Pretending like you don’t care also makes it less fun for your friends.
If there are only 2 or 3 of you, walk as close as possible to your friends. Then, if something jumps out, you can hide behind them. The 1st and 2nd spots where you’ll experience the most scares are the front or the back of the group.
If one of your friends is scaring people on purpose, firmly ask them to stop. You don’t want to get kicked out because they’re being obnoxious.
Telling your friends that they’re about to be scared also makes it less fun for them. For example, if you see an actor peeking out from behind a curtain, don’t say, “Kate, watch out!” Let the scene happen on its own.
If you aren’t sure where to go, follow the group in front of you. Leaving the path can be dangerous, too. There are hazards, like electrical cords and other items, that are intentionally hidden. If a room or door is marked “Staff Only” or “Emergency Exit,” don’t enter it.
Never run. Running in a haunted house can be dangerous and destructive.
Keep in mind that usually, if an actor notices someone is genuinely upset or very frightened, they’ll back off.
Some light bumping or brushing against other people is normal and expected. Apologize immediately if you accidentally knock into an actor. If you have a tendency to strike out when scared, have a friend agree to hold your “hitting hand” to keep you from doing so or keep your hands in your pockets.
It’s not funny to ask for an actor’s phone number or comment on how hot they are. Harassing them can get you escorted off the property. Don’t try to get the actors to break character. They won’t do it and it will just make them angry.
Some haunted houses have safe words or phrases for guests to use in the event they want to leave. For example, it might be “I want my Mommy. ” Find out before you enter the house what the guidelines are for leaving.
Avoid neon colors or bright white clothes that stand out, especially if the haunted house has a black light. Pay attention to your footwear, too. Dark boots or black tennis shoes are both good options.
If you get cold easily, add layers like an additional sweatshirt or jacket, too, to prevent goosebumps from the chilly air.
Look for down parkas or ski jackets with extra padding. Wearing a heavy sweatshirt underneath your coat will make you even bigger.
Wearing a mask in the haunted house might make others mistake you for an actor. If masks are allowed, make sure yours isn’t offensive or overly gruesome. There may be kids at the haunted house.
