Ghost Boat
Ghost Boat
3.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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3.5
190 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
46
Average
32
Poor
23
Terrible
19
Andrea P
70 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We were looking for one more thing to do on our trip, so we decided on this tour last minute. It was fine and was something for us to do.
We were on the lower deck because many people were on the trip and the top was filled with customers. There were two college-aged girls as the driver and crew member, and I was a little surprised that both were on the lower level while the majority of the passengers were on the upper level of the boat.
We made it safely to the island. I do see how this would have been scary for small children because it’s dark and young people jump out at you. It seemed like most either screamed or said, “hello.” I think they tried to do their best to make it scary, but the scariest part was the anticipation that something might happen.
I was surprised how fast we went because in our area when it says “no wake” it means no wake or you could be ticketed.
A boat ride is always a fun thing, the haunted island was fine, and it was something to do, but if you’re going to spend $100 for your family of 4 (don’t forget to us the coupon because that does save quite a bit), maybe consider a sunset cruise or a different option.
We were on the lower deck because many people were on the trip and the top was filled with customers. There were two college-aged girls as the driver and crew member, and I was a little surprised that both were on the lower level while the majority of the passengers were on the upper level of the boat.
We made it safely to the island. I do see how this would have been scary for small children because it’s dark and young people jump out at you. It seemed like most either screamed or said, “hello.” I think they tried to do their best to make it scary, but the scariest part was the anticipation that something might happen.
I was surprised how fast we went because in our area when it says “no wake” it means no wake or you could be ticketed.
A boat ride is always a fun thing, the haunted island was fine, and it was something to do, but if you’re going to spend $100 for your family of 4 (don’t forget to us the coupon because that does save quite a bit), maybe consider a sunset cruise or a different option.
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Busboy19
West Fargo, ND134 contributions
Jun 2021
My family hates Halloween so you could imagine my surprise when my wife randomly signed us up for this attraction. I thought she was joking at first but she said she wanted to do something different with the kids (age 10 and 8) that we had never done before. Well this was certainly different. We signed up for the 9:45 pm time slot which didn't become available until the day off. I think they create new slots during the day when others fill up. (some hotels also have 20% coupons for adults). The Ghost Ship meeting place is next to the Riverfront party scene and across the street from the Ghost Ship parking lot.
When you get there you'll have time to take pics with a skeleton and then wait on some benches before boarding starts. Expect a lot of people! Our ship was completely sold out. At 9:45 we promptly boarded a two level boat where half the passengers sat on the roof outside and the other half sat inside. As the ride started into the darkness a ghost story could be over the sound system (although it's a little tough to hear).
As we approached our destination I was expecting there to already be zombies or something on shore but there was nothing. This experience is actually very contained and you don't see any live actors or theming until you start wondering in the woods and caverns (which is obvious when it begins). We got out of the boat and I was very surprised to see a giant bathroom and some kind of convention center at the site. We waited for about 15 minutes next to the bathrooms before our herd of people started walking into the woods. This is when the attraction truly begins!
During the walk you'll encounter neat special effects and a cast of about 20 actors (who scare you on the way out and the way back in different costumes) trying to scare you with pop outs and haunts. Overall I thought the attraction was pretty high quality with some really neat effects. The narrow cavern is also really fun to walk through. Warning! There are some SUPER narrow parts where you can hit your head on a rock so be careful! My 8 and 10 year old were terrified out of their wits but in the end we all really enjoyed the experience. I highly recommend this attraction if you visit the Dells a lot and just want something different to do! I wouldn't say this is a must see Dells attraction but it's definitely fun and exciting. Also, if you go you must go when it's completely dark out or it won't be as much fun. Enjoy!
When you get there you'll have time to take pics with a skeleton and then wait on some benches before boarding starts. Expect a lot of people! Our ship was completely sold out. At 9:45 we promptly boarded a two level boat where half the passengers sat on the roof outside and the other half sat inside. As the ride started into the darkness a ghost story could be over the sound system (although it's a little tough to hear).
As we approached our destination I was expecting there to already be zombies or something on shore but there was nothing. This experience is actually very contained and you don't see any live actors or theming until you start wondering in the woods and caverns (which is obvious when it begins). We got out of the boat and I was very surprised to see a giant bathroom and some kind of convention center at the site. We waited for about 15 minutes next to the bathrooms before our herd of people started walking into the woods. This is when the attraction truly begins!
During the walk you'll encounter neat special effects and a cast of about 20 actors (who scare you on the way out and the way back in different costumes) trying to scare you with pop outs and haunts. Overall I thought the attraction was pretty high quality with some really neat effects. The narrow cavern is also really fun to walk through. Warning! There are some SUPER narrow parts where you can hit your head on a rock so be careful! My 8 and 10 year old were terrified out of their wits but in the end we all really enjoyed the experience. I highly recommend this attraction if you visit the Dells a lot and just want something different to do! I wouldn't say this is a must see Dells attraction but it's definitely fun and exciting. Also, if you go you must go when it's completely dark out or it won't be as much fun. Enjoy!
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kartracer21
Bismarck, ND37 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Lots of fun and put a twist on what could be just a boat ride. Recommend going at twilight so you can still appreciate the views of the river and the walk through the gourge. Staff and actors were pretty good with some neat affects and scary stuff.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jasti26
Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MN4 contributions
Aug 2022
August 14, 2022. I started my day with Upper Dells tour, and in the afternoon did the Original WI Dells tour. During the those tours I heard about this ghost boat tour and finally purchased a ticket for 8:45 PM the same day (Aug 14, 2022)
I am not talking about the actors. They did a good job, even though it is not scary for me. I am specifically mentioning the personnel who manage the group on the Canyon. They were pushing people around to hurry them up. Especially when one of these personnel pushed me I asked his name to write a review here...he shouted saying "Don". This is unacceptable as if this has happened somewhere else other than on tour or when I was not on a vacation, I would be pressing charges on this person.
He came and apologized me after 15 minutes, with a statement saying "I am sorry I thought you are someone else". I did not accept this apology as I believe it is made up, the logic here being
1. Who is the someone else he thought of? Some other customer (there are probably 50 - 60 people)? Or one of his colleagues? Either way its wrong.
2. I am a brown person (who has an accent) and I was wearing a special cap that lights up. There is no way he could have thought I am someone else.
When I mentioned him, I dont accept your apology I am writing a review, he got further mad. This kind of personality behavior is unacceptable. Provide a PROFESSIONAL customer service, and if you make a mistake and want me to accept an apology for it, be genuine. Rather than making things up and expecting someone to forget it.
I strongly condemn this behavior. And as I mentioned if I was not on a long vacation and/ or if it has happened at another place, I would be pressing charges on this person.
I am not talking about the actors. They did a good job, even though it is not scary for me. I am specifically mentioning the personnel who manage the group on the Canyon. They were pushing people around to hurry them up. Especially when one of these personnel pushed me I asked his name to write a review here...he shouted saying "Don". This is unacceptable as if this has happened somewhere else other than on tour or when I was not on a vacation, I would be pressing charges on this person.
He came and apologized me after 15 minutes, with a statement saying "I am sorry I thought you are someone else". I did not accept this apology as I believe it is made up, the logic here being
1. Who is the someone else he thought of? Some other customer (there are probably 50 - 60 people)? Or one of his colleagues? Either way its wrong.
2. I am a brown person (who has an accent) and I was wearing a special cap that lights up. There is no way he could have thought I am someone else.
When I mentioned him, I dont accept your apology I am writing a review, he got further mad. This kind of personality behavior is unacceptable. Provide a PROFESSIONAL customer service, and if you make a mistake and want me to accept an apology for it, be genuine. Rather than making things up and expecting someone to forget it.
I strongly condemn this behavior. And as I mentioned if I was not on a long vacation and/ or if it has happened at another place, I would be pressing charges on this person.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stella
Larkspur, CO6 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Absolutely loved it! I loved all of the acting, and characters. I got a few really good scares. Boat ride was fun too because you get to hear a spooky story before going on your walk. Setups and backgrounds were also fun and spooky. Had an excellent time! Definitely recommend going while in the dells! Although, there was a teenage girl screaming at every single thing she came across, which made it a little hard to enjoy, so don’t go if you get scared easily. ;) (Also, in my opinion, best time to go is 8:45 PM since it’s pitch dark by the time you’re on your walk.)
Written June 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JDSJRS
1 contribution
Jul 2021
At first they open up earlier boats- 8:15, 8:45... As those fill up, later boats open up. I waited and got a later trip (we went at 10:15) I don't think they always go out that late, depends on how many people keep buying tickets. In my opinion, this was cool because it was really dark by then. I thought that made it more fun and scary. The boat ride was cool to do in the dark going each way. It was my wife and I, along with two 14 year old girls. The girls were ridiculously overly scared, and we just went with it and it was really fun. If you are looking for crazy psychotic level scares, this may not be hard core enough for you. But we just embraced it for what it was, and really had a good time. Things lurk in the dark, creep up out of nowhere, jump out and scare the bejeebers out of you, scream loud and charge toward you. They never touch you. I recommend distancing yourself from people in front of you a little bit. It gives you a chance to get got by the surprises and scares, without seeing it happen to people ahead of you. We just hung a little bit back from those in front of us and you just walk the path and see what happens or comes for you. Really cool environment in the canyon like setting and overall had a great time. Cool costumes, actors and lights and misty creepy effects. Really enjoyed the laughing, the scares and my girls just having fun and being so scared but enjoying it! Found coupon in a little hotel book for 20% off. Took the cost of the 4 tickets down from 115 to 92. We really enjoyed it! Scary enough for us and fun!
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisamarie L
Madison, WI957 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We enjoyed the creepy boat ride among the dells at night - it was a bit chilly (definitely bring lots of coats, scarves, etc) but the stars were brilliant. The story they told set the mood entirely.
The 'walk' in the canyon is done up pretty creatively with various actors during jump scares, makeshift tunnels and boardwalks to go through and other affects. Even being fairly savvy there were a few times they surprised me! Our kids are 10 and 12 and I think it was a good amount of 'scary' for them (in fact, there were a few moments of genuine upset) without being too intense. I personally just enjoyed walking the canyon at night and seeing the stars overhead and the vibe!
I am taking a star off though because there were a few of the actors who didn't quite straddle the line between scary and mean appropriately. Some of this is subjective and up to what your kid can handle, and it's all part of the act, but at one point one of the 'ghouls' essentially told my son to shut up and that he was a loser and that ended up upsetting him more than any of the scares. So, that did sour the experience a little. Some of the ghosts/ghouls were great though and my kids loved (or hated, depending on who you ask) the scary clown, haha.
The 'walk' in the canyon is done up pretty creatively with various actors during jump scares, makeshift tunnels and boardwalks to go through and other affects. Even being fairly savvy there were a few times they surprised me! Our kids are 10 and 12 and I think it was a good amount of 'scary' for them (in fact, there were a few moments of genuine upset) without being too intense. I personally just enjoyed walking the canyon at night and seeing the stars overhead and the vibe!
I am taking a star off though because there were a few of the actors who didn't quite straddle the line between scary and mean appropriately. Some of this is subjective and up to what your kid can handle, and it's all part of the act, but at one point one of the 'ghouls' essentially told my son to shut up and that he was a loser and that ended up upsetting him more than any of the scares. So, that did sour the experience a little. Some of the ghosts/ghouls were great though and my kids loved (or hated, depending on who you ask) the scary clown, haha.
Written October 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whaaat77
Girdwood, AK74 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
The kids had a great time and even the five year old (who is pretty fearless in general) was not overly spooked. They do warn against taking young kids but in this case the warning about a pretty long walk was more pertinent. Tip—if you are a fat ass grandma with a bum hip don’t be the last one off the boat and therefore at the back the pack up the canyon. If you sit in the front on the top you will be last off. Trying to catch up with a snarling zombie on my heals and 1000% humidity is a bit much. The actors did get way too much in the faces of my older grandkids which I didn’t appreciate —If you have COVID concerns.
Written September 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary K F
1 contribution
Sep 2024 • Family
I thought it was a boat ride through the Dells that told ghost stories, myths, and spooky legends. What a waste of 70+ dollars for 2 tickets. One canned story on the boat then a long tenuous walk with no stories or legends. Just a bunch of people jumping out at you and trying to scare you. Don’t waste your time. Nothing in the ad or flyer’s description indicates that it’s just another gimmick
Written September 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rxmom84
20 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We have been to the Wisconsin Dells several times and done many boat rides. This was definitely a unique experience. It was fun being on the river at night and riding through the narrow canyon was pretty cool. The hike through the woods was kind of scary for our 9 and 11 year olds but was pretty tame as far as haunted attractions go. Our kids have never done a haunted house before so this was a fun way to show them what it's like. The actors did a good job and there were some pretty cool effects.
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I didn't deal with any. Expect no more than at any waterfront place or any boat trip b
Written August 10, 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.