Now in its 17th season and rated as one of the best haunts by many in the haunt industry, USS Nightmare doesn’t disappoint. This is one of the best haunted attractions we have reviewed in a long time. The impressive real life story to the boat and the special effects make this haunt truly a must see for all haunted house goers. If you have disabilities don’t sit out this Halloween season. The USS Nightmare is handicap accessible and had their 1st blind person go through the boat this year. Also don’t forget about the special night of the 26th for the younger ones.
There are between 36-40 actors in this attraction each and every night they are open. Each actor evolves from a person into a character. They take the characters to a whole new level that will frighten you. For a core group of random volunteers, they are passionate, energetic and just great at what they do. This year there are some new characters. Make sure you stop bye to say hello to the Captain. Our bet is they will scare you and we are sure you will have a favorite, as well.
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Steve and his crew of 7 make-up artists make USS Nightmare one of the best we have seen all haunting season. Three of the make-up artists, including Steve, have extensive experience. The artists take approximately 2 hours to do everyone’s make-up. You will find only two masks in the whole haunt. One, because it is a crowd favorite, and the other is a new special character and is made from latex. You will never guess it is a mask. The rest of the creatures you meet on your journey are all in make-up. We are sure you will be impressed with each character you meet, just as we were.
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USS Nightmare has wonderful customer service. The Rizzos and their staff are always around and eager to answer any questions. If you should have a concern or question you will be able to find a staff member right away to take care of it. They also have well lit safety signs, emergency plans and personnel to carry out the plans at all times. Their staff is briefed every night on the safety plans so that it is fresh in their minds. Also, brand new electricity on the boat and a neat control room keeps everything together. You will always feel safe there. They have also added a great feature for guests to remember them them by. Say cheese, because they have cameras everywhere snapping photos you can buy at the end of your tour. You can also rent the mess hall on the second floor of the boat for your own private party. If you have disabilities don’t let that stop you from having a little Halloween excitement. The USS Nightmare is wheelchair accessible and this is the 1st year that a blind person has gone through the boat and enjoyed it. USS Nightmare is one of the best haunts for customer service.
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As you walk up to the top of the hill you can look down to the river and see the 286 foot rusty, old and rickety boat called the USS Nightmare. With the October wind and the boat rocking back and forth in the waves, you know you are going to be in for a long, creepy night. The USS Nightmare is based on a true story that is haunting in itself. The boat is called the William S. Mitchell. One day, the ship got loose in a bad storm and went down the Missouri River running into bridges along the way and killing many people. That is why it has been called the Massacre on the Mitchell. While on the boat, before you enter your tour, you will get to see all the footage and newspapers articles from the original incident. The inside is just as creepy as the outside and if you get a chance to look while you are screaming you can see the damage from the wreck.
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USS Nightmare has many special effects that will leave you wondering how they did them. USS Nightmare is one of the haunts that has used their special effects to their advantage without going overboard. They have some original, unique effects you will not see in other haunts. Children who get scared and go to a room to be watched also have a special effect for them. From the disappearing Mike Myers, the ledge that falls, the all new bridge and many more, we are sure there will be something that gives you a startle or a scare.
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As you travel through your journey on the boat, you will learn the story of the Captain and his ship. Along the way you will meet crew members he hand picked to become his super crew. You will also meet his beloved daughter and all her possessions. If you ever wanted to see a haunted attraction use its theme to the best of its ability, the USS Nightmare is the place to be.
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USS Nightmare takes all the elements and puts them together to offer you one of the best fright nights we have seen in a long time. If being on the water in a rickety, old rusted boat isn’t enough to scare you, just wait until you get inside. Special effects, characters and creatures with thousand of places to hide and re-hide will get you at least once through your tour. No matter what you may be scared of it will find you on the boat. There is a startle, a jump, and scare for each person in your group.
101 Riverboat row, Newport, Kentucky 41071
