Use the following tips to make your next haunted attraction visit a spooktacular success.
The last two weekends in October are usually the most crowded so plan to go earlier in the season. Not only will the wait times be shorter but you'll have a better chance at avoiding a conga line and missing the scares.
Outdoor haunts such as corn mazes and hayrides may close if it's raining. Be sure to call ahead and/or check their Facebook or Twitter pages so you don't waste your time and gas driving out there.
The later you arrive, the longer you'll wait in line.
If possible, buy your tickets online. If a haunt operates on a "first come, first serve" basis, they may close off the lines once they reach capacity. Arriving early will also give you more time to visit other haunts that night.
The average low temperature in October is around 40 degrees, so be sure to dress in layers. Although many haunts provide indoor waiting facilities, there are some that require you to wait outdoors. Check the weather forecast and consider leaving a blanket in the car to help you warm up afterward.
Note: Wear appropriate footwear. There's a good chance you'll be crawling, walking or running on muddy trails, uneven flooring and/or stairs.
It's just about guaranteed you'll have to wait in line. Later in the evening and closer to Halloween, expect wait times of well over an hour. Also, keep in mind there will probably be two lines. One for tickets and another to get into the haunt.
If the haunt calls the numbers on the tickets instead of having you wait in line to get in, ask what the estimated wait time is. If you don't feel like waiting, go out for a bite to eat and come back later.
Unless lights are provided by the haunt, don't ruin the experience for yourself or others by using a flashlight or your phone to help get you through dark spaces. Keep the experience spooky for everyone.
Note: Don't take out your cell phone in the haunt and risk losing it. Many items including cell phones are lost in haunts and it's likely you'll have to wait until the following day to get it back.
Also keep in mind that a lot of hard work and planning goes into creating a haunted attraction. Even if you didn't think it was scary, please be respectful and leave things as they are. If you had a bad time, talk to a staff member and tell them what you feel they should change.
December 27th, 2024 6:35 p.m. CST 24.11.01
