Lakeland Orchard & Cidery — Attraction in Scott Township

Several of my friends and I purchased tickets to the Light Show at Lakeland Orchard for their opening at 8p.m. and decided to go pick flowers and enjoy the atmosphere at 5 while the sun was still up. After arriving at the orchard at 5p.m. we were told by two young girls at a ticket booth that if we didn't have tickets for the orchard we would have to leave. I asked if we could simply purchase them there or if we had to obtain them online for some reason and was told coldly that the site closed at 6. I said that I understood and just wanted to pick a few flowers and get some pictures and would still pay full price for the tickets. I was told again that the park closed at 6 and it being 5 was "too late" to buy a ticket and we would have to leave and come back another day. There is not a single mention of any policy relating to a "last call" ticket purchase anywhere on their website, nor is this on any sign or ticket. If my party wanted to spend the $12-20 on tickets each for 30 minutes then it should have been our choice. No one was being told that the area was closing soon, no announcements being made, no signs... After being rudely turned away (and an annoying light show due to the high-beams of other cars not told to shut them off) I have no intentions of going back; teens should still be taught some semblance of manners and hospitality. There are other orchards to choose from that value customers with higher standards and defined policies. I do not recommend any business that does not offer hospitality....

I went on the first day of Apple Harvest. The apples were fresh and delicious! It was fun to experience apple picking from the orchard, which was the main reason for our visit that day.

Our favorite attractions were the Scrambler and Carousel rides. They were a nice surprise because they were kid friendly as well as adult friendly, so everyone got to enjoy them. The train ride was relaxing, and the views were great since it was such a bright, sunny day! I recommend taking the train ride at least once with the family.

My only complaints are that the food vendors are only open on weekends, so we only had one option for lunch. The only lunch options we had was either chicken tenders or cheeseburgers. Both very overpriced. Since I spent $75.00 on each season pass, I expected better food options and more affordable prices.

I understand the business needs to make a profit, but we parents are taking our little ones here for fun. Not to spend our whole paycheck in one day.

In total, I bought two season passes, one day ticket, two lunch combos, a jar of apple butter from the gift shop, and a toy from the gift shop. That equals out to $234.00 in one day. Be prepared to spend a lot of money.

I recommend bringing a cooler with your own water and healthy snacks, since all they have is junk food. I don't think fried food and ice cream is exactly a good thing to serve on a hot day to anyone. There should be healthier options to replenish your body with nutrients to stay energized...

I am debating writing this post, as I really try to support local and small businesses, but I believe this is something that is needed to be worked on.

I was excited to take my niece and nephew to visit the train and the halloween lights over this past weekend and support small businesses because my niece LOVES halloween. However, I was very disappointed with the way the train rides worked. When purchasing tickets, the website states "train ride included", I assumed this meant they had enough space for the amount of people buying tickets to have a ride on the train. But after arriving at the park at 4:45, we were offered a time spot of 9:30. 9:30 with a two year old and having to stay at the park for 4 hours at that point. When I told the girl there was no way I would be able to make that time, she told me I could wait around the train station, to see if a spot would open up. I honestly don't know how they expected me to explain to a 2 year old and a 7 year old that we have stay here the entire time and we might possibly get a ride on the train. I basically spent $60 for us to pick apples and jump on a giant pumpkin.

My suggestion for future use, when someone purchases tickets online, have the option to pick a time slot from that moment. I hope this issue can get figured out, I have enjoyed visiting the farms in the past, and have always had...