I have done both private and public tours. If you have a limited amount of time like you do it would be a benefit for a public or private tour.
In the past we have met up at VIP then over to Cafe La Bamba for light hot and cold snacks from the buffet. There are Halloween themed deserts and sodas, water, lemonade and tea were provided. The tour group or yourself are allowed to return for refreshments as long as they last through the night. There is a cash bar with Halloween themed cocktails. You are also able to enjoy your Express included in your tour for the rest of the night after the tour concludes. They have a choice of set tour times when booking your tour.
Your tour guide will take you to front door of all the houses past regular line and express line. You will do all 10 houses walk through all the Scare Zones and see shows. They will stop at a couple of air conditioned cocktail areas for you to rest and buy drinks if you want.
The group also chooses some rides to express.
If you want to get through all the 10 houses in one night it’s the way to go. I have had a blast on both the private and public tour. It is well worth the cost.
My tour is in 3 weeks. I will come back and report my experience after.
In 2018 they did a smaller group of houses tour also. So if you do not want to be plugged in for the whole evening that might be a choice if it’s offered.