Also to note is how the rapids restriction board states there's "no eating or drinking in the queue" despite the fact that there are vending machines towards the front! What a pickle we are in.
If you have a standard pass than yes, you do need to pay a fiver to get in, yet the mazes are free. If you have a premium/VIP pass than it's free, but as Fright Nights can be very busy you can pay £1 to ensure entry
I've had two- only the very end is different. Instead of the Sub Core truck being thrown at you it's thrown at the ground- I can't remember what happens during the tilting bit.
In my three rides I've had two characters in the beginning- an older lady and a drunk man.