Things To Do In SW Florida

By Sean Cudahy | NerdWallet

If Congress cannot reach a spending deal by Oct. 1, a resulting government shutdown could significantly impact travel and not in the best way.

The U.S. Travel Association warns a shutdown could come with “dire consequences,” costing the industry an estimated $140 million per day.

Some of the aviation industry’s most essential workers — air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers — would be required to work without pay. Past shutdowns have led to more federal employee absences, longer security lines and more flight delays.

“The federal government is already failing the traveler,” U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman said in a statement. “A shutdown would be further proof of Washington’s inability to find reasonable solutions to problems that affect Americans nationwide.”

How would a government shutdown affect air travel?

Even though thousands of federal workers would be furloughed in the event of a government shutdown, air travel is supposed to continue like normal. Both TSA officers and air traffic controllers would continue working. However, those workers would not get paid during a shutdown. read more

Museum of Illusions Orlando is rolling out Halloween-related activities in October, including one for dogs.

The Icon Park attraction, which features dozens of exhibits with optical trickery, is transforming some of its displays into a spooky theme. It will include rooms inspired by classic horror stories and Halloween themes. On weekends, there will be riddles (and hidden doors) that lead to hidden candy, using tricks to get treats.

On Oct. 13, the attraction will host Bark-O-Ween Bash: Spooktacular Puppy Pawty, an opportunity for dogs and their people to pose with the displays. The party will include doggie treats and a costume contest with a prize of $150. Tickets for the event, held 6-8 p.m., are $29.99.

An all-human event is scheduled for Oct. 28. Eerie Enchantments: A Haunting Halloween Soiree features an “illusion-themed”  costume contest with prizes, cash part and Halloween-themed displays.  It’s included with regular admission to the attraction.

For tickets or more information, go to moiorlando.com. read more

Universal Orlando confirms that it has ended sales of Frequent Fear Passes for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights event, including the upgraded tickets with express access to its haunted houses.

Single-night tickets to the after-hours event at Universal Studios remain available, the company says. HHN runs on select nights through Nov. 4.

Frequent Fear Passes sales were halted on Thursday “to help ensure event guests have the most enjoyable experience possible,” according to a written statement from Universal Orlando.

Frequent Fear Passes were sold on different levels, making the event available for 30, 40 or all 48 nights. The price of these passes, without express access, ranged between $229.99 and $379.99 this year. (The eligible time period for HHN’s Rush of Fear Passes, which allowed entry for the first 17 nights, has expired.)

Prices for single-night tickets vary by date and range from $84.99 (Nov. 2) to $139.99 (Saturdays through Oct. 21).

First look: All 10 houses from Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights read more