Audio Guided Historical Ghost Bus Tour of New Orleans

Our review focuses on the Audio Guided Historical Ghost Bus Tour of New Orleans, a ride designed to reveal the city’s haunted tales, voodoo lore, and historic landmarks from the comfort of a bus. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, the available information, reviews, and tour details paint a useful picture for potential travelers.

What makes this tour intriguing are its audio narration with customized content and the chance to see some of New Orleans’ most iconic sites without the fatigue of walking. We appreciate the effort to combine storytelling with visual effects, creating an engaging, if somewhat passive, experience.

However, some reviews suggest the tour might not live up to expectations, especially for those seeking a highly interactive or deeply informative ghost experience. This tour would likely appeal most to visitors wanting a quick overview of haunted sites while enjoying a laid-back method of sightseeing.

If you’re considering this tour, it’s best for those interested in a self-guided, audio-driven experience that offers a taste of New Orleans’ spooky side without the commitment of a walking tour, especially if you’re short on time or prefer comfort over intensity.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transportation: The bus allows you to sit back and see multiple landmarks without walking.
• Audio Narration: Provides a narrative with facts, ghost stories, and spooky tales, GPS-triggered for relevant stops.
• Visual Effects & Lighting: Enhances the spooky ambiance with video, special effects, and custom lighting.
• Limited Stops: Only a few designated spots, with opportunities for short breaks and photos.
• Variable Reviews: Some travelers loved the storytelling and guides, while others found it dull or overpriced.
• Value for Money: At roughly $55, it offers a broad overview but may not satisfy those seeking a comprehensive or immersive experience.

What the tour promises

This 2-hour bus ride offers an entertaining way to explore New Orleans’ haunted reputation. The tour departs from 941 Decatur Street and travels through the city, highlighting landmarks like the Buckner Mansion and City Park. The unique feature here is the automatic, GPS-triggered audio narration, which aims to combine storytelling with visual effects to heighten the spooky mood.

The tour is designed to be as entertaining as it is informative, with video clips, special effects, and lighting adding a theatrical touch. It’s a self-guided style, meaning there’s no live guide speaking, but the recorded stories aim to keep you engaged throughout.

What makes this tour stand out

The narration focuses on ghost stories, vampire lore, and haunted locations—themes that resonate well with visitors curious about New Orleans’ darker side. It covers notable sites like the Buckner Mansion, famous for its architecture and haunted reputation, and City Park, home to the historic Duelling Oaks.

The stop at City Park allows passengers to stretch their legs and take pictures, which is a nice touch. The bus driver’s role is primarily to drive and manage the stops, while the audio guide delivers the stories, making it feel like a theatrical ride through the city’s haunted history.

The experience on the bus

Most reviews note that the video and lighting effects add some flair, though the quality of the content varies. Some travelers enjoyed the way the stories were told, finding guides knowledgeable and entertaining. One reviewer mentioned that “Randy was great!! We enjoyed our tour!!” and appreciated the helpful tips on local places to eat.

On the flip side, several reviews indicate that the audio and video presentation can feel corny or disconnected, with some passengers feeling that the stories could be more engaging if delivered live. One review states, “The sounds was extremely loud and video was corny,” highlighting that technical issues or the scripted nature might detract from the overall fun.

Tour stops and their significance

The first notable stop is the Buckner Mansion, a grand historic home linked to vampire lore and haunted tales. The automated narration offers a brief history, with the chance for passengers to get off and take photos. Several reviews comment that the stories at these stops are interesting, but that they might be better delivered by a live guide.

The second stop at City Park focuses on the Duelling Oaks, a famous landmark in New Orleans folklore. It’s a brief, 15-minute visit, giving travelers a chance to explore and absorb the atmosphere. Visitors can learn about the park’s history and see one of the city’s most iconic trees.

Value for money

At $54.75 per person, the tour is priced in line with other ghost-related attractions but might feel steep considering some reviews’ comments about the quality of storytelling and the limited scope of stops. Several travelers felt that the experience was not worth the price, especially since they expected a more engaging or informative tour.

Yet, for those looking for a low-effort, visual experience that combines sightseeing with a spooky narrative, it could be seen as a decent deal if only for the novelty and convenience. Still, many reviews suggest saving your money for a more lively or authentic guided experience.

Who should take this tour?

This tour is well-suited for visitors who want a casual introduction to New Orleans’ haunted reputation, especially if they prefer sitting comfortably rather than walking around. It’s also a good choice for families or groups wanting a fun, spooky ride without the intensity of a full ghost tour.

However, if you’re a seasoned ghost-tour enthusiast or looking for deep lore and lively storytelling, this automated, video-based experience might fall short. Those seeking a more immersive or detailed history may want to look elsewhere.

Practical tips

• Arrive early at the meeting point to avoid confusion, as some reviews mention last-minute surprises.
• Bring a camera for the stops, especially at iconic landmarks like Buckner Mansion.
• Be aware that the audio can be loud and sometimes corny, so if you’re sensitive to sound or cheesy effects, manage your expectations.
• Consider whether you prefer a live guide for storytelling, as many reviews found that guides tell stories more vividly than the automated narration.
• The tour is weather-dependent; it requires good weather for the bus to run smoothly.
• The max group size is 34 travelers, so it’s a small but social experience, perfect for those preferring an intimate ride.

This Audio Guided Historical Ghost Bus Tour offers a light-hearted, visually enhanced way to explore some of New Orleans’ haunted sites. Its cost is reasonable for a two-hour sightseeing trip, but the quality of storytelling varies widely according to reviews. The automated narration and special effects can be fun, especially if you’re into ghost stories and spooky lore, but they might also feel cheesy or detached if you’re after a more authentic or engaging experience.

The tour’s major strength is its convenience—you get to see key landmarks without walking, and the audio guide provides a thematic tour through the city’s haunted reputation. The stops at Buckner Mansion and City Park add some variety and photo opportunities.

On the downside, some travelers found the experience not worth the price due to the lack of a live guide and the sometimes low-quality video and sound effects. If you’re hoping for a live storyteller with vivid narration, this may not be the best choice.

This tour is a decent option for those wanting a quick, themed sightseeing experience with some spooky stories thrown in. It’s best suited for casual travelers, families, or those with limited time who want a taste of New Orleans’ haunted side in a relaxed setting.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the tour is family-friendly. However, young children might find the ghost stories a bit spooky.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, including stops. The actual bus ride with narration is about that duration.

Can I get off the bus at the stops?
Yes, you are allowed to get off, take pictures, and stretch your legs during the stop at Buckner Mansion and City Park.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the audio narrated tour with GPS-triggered content, visual effects on the bus, and stops at specific landmarks.

Are there any additional costs?
Alcoholic beverages are not included. You might want to bring snacks or a camera for photos.

Is this tour accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed.

What should I expect from the narration?
The narration provides history-based ghost and vampire stories about the city’s landmarks, with a focus on spooky tales rather than detailed historical explanations.

To sum it up, the Audio Guided Historical Ghost Bus Tour of New Orleans can offer a fun, light-hearted way to see some haunted sights in the city, especially if you enjoy a visual spectacle combined with ghost stories. It’s a good fit for travelers seeking an easy, comfortable way to explore without walking. However, if you’re after a more immersive or authentic storytelling experience, or if you value lively guides over automated narration, you might want to consider other options. As always, weigh your expectations against the reviews, and remember that sometimes a simple, entertaining ride can be just right—if that’s what you’re after.