The Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride

The main problem here isn’t the Bates Motel so much as the employees. I witnessed multiple people acting like fools (a$$holes would be a better term actually) and yet, the employees did little to address these jacka$$es, whose behavior often ruins the experience for other patrons. Example: no cell phones allowed on the Hayride. Seems like a pretty simple rule to follow right? But 2 people had their phones out and were taking pictures/​video (a big «no no») the whole time; but, rather than kick those individuals out (or take their phones and toss them into the woods, which wouldn’t been awesome), the employees shut off the «spooky» sounds, then stopped the ride completely, which ruined the experience for the rest of us – none of whom were doing anything wrong. My suggestion to Bates Motel: instead of punishing everyone, just kick out the morons who can’t/won’t follow the rules.

Loved it!!! The rides were scary and fun! We’re def going there again next year! FYI: the vip tickets are expensive but we’ll worth it bc we didn’t have to wait in any lines! The whole thing was great!

I’m glad I gave this place a try. I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out, based on some reviews. I would say, all-​in-​all, I had a blast! I went with my sister and we did the Haunted Hayride and the Bates Motel and enjoyed both. We had the 3 ticket combo, but decided against the trail (it was already about 10:30 when the final attraction concluded).
Let’s see. The price was about what I expected to pay. With the coupon, we got 3 tickets to 3 attractions for $ 30. I think that’s actually a deal considering what you get.
Both the Hotel and hayride were not short attractions, which made up for the long waits. The hotel line was about 30 – 35 minutes of waiting and the hayride was maybe 20 minutes of waiting. Each had to be about 20 – 25 minutes. With the hotel the shorter of the two.
In terms of the attractions themselves: I was really impressed with the sets they used in the rooms in the hotel and the hayride. They weren’t necessarily dusty or outdated, as I had read in some reviews. Not from what I could tell at least. And let me tell you. Those actors are DEDICATED. One guy semi-​crawled up a wall to scare us and then (politely? lol) opened a door for us to the next room. There was another actor who swung over our heads at some point in the night. I don’t know if it was a from a rope or harness or what. I was shocked that they would perform such acrobatic feats for a scare. Worth it to see, though!
The hayride in the woods was really fantastic. I mean the sets, to me, were movie-​esque. And people come up to the sides of tractor to scare you. I really enjoyed seeing other people get scared. I’m not really jumpy or easily scared, although some people did catch me off guard a couple times. No screams though.
So basically: Pros: You will have fun. We went a couple days before Halloween and the atmosphere is cool. Cons: Maybe the prices. But try to get a discount or a coupon somehow. Overall a great experience! I’d go back next year.

It takes a lot for me to get scared but this place is great. The hayride is amazing and the props are amazing to look at! They get you distracted by one thing so you don’t see another coming at you! I loved it I’ve been there twice now loved it both times.
Maze is also very fun and the hotel is very scary– I would recommend to any one definitely worth the money and you can get coupons anywhere!

I did just the motel with a few of my friends. The attraction was fun, and had amazing props but I wanna talk about how amazing and accommodating the staff/​employees are there. I am in a wheelchair and they were absolutely wonderful. Everyone was so cheerful and happy and someone even took the time and escorted me to the front of the line as I’m disabled and it’s hard to sit in my wheelchair for long periods of time. The lady at the gift shop was extremely pleasant too. Best staff ever!!! I’d definitely return!

Brought my 10 year old daughter here on a Tue night. Lines were short. I would normally give this 4.5 stars, but I’m giving 5 since so many people gave unfair bad reviews, such as a one star cause your son lost his ticket… Come on! This place is not Disney, but it’s pretty impressive for a farm in the suburbs.
My daughter was so scared! The actors love what they do.

I was skeptical about driving out there because it was like a 45 minute drive but I have to say I really enjoyed myself definitely do the hayride last and a corn maze first

Not bad at all, I went on a Wednesday night, no lines and paid $ 33 for the combo pack easily via the website. Didn’t print my ticket, they just scanned it off my iPhone which was convenient instead of waiting in line for tickets… I really enjoy the hayride and haunted house, the maze was okay… They do touch you, not aggressively but enough. I know some people don’t like that but it happens here. We finished everything fairly quick in about an hour and half. Fun night, I’d go again!

The parking lot people are always very organized and and helpful. I always drop off and pick up and they have a special area just for that. I am not happy because my son went with friends and they had the combo ticket which has three tickets and my son lost one of his. So not a great night for him – his friends could go but he was not allowed in due to the missing ticket.: (. My suggestion is issue wrist bands. It is dark out and very easy to take something out of your pocket and not see if something dropped on the ground. A lot of parents drop off and when you find out at the end of the night you spent 40.00 and your child could not get the full enjoyment. Wrist bands! or hand stamps.

Finally made it to The Bates Motel this year. GF and I have been wanting to go for YEARS!
We arrived right at opening on a Sunday, so it wasn’t as busy and we took advantage of the $ 5 printable coupon. There was no wait for the ticket booth. The cashier said since it was early she recommends we go straight to The Bates Motel attraction first since the hayride doesn’t start until it gets really dark.
The Bates Motel attraction: This was our favorite attraction of the night! Waited roughly 20 minutes in line. Once we got to the front of the line, I saw why it took so long. They space you out properly for JUST your group, which is crucial as seeing the group in front of you spoils everything. Key is to take your time while walking through because there are SO many amazing props and details that it is easy to miss them. The actors do a great job of interacting with you and scaring you when you are distracted like looking at a prop or another actor. We were really really scared… honestly the second most scared I have ever been at a haunted attraction. My friends wife was SO scared, that she literally FROZE in shock!!! My friend had to carry her to the next room as the group behind us started catching up to us. This couple had gone with us to Field of Screams in Lancaster, PA last year… but never ever seen her horrified like that before. I wish we could have done this attraction again the same night because it was so amazing.
Haunted Hayride: Don’t get me wrong, I always wanted to come to Bates mainly for the hayride. It used to be best in class at one point in time but now felt outdated. The different sets/​themes/​prop are indeed some of the best! You can tell they put lots of care/​love and attention to detail. Since we were there early there were only 8 of us total on the ride. However, even then we did not really get scared. The actors were trying hard to scare you but it just did not cut it, they realized this so they started just targeting the younger girls in the group that get scared easily. I suggest sitting in the back of the hayride as the actors will run at you. I felt the hayride was a little too long/​dragging on at a few points. I would compare it to the Tram ride at Universal Studios. The set’s are that amazing, but you have to do this with the expectation of a spectator type attraction. Better suited for kids and those that get scared too easily.
Haunted Corn Maze: This was our second favorite attraction here. They do an INCREDIBLE job of fooling you on which is a prop and which is a real actor. I swear there were a few that I seriously thought were props! Besides walking in the corn maze at night is eerie in itself. This one is a must do!
Overall Thoughts: This is definitely the top #3 best attraction we have been to and we will try to go every year if we can. Totally worth the 4 hour drive round trip. Next year I will probably skip the hayride, as Field of Screams in Lancaster has a better one but it is worth it to try at least once. We give it a 4.5÷5 but rounded up to a 5.

I did this a few years ago and would probably not go back. Pretty long lines for just ok attraction. There are much more frightening events in the area… Specifically in spring city.

Took my 12 and 14 year old boys last night with a friend of theirs. We had a blast! We got there at 6:15 on a Sunday and waited about 15 mins for tickets, then went right to the Bates Motel. The wait was probably only 20 mins or so at this point. The actors, costumes, props, scenes, etc were fantastic! The hayride we got right on with no wait and it was awesome as well. Extremely well done and high tech. People saying negative things have to keep it in perspective. This isn’t Hollywood and you aren’t probably going to be terrified unless you are totally wimpy. We were all cracking up and jumping the whole night. My boys absolutely loved it. The whole place is very well organized including the parking lot, snack bar, layout. I definitely would suggest going early and on a weeknight because I could see lines being insane here, but ours were no problem at all. We arrived at 6:15, did all 3 attractions, ate some food and were out of there by 8:30. Would highly recommend this as a fun family night out!
I will agree that you want to be first in your group, or hang back and create some distance with the people in front of you. We were first going through Bates Motel so we had no idea what was coming when we entered a room!

Bates Motel was just as good as last year. We bought the VIP passes because the lines here tend to get crazy long so we were at the front of everything and we were in and out. Hayride was creepy, the actors can and will grab you, they will also jump onto the hayride, it was insane! Try to grab a spot towards the back of the hayride, this is where most of the action takes place, you won’t regret it.
The haunted house was soooo much better and scarier than last year, This year they really separated groups much better than they did last year. My heart was beating fast the entire time.
The corn maze was not as good as last year and that was because it was very crowded, so we were sort of like in a line throughout the entire time. Regardless, I still believe the whole thing it’s a fun and scary experience and I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great scare.

I loved it!!! We went last year and it was great. Hayride is the best and i liked corn maze as well, but bates motel was alright. But it’s worth it!
I’m planning to go to pennhurst asylum this year.

What a beautiful farm selling eggs and poultry, pumpkins and other farm produce! Do check out their amazing Halloween haunted hayride and holiday hayride! Find discount admission coupons at your local Wawa!

Lets just start by saying, I’ve been in MANY haunted houses and always not by choice but because my friends love them and they drag me alone. I am in fact a huge scaredy-​cat.
The workers: RUDE RUDE RUDE RUDE!!! We were a group of 43, a «gentleman» approaches us and asks how many we have in the group, once we say we have 43, he tells us to jump over to the VIP line (after we have been on the previous line for 20 minutes). After waiting another 10 minutes, a different worker approaches us and tells us that we have to do the hayride first because «that’s the way our tickets were set up» and that «we have to go to the VIP of the hay ride instead». FINE. Obviously we get a little frustrated about this wait and confusion. Once we all walk over to the OTHER line, THE RUDEST man ever started YELLING in the most condescending tone, that we have to listen to him and go to the regular line because we are not VIP and «not special» and we would have to split up the group (which was no problem, but all he had to do was talk to us normally) and that he knows what we should do! He was talking to us like children, and then his buddy jumped in screaming «LISTEN TO US! LISTEN TO US!». That alone would make me never return.
The Hayride: It was actually somewhat enjoy able, but most of their props were beyond old and barley working. The characters were pretty cool and did try to make an effort to scare you. It was fun, minus the fact one of the guys jumped onto the middle of the wagon and smacked me in the head with his chainsaw, TWICE. The ride was lengthy, so that was a plus.
The corn maze: BORING, BORING, BORING ! Like I said, I am a scaredy-​cat and the only thing that gave me a jump was the fact that I saw a live mouse run by. Also keep in mind, its not actually a «maze», its a path in a corn field. I never understood why this would be advertised as a maze.
The motel: They send in HUGE groups at a time, which makes the element of surprise IMPOSSIBLE. If you are not in front, your basically watching everyone else. It feels like the day before Christmas in a department store in these tiny little rooms. And again, all the props were SO CRAPPY! They sell better stuff in Halloween Stores. They LOVE to over due their smoke machines, which makes you feel like your going to have an asthmatic attack, then again I think that’s their way of hiding their broken down, dirty props.
The only cool thing they had was a painter outside, who did spray paint art pieces for $ 30 and they are WELL worth it. He is AMAZING to watch and super talented. Since this place was such a drag, at lest we went home with cool art work.
Overall, I would NEVER return. not even for free. Not work the 3 hour ride there (we came from NYC & traffic) and not worth the money.

I was lucky enough to participate in a Haunted Hayride group event at Arasapha Farm this year with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
As soon as we turned into the parking lot we were greeted with a number of people with lighted batons pointing us to our parking spot. On a weeknight there were virtually no lines (except for the Bates Motel, which had a very modest one). Ticket purchase through the group sales booth was efficient; based on other reviews here I made sure I had cash, however a sign indicated credit was also accepted.
The hayride itself was awesome. I was really excited to take my little here because I had gone when I was around his age (9) and still remember it as a great time to this day; even the second time around at the age of 26 it did not disappoint. You ride into the woods with a number of different scenes set up which are all just simply awesome. Everything is choreographed to the tractor arriving and the actors were hilarious. One of my favorite was a mental asylum you drive through; when you arrive a lady is in the process of escaping her straight jacket and eventually escapes and runs along the tractor with an attendant running behind her. The whole time everyone just seems to be having an awesome time-​both the actors and the «victims».
From reading some of the other reviews I realize I may have lucked out by visiting on a week night when there weren’t any long lines, but honestly I don’t think that matters– the hayride is definitely worth even an hours-​long wait.
If you have kids this is a must-​go, and even if not, chances are you will probably still have a blast.

It was my first time on a haunted hayride, and I went with a group of friends last night. I really didn’t know what to expect. Scary things are not really what I’m into, but I will say that the people here put a lot of work into the animatronics and sets and the actors were trying really hard.
After seeing the sets and all the actors, I see why they charge $ 20. However, there is no congruency on this ride at all. It’s the most random thing ever. This is one of the things that keeps it from being scary. You go from skeletons to hillbillys with shotguns to dinosaurs to chainsaws and giant venus fly traps. Huh? They need to pick a theme and stick with it. I will say even though it wasn’t scary, it was amusing. I laughed a lot.
The other weird thing is it’s a hayride, but there is hardly any hay. I was expecting small square bails, but there was just a dusting on the wagon. I guess this is so the actors can jump onto the wagon and try to scare people.
That brings me to my next point, the touching. I have a personal space bubble, and if you do too, you’ll hate this place. At one point one of the actors came up behind me and pulled me down backwards to the ground by grabbing the strap of my purse and got right up in my face. I have issues with even people I know hugging me, so yeah, not my idea of fun. Another actor had his hand all my friend’s hair and another one petted my other friend’s chin, which was little weird. Maybe some people are into this, but we weren’t.
Actually, my friends and I came to the conclusion that touching makes it less scary. Like with the chain saws, you can hear them and smell the gasoline, but then they touch you with the chainsaws which gets rid of the illusion of it being dangerous. Another thing that would make it more scary would be to kill the music. Silence and darkness in the woods are a lot more scary than strobe lights and loud music.
This place is crawling with pre-​teens and they all seemed to be having a good time. I think if I was a lot younger I might have been scared. There was a Dunkin Donuts truck giving out free pumpkin spice and regular coffee with sugar and cream, so that was nice.
I was amused and since I have no other haunted hay ride to compare it to, I’d say it was okay.

This attraction is split up into three. The Cornmaze, The Motel, and the Hayride.
The Hayride — Make sure you sit towards the edges of the ride, not middle. The actors jump and pick at you. There plenty to see on the both the left and right. The middle seating is not comfortable at all.
The Cornmaze — This is was the favorite. You have to walk slowly in order to separate yourself from other groups, but the actors are great for hiding around. Its also pretty dark and unpredictable. This also ISNT A MAZE. you just walk through on the guided path…
The Motel– Again its just the actors hiding around and scaring you. The rooms have different themes, some are more exciting then others.
Be prepared to wait in long lines for all.

Went for the triple attraction: the Bates Motel, Haunted Hayride and «Corn Maze.»
First off, it’s misleading to call one of the attractions a «Corn Maze» since it’s not a maze at all. I’d gotten pretty excited about being in an actual maze, but the «Corn Maze» is just another one-​way path that’s «haunted» with the same kind of tricks as in the other 2 attractions.
All in all, the attractions were really more cheesy and kitschy than scary, but it was still fun to do with a group of friends. Some of it was punny. Production values are not as high as other haunted attractions I’ve seen.