This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the highlighted keywords or companies or banners mentioned in this post.
The days are getting shorter as summer winds down, and travelers will soon be on the lookout for new destinations to explore when autumn arrives. Have a client seeking out exciting experiences, an adrenaline rush, or even quality time with the kids? Halloween may offer the perfect opportunity for all, and Travel Agent has rounded up some notable places and events where visitors can find both thrills and chills.
Hotel Galvez Offers Annual “Dinner with the Ghosts” Tour and Overnight Packages
This October, Hotel Galvez and Spa in Galveston, Texas, is offering guests a chance to learn more about the paranormal during its “Dinner with the Ghosts” tour and dining event.
The hotel staff has often reported strange occurrences throughout the 104-year-old property, such as candles blowing out on their own, dishes breaking while no one is around and unexplained breathing or children’s laughter in some public areas.
During the event the hotel concierge will guide guests throughout the property, using popular ghost hunting tools to conduct a “paranormal investigation”.
Additionally, a “Dinner with the Ghosts” overnight package is available Tuesday through Thursday, starting at $259. The package includes one night in a deluxe guestroom following the event, as well as a copy of “Haunted Galveston” by Amy Matsumoto. On Fridays, the hotel’s “Dinner with the Ghosts” event is exclusively available as an overnight package, starting at $289.
The tour begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a three-course dinner at Galvez Bar and Grill at 7 p.m. Reservations will be accepted beginning September 1 for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings throughout October. The cost for the tour and dinner package is $45 per person.
Visit www.HotelGalvez.com
Frightening Findings in Florida
Pensacola, Florida, may be known as a sunny escape for travelers during the summer season, but the location reportedly also has a dark side. Founded more than 450 years ago, the destination is home to historic mansions, cemeteries, buildings and landmarks. Ghost hunters, including Pensacola’s paranormal society, have documented a range of occurrences such as sightings of “mysterious orbs, shadowy figures, cold spots, and clanging and banging” noises after sunset.
Guests hoping to spot a ghost should venture to the 200-year-old homes in Historic Pensacola Village. The Lear-Rocheblave House, built in 1890, was once owned by a tugboat captain with a reputation for being cruel and angry. Here, legend says visitors may catch a glimpse of a dancing ghost on the second floor, reported to be one of his five daughters.
Located nearby is the Dorr House, built and occupied by Clara Barkley Dorr. Although she is no longer living, many visitors have reported strange noises throughout the house, including children crying and laughing, as well sightings of Mrs. Dorr’s translucent image in a mirror downstairs.
Haunted walking and trolley tours through downtown Pensacola will take guests past these and other sites beginning October 16. Visitors may also take current guided walking tours through Pensacola from Tuesday through Saturday at 11 am, 1 pm and 2:30 pm. Additionally, Pensacola Victorian Bed and Breakfast can cater to overnight guests.
For a complete list of upcoming haunted Halloween tours, agents can contact Brooke Fleming at Visit Pensacola at (850) 433-0724.
“The Walking Dead” Returns to Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights”
Fans of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” series will be happy to hear that the show will again be the underlying theme at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort’s “Halloween Horror Nights” event.
Guests will begin their journey at the “Terminus safe-haven compound”, following in the footsteps of “The Walking Dead” cast. The tour will include recreations of scenes and settings visitors have viewed on the show, including dismembered “W” walkers and victims besieged by the living dead. Guests will then step onto the loading dock of the Del Arno Food warehouse, eventually facing hordes of “W” walkers.
Universal Studios Hollywood is also introducing “The Walking Dead: Wolves Not Far”, the largest and longest maze ever built at the West Coast destination of “Halloween Horror Nights.” The maze will feature never-before-seen walkers and will be set in an entirely new theme park location.
Visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com
“Halloween on the High Seas” With Disney Cruise Line
Have a client traveling with children? “Halloween on the High Seas” takes place on several voyages aboard Disney Cruise Line ships from September through October.
During the sailings, Halloween-themed parties, live entertainment and décor include “Mickey’s Mouse-querade” party, “Nightmare Before Christmas—Sing and Scream” experience, a “Creepy Cabaret” event, and showings of Halloween-themed movies in Buena Vista Theatre, on Funnel Vision, by the family pool and in guest staterooms.
The Disney Magic ship will operate four and five-night “Bahamian and Caribbean” cruises departing October 4 to October 28, while Disney Wonder will sail a variety of cruises departing October 1 to October 23. Also, Disney Dream will sail three- and four-night Bahamian cruises departing September 7 to October 30 and Disney Fantasy sails seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing September 5 to October 31.
