Since they sell tickets for specific scheduled times, do we start driving through the lights upon arrival, or is there a waiting period? If there is a delay, then about how long is the wait past the scheduled time?

They try to keep things running smoothly and quickly but also allowing you to have time to enjoy the lights! We have not had to wait more than 15mins. Hope that helps.

If you select the 5 time slot, but they feel it's not dark enough, they will keep the gates shut. We were there at 5 but they didn't open gates until 530.

We didn't have to wait at all. Had 7-8 spot and arrived at 7:15pm.

I had the 7-8 slot but we were got scanned at 8:16. The actual drive through was about 20min

There is a wait. I had the 6-7 spot. We got in line at 6:15 and was at the entrance by 7ish.