Florida's Halloween Horror Nights Versus Howl-O-Scream

Over the years, these two entertainment parks in Florida have evolved in what they offer patrons during this spooky time of year. Since relocating to the Mid-Atlantic region, I have heard of similar seasonal offerings from attractions like Six Flags (there's another Bush Gardens in Virginia, but I haven't been there yet). In summary, Universal Studios has better haunted houses, thanks to its film studio supplies and commercial rights to creepy scenes in movies like "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." But Bush Gardens has better roller coasters, mainly because that's what it does year round anyway.

In its twentieth year, Halloween Horror nights at Universal Studios in Florida has eight new haunted houses, six new "scare zones," and two live shows. What I love about their houses is the dedication to theme. Even back in 1994, there were no "paths" to follow in many of the houses. You just entered a room full of hanging meat carcasses and had to blindly feel your way through until you located a doorway. I expect this year's "Catacombs" to be no different. They chose the story of the Paris plagues in 1534 as the setting for this creepy stroll. Victims of the plague will arise after 500 years and "seek revenge" on anyone who enters (muha-ha-ha), according to their promotional material. If you've ever wanted to meander through a studio stage of a horror film, but feel like the camera is on you, you might want to check this out.

The only thing scarier than their houses is their price, which range from $40 to $64. On Friday and Saturday nights in October, when the park is the most crowded, you can feel as if you aren't getting your money's worth because the wait in each line is forty five to one hour and thirty minutes long. If you can last a full day, buy tickets to the theme park and use their "Stay and Scream" offering. When the park closes at 5 p.m., you get to be there for when the haunted action begins. If your eyes can adjust to the dark, try eating at Mel's 50's style diner. Since they've opened the attraction to include the rides from Islands of Adventure, this has become the number one Halloween attraction in the area. You can literally hear the screams as you approach the ticket booth at the entrance.

Not to be out-done, Bush Gardens Tampa will have eight haunted houses, five "scare zones," and three live shows. The audience here will skew five to ten years younger and the noise levels will be at almost twice the decibels. What sounds interesting about this year's experiences is that they are forcing guests to walk through one of the haunted houses alone! Another house will lure "fans" of a rock band backstage, only to trap them. Members of the band will chase the group out of the house with chainsaws and screams, if they can make it. If you're still alive at the end of the night, Club X for those 21 years of age will be bouncing with dance music until 2 a.m. Prices for the Tampa scare-fest are around $74, and unlike Universal, only Bush products are sold (so no hard alcohol). Overall, I have to say I prefer Universal Orlando more.

Keep in mind that at both freak fests, you'll be able to buy passes that move you to the front of the line, VIP level access to tricks and treats, as well as discount coupons for Florida residents and such. Happy haunting!