I admit it, I believe in ghosts. Actually, spirits of those who’ve passed on that come to visit us or maybe don’t know they’ve died. But, I believe they’re here. Many of us do – just some don’t admit it. And I’ve seen and experienced too many things not to believe. I also have to admit, I never even dreamed Kissimmee, Florida would have a Ghost Walk. Remember, I’ve been here before, but just moved here about 6 weeks ago, so I’m learning stuff too. But really, the town outside of WDW having ghosts? Get real. Until Walt brought his world here, this was cow town USA, not exactly where you’d find ghosts. Right?
When I was researching where I’d take you this week, I was reading the Kissimmee Florida Area Guide (A must pick-up guide! Trust me, get this! It’s well done and has everything! Everything!) there was Kissimmee Ghost Tour (there is a second one, but looking at their website convinced me to give these guys a try).
Located in an old filling station on the corner of Broadway and Dakin, set in the historic area of Kissimmee (you know, the kind of place where they used to fill’er up for ya) it’s a great little place to start your evening. Parking in back is convenient, and you’ll start off with checking in with your guide, one last pit stop, and buying a drink if you want. Then step outside, and begin.
For two hours (the info says 1 1/2, but we were a solid 2) you’ll walk around Kissimmee (an area I didn’t know existed, and is wonderful small town w/style) and hear about a history you’d never imagine. Then again, all towns have their story. Well, Kissimmee does too.
Our guide this night was co-owner Ashley Dement, a Kissimmee native Cracker (you’ll find out) whose love for her home town is palpable.
Outside the Kissimmee train station. Can you spot the orb? (Photo by Rochelle Paul, copyright 2010)
We visited the train station, reflecting the past in its quaintness, and learned about the civil war reaching this far south (aside from that fort down there off Key West). What Ghost Tour could go out and about without a train station?
Here you’ll find that bringing your camera is a must as you stand along the tracks and look into the darkness. What’s that sound? Ok, I’m thinking just a passing car. No, really.
I got my first orb here and it was a thrill. Orbs are those “dots” that show up on your photo, looking like a round dot, maybe red or blue, maybe white. You’ll learn the details as to what you’re looking for and how an orb is different from a piece of dust. Naysayers beware, you’ll leave here believing, or at least respecting.
Ashley has a binder with photos she’ll show, demonstrating what things look like, and the way things don’t. Plus, you’ll see what other’s have found along their tour.
My first shots weren’t doing much, so I started to whistle Dixie, and got my orb. Too cool. Guess the Southern boys still walk proud here. (you’ll learn Florida was a very “Northern state”)
On down the road, as you walk these small town streets, (I won’t give it all away) stop in front of the library. I’ll leave this one for your tour, but I must to say, this one stayed with me. I never got spooked (well, you’ll hear about once), but there are places where the story touches you, stays with you, and this is one.
Visiting the lake was fun. You’ll hear its history, and perhaps spot that ghost ship other’s have. Another orb here made for a worthwhile moment. It really is a thrill.
Our conversation about local wildlife started when the duck scared us all when it was spooked at our presence. Not planned by the tour, but a natural moment to make one jump… or were the ghosts messing with us? Nervous laughter complete, we discussed other native life with more deviousness in heart – think water moccasin.
Our stop at Susan’s Courtside Cafe (18 South Orlando Ave. Kissimmee 407-518-1150 $) was one of the spookier places. Ashley assured us the food is great (and we’re planning to go back), but the story of the house is what’s the draw. I’ll leave this for your tour, but it was one (with the library) that gave me the biggest chills, and has stayed with me.
At each stop, Ashley will tell you the story. She doesn’t mind you taking photos as she talks, so do what I did, and on occasion, point at her, or in a direction she may be talking about, and take an “unplanned” shot. These are when I tended to get orbs.
After her extremely interesting story of the place and what happened (I mean it, she can tell a story, and they are very interesting – part history, part spooky), she’ll let you take photos. Take them both during her talk and now (lots of flash card space and don’t – like I did – forget the extra batteries and need to conserve!).
On to the historic courthouse, and its tales, then to likely everyone’s favorite, the playground. Again, you’ll need to take the tour for details (why ruin it!) but the gist is that a little girl, Isabella, plays here. She died at 7 and still likes to spend her time in her favorite place. This was a good spot for photos.
Try to take your photos with people in them, as spirits are said to need to use our energy to “appear”. (I learn these things from Most Haunted and Ghost Adventures and the like) By placing someone in the shot, you’ll maybe get something.
Take two or three in a row – quickly – because you’ll often find something in one, but not the others. I’ve included two photos I took of Assistant Laura in the playground. The first, she’s on the swing that Isabella loves, starting to swing. A moment later, swinging, she’s just started talking to Isabella, inviting her to swing too, and looking toward the other swing.
Laura sitting on Isabella's favorite swing - 1st photo. (Photo by Rochelle Paul, copyright 2010)
As Laura begins to invite Isabella to play, this orb appears. (Photo by Rochelle Paul, copyright 2010)
See the orb? That’s Isabella. See the round shape, the color, the sort of pulse to the center? And see how Laura is looking as if she’s looking at the little girls head, almost right at the right height perfectly. A perfect height for a seven year old. Laura can’t see this, but the camera does. What you can’t see: the other swing had started to move. No, there wasn’t a breeze.
A second orb, green, is a little below, near the grass. Now that was way too cool!
On to your last stop. You’ve been walking about 2 hours. From here you’ll return to the tour’s building for your car. This has been an easy walk, something that anyone who can walk and stand can easily do. You’ll walk a bit, then stand to hear the story, then take your images and move on. My folks use electric carts and I’m confident if fully charged, would find this to be a very doable tour.
It is G-rated, so kids can come, and their pricing for kids is great (Adults $19, Children 8-12 $9, 7 & under free). I’d say though that if your child gets spooked, maybe find a sitter. No, this isn’t where people jump out at you or anything, (ducks aside) but you’ll talk about people dying or being murdered, you’re in the dark and looking for ghosts – you’ll need to know your child.
If you’ve ever wanted to give a ghost tour a try, I highly recommend the Kissimmee Ghost Tour. Well worth the price, you’ll get what you paid for, and with any luck, you’ll get a few stories and orb shots to take home.
(As a member of the media, I often get media credentials to cover things. I did in this case.)
Kissimmee Ghost Tour, Historic Kissimmee
321-251-5204
421 Broadway
Kissimmee FL
8:30 pm nightly
* weather permitting
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Can i take a one small photo from your site?
Doggy
Hi Doggy,
Please let me know which photo and for what purpose, and I’ll let you know.
Best – Rori
Hi my name is GT I am known as The Ghost Tracker on our Tv show Ghost Tracker Tv that airs on WRDQ ch 27 an ABC network
if you liked this tour you will love mine we give equipment to help hunt and tell you how to use it it that dust orb is the best they have you need to encounter the real thing I invite you to take a VIP Tour with me The Ghost Tracker in seeking the truth and let you see what I see 407-610-1650
Hey this is the group you took on the tour on wednesday night at 8:30. The group consists of the three west palm beachers and the one guy heading back to Jersey.where do we find our photos so we may give you our names which are Jacqueline,Olga,David,and Rick.
Just in case this might help you remember your pshysic side kicked in and you were informing someone of what was not going to happen as far as Universal Studio.We were also talking about the Woodbridge Mall.
Hi Jacqueline, I’m sorry, I was not on the tour Wednesday night. In fact, this tour that I wrote about was back in January of this year.
It sounds like your tour was interesting though. I hope you Olga, David and Rick had a blast, and if you want to get a hold of the tour operators for something, just search for Kissimmee Ghost Tour or use the link at the end of the article. Hope your Kissimmee vacation was awesome!
Rori