(Something to consider for wheelchair users.)

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Service animals welcome, but if you want to bring them through The Dark Story Tent, they'll have to be comfortable with navigating tight corners, being in dark spaces, big loud noises, random strobe effects, strong fog scents, and, potentially, people freaking out around them. If you've got a companion like that, pick one of the service-animal friendly time-slots on our Tickets page.

 

How do reservation times work?

 

When you buy tickets (by clicking the black “Tickets” box at the top of this page), you’ll select a date and a time. Show up about 10 minutes early. After we scan your ticket, we’ll hand you a colored token, then show you into the holding zone. Free bottles of water compliments of this year’s premier sponsor, Kojo Biotech. Relax and enjoy the décor. When your time comes (about 10 minutes after you enter the holding zone), we’ll call your token color.

 

How big are the reservation groups?

Minimum of 2, maximum of 6 people. (But, again, you won't need to interact with anyone else in your group. Don't worry, introverts. We've got you.)

 

Can I talk to my buddies (tour-group-mates) during The Dark Story Tent?

 

Yes, but not much. You’ll be ABLE to communicate (talk and hear each other even though you’re wearing headphones - the headphones aren’t totally noise cancelling), but you’ll want to spend most of your time listening. How else do you expect to make it out alive? Focus on hand-holding (squeezing) instead.

 

Can I come alone?

 

Sure. We’re thinking about a singles night. Drop an email if you’d dig that. ken@gainesvillefeargarden.com

 

Rain or shine?

 

Yep. We’ve got lots of covered space (the canopies), so we can all huddle up until it's dry.

 

What if I don’t want to wear the goggles?

 

We get it. Sightless (even when its only mostly sightless) can be REALLY scary. But here's the thing - if you forego the googles, you're going to have a VERY different experience in the story tent. It'll be more like a behind-the-scenes watch-your-friends-freak-out tour. Possibly fun, but not the thing we designed. Try it. Trust us. You can take them off anytime you want to bail on the experience. But you can do this. You are strong. Facing fear in a safe, recreational setting is good for human brains. Trust us.

 

What if I don’t want to wear the headphones?

 

It would be weird and you would likely be confused while in the tent. But sure, if you want we can roll with that.

 

What will security be like?

 

At least one hired security officer on site at all times. Two during peak hours.

 

What am I allowed to bring?

 

Standard theme park rules.

 

Bags:

• All bags, backpacks, purses, packages and items are subject to inspection prior to crossing the fence line. Suitcases and bags with wheels are prohibited. We recommend that you leave unnecessary articles in your car and secure valuables in your trunk.

• Trained Service Animals are welcome, but animals who do not meet the definition of a Service Animal will not be permitted. Service Animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the Service Animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

 

Prohibited Items:

• Any type of explosive, weapon, item that can be used as a weapon or has the appearance of a weapon

• Outside alcohol

• Coolers

• Illegal items or substances

• Clothing likely to create a danger, incite a disturbance or displaying offensive language or content

• Clothing or accessories that represent someone as emergency personnel or that may create a false impression of employment

• Power driven devices such as Segways (unless utilized as an ADA mobility device), Hoverboards, Drones or any other radio frequency controlled device

• Any other items personnel deem to be inappropriate, disruptive or harmful

 

How long does The Dark Story Tent take?

 

About 30 minutes from check-in to tent exit. (About 20-25 minutes from the time your group is called.) Takes less time if you die in the tent, but then we have to pause the event so that we can offer your body to the garden. (That pause takes eight minutes. We’ve been running drills.) Then stay and play as long as you like :)

 

What about refunds?

 

Negative, unfortunately. (We’re a literal mom-and-pop operation, and we have to know how much revenue we’ve got in order to keep the thing operating day-to-day.) So, “all ticket sales are final.” (Unless WE cancel the event, in which case you’d obviously get a full refund.) But we don’t like the idea of anyone having to eat the admission cost if their plans change. (Or if they’ve just changed their minds.) If you find yourself in this spot, drop us an email. We'll figure something out.

 

Do I have to sign a waiver?

 

Oh yeah. We’ll give you a paper copy when you arrive, and, before you can enter the holding zone, you’ll need to provide your signature on one of our tablets to indicate your consent to participate. You can read it now if you want.

 

Will this be lame?

 

Dunno. This is our first year. Take a risk.