Could someone explain how the Boofet functionally works? I got tickets for the 5:00pm slot. Assume I can get there around then (or 15 or so minutes before) and then enjoy the food/photo opportunities... but when do the early entry mazes open? Any strategies for making the most of that bonus time?
Just got done with our first trip out to Knotts ever on Friday, and we did the Boofet! Our experience was something like this:
Had the 5:30 slot, got to the parks around 5:10ish, parked and by the time we walked over it was around 5:15. Used the bathrooms, and then by the exit to the restaurant outside of the park there was a small set of lines for the different dinner times (line up here for 5pm, here for 5:30, 6, etc). At 5:20ish they were already letting people in for the 5:30 slot, so we just were sent over to scan our tickets, get a sticker that had the date on it, and sent in to the park toward Spurs. We actually skipped the photo (ended up with a great one later on anyway) but before you enter the park under GhostRider there is a scare actor in front of a Step and Repeat where you can get your souvenir photo.
You enter the park under GhostRider and are sent over to Spurs and inside they give you your souvenir bottle and send you to one of the dining rooms. We weren't in the main room, but kind of a back one, which was fine if not a little disappointing because of the lack of décor, but probably also for the best because it kept me from overindulging even more, haha. Had a drink station right in the room, so that was nice rather than having to walk all the way out to where the food was to replenish. Food was excellent, especially when you compare it to the theme park quality pizza and offerings somewhere like Universal offers. Huge spread, lots of variety, and a fresh carving station! The deserts were also great, with plenty of variety beyond cookies and brownies.
Scare Actor interactions were amazing too! Absolutely blows the interactions at Universal's SA dining out of the water, in that they really took the time to sit down at each table and chat with the groups. I was watching, and every single table had at least one actor visit for an extended period of time, with the others floating around at least popping by to say hello. There was even a sight compromised individual at a table over from us dining with just their partner and the actor who visited them paid special attention to making sure they had an amazing interaction. We were actually rounded up by Echo when we told her it was our first time and we were traveling from the east coast, and she grabbed every one of the actors and took us outside for a massive group photo! Made the whole experience feel so personal and like we were being welcomed into the park!
After the meal, we waddled out around 6:15 into the area between Spurs, GhostRider, and the back mazes, and contemplated life choices. GhostRider was open by 6, so there was no line and I jumped on while the others in my group waited. By the time I was at the load station I could hear the little opening scaremonies below, and evidently they do a little special one just for Boofet guests ('Something something we get to scare you even sooner something something'). I got off the ride and as I was exiting the area was open and actually flooded with characters from all the different scarezones. Looks to be that they use it as a practice for the true opening, so that was a special added touch. The gates to the back open at 6:30 prompt, and from there you can probably make your own mental plan!
Overall cannot say enough about the Boofet and considering that a Universal Scream Early pass is $35 (or you pay for park admission), and their scare actor dining starts at $55, for the price the experience cannot be beat (the souvenir bottle is the icing on the cake as you can continue to use it the whole night!).
Full report to come a bit later, but the rest of the event was everything we wanted and more as first timers and HHN Orlando vets!