FAQ
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Do I need to make a reservation or book a timeslot?
Yes, Haunted Castle Investigation tours must be reserved. You need to reserve your tour online, and tickets must be redeemed at the date and time reserved.
Do I need to bring my own ghost-hunting equipment?
No. Ripley’s Haunted Castle Investigation will provide you with state-of-the-art ghost-hunting equipment such as infrared thermometers, laser grids, thermal imaging cameras, spirit boxes, EVP recorders, and much more! And don’t worry, we will show you how to use them!
Why is the building considered haunted?
Before our building was Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, it was known as Castle Warden. Built in 1887, Castle Warden was the winter home of William G. Warden, a business partner of John D. Rockefeller and Henry Flagler. In 1941, the castle was remodeled as a hotel and hosted many prominent visitors, including Robert Ripley!
During the time Castle Warden was a hotel, many guests claimed to have experienced paranormal events. We suggest you book a Ripley’s Haunted Castle Investigation tour to learn more about the haunted history of Castle Warden!
Do I have to print my tickets?
No, tickets do not need to be printed. Please check in at our Ghost Parlor at 19 San Marco Avenue. There will be signs directing you to the entrance. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. You will not need to pick up your tickets; just check in at the Ghost Parlor upon arrival. Tours will start promptly at your scheduled time.
Do you offer any discounts?
Local resident, senior, and military discounts are not valid for the Haunted Castle Investigation.
However, we do offer discounts for Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Bayfront Mini-Golf, and Red Train tours.
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We offer 30% discounts for active military and veterans and their immediate family (spouses and children). To receive the discount, please mention the savings upon arrival and show proper ID. This discount is only available at the ticket counter and cannot be purchased online.
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Ripley’s loves locals and is proud to provide a 50% discount for St. John’s County residents. To redeem, simply bring your ID and purchase your discounted tickets at the door.
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Seniors over the age of 55 receive BOGO tickets — buy one ticket to any St. Augustine Ripley’s Attraction and receive a second ticket for 50% off. To redeem, simply bring your ID and purchase your discounted tickets at the door.
Will I see paranormal activity?
While we cannot guarantee that you will see paranormal activity, there is usually some on almost every tour. Even if you don’t see something with the naked eye, you may be surprised by what you find when you go home and look at your photos!
What procedures do you have in place to minimize the spread of illness among guests?
We take thorough steps to keep our attractions safe and promote a healthy environment. To protect our guests and associates, and prevent the spread of illness, we employ rigorous sanitation standards and robust cleaning procedures, including:
Extensive training on maintaining a safe and hygienic workplace and environment for our guests.
Appropriate personal protective clothing for those who are assigned cleaning duties.
Procedures for cleaning and disinfection of areas throughout the day and where illness has been suspected or reported.
Quick response to spills, trash, and other situations.
Daily sanitation procedures for everything, including bathrooms, faucets and sinks, benches, and trash cans.
We trust you to make your own choice as to whether you want to wear a face mask and ask that you respect the choices of our other guests.
We closely monitor local, state, and national public health authorities, and take their guidance when additional preventive measures are needed. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. By visiting Ripley’s Attractions, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
We’re committed to creating accessible adventures
We foster accessibility for all visitors, and remove barriers to participation for guests with disabilities. Our team is trained to accommodate guests with different abilities, and our attraction was built with accessibility in mind. Our restrooms are also accessible, equipped with hand rails and grab bars. Sensory guides are available at the front ticket counter.
Wheelchairs
Ripley’s does not have a public elevator, but we do have a lift that can assist guests that need help in getting between floors. Please let our attendant know if you need to utilize the lift.
The Red Trains have wheelchair and stroller parking available for guests who can transfer. All drivers carry specially made steps with handrails for those who need assistance boarding. If you have someone in your party that cannot transfer, please call 904-824-1606 for available accommodations.
Service and Support Animals
Guide dogs for the blind, service dogs (as defined in the ADA) for people with disabilities and working service dogs in training are permitted inside the attraction. Pets are not allowed.