Audio Guided Historical Ghost Bus Tour of New Orleans

A Ghostly Ride Through New Orleans: An Honest Look at the Audio Guided Ghost Bus Tour

If you’re dreaming of exploring the creepy, mysterious corners of New Orleans without the hassle of walking or the risk of getting lost, this audio-guided ghost bus tour might seem like a perfect fit. For $54.75 per person, you’ll spend around two hours cruising past some of the city’s most famous sights, from the Buckner Mansion to City Park and a renowned city cemetery. The tour promises a mix of haunted tales, voodoo legends, and vampire lore, all narrated through a GPS-triggered audio guide with visual effects on the bus.

What we appreciate about this experience is its effort to combine technology—such as video, special effects, and custom lighting—with storytelling, making the journey visually and aurally engaging. Also, the relaxed pace with short stops for photos, like at the historic City Park, adds a nice touch for those who love capturing moments or stretching their legs.

However, a word of caution: some reviews suggest that the quality of storytelling and overall engagement may fall short for serious ghost enthusiasts. The lack of a live guide might be a downside if you prefer more interactive storytelling. Also, with a mixed bag of reviews ranging from enthusiastic praise to outright disappointment, this tour seems best suited for casual ghost fans or those curious about New Orleans’ haunted reputation without high expectations.

This tour is ideal if you want a lighthearted, visually enhanced overview of New Orleans’ haunted lore and landmarks, especially if you’re traveling with a group or prefer a comfortable, seated experience over walking tours.

Key Points

• Comfortable sightseeing: Perfect for those who prefer to see the city from a bus rather than on foot.
• Audio narration with video effects: Adds a visual layer to storytelling, making it more immersive.
• Short stops for photos and stretching: Allows you to capture moments and relax.
• Mixed reviews on content quality: Some find the stories engaging, others feel it’s underwhelming.
• Good for casual ghost fans: If you’re expecting a lively guide or highly detailed tales, you might be disappointed.
• Safety and convenience: Pickup and drop-off at the same point with a small group size (up to 34 travelers).

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Basics: How the Tour Works

This two-hour bus tour is designed to be an easy way to absorb some of New Orleans’ haunted history without much walking. Starting at 941 Decatur Street, the bus takes you around key sites, with automated narration triggered by GPS as you pass each landmark.

The tour’s main attractions include passing the Buckner Mansion, a well-known haunted residence linked to vampire lore, and stopping at City Park for a brief look at the Duelling Oaks, a historic site associated with local legend. The bus features video clips, special lighting, and effects meant to evoke a spooky mood, which many reviews mention as a noteworthy aspect of the tour.

The Stops and Their Significance

Buckner Mansion: The bus gives a history of this antebellum mansion, and travelers are free to disembark briefly for photos. Some reviews reflect that the stories about this location are interesting, but others found the narration to be lacking depth.

City Park: The highlight here is learning about the Duelling Oaks, a pair of oaks where duels were reportedly fought. The 15-minute stop offers a chance to stretch and take pictures, which many visitors appreciate.

The Audio Guide and Visual Effects

A key feature of this tour is the audio narration, which is designed to tell ghost stories, vampiric tales, and voodoo legends. According to reviews, some found the stories engaging, with a few travelers praising guide Ryan for his knowledge and entertainment value. However, others felt the video and effects were cheesy or unengaging, describing the experience as “corny” or “putting me to sleep.” The loudness of the audio and the quality of the videos seem to be mixed issues, impacting overall enjoyment.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re a casual fan of ghost stories and like the idea of seeing landmarks from the comfort of a bus, this experience can be fun. It’s particularly suitable for those traveling with children or groups who want a light, entertaining overview of New Orleans’ haunted reputation.

Conversely, if you’re a seasoned ghost tour fanatic expecting a live guide with in-depth storytelling, or if you prefer walking and exploring at your own pace, this tour might not deliver the depth or engagement you’re seeking.

Price and Value

At $54.75 per person, the tour isn’t exactly cheap, especially considering the mixed reviews regarding the storytelling quality and visual effects. Some travelers felt it was not worth the money, citing that the stories were corny or the experience was dull. Others appreciated the good value for an easy, seated tour that offered a glimpse into New Orleans’ haunted spots, especially if their expectations were modest.

Practical Considerations

The tour’s duration of about two hours makes it a manageable addition to your day. It’s important to note that alcoholic beverages are not included, and you’ll want to arrive at the meeting point on Decatur Street reliably, as some reviews mention confusion over pickup locations.

The small group size (maximum 34 travelers) ensures a more intimate experience, but some reviews note that the bus can get hot and uncomfortable, especially in warmer weather. The audio quality may also be a concern if the volume is too loud or the narration is not clear.

Customer Feedback and Insights

Reviews are quite polarized. On the positive side, some travelers rave about knowledgeable guides and the entertainment value. One reviewer mentioned, “Randy was great!! We enjoyed our tour!! Saw so much wildlife!! Very relaxing time.” Others, however, found the experience not worth the money, with comments like “this was just okay,” or “a total waste of time.” Several reviews mention the video and audio quality being “corny” or “loud,” which can detract from the experience.

Final Thoughts

This ghost bus tour offers a unique, low-effort way to explore New Orleans’ spooky side from the comfort of a bus. It’s best suited for casual adventurers who are intrigued by ghost stories and historic landmarks but do not mind a somewhat cheesy presentation. It’s not a substitute for more interactive or immersive ghost tours, but it can serve as a fun, light-hearted introduction or a break from walking-heavy tours.

If you value knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling, you might prefer a live tour; if you enjoy visual effects and a relaxed pace, this could be appealing. Just manage your expectations regarding the storytelling quality and keep in mind the mixed reviews about the overall value.

The Sum Up

For travelers interested in a quick, easy overview of New Orleans’ haunted reputation, this audio-guided ghost bus tour delivers a decent experience—especially if you’re curious about landmarks like Buckner Mansion and City Park. Its visual effects and short stops make it accessible, but the variable storytelling and some reviews calling it “corny” or “not worth the price” suggest it’s more of a casual outing than an in-depth exploration.

This tour will satisfy those looking for a comfortable, family-friendly experience that doesn’t require much walking or planning. If you’re into serious ghost lore, detailed stories, or interactive guides, you might want to look elsewhere. Conversely, for a light, fun ride with some spooky tales sprinkled in, it’s worth considering.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s generally family-friendly, especially since it’s a seated bus experience. However, some of the spooky stories might be better suited for older kids.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is about 2 hours, including the stops for photos and stretching.

Are alcoholic beverages allowed on the tour?
No, alcohol is not included, and it’s generally not permitted during the bus ride.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 941 Decatur Street and returns to the same location at the end of the tour.

Can I get off the bus during the stops?
Yes, at the Buckner Mansion and City Park stops, you are allowed to disembark briefly for photos and a quick break.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 34 travelers, promoting a relatively intimate group experience.

Is the narration live or recorded?
The narration is automated and GPS-triggered, not delivered by a live guide.

In the end, this tour offers a light-hearted, visual twist on New Orleans’ haunted tales, perfect for those seeking a fun, relaxed way to explore the city’s spooky reputation without too much effort. Just keep in mind, your experience may vary depending on your expectations and your taste for cheesy special effects.