Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Orlando’s darker side has little to do with theme parks. This two-hour walk links seven haunted sites and four pubs, from the courthouse tied to Ted Bundy’s trial to the Kress Building, where UFO stories take over. You get local tales, drinks if you want them, and a guide carrying a lantern through downtown.

I like the mix of true-crime lore and old Orlando ghost stories, and I like that the tour ends with a flaming witch’s brew at Cocktails and Screams. Jill, Mike, and Trent have each received strong praise for their warmth and storytelling. The main catch is that bar access can change, and one scheduled stop has carried a $20 cover charge.

Key points to know before you book

• Seven stops in two hours: Expect a brisk walking route through downtown Orlando, with four pubs included among the historic sites.
• Ted Bundy connection: Start near Elixir 9 and hear about the serial killer’s link to the area, then have a pint near the courthouse where his trial took place.
• Local legends with variety: Stories cover UFO sightings, fires, a poisoned lounge singer, the Old Railroad Depot, and other unsettling events.
• Drinks cost extra: You can order at several bars, including The Escobar beside McQueen’s wall of skulls, but food and drinks are not part of the $30 price.
• Guide quality matters: Jill, Mike, and Trent have all been singled out for friendly, engaging storytelling, though one booking received a poor guide report.
• Plan for weather and walking: Tours run rain or shine, and the route is not suited to anyone who cannot walk more than a mile.

What the Orlando Haunts tour is really about

This is not a haunted house with actors waiting behind doors. It is a guided walk through central Orlando, using real buildings, crime stories, fires, legends, and ghost reports as its material.

That distinction matters. You are not promised a supernatural encounter. You are paying for atmosphere, local stories, and a chance to see downtown after dark with a clear theme tying the route together.

The $30 price is reasonable if you treat the experience as a walking history and pub tour with a spooky twist. It becomes less of a bargain if you expect several included drinks, a long stop at each bar, or a polished theatrical production.

The walk lasts about two hours. That gives your guide enough time to build a mood without turning the evening into an all-night crawl. It also means the stops are likely to be short. You will hear a story, look around, perhaps order a drink, and then move on.

Starting at The Cask and Elixir 9

All tours meet and finish at The Cask, at 55 N Orange Ave. The meeting point is near the Game Room & Social Club, also at 55 N Orange Ave, so check the exact location before you set off.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Your guide should be easy to spot in a black US Ghost Adventures shirt, carrying a lantern. That lantern is a small touch, but it helps in a downtown evening crowd and gives the opening moments the right feel.

The route begins at Elixir 9, a local bar tied to the Ted Bundy story. The tour uses that connection to move from ordinary downtown nightlife into darker territory. You can expect the guide to explain the local setting and the crime story rather than simply repeat a list of sensational facts.

The Ted Bundy material continues near the courthouse where he was tried. This is one of the stronger parts of the evening because the setting gives the story weight. You are not hearing about a distant event in an abstract way. You are standing by a recognizable civic building while having a drink nearby.

Bring a government ID, or a copy, because this is an adults-only activity. Everyone in your group must be at least 21.

Seven sites, four pubs, and a brisk downtown route

The advertised route includes seven historic haunted sites, four of them pubs. That gives the evening a useful rhythm. You are not walking from one empty building to another while listening to a single long lecture. There are social stops mixed with darker stories.

Still, you should keep your expectations flexible. Bar hours, closures, lines, and cover charges can affect the plan. One evening had a closed bar and another final venue with a $20 per-person cover and a line. The guide offered to wait, but the group chose not to pay or stand in line.

That is the clearest practical weakness of this tour. The experience promises access to four pubs, but you are not guaranteed a smooth drink stop at every one. If a bar is important to you, ask about current access before booking, or be ready to treat the pubs as exterior or storytelling stops rather than guaranteed drinking venues.

The route is also not designed for lingering over cocktails. You may have time to order, but the central purpose is the walk and the stories. If you want a relaxed pub night, book a separate evening for that.

The Kress Building and Orlando’s UFO stories

At the Kress Building, the mood shifts from crime to the sky. This is where you search for UFO stories and hear about reported alien encounters connected with Orlando.

The appeal here is the change of subject. A good ghost walk needs more than one type of fear, and the UFO material gives the tour a strange, open-ended quality. Instead of focusing only on death or old crimes, the guide asks you to consider what may have been seen overhead.

You should take this section as folklore and local storytelling, not as a scientific investigation. The fun comes from looking up at the building and sky while hearing the account. If you prefer documented history only, this may feel less convincing. If you enjoy stories that leave room for doubt, it should be one of the more memorable stops.

The Grand Bohemian’s poisoned singer

The Grand Bohemian Hotel supplies one of the tour’s more theatrical stories: a lounge singer who was poisoned with arsenic. The tale includes the possibility of hearing her song after death.

This stop works because it combines a real hotel setting with a ghost story built around sound. Your guide may ask you to listen closely or picture the singer in the room, but there is no guarantee of a paranormal event. The value is in the setting and the story’s details.

I like this kind of stop more than a generic haunted building claim. A singer, a tragic death, and a possible lingering song create a clear image. You can understand why the story has lasted, even if you remain skeptical about ghosts.

It is also a good example of the tour’s tone. The evening is intended to be spooky and entertaining, not grim from start to finish. The guide may tell an unsettling story, then move the group to a pub where you can order a drink and talk it over.

McQueen’s wall of skulls and The Escobar cocktail

At McQueen’s, you have the chance to order The Escobar cocktail beside a wall of skulls. The drink is not included, but this is one of the most distinctive details on the route.

You do not have to order it. The tour lets you choose what fits your budget and taste. If you are interested in the full theme, this is the sort of optional purchase that adds atmosphere. If you have already paid for dinner or drinks elsewhere, simply listen to the story and move on.

The skull wall gives the stop a visual anchor. It is easier to remember a location when it has a strong feature like this, rather than being just another bar entrance. It also makes the tour more social. You can take in the surroundings, compare reactions with your group, and then return to the walk.

Do not confuse the cocktail opportunity with an included tasting. The $30 covers the guide and walking tour only. Food and drinks are extra at every stop.

The Old Railroad Depot and the final witch’s brew

The Old Railroad Depot is presented as one of the more unnerving locations on the route. Rail stations naturally lend themselves to ghost stories: movement, departures, old buildings, and people passing through. The tour uses that setting to build a sense of unease.

The information provided does not promise a specific paranormal event at the depot, so you should expect a story and a place to look around, not a staged scare. That is a fair trade for people who like local atmosphere more than jump scares.

The tour ends at Cocktails and Screams, a Halloween-themed pub. The final drink is a flaming witch’s brew, again at your own cost. Ending here makes practical sense. After two hours of walking, you can decide if you want to stay for another drink or call it a night.

The final stop is also where the tour’s playful side becomes clearest. This is spooky entertainment, not a solemn memorial walk. If your group wants a night out with a Halloween feel, the ending should fit well. If you want a serious historical tour, the pub setting may feel a bit light.

Your guide can make or break the evening

The strongest part of this experience is likely to be the guide. Jill has been praised for adjusting the pace and focus to suit the group. That means she may spend more time on the locations that interest you and less time on subjects that do not.

Mike has been described as friendly and easy to talk with, which matters on a small walking tour. You want someone who can answer questions without making the evening feel like a formal classroom.

Trent has received praise for his stories and gentle manner. One particularly stormy evening made the setting more dramatic, with lightning adding natural atmosphere to the walk. You should not book expecting storm conditions, of course, but the tour does run rain or shine.

There has also been at least one very poor guide experience. That makes the guide quality less predictable than the advertised theme. Still, the stronger guide feedback is specific rather than vague: Jill tailored the route, Mike was approachable, and Trent told his stories well. Those are useful signs, but not guarantees of who will lead your departure.

If you enjoy asking questions, say so early. A guide who knows what interests your group can give more time to crime, ghosts, architecture, UFOs, or pub culture.

Is $30 good value?

At $30 per person, the price is fair for a two-hour guided downtown walk, provided you view the drinks as optional extras. You are paying for the guide, the route, and the collection of stories, not for a fixed number of beverages.

The value improves if you want a social evening activity and are already planning to buy one or two drinks. It also works well for visitors who want to see a different side of Orlando beyond the major attractions.

The value drops if you expect all four pubs to operate as promised or assume a cover charge is included. A $20 entry fee at the final venue would change the total cost quickly, especially for a couple or group.

Budget separately for drinks, possible admission charges, and food. The tour does not include transportation, so you also need to get yourself to downtown Orlando and back. The start and end point are the same, which keeps the evening simple.

The free cancellation window is useful: you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Orlando plans are still shifting.

Who should book this Orlando ghost walk?

I would recommend it to adults who enjoy local legends, true crime, casual walking, and themed bars. It suits couples, friends, and small groups looking for something different after dinner.

It is especially good for you if:

• You like stories with a mix of fact, rumor, and ghost lore.
• You want a downtown walk rather than a bus tour.
• You are happy to choose and pay for your own drinks.
• You enjoy a guide-led evening with room for conversation.
• You can walk more than a mile in changing weather.

It is a weaker match if you want a serious history lecture, a guaranteed bar schedule, or a high-production haunted attraction. It is also not suitable for anyone under 21.

The accessibility information needs care. The activity is marked wheelchair accessible, but it is also described as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments and for anyone unable to walk more than a mile. Contact the provider before booking if you use a wheelchair or have walking limits, since the walking requirement may be the more important factor.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear comfortable shoes. Downtown walking after dark is no place for stiff footwear, especially if you plan to stay out afterward.

Bring weather-appropriate clothing and prepare for rain. The tours run in all weather, and a storm can add atmosphere, but wet clothes and poor shoes can quickly sour the evening.

Carry your ID or a copy. Since this is for people 21 and older and includes pub stops, you should not assume a photo of an ID on your phone will be accepted.

Smoking and video recording are not allowed. You can listen, take in the buildings, and enjoy the stories, but plan to keep your phone away for filming.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early at The Cask. Look for the black US Ghost Adventures shirt and lantern. The tour ends back at the same address, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point.

Should you book Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze?

Book this tour if you want a friendly, story-driven night walk with optional drinks and a clear Halloween mood. The Ted Bundy courthouse connection, UFO stories at the Kress Building, poisoned singer at the Grand Bohemian, and final witch’s brew give the evening enough variety to hold your attention.

Go in knowing that the pubs are not guaranteed to run perfectly. Closures, lines, and extra cover charges can happen, and every drink is your responsibility. The quality of the guide also matters, with several strong guide reports but at least one poor experience.

For $30, this is a sensible choice for curious adults who like local lore and can walk comfortably. It is not the right pick if your main goal is a guaranteed pub crawl with included alcohol. Reserve with flexible expectations, bring good shoes, and let the stories rather than the bar count carry the evening.

FAQ

How long does the Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze tour last?

The walking tour lasts two hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $30 per person.

Are drinks included in the tour price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you pay separately for drinks at the pubs.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at The Cask, 55 N Orange Ave., Orlando, Florida 32801, near the Game Room & Social Club.

How do I find the guide?

Your guide will wear a black US Ghost Adventures T-shirt and carry a lantern. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

How many haunted sites and pubs are included?

The tour visits seven historic haunted sites, including four pubs.

Is the tour suitable for children?

No. The activity is for people aged 21 and older.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes. Tours run rain or shine, so bring suitable clothing and comfortable shoes.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.