MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — Tickets for Cypress Gardens’ popular “Halloween in the Swamp” event were expected to go on sale Wednesday, October 1, but a glitch in the county’s online ticketing system left frustrated buyers without confirmations and in some cases, with multiple pending charges. Event organizers now say ticket sales will reopen Monday, October 6.
The technical problem began shortly after sales launched at 9 a.m. on October 1. Cypress Gardens officials posted on social media that the “ticketing site is currently down” and that their IT team was “actively working to resolve the issue.” A few hours later, the park announced that all tickets would be reissued due to the glitch, and that only the new tickets would be valid for entry. Officials also confirmed they were reviewing cases of duplicate charges and would issue refunds as needed.
“Due to a system glitch, all guests will receive new tickets,” the park posted. “We are also reviewing cases of duplicate charges and will be issuing refunds where needed. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to make this right.” Customers who experienced issues were asked to email Amanda Oliver at [email protected], and in cases of double billing, include the last four digits of their card.
Many customers expressed their frustration on social media. One buyer joked, “I may have 12 tickets… I may have 6… I may have none,” after seeing two pending charges. Another said, “After the charge went through, I got an error saying my payment was not validated… it has been paid from my bank, but I still don’t have tickets.” Others reported timing out during checkout or receiving tickets for the wrong date.
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Event officials have not disclosed what caused the system failure but said the relaunch Monday will ensure all previous issues are corrected and that the new tickets will replace the invalid ones.
Despite the rocky start, organizers are moving forward with plans for “Halloween in the Swamp,” which will take place October 16–18 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner. The event will feature food trucks, storytelling, kids’ games, and a marshmallow roast for $5 general admission. For those seeking a scarier thrill, the Haunted Swamp Experience — a haunted boat ride and walking trail — will be available for $30 for guests ages 12 and up.
Tickets will remain online-only and must be purchased at www.cypressgardens.info once the site reopens Monday.
