FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Quick answers to our most asked questions!
HOURS OF OPERATION
- Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
- Friday & Saturday, 7:00 pm - 1:00 am
- Closing time is the ticket window closing. IF YOU ARE IN LINE TO PURCHASE A TICKET AT CLOSING YOU WILL BE ADMITED.
- See our CALENDAR PAGE for details & special events.
ADMISSION
General Admission $16
RIP Admission $20
Visit our ADMISSION PAGE for additional deals, packages & group rates.
Mastercard, Visa and Discover and American Express Cards Accepted with IDs
LOCATION
Located on the river at Newport on the Levee. Search for the Intersection of Columbia St. and Riverboat Row Newport KY 41071, or visit the LOCATION PAGE.
General Rules
- Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- High heels are not recommended.
- NO BARE FEET!!
- No smoking!
- No items deemed dangerous will be allowed inside the USS Nightmare.
- NO PETS!!
- No photography or video recording is permitted.
- We are unable to thoroughly look for any lost cell phones, pagers, keys, etc. Lost items that are found can be retrieved the next open day.
- Due to our high intensity scares and use of fog machines, we STRONGLY DISCOURAGE pregnant women, people with heart conditions, and people with asthma from entering the USS Nightmare.
Q: It’s raining; are you open?
A: Rain or shine, we are open!
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Proper identification is required.
Q: Are there discounts for children?
A: No, all tickets are the same price. Click here for special group and family discount options.
Q: Are group discounts available?
A: Yes, group tickets must be purchased in advance online (not available at the ticket window). Click here to purchase online group discount tickets.
Q: Do you have coupons available?
A: Coupons can be found at area retailers. Listen to our radio sponsor for details of some locations. Printable coupons may be available for some shows by visiting the USS Nightmare coupon page. Remember a coupon is required for each ticket purchased.
Q: How long is the wait in line?
A: It depends. At the beginning of October, there is typically very little wait time - maybe 20 to 30 minutes. At the end of the month near Halloween, it can be a very long wait (1 to 2 hours). The closer you come to opening time (7:00 pm), the shorter the wait. If you are in a hurry, you can purchase an RIP Express Skip the Line ticket to bypass most of the waiting line.
Q: Where are you located? How do I get there?
A: We are located in Newport, KY along Riverboat Row just in front of Newport on the Levee. Click here for directions.
Q: Do you charge for parking?
A: No, parking is free in the lot adjacent to the boat. (Enter Riverboat Row from Columbia Street) There is additional parking available nearby – both on street metered parking and pay lots. These are not controlled by the attraction but are within walking distance.
Q: Is there an age limit or recommendation for the USS Nightmare?
A: No, however due to the graphic nature, it is not recommended for small children. We have had young children go through and have a great time and adults who have gone through and end up in tears. You’re the parent; you be the judge. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t bring your child to a PG-13 rated movie, it is probably not a good idea to bring them to our haunted house. Remember there are no refunds for chickens that cannot finish the show. We do have a special Lights On Matinee show appropriate for the younger customers scheduled for Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Q: Is the ticket area covered?
A: Part of the entrance ticket line is covered, but on busier nights, the line will extend to uncovered areas as well. The exit runs through our Family Fun Center which is covered and is a great place for parents to wait inside.
Q: Once we've paid for admission are we able to go through again?
A: No, however, many nights we do offer a special re-entry ticket for a second trip through at a discounted rate. Be sure to visit our concession stand at the exit of the show for details.
Q: How long does it take to go through?
A: The USS Nightmare is 288 foot long and almost 20,000 square foot. It is really difficult to give an answer to this question. Some groups run right through while others take their time. It depends on how you deal with fear. The USS Nightmare Haunted House is one of the largest indoor haunted attractions in the area. It’s pretty big, so you’ll be in there long enough to get plenty scared! Most groups take 25 to 30 minutes.
Q: Is it really scary?
A: YES, It is really scary!
Q: I’m going to bring my child, what happens if they get too scared?
A: If the child (or adult for that matter) gets too scared, we do have exits throughout the haunt. However, please remember there are no refunds available.
Q: Can I wear sandals inside the USS Nightmare?
A: The scares at the USS Nightmare are very intense, and sandals are NOT recommended.
Q: Is The USS Nightmare handicap accessible?
A: We do our best to be accessible. We are built on a real steamboat with a winding path that offers challenges but has been enjoyed by customers using standard wheelchairs. Electric chairs and special chairs with extra length, width or wheels cannot be accommodated. There are some areas where it may be difficult to get a wheelchair; in these areas we typically provide a bypass. Additionally, we provide a crew member to follow and assist as necessary. If you have any special needs; we recommend that you inform the ticket office of your special needs when you arrive. We also recommend that you choose to come closer to 7:00 pm or on less busy weekdays to avoid the crowds of busier time and days.
Q: Is there security?
A: We do our best to have our staff watch out for you. We also monitor close circuit cameras throughout the tour, and on some busy nights there are police officers at the event.
Q: Can we be denied access to the USS Nightmare?
A: YES, absolutely. We will not allow foul language, obscene behavior, weapons, alcohol, drugs, etc. Come on now; use your head!
Q: Can we take photos inside your haunted house?
A: No, photography and video recording are not permitted.
Q: Will the actors touch us, or can we touch the actors?
A: No, the actors will not touch you; please be respectful and do not touch them. Incidental unintentional contact may occur.
Q: Do you have strobe lights, loud noises, or fog and is there any heath concern?
A: Yes, we do have strobe lights which have been known to cause epileptic seizures. We also use intense fog which can aggravate asthmatic symptoms. You may also experience very loud noises and intense scares. You may even get wet!
Q: I’m claustrophobic, should I go in?
A: If you have concerns about claustrophobia, you may not want to enter. There are a few places that may cause you concern on board. If you have someone who can lead you through these places, you may not have any issues. It depends upon your level of claustrophobia. Once inside, there are plenty of exits. But, remember, there are no refunds for early departures!
Q: What’s this one rated, or is it like other haunted houses in the tri-state?
A: There are plenty of ratings out there, and the USS Nightmare always rates among the top in the area. However, we do recommend that you visit several haunted houses. Heck, they are only around once a year, and each one has something different to offer!
Q: Is it the same this year?
A: Much of the show will be similar, but we work hard in the off season updating the tour to keep the show fresh and surprising while maintaining the customers’ favorites.
Q: Are there restrooms available?
A: Yes. We have portable restrooms available.
Q: Does the boat cruise?
A: The USS Nightmare is built on a real steamboat and floats, but it does not cruise. It is a walk through haunted ship.
Q: I want to do a story on your haunted house, who do I contact?
A: Call 859-740-2293 or email captain@ussnightmare.com
Q: I want to work in your haunted house, how do I apply?
A: Click here for employment information!
Q: I have a question that wasn’t answered here, what do I do?
A: Call 859-740-2293 or email captain@ussnightmare.com
USS Nightmare Contact Links (Click Here)
