Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream - 20 years XX of Fear
"DEAD ISN'T ALWAYS FOREVER"

Select Nights through November 2, 2019
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Tampa Bay Gay was invited to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to visit this year's 20th Anniversary of Fear. I am pleased to bring a recap of our night. I have to admit, it has been a few years since I have visited Howl-O-Scream. I specifically remember the last time that I went I was really impressed. I will tell you this time is no different. This entire event is an Original Creation. It is cool to step into a haunted house you are familiar with the story but it is even scarier when you do not have a clue what you are really going up against inside the houses. Two sentence summaries are just a small sample of the terror they bring. #HowlOScream

Here are some additional considerations when planning your trip. We did not have the FRONT OF THE LINE PASS and that lead to us not being able to do everything. The optional, FRONT LINE FEAR passes start at $35.00, getting you front of the line at the houses and the rides (additional discounts too). If you are looking for a little more they also have VIP Tours, Fright Feast (dinner package), pre-event Happy Hour (5-7:30p Cheetah Hunt Plaza), and event themed liquor tastings at three different locations.

Since this is the 20th Anniversary, Howl-O-Scream has incorporated some of the BEST OF THE BEST. I am going to break this down into five groups: Houses, Scare Zones, Shows, Rides/Attractions and Merchandise/Stores. Let us get started.

HOUSES
There are six total houses; all houses are original themes, meaning they are not re-creations based off a movie or a television show. I am going to name my two favorite, with one Honorable Mention, the rest just go in line with my preference. The Busch Gardens atmosphere at night really sets the perfect mood for this type of entertainment. It's almost disorienting when it's dark. Please note: one house is not really better than another; it just depends on the theme you are going after. Plan your night as you dare, be hopeful you survive.

 
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1 - NEW - The Residence- This takes the number one spot only because it is NEW and deserves everyone's visit. We all have friends and neighbors that paint a pretty perfect picture on the outside, well no different than the Clark family. Everything in their family is perfect, until you step inside!

2 - Death Water Bayou: Wrath of the Queen- I really enjoy haunted houses with water themes. The darkness of the dampness always ads that extra splash of fear and unknowing. This one is no different. The Queen has set the stage in her swamp. You should probably turn back; the mustiness in the air verifies you are not alone anymore. Voodoo magic works in many ways. Head the warnings her revenge is coming.

3 - Insomnia: Patients Revenge- (Honorable Mention) I really liked this house too. When I stepped in I almost wondered if this was a true hospital. The reason you no one gets any sleep in this place is because of the terrifying studies they are doing on their patients. I think the staff realizes their time is up. I did enjoy this house and would suggest you get to this one if you have to cut any out.

 
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4 -Motel Hell: Infestation- I will warn you first; if you are creeped out by bugs and crawling things on the dark you may want to skip this one. I HATE cockroaches and you may see just a few of those. The extermination company is there trying to clean up but the insects are thriving and the deathly gasses start taking over. It is time to leave, if you can.

5- The Black Spot: Blood Shed-We are no strangers to Pirates here in Tampa Bay but this house bares the mark of death. As I stated before I really enjoy this type of theme. The colors, house design work, and the creators are spot on. Once you are marked with your black spot run for your life, literally.

6- Simon's Slaughterhouse- This house is amazing in the way it looks. This was our longest wait for the night about 35 minutes or so. Have you ever wondered what herding cattle would be like? The line que explains it all. As you walk up in single file and walk your way past the handlers you learn your fate. Enter if you dare, let the slaughter begin.

SCARE ZONES
There are 9 Scare Zones so pretty much the entire park. All of Busch Gardens is transformed. There are very few area where there are not any scares. They really have utilized and maximized their space to bring every walking step something new and terrifying. I am just going to do a small recap of the zones.

 
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NEW -First Fear- Welcome to Howl-O-Scream before you even enter the main gate you walk off the tram and right into the first zone. Over 20 years of frights and scares and they start with a little reminder of some on the Frist Fears. This is the last chance to turn around before heading inside, maybe just a last chance...

NEW- Little Nightmares-This is the Zone that really got me good, it is dark and creepily quiet in this scare zone. I am not going to give out any details but keep your eye and ears open. Creatures and fears from your younger days are lurking in every corner. Someone is at the door, can you get it? Just do not respond with "I'll be right back…"

NEW- Carpe Noctem- You are going to hear hissing and cries for help as you cross though a Vampire ridden scare zone. The stage is set in the "Romanian Cemetery". While you are there also step over to the Graveyard where you can take a picture inside a coffin or if you're brave enough take on the challenge. Step right up, you will see.

Camp D.O.A- S'mores anyone? The narrow walkways really bring the fear closer to you. Tents are set up, just watch out for what may be hiding in plain sight.

Hell on Wheels- This is an Industrial scare zone, demolished cars and creatures that do not take kind to people visiting. Be careful to not get attacked by any zombies or street crawlers.

 
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Day of the Dead/Dia De Los Muertos- Another great spot for photos, just mind the tombs. If you like bright colors and festive Mexican music step right up. There is #HOWLOSCREAM wall of NEON Sculls that is must do photo stop. Not too scary for a Celebration of Death.

Maniac Midway- "Get your tickets from the lady in the booth", they said. The whole midway has been taken over and the Maniacs have broken free. Are these workers or blood hungry crazies? Be sure to visit the GAMES OF sKILL where you can try your hand at some games, I mean LOSE your hand. Blood Thirsty? Stop by the CARNIBar for a disgusting specialty drink. Do not have too much fun; you will never know who has been stalking you this whole tie and waiting for your attempted exit.

Deadly Toys- Some of the dolls here are not pretty or friendly. A smile is not always a welcoming greeting. I saw a few people trying to pass by without anyone noticing them however right around the corner was sweet revenge from this beautiful ceramic death doll with her eyes focused them, chasing them right out of the area.

Meat Market- It is open and read to feed. Slabs of meat and disaster cover this scare zone. Stay in your lane as you walk through the Marketplace on your way to the slaughter house. Get ready for some intense charred meat, perfect opportunity to take some pictures. Step right up the gates are open.

 
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SHOWS
Friends (Stanleyville Theater)- Unfortunately we did not get a chance to see any of the performances. There are about three performances each night however was in line for a ride or a house around the time of each show. I did have some friends say that they watched and LOVED the show. I am told that the show Nurses set this up perfect for Halloween.

RIDES/ATTRACTIONS
Most of the rides are open during Howl-O-Scream but not the water rides, and I will note it is such a cool experience to ride some of these at night. My favorite is the Cheetah Chase; there are certain points where you are completely in the dark, SPOOKY in itself.

Animals and the exhibits areas are closed because they are sleeping.

  
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MERCHANDISE/SHOPS
Food and Drink specials all night long throughout the park, great menu items including things like a Mac n' Cheese station, SPICE Cream (Ice cream including a scorpion), Morgue-A-Rita just to name a few.

SHOP OF HORRORS - Here is where you can get your official merchandise at the Premier Haunted Gift Shop towards the entrance by guest services. Stop in and see all the cool Halloween products and bring something home for you to remember the night.

Busch Gardens and the Howl-O-Scream crew really have the lead in Original Houses and Scares. The feeling that you are no longer in theme park repeats with each house. The distortions of personal space, extreme high and low lighting and the scare actors are top notch. The event runs through November 2, 2019. We would definitely suggest you check out Tampa Bay's largest Halloween Fright, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens. We have some additional pictures and during Halloween week, we will be posing all of our images to INSTAGRAM (@RealTampaBayGay) so be sure to follow us there.

-Dave Borman, Writer (events@tampabaygay.com)

More info and tickets please visit: http://www.howloscream.com