Things To Do In SW Florida

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has returned to Walt Disney World, and it’s both a treat and tricky.

The event hasn’t had drastic changes this year, but here are a few reminders of how the after-hours, separate-ticket event works at Magic Kingdom.

Is it too early/too hot for costumes?

You’d think so, wouldn’t you? But on opening night last week, the cosplay quotient was high among young and old. Of course, there were princesses, Peter Pans and pirates. In the heat of August or September (aka August, Part 2), I can’t recommend a lot of layers. There are plenty of Disney-based T-shirt options. I saw one woman in street clothes … and a crown. It was a little odd, but she was in the spirit of things.

Or don’t wear a costume at all. It’s OK. You be you, boo.

How hot is it? Despite a candy maker’s classic claim, the chocolate did melt in our hands before it got to the mouth.

What time are the parades?

Here’s a change. The early parade has moved up and now steps off in Frontierland at 8:15 p.m. Then there’s another run-through at 11:15 p.m. Disney says this is to accommodate families with kiddos with early bedtimes. The crowd traditionally has been thinner for the late parade, and that was true on this year’s opening night. The rest of the park felt less populated late as well, even though it was a sell-out. read more

By Holden Lewis | NerdWallet

When you buy a house on or after Aug. 17, you’ll do things differently than before. Rules will change on that date, due to the settlement of an antitrust lawsuit.

Unlike before, you will decide how much your real estate agent will be paid for representing you when you buy a home. And your agent won’t be paid by the seller’s agent. Instead, you’ll probably ask the home’s seller to pay your agent — a request that will be subject to negotiation.

In short: It won’t be the same purchasing process that your parents, siblings and friends went through when they bought their homes before the legal settlement with the National Association of Realtors.

Here’s how the new process will work.

You’ll sign an agreement before touring homes

You’re browsing real estate websites and you’ve spotted a house that you want to visit so you can see inside — this is known as a home tour. Before a real estate agent escorts you inside, you will be required to sign an agreement that defines what the agent will do for you. read more