If you'd rather have the full details, Weekend Guides are linked above in the header menu.
FAQ
GETTING HERE & STAYING
Where exactly is this?
Two venues on one private hilltop in Bryn Athyn, PA, 40 minutes north of Philadelphia International (PHL). The Castle is Glencairn Museum, 1001 Cathedral Road. The Palace is Cairnwood Estate, 1005 Cathedral Road. Free parking at both.
Do I need to fly or drive?
Either works. From PHL, rideshare and rental cars are both easy, and parking is free everywhere you'll need it. If you're flying in or driving a long way, most players add Thursday night at the hotel and start Friday rested.
Is the hotel included?
Yes. Every ticket except the Commuter ticket includes Friday and Saturday night at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Fort Washington, about 18–20 minutes from the venue. You can add Thursday or Sunday night directly through the hotel.
There's no shuttle. Is that a problem?
No. Rideshare in this corridor is plentiful and dependable, and players coordinate carpools each evening in the event Discord. Nobody gets stranded — if transportation worries you, tell us and we'll sort it.
Can I room with my friends?
Yes. Single rooms and shared doubles are both available. You'll request roommates in the Booking Form after purchase.
What if I don't need a room?
Buy the Commuter ticket. It covers Friday and Saturday lunch and dinner plus Sunday lunch, with no lodging or breakfast.
THE GAMING
What do I need to know before I come?
Some tabletop experience is recommended. This is accelerated play, so it suits people who already know and love RPGs. Beginners and casual players are genuinely welcome — our GMs are experienced teachers and the weekend is built to bring you along.
Which rules?
GMs run 5.5, with flexibility for players who know or prefer 5E. You'll build your own character using your GM's guidelines.
Will we actually finish?
Yes. Every campaign is designed to conclude on Sunday with a complete arc. No cliffhangers, no online continuation. This format has run for hundreds of players over more than a decade.
How do I meet my table?
Your event Discord opens about a month out. Two weeks before you travel, your GM starts character creation with your party in a private channel — backstories, party composition, questions. You arrive knowing these people.
How big are the tables?
Six players maximum. Couples, friends, and families who book the same campaign are seated together. Groups of three or four are joined by other players to fill the table.
Can my group of 5–6 book privately?
Yes — your own campaign, GM, and game room. Email sales@thegametheatre.com for a consultation.
What if my GM has an emergency?
We keep reserve GMs on-site at every event. Your campaign continues.
Is it gaming every waking hour?
No. Meals are built-in breaks, and your table sets its own pace. Explore the castle, walk the grounds, take photos, or just sit with a coffee. Evening play ends at 10:00 PM so you actually rest. It's a vacation.
Do I bring my own dice and minis?
Bring what you love — dice, minis, notebooks, a travel mug. Your GM supplies maps and table materials.
FOOD, ACCESS & PRACTICALITIES
What about meals?
Room tickets include every meal from Friday breakfast through Sunday lunch. Breakfast is at the hotel, lunch and dinner are catered at the venue, and Sunday closes with a pizza party. Snacks and drinks run all weekend. Adult beverages are served at dinner, 21 and over.
I have dietary restrictions.
Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free are standard at every meal, and we avoid seafood, shellfish, and peanuts. Note your needs in the Booking Form, or email us before buying if they're complex.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. Both venues and the hotel are ADA-compliant, with accessible parking beside the main entrances. Tell us what you need in the Booking Form and we'll arrange it.
What should I wear?
Comfortable and casual. Costumes are welcome and entirely optional.
Can my spouse come along without a ticket?
No. All attendees must be ticketed players — it protects the experience for everyone who bought a seat, and the venues hold us to strict headcounts. If someone is traveling with you, we'd suggest they book their own lodging and enjoy the Philadelphia area. Eastern Pennsylvania is a lovely independent getaway, and you'll have stories at dinner.
Can I come alone?
About a quarter of our players do, and they consistently leave with friends. You'll know your table from Discord before you arrive, and shared meals do the rest. Our community is mature, welcoming, and collaborative.
How old do I have to be?
18 and over, due to insurance and the service of adult beverages.
TICKETS & BOOKING
What happens after I buy?
You'll get a confirmation email with a link to your Booking Form — check spam or promotions. Complete it promptly to pick your campaign, request roommates, and tell us about dietary or accessibility needs. Your seat isn't final until the form is in.
How do payment plans work?
Equal monthly installments billed automatically. No interest, no hidden fees. Manage it any time through your store account.
What if I need to cancel?
Tickets are non-refundable, like a cruise booking. You may transfer your ticket to a friend or family member for the same event date. Transfers to a different date aren't possible. Full details on our Policies page.
When are new events announced?
Nine to twelve months ahead. Join the email list at the bottom of this page to hear first.
Still have a question?
Email sales@thegametheatre.com. We answer personally.