I may be attending for the first time ever on Friday, October 3. Any quick tips/tricks I should keep in mind? What are some cool experiences/features that separates it from HHN? Thank you in advance!
I'd also recommend Boo-fet for Early Entry, just make sure you get a good time slot so you can utilize the full 30 minutes of being there early.
Unlike HHN, you typically don't need a front-of-the-line pass. I would say most lines are manageable, and in my experience, even if they say something like an hour, most of them are maybe half that. On average, I'd say most lines are 15-25 minutes (if that), even on a busy night. The only lines that are brutally slow and long are the Mystery Lodge location (Grimoire this year) and the Wilderness Dance Hall location (Origins this year) -- those can get up to an hour. HOWEVER, if this is a one-time experience and you're short on time and you really want to do the rides, then I'd recommend Fast/Fright Lane. Just note that the rides are really slow loaders and some Fast Lane lines are long and slow in themselves, so you probably won't get as much done as you're hoping (Ghost Rider is the worst offender).
The Hanging is a fun show (sometimes), just note you may have to get there early if you want a decent spot (like 30 minutes early), and the show can be upwards of 30 minutes.
I feel like I'm mentioning how slow the lines move here a lot, but again, prepare for dinner (if you don't do Boo-fet) to take a while. I once stood in a line for a slice of pizza for 45 minutes, not even 5 years ago. Things have gotten marginally better depending on where you are in the park, but the more central something is, the more slammed it gets. Finding good food is also hard -- I had the worst birria tacos imaginable in Fiesta Village last year.
Keep in mind this year, none of the rides are haunt themed, so you can save a lot of time by skipping them and just focusing on the mazes.
Wait, no Witch's Keep or Halloween Hootenanny this year?!