Audio Guided Historical Ghost Bus Tour of New Orleans

Thinking about adding a spooky twist to your New Orleans trip? This particular ghost bus tour offers a way to see the city from the comfort of a bus while learning about its haunted past. While it’s not the most immersive experience out there, it might work for those who prefer a relaxed, narrated journey rather than walking tours or live guides.

Two aspects we appreciate are the storytelling style—the audio guide delivers detailed ghost and vampire stories—and the visual effects incorporated into the bus ride, like custom lighting and video. However, a big consideration is the mixed reviews; some travelers found the experience underwhelming, especially if they’re expecting a lively, interactive tour with a guide who’s physically present. The overall value depends on what you’re seeking: if you’re after a casual, low-cost introduction to New Orleans’ haunted side, this might do the trick, but if you want something more engaging or in-depth, you might want to explore other options.

This tour could suit those who enjoy ghost stories, are okay with a somewhat automated experience, and prefer a no-fuss way to see certain landmarks. It’s best for anyone comfortable with sitting back and listening while the bus drives past the sights.

Key Points

• Narrated ghost stories provide insight into New Orleans’ haunted reputation.
• Visual effects and lighting add a spooky ambiance to the bus ride.
• Stops at landmarks like City Park and Buckner Mansion offer photo opportunities and brief history.
• Mixed reviews highlight that this tour might not meet everyone’s expectations.
• Price point at around $55 per person offers decent value for those curious about ghost tales but may feel overpriced for some.
• Group size is limited to 34 travelers, maintaining a somewhat intimate atmosphere.

The Experience in Detail

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins at 941 Decatur St, an area that’s central but might seem somewhat deserted or quiet, depending on the time of day. From this starting point, the bus takes you past the Buckner Mansion, famously associated with ghost stories and vampire lore. The automated system provides a brief history of the mansion, and you’re free to hop off briefly for photos or to stretch. However, don’t expect a guided narration here—it’s all automated, which some travelers have found less engaging.

Next, the bus makes a stop at City Park, a large green space with its own haunting tales. Here, you get a quick history lesson about the Duelling Oaks—a pair of ancient oak trees linked to duels from the past—and are given about 15 minutes to explore the area. The stop is short, but this provides a chance to stretch your legs, take pictures, and enjoy a bit of the outdoors.

The Audio-Visual Element

What sets this tour apart from traditional ghost walks is its use of video, special effects, and custom lighting inside the bus, creating a spooky atmosphere. The audio narration is GPS-triggered, meaning your stories will play as the bus approaches landmarks. Critics note that the sound can be loud—a plus if you like immersive audio, but a downside if you prefer softer narration.

Handling Expectations

Some reviews mention the experience being somewhat underwhelming. Travelers have said that the stories are interesting but delivered via a video, which can feel less personal than a live guide. “Nothing cool about it,” one reviewer noted, citing that the story delivery was corny and that the video put them to sleep. Others thought that a live guide sharing stories might be more engaging, especially since the driver’s role is mostly to drive rather than interact.

What Do People Say?

There’s a clear split in experiences. For example, one reviewer enjoyed the knowledgeable guide and entertaining driver, calling the tour “very informative and exciting,” and appreciated the additional recommendations for food. Conversely, others were disappointed, describing the bus as hot and uncomfortable and the stories as not very relevant or interesting.

The Stops and Their Value

While the bus drives past several landmarks, some travelers felt the short stops didn’t add much to the experience. The Buckner Mansion is a highlight for many, especially those interested in vampire or haunted lore, but the automated narration may not satisfy those expecting a more detailed or personal storytelling approach.

Duration and Group Size

With a duration of about 2 hours, this tour is a quick way to get a taste of New Orleans’ spooky side without committing to longer, more intense ghost tours. The maximum group size of 34 keeps things somewhat manageable, but don’t expect a private experience. The relatively short time on the bus means you’re mainly a passenger, with limited interaction.

The Price and Its Value

At $54.75 per person, the tour is reasonably priced, especially considering the included video and lighting effects. However, several reviews suggest that if you’re expecting a lively guide-driven experience or a tour that offers a deep dive into haunted history, you might find this overpriced. Many travelers felt the experience was more about the visual effects than storytelling—which is fine if that’s your style, but it may fall short if you want a richer narrative.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys ghost stories, vampire legends, and spooky tales but prefers a relaxed, hands-off tour, this could be a fun option. It’s especially suitable for those with limited time or looking for an inexpensive way to see some landmarks from a different perspective. However, if you’re after a more immersive or guided storytelling experience, you might find this tour lacking.

Keep in mind, the automated narration might not be as engaging as a live guide, and some travelers feel the stories are delivered in a way that’s more cheesy than chilling. It’s also not ideal if you’re seeking a full walking tour or detailed exploration of haunted sites.

Final Thoughts

This Audio Guided Historical Ghost Bus Tour offers a light-hearted, visually enhanced look at New Orleans’ haunted reputation. The use of visual effects and a narrated GPS-triggered story makes it more engaging than just sitting in a bus, but it’s not a substitute for a guide-led experience if you’re craving storytelling that feels more personal and detailed.

While the price is reasonable, some travelers felt it was not worth the money, especially given the mixed reviews about the quality of storytelling and the comfort of the ride. That said, if you’re after a short, easy, and mildly spooky way to see some parts of the city and hear ghost stories, this could fit the bill. Just go in with realistic expectations: it’s a fun, somewhat cheesy experience, rather than a comprehensive haunted tour.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the experience is generally family-friendly, it’s best to consider whether your children enjoy ghost stories and spooky tales. The tour involves a bus ride and visual effects, so it’s suitable for most ages but check if your kids are comfortable with ghostly themes.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including the time on the bus and brief stops at landmarks like City Park and Buckner Mansion.

Does the tour include any walking?
Not much. The tour mainly involves sitting on the bus with short stops where you can get out briefly for photos or to stretch.

What’s included in the price?
An audio narrated tour with customized, GPS-triggered content, along with video, special effects, and lighting on the bus.

Are there any food or drink options?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included or provided, and they’re not part of the experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if I find the experience boring or disappointing?
The reviews are mixed—some love the storytelling and effects, others feel it’s not very engaging. If you’re expecting a lively guide or a more detailed exploration, this might not satisfy you.

If you’re curious about New Orleans’ haunted side but prefer a low-key, visual experience rather than an intense ghost walk, this tour might be worth trying. Just keep in mind the mixed reviews and consider whether the automated narration and visual effects will meet your expectations.