court fights in its past, it's not surprising that there have been reports of ghost activity here. People have reported hearing ghostly footsteps, experiencing sudden cold spots, and even getting glimpses of ghostly apparitions in the corridors. Others claim the ghosts of past prisoners still haunt the building, demanding justice from the afterlife.

10. The Greenwood Urban Wetlands: Nature’s Haunted Hideaway

While cemeteries and buildings are usually credited with hauntings, the outdoors can also be spooky. The Greenwood Urban Wetlands, which is within walking distance of Greenwood Cemetery, is rumored to be haunted. Runners and tourists have seen whispers, glimpsed shadowy figures in the trees, and sensed an unusual presence. It is thought by some that ghosts from the surrounding cemetery drift over into the wetlands, which makes it a spooky place for ghost hunters to visit.

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About the Creator

Suraj Kumar

I love sharing stories, experiences, and ideas that inspire and connect. Whether it’s travel, food, or everyday moments, I write with passion and curiosity. Let’s explore life together

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