Fear has a way of Spreading at Howl-O-Scream 2013

This year I had no idea what to expect from Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream event.  So much has changed at the park in the last few years; I was at a loss at how the new attractions would stack up against years past.

Like any event, there are highlights that stand out from the rest.  One in particular is the new Blood Banquet at the Vampire Point Hotel located in the Rhinefeld hamlet of the park.

On paper the separate up charge for a dinner-theater sounded interesting enough but would it be worth the extra cost?  The answer is an astounding YES! 

Directly stated from the Busch Gardens Website:

“The all-you-care-to-eat dinner buffet is located at Wilkommenhaus and features hand carved meats, interactive pasta station, lamb stew, chili, a baked potato bar, assorted vegetables, tossed salad, dinner rolls, assorted desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. Beer, wine and mixed alcoholic drinks are available for purchase separately.”

The food was fantastic or as Count Vlad would say, “Vladtastic!”  The hand-carved beef and spiced turkey was to die for, the baked potato bar was delectable, and the chili was perfect on a cool September night.

I have a food allergy so unfortunately, I was unable to sample all the items on the dinner or any of the deserts.  However, the group I was dining with had nothing but positive things to say about all of the dinner options.

Also, the “Vladtini” house Martini was a cranberry delight and came in a light-up glass.

Being able to talk to the actors, especially Count Vlad, made my night.   Lionel Lonnie Ruland plays the count and he brings tons of charm and comedy to the role.

The show consists of Count Vlad, a lovely French chef, two lovely ladies as the bar staff, a surly dry-witted Bellman, a gypsy violinist, and three Vampire Tourists.   The improv style of comedy allows some over-the-top cheesy puns; but I found it endearing. What can I say, I love punny jokes!  Ba dum tsss!

Even better, the show does not distract you from your dinner; it enhances it.   It lasts around 10-15 minutes, so by the time you are done with your first plate and want to get up for seconds, there is no awkward walking around the performers in order to grab your food.

My favorite part of the night was when I asked Vlad about his rings.  We both had on owl and snake rings and he made sure that they were introduced formally.  “Owl meet Owl.. hello owl.”   I kept laughing about it for the rest of the night!

I would recommend purchasing your ticket in advance from Busch Garden’s website before going to the park.  Those who purchase tickets ahead of time have reserved seating and receive first access to the buffet, table selection, and have time to start eating before the show starts.

The reservation was at 4:30 and just before 5pm, Count Vlad and his eerie cast of Characters makes an appearance and begins to roam around.  If you do not reserve your seat; you may have to watch the show from outside the restaurant.  Tickets for the buffet are sold on site only after reserved diners have arrived.

This is a must for anyone going to Howl-O-Scream this year.  Busch Gardens put together a hit that is guaranteed to create many wonderful memories.

Other Favorites of the Night

Terror-tories:  New for 2013.  They incorporate new themeing, scares, and a fun club atmosphere that appeal to the 21 and up crowd.  Make sure to bring your ID to experience all the fun adult beverages at the park!

Ports Of Skull (new)

Italy is swarming with Pirates and the new additions bring the night life to San Marco.  A creepy skeletal Captain greets you at the Birate Baarrgh (new).  I highly recommend the Hurricane; the classic tropical fruit and Rum cocktail.

Bella Casa has transformed into Captain Barghbie’s Booty (new) and features the best store transformation this year.  The inside looks like a pirate ship and houses all the Pirate Booty ye could ever ask for.  The Captain himself is there to serve spiced rum cider and various wines from Italy.

Dead men tell no tales in San Marco this year.  Da Vinci’s Gardens are now the center hub for the Pirates to jump out and make you walk the plank.  Well, sort of.   The park has built several fun photo ops for you and your friends to be placed in many unpleasant scenarios.  Have a photo taken in a Crow’s cage, the stocks, walking the plank, or even in a replica crow’s nest.

Entertainment:  Dig it Up: returns this year to provide comedy to your night.  A museum comes to life bringing musically talented Romans, Egyptians, curators, cavemen, an alien, and one very entertaining cave woman!

House/Maze:  Cut Throat Cove is the newest Scare Maze replaces the clowns from Fear Fair last year.  Loacted in Festa Italia near Roman Rapids; this maze twists and turns around various stages.  Enter if ye dare!

House/Maze:  Deadline (returning) Located under Escape from Pompeii, Zombies are running around the Italian Subway system again this year.  

Demon Street (New)

France is on fire this year with roaming demons sure to jump out and give you a fright.

Demon Drinks and the Demon DJ (new):  Located next to each other, a Demon perched upon a giant skull with flaming eyes pumps techno beats into the crowd.   Demonic Beauties serve you hellish beverages.

House Maze:  Catacombs.  (Returning House)  Located under The Royal Palace Theater.  The maze features a creepy crypt to run through.  

Vampire Point (new)

Rhinefeld has been taken over by Vampires!  Watch out for the creatures of the night waiting to pounce.  The Terror-tory features the must see- must do extra offered this year; Blood Banquet.  Say hi to Count Vlad and all his fiends at the Vampire Point Hotel.

Ripper Row (new)

England (Banbury Cross) has been turned into the year 1888 in the Whitecastle district of London.   Narrow pathways make it hard to avoid the Ripper who wants nothing more than to terrify park guests.  My favorite?  The headless Victorian ladies that seem to float down the cobblestone paths.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is not a Terror-tory, but features the well loved show Night Beats (returning).  Ulrich, your vampire host with the most, is sure to dazzle you with his charm and powerful voice.  Don’t get too entranced. His jealous fiancé Beatrix will  put a stop to your adoration in a heartbeat.

The show, as one can tell, is my favorite show in the park and features a wide variety of catchy night beats.

Open Casket Bar (returning):  Alright all you vampire fans, time to pull out your ID and wallet.  These vampires are out to make sure you have the time of your life.  Just make sure to never turn your back on them; you never know when one may decide to take his “dinner break.”

Der Marketplatz is the Dark Side of the Gardens Store where you can purchase all your must have Howl-O-Scream gear!

Bitten: (returning)  Located at the old Drachen Fire station house, this maze is one of the longest running mazes in the park.  For those history buffs out there… make sure to take in all the props when walking through and see what you recognize.

Ireland

This is not a Terror-Tory this year as well but features three Howl-O-Scream attractions.

Fiends (returning):  The Doctor is back and making sure his Creature comes to life with the help of his assistant Igor, a werewolf, a vampire, a creature from the black lagoon, and a whole bunch of naughty nurses.  The music is catchy and many of the cast is new this year including the doctor.

Inoculation Station:  Everyone can be naughty sometime and you may wish to have these beauties help you to a syringe jello shot to get your heart beating faster.  The one thing I will say is that the actresses this year have been so friendly and never fail to stop and pose for a photo.

House/ Maze:  13 Your Number’s Up (returning) an indoor house that features 13 fears.  When the park is busy, I recommend buying a Quick Que pass to bypass the long line.

There is also an added extra that you would need to purchase in advance called Fiends Feast.  I am unable to review it at this time.

That about sums up my adventures!  Hope everyone has a very safe and enjoyable time at Howl-O-Scream this year!  Make sure to like BGW Memories on Facebook to see more photos of Howl-O-Scream and Busch Gardens Park history!  https://www.facebook.com/bgwmemories?ref=hl

Link to dining experiences at Howl-O-Scream: http://seaworldparks.com/en/howloscream-williamsburg/Book-Online/Extras/Exclusive-Dining

Link to Behind the Scenes Tours at Howl-O-Scream:  http://seaworldparks.com/en/howloscream-williamsburg/Book-Online/Extras/All-Extras

Link to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Page:  http://seaworldparks.com/en/howloscream-williamsburg

Link to Howl-O-Scream Map for 2013:   http://seaworldparks.com/en/howloscream-williamsburg/Frightening-Features/Map