VISIT EARLY IN THE SEASON

Many people wait until the last weekend of October to go to many of the haunted attractions in the area. If you go the last couple weekends in October you'll encounter longer lines and more wait time.

ARRIVE EARLY

The later you arrive, the longer you will wait in line.

Most haunts operate on a "first come, first serve" basis and if it's a busy night, some close off the lines once they reach capacity. Arriving early will also give you more time to visit other haunts that night. However, don't expect they'll open exactly on time. You may need to wait while they work through bugs from the previous night.

Best Bet: Arrive 30 minutes after their scheduled opening time.

BE READY FOR A LINE

It's just about guaranteed you'll have to wait in line. Later in the evening and closer to Halloween, expect wait times of 2 or more hours. 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.

DON'T OVERSCHEDULE

Plan to visit only two to three per haunts per evening. Keep in mind some haunts are quite far apart and you will need to include the wait times as well as traveling time.

DRESS FOR THE WEATHER AND EXPERIENCE

Although many haunts provide indoor waiting facilities, there are some that require you to wait outdoors. Check the weather forecast and be sure to bring a sweatshirt at least. You may also want to have a blanket in the car to help you warm up after you've been through the haunt.

Ladies, keep in mind you're going to a haunt. Don't wear heels!! You may be crawling, walking on muddy trails and/or uneven stairs. Stick with sneakers.

KEEP THE LIGHTS OFF

Don't ruin the haunt for yourself or others. Make sure you put away your brightly lit cell phones and glow novelties (which are sold at some haunts). Keep the experience spooky for everyone!

HAVE FUN!

Haunts are a form of entertainment and you should have fun going.

However, please remember that there was a lot of hard work and planning that go into them. Even if you did not like the haunt (or any event) you attend, please be respectful and leave things as they are. Do not steal or destroy their property. If you had a bad time, talk to a staff member and tell them what you feel they should change.