Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens

My family and myself have been attending Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens for several years now. We live in Hampton Roads, so we have season passes to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Howl-O-Scream takes place at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay as well as Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

What is Howl-O-Scream?

Howl-O-Scream combines the rides of Busch Gardens with haunted houses and spectacular shows. Spooky decorations are displayed throughout the park for visual enjoyment. Every weekend in October at 6 p.m., Busch Gardens becomes dark and foggy. Beware as you walk through the park because monsters are hiding, and they want to catch you off guard. Sesame Street Forest of Fun offers a safe zone for young children who don't want to be frightened.

Busch Gardens seems to have cranked up the scare level this year. I found myself screaming and becoming startled more than in previous years. My 5-year-old daughter loved scaring the monsters last year by yelling "boo" at them. She has been too scared to step foot in a haunted house so far this year. The appearance and decorations alone were enough to scare her.

Creepy Coasters and Castles

Busch Gardens in Williamsburg has many spooky rides. Mach Tower opened just in time for Howl-O-Scream this year. Mach Tower is the highest ride at Busch Gardens. It slowly takes guests to the top of a 240-foot tower before relentlessly dropping them straight down. I have yet to make it on Mach Tower. Every time I have been to Busch Gardens since the new ride opened, something has prevented me from getting on. It looks like an adrenaline producing ride similar to Disney's Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios. I have had the opportunity to ride the Tower of Terror, and it managed to make me scream numerous times.

My two favorite roller coasters at Busch Gardens are The Griffon and Apollo's Chariot. These two coasters are sure to offer frightful fun. The Griffon produces an amazing rush when riding it in the front row. It feels as though you are soaring through the sky ever so smoothly. Curse of Darkastle is a combination of a ride and 4-D movie. It is spooky without being extreme.

Spooky Shows

Three spooky shows have landed at Howl-O-Scream. My favorite is Monster Stomp Revamped. Watch as vampires, witches and glow in the dark skeletons come to life while singing, dancing, and playing instruments.

Fiends is another show being offered in Oktoberfest inside Das Festhaus. I don't remember seeing this show last year and found it to be too loud and inappropriate for a family environment. The nurses are dressed in skimpy outfits as they walk around selling alcoholic drinks. I'm a little bewildered since children at Busch Gardens are not even allowed to walk around in their swimsuits. After going in spray and play areas, children must cover back up with their clothes. The pizza at Das Festhaus is amazing as it always is. I just didn't appreciate eating in the dark while listening to blaring music.

Except for my complaint with the one show, Howl-O-Scream is a great place to go.

More from Rebecca:

5 Haunted Cities to Visit for Chilling Ghost Tours

Top 3 Scenic Drives in Virginia for Viewing Fall Foliage

Larger Than Life Statues Around the World

Sources:

Personal Experience

Busch Gardens

Howl-O-Scream