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Howl-O-Scream 2017: A Cold Terror Awaits!
This year, Howl-O-Scream Bites right into your fears with scares to make you shiver!
If you haven’t experienced Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens this year, now is your time. Every weekend until Sunday, October 29th, the park is ready to scare and entertain guests with new additions and returning fan favorites. This year’s schedule also includes an additional bonus! The park will be open on two Thursdays (the 19th and 26th) and on select Saturdays (the 7th, 14th, 21st, and the 28th), guests will have until midnight to experience all the event has to offer!
As for me…
I’ve been actively returning to the park since opening day of Howl-O-Scream; making sure to catch up on all the fun opportunities guests can experience. As always, the park goes above and beyond to bring the ultimate level of fun and creepiness for those willing to be scared.
So what’s new?
Let’s start with Frostbite. Located in the Oktoberfest section of the park, Frostbite is a walk-through haunted house that utilizes the interior of the Curse of Darkastle ride. It was a fantastic choice! Without revealing major spoilers, I’ll just say that the maze is a very chilling experience; literally. The AC is kicked on full blast and sets the tone from the first step inside. Just so you know, “Winter is Coming”. (Wink…wink to any Game of Thrones fan).
I sincerely enjoyed the haunted house, with its clever use of the projection screens, sound effects, atmospheric lighting, ghoulish costumes, and a generous use of jump scares. It was by far, my favorite haunted house this year.
*Also… a cool side note regarding some Busch Gardens History found inside Frostbite:
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You have to look closely inside the maze, but with a trained eye you can spot the old Neptune statue that was once located in the center of a small fountain in the Rhine River, (way back in the Old Country era). This statue was also reused in the retired Haunted House, Bitten. Oh Neptune, how glad I am to see you well.
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In addition to Neptune, the lighted Gargoyles holding cauldrons are also found in the maze. These were originally in the decor of the Enchanted Laboratory, a show that had tremendous success in the old area of Hastings, (currently Ireland). These gargoyles reappeared in the once popular Howl-O-Scream dinner show, Blood Banquet. I couldn’t get a clear picture due to low lighting. Hint: They are near the end of the maze and you have to look up to spot them.
Moving from Oktoberfest to New France, you’ll find the other fresh addition. Axe Alley is a new Terror-Tory that replaced last year’s theme of Windigo Woods. Axe wielding Vikings stalk guests with unexpected battle cries and staged attacks. The themed area fits well with the nearby coaster, Invadr. Be warned! The Windigo still remains chained up… for now!
Last but not least is the new Escape Room, the Case of the Haunted Hotel. In the midst of a cursed hotel, this new attraction features a series of puzzles to trick guests and delay the possibility of escape! Returning is the Case of Mr. Karver; a mad doll maker who wants nothing more than to trick you into staying indefinitely! To those who played the game of Mr. Karver last year, there is good news. All the puzzles and challenges have been changed to create a whole new mystery to solve!
If you wish to enjoy The Case of the Haunted Hotel or, The Case of Mr. Karver, there are some things you need to know:
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Both escape rooms have a separate up charge and are not included with regular admission. Making a reservation online or immediately upon entering the park is strongly suggested. Only six guests are allowed in each reserved time slot. You must be 18 or older with a valid ID. In order to receive a discount on admission, you must have a valid season pass. If you are interested in booking a time slot at either Escape Room, more information is found on the Busch Gardens website here: https://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/howloscream/experiences/no-escape
So what’s back again this year?
As I mentioned briefly above, the indoor haunted house, Bitten, has been removed. However, many of the previous Haunted Houses/ Mazes and Terror-Tories have returned.
Mazes
- Unearthed: Scarlet’s Revenge (Ireland)
- Catacombs (New France)
- Cornered (Oktoberfest)
- Lumberhack (Oktoberfest)
- Circo Sinistro (Festa Italia)
- Deadline (Italy)
Terror-tories
- Ripper Row (England)
- Demon Street (France)
- Vampire Point (now located in Oktoberfest)
- Sideshow Square (Festa Italia)
What about the shows and adult beverages?
Let’s face it; Busch Gardens Williamsburg is constantly ranked high in theme park shows and entertainment category. Rightfully so I may add! Talented singers, actors, musicians, and dancers light up the stage in unforgettable performances all around the park. Just remember that all the major shows contain suggestive adult overtones.
This year there is a new spin on an old classic. Night Beats: Revamped features a new stage and story. Located inside the Festhaus, the show contains a new cast of characters with a quick paced story line that keeps the music going. I find the show quirky, amusing, and full of current pop songs cleverly mixed in with samples of original Night Beats music.
Side note: I was sad to see that the old characters of Ulrich and Beatrix have been retired. However, I do appreciate the little homage by placing their names on tombstones at the top of the stage. Speaking of, the stage is opened to reveal the location of once beloved German band platform. If you grew up in the old days of Busch Gardens, seeing the musicians play back in their old stomping grounds will certainly bring back some memories.
If you are a fan of last year’s shows, you needn’t worry. Monster Stomp (England), Fiends (Ireland), and the Starfright Orchestra (Italy), have all returned!
And last but not least….
Those who are 21 and over will have plenty of opportunities to find adult beverages at numerous places around the park. Most locations feature “Spirit Bars” where a host of costumed character actors serve up some spooktacular concoctions to guests. Since there are so many to choose from, here is a link to the park’s website listings: https://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/howloscream/experiences/dining-and-spirits
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This list does not include the wine tastings located in France, Germany, New France, and Italy. The France and Italy wine tasting locations also have themed cocktails!
Well folks, that’s a wrap!
It is always a pleasure to share my memories with all of you. I really enjoyed Howl-O-Scream this year and I hope you do too. Thanks for reading my blog and may you all have a “Wickedly Wonderful” adventure at Howl-O-Scream 2017! Cheers!
Here is an additional cool place to explore: A friend of mine, who runs IoMGeek.com, does an amazing job with theme park reviews and YouTube videos. He released a park walk-through and I highly recommend watching! Feel free to like, comment, and subscribe to his channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slObupBBF58
To the Team Members and Park Employees:
My gratitude extends to all those who have successfully come together to create a highly anticipated attraction each year. The amount of work transforming the park in such a short period of time always astounds me.
Thank you all so much. You guys and gals are all top notch!
Howl-O-Scream 2014 is “Cursed” with Thrills and Chills!
The entire park seems more alive and scarier than ever before. From the park website “The cursed have taken over… and that strange things start happening when you hear the haunting melody.” Don’t Listen is the warning. If you do listen, they say you will be cursed. How to lift the curse? Survive the night of course!
The atmosphere is much more adult oriented and graphic in nature. Parents really need to understand that most of the little ones will be terrified. I’m in my mid 30s and I was a shivering mess by the end of the night. All the décor around the park was more detailed and darker; Wendigo Woods especially.
New France has been changed into a Research Facility tucked away in the forests of Canada. The Wendigo, or half-beast demonic creature known for Cannibalism was believed to be legend. However, strange things are happening and terror is lurking all around! The terror-tory is amazing and New France has never heard so many screams!
The Wedigo is hungry!
Demon Street in Aquitaine has pumped up the volume with a street party atmosphere, complete with chainsaw welding demons! The bar serves up very potent signature alcoholic beverages that are sure to get the party started!
Let’s get this party started!
Vampire Point returns with more scare actors that hide through the twisting walkways in Rhinefeld Germany. If you find yourself thirsty for something else besides blood, make sure to reserve your tickets for the ever fun Blood Banquet. Count Vladtastic is back and the show has really increased in musical numbers and humor! The show is outdoors so you do not have to purchase a ticket to enjoy the antics of Vlad and crew, but the food is to die for! Tickets may be purchased at Guest Relations or online.
If you are feeling a bit naughty, head over to Ireland where the sexy nurses would love to give you a shot …. Of Vodka and Jello! Just like Vampire Point, Ireland also has a ticketed dinner show. Igor’s Fright Feast is also a buffet and features the character Igor, Swampy, and a team of naughty nurses. The show is a classic pop music montage of fun and laughs. The lighthearted humor is a perfect pairing to your dining experience.
We are Family!
Across the way at the Abby Stone Theater, Dr. Freakenstein is back at Fiends! This year the show focuses on vocal and acting talent of the fabulous performers. Dr. Freakenstein’s creature is not the only thing alive! The show is memorizing with moments of hilarity. The crowd is just as electrified as the creature.
Ports Of Skull is tucked away in San Marco Italy and is haunted by the tortured souls of undead pirates. Only two have a sense of humor, the rest are the hunt for a new crewmember! The pirate Barrrrgh and Crows Nest offer specialized food and drink with colorful characters to serve you your poison. Enter if ye dare!
I saved Ripper Row for last. It is the first and last terror-tory guests experience at the park. The ripper is looking to find his next victim, so don’t get lost or it may end up being you!
Speaking of the Ripper, Monster Stomp is a live high-tech musical performance at the Globe Theater. The show is fantastic! It takes the classic version of Monster Stomp and multiplies the visuals by 100! Imagine Monster Stomp meets Sweeny Todd. It is more of a Broadway style production; the sets, music, dances, and rhythms are extremely well balanced and leave you thirsty for more. Much like Sweeny Todd, the show is not for the lighthearted. There will be blood. Of course, the splatters are perfectly timed to haunting music!
If that isn’t enough, you still have the toe tapping Festhaus show called Night Beats. Ulrich, along with his shadows of the night, entertain you with powerful vocals and dance. The set itself has changed along with some of the musical arrangements, but the show is still as awesome as ever! If you are like me, you will end up singing the musicall night long. Even now, I am still singing: “We‘re running with the shadows of the night. So baby take my hand, it’ll be all right. Surrender all your dreams to me tonight. They’ll come true in the end……”
The six haunted houses: Catacombs, Bitten, Cutthroat Cove, The Root of All Evil, Deadline, and the popular 13: Your Number’s Up have all returned to thrill guests. I was able to go through Catacombs, Cutthroat Cove, 13 and Deadline. All of them seemed more intense this year and I’m not sure who was entertained more, me or the people directly behind who witnessed my constant shrieking.
So there you have it. Howl-O-Scream 2014 has begun scaring and entertaining guests once more! The innocent sweet sounding tune playing around the park may be pleasing, but Don’t Listen. So will you survive or end up being cursed?
Have fun, stay scared, and don’t find yourself alone in the darkness!
Special thanks to my friends at Behind the Thrills for allowing me to assist them with Media Coverage this year. Make sure to follow them on Instagram, Face Book, and Twiiter for the latest news. http://behindthethrills.com/
Info regarding Howl-Scream, hours, Ticket information, tours, and reservations; visit http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/howloscream/
Howl-O-Scream adds Fright to your Night!
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.
Care for a slice of beef?
Dinner is Served
Let the Feast Begin!
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!
Vladtastic!
The friendly bar servers at Vampire Point
A Little Dinner Music
Vampires are Tourists too!
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!
Count Vladtastic Bling!
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.
Me and Vlad
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)
Arrrrrr!
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.
Pirate Baarrgh
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.
Captain Barghbie at the Bar
Captain Barghbie’s Booty
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.
Ports of Skull
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!
Dig It Up Stage
The band plays!
The crowd favorites!
We are the Men in Black!
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!
Abandon all Hope ye who enter here!
House/Maze: Deadline (returning) Located under Escape from Pompeii, Zombies are running around the Italian Subway system again this year.
Demon Street (New)
Demon Street
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.
Let the Music Play
House Maze: Catacombs. (Returning House) Located under The Royal Palace Theater. The maze features a creepy crypt to run through.
Vampire Point (new)
Vampire Point
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.
The Vampire Point Hotel
Ripper Row (new)
Ripper Row
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.
Spoooky!
Oktoberfest
Night Beats
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.
Ulrich demands your attention.
Beatrix is always a star.
Gimme a beat and make it funky!
The Creatures of the Night dance the night away.
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.”
Open Casket Bar
Der Marketplatz is the Dark Side of the Gardens Store where you can purchase all your must have Howl-O-Scream gear!
Dark Side of the Gardens Store
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.
Bitten Returns again for 2013
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.
The Doctor returns
Be my Frankenstein
Really Igor?
A little help from my FIENDS
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.
Don’t be afraid to get a shot.
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.
Can you see me?
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
CHEERS!
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
The eyes have it!
Your story awaits.
BGW Memories 