Customer Snapshot
- Founded: 1990
- Locations: 2
- Tickets Sold: 50,000+
- Favorite TicketSignup Feature: Virtual Queuing
The Haunted Forest in American Fork is one of the largest and longest running haunt attractions in the US, selling more than 50,000 tickets each season and looking for modern haunt ticketing software. This year was a turning point for the operation, as founder Rob Ethington brought in his son in law, Nik Simpson, to help manage and grow the haunt. With fresh leadership and a commitment to improving both revenue and guest experience, Rob and Nik decided it was the right time to modernize key parts of their operation.
The Haunted Forest had invested heavily in expanding the Graveyard area with food, drinks, and the new Blind Terror attraction. As a result, they wanted guests to enjoy those experiences rather than spend the night stuck in a long line for the Haunted Forest trail. To make that possible, they needed reliable Virtual Queuing. Their previous provider, Interactive Ticketing, could not support the haunt ticketing software they needed, which prompted the team to look for a modern platform that could help guests move freely, spend more, and enjoy a smoother overall experience.
Why The Haunted Forest Chose TicketSignup’s Haunt Ticketing Software
Rob and Nik reviewed several haunt ticketing software solutions and chose TicketSignup because it offered the modern tools they needed to reshape both guest flow and onsite revenue. Calendar based ticketing created predictable pacing for each night. Virtual Queuing integrated seamlessly with the Ticket App, allowing guests to enjoy the Graveyard, grab food and drinks, and experience Blind Terror until it was their turn. Modern self serve options made ticket changes simple for guests. And real time reporting provided clear insight into time slot demand so the team could prepare staff and actors with confidence.
Nik explained that they were not simply looking for a new ticketing provider. They were looking for haunt ticketing software that supported the way the Haunted Forest wanted guests to move, spend money, and enjoy the experience. TicketSignup aligned with that vision.
“TicketSignup gave us the haunt ticketing software we needed. Calendar-based ticketing, Virtual Queuing, and the Ticket App worked together so smoothly that it transformed how we ran every night.
– Nik Simpson
Calendar Based Ticketing Created Predictable Nightly Flow
Calendar based ticketing gave the Haunted Forest a clearer, more intuitive way to set up and manage their event, as well as a better purchase experience for guests. Rob and Nik could easily set variable pricing by day of the week, assign caps for each date and time slot, and track sales in real time across the entire season. Guests selected their date directly from a simple calendar layout, which reduced confusion and encouraged more advance buying.
Calendar-based haunt ticketing software improved managing the event, buying tickets, and understanding event data.
Virtual Queuing Increased Revenue and Improved the Guest Experience
Virtual Queuing was central to the Haunted Forest’s plan to improve the guest experience and generate more revenue in the Graveyard. Instead of standing in a long line for the Haunted Forest trail, guests scanned in at the main gate, received their place in the queue, and were free to enjoy food, drinks, and Blind Terror until they received a text that it was their turn to enter.
The process was simple for guests and staff. General Admission attendees were automatically placed in the waitlist, while VIP guests were prioritized for faster entry. Guests could see their status, explore the Graveyard, and even upgrade to VIP directly from the text message. When it was their turn, they walked to the Trailhead and staff scanned their QR code a second time to validate their tickets at the attraction.
“Virtual Queuing completely changed the guest experience for us. Instead of standing in line, people were out in the Graveyard eating, enjoying the actors, and having fun.”
This shift from a physical queue to a digital one kept guests moving, reduced congestion, and created more opportunities for them to spend money throughout the night. Most importantly, guests raved about the new midway and virtual queuing.
The Ticket App Made Check In Faster and Easier
The Haunted Forest used the TicketSignup Ticket App to manage check in at the main gate, the Haunted Forest trail, Blind Terror, and other checkpoints throughout the night. Staff scanned a single QR code for the entire party, which made the process fast and consistent across every attraction.
Nik emphasized how simple the Ticket App was for everyone on staff to use.
“The Ticket App was so easy that even my six year old sat at the ticket booth and scanned people in. That is how simple and reliable it is.”
The app also worked in low connectivity areas and allowed staff to search by name when guests did not have their QR code ready, which kept lines moving smoothly on busy nights.
Self Serve Tools That Made More Money and Reduced Customer Support
TicketSignup’s self serve ticket management tools became one of the most impactful parts of the Haunted Forest’s modern haunt ticketing software. Guests could easily transfer their tickets, switch dates, update their phone number, or upgrade to VIP on their own, which reduced staff workload and created new revenue throughout the season.
More than 2,000 attendees transferred their tickets without staff involvement, including 1,173 people who moved to a different date and 175 who transferred tickets to friends. This eliminated hundreds of customer service requests that previously required manual intervention.
Self serve upgrades also delivered a significant revenue boost. 714 attendees upgraded their tickets on their own, generating $9,460 in additional revenue directly through the platform. Guests were able to upgrade when it was most convenient, including during Virtual Queuing, which increased conversion.
Real Time Reporting Helped the Team Prepare for Each Night
TicketSignup’s reporting tools gave Rob and Nik clear insight into how each time slot was selling, which areas would be busiest, and when they needed the strongest actor coverage. They used these reports daily to plan staffing, coordinate actor timing, and anticipate peak moments. The improved visibility helped ensure that guests received the best version of the Haunted Forest experience throughout the season. Calendar-based reporting and analytics like the attendee heatmap also provided insights to improve next year’s marketing and operations.
Building for the Long Term, Together
The 2025 season marked a turning point for the Haunted Forest, as Rob and Nik took a fresh look at how to grow their haunt for the long term. Choosing TicketSignup’s haunt ticketing software aligned with that vision. Both the Haunted Forest and TicketSignup are independently built, owner-operated teams that focus on creating strong experiences year after year rather than chasing short-term gains.
TicketSignup’s calendar based ticketing, Virtual Queuing, Ticket App, and self serve tools helped the Haunted Forest run more efficiently, increase revenue in the Graveyard, and deliver a better night for every guest. Just as importantly, Nik saw firsthand how responsive TicketSignup’s customer support team was throughout setup and the season.
“TicketSignup was with us every step of the way. The support was incredible, and it felt like working with people who cared about our success.”
With modern haunt ticketing software behind them and a clear strategy moving forward, Rob and Nik are already planning new improvements for future seasons. In partnering with TicketSignup, they found a company that shares their commitment to building something long-term that focuses on improving the customer experience.