There is one thing you can always count on when a chill hits the air and the sun starts setting earlier – Busch Gardens is preparing for Howl-O-Scream!
The park opens at it’s normal time of 10 a.m. with all of the normal activities and rides in operation. But be warned: at 6 p.m. Busch Gardens becomes a seriously scary place and may not be suitable for little ones. Please use discretion when bringing children into the park at this time. It changes quickly so be sure if you have little ones to plan a head!
Once you make the decision to brave the park for Busch Gardens Halloween fun, do NOT miss these thrills:
Experience Busch Garden Halloween Horror Night like a pro:
1. Unearthed-Scarlett’s Revenge– Don’t miss the all-new house from the producer of The Blair Witch Project, Unearthed™- Scarlett’s Revenge.
During maintenance at the park, an excavation crew uncovered a centuries-old house buried deep beneath the ground. Upon opening its door, a sinister force was unearthed—Scarlett—a furious demon who wields a deadly deck of magical cards she uses to summon her evil minions. Journey below to experience the splintered labyrinth of horrors and the revengeful wrath of this demon scorned.
2. LumberHack– New for 2015 this is a grueling attraction!
Hikers beware: the woods hold a terrifying secret. More than 50 years ago a logging camp was abandoned after a horrific accident where saws ripped into human flesh instead of tree bark. Tragically, the loggers perished … only to inexplicably awaken from death sometime later filled with inhuman rage. Now the forgotten lumberjacks lie waiting for unsuspecting campers to stumble into their den of the damned.
The maze begins with campers begging you not to continue going- ignore them for a great scare!
3. Cornered– New for 2015 this was my favorite attraction!
It’s 1977 and a picturesque farming community is in an uproar over the ongoing disappearances of its residents. Each time someone goes missing, an intricate corn husk doll is left behind leading many to suspect local corn-farmer Jasper McCobb.
The best part of this maze is the end – it is full of mirrors. It’s nice to be scared without worrying about someone jumping out of a corner at you!
4. Monster Stomp– Head into the Globe Theatre to catch my favorite show! This was a new show in 2014 and is back by popular demand. This modern rock and rhythm spectacular features Jack the Ripper like you’ve never seen him before. The beat is back as electrifying percussion, dynamic dance, and sensational singing return to the stage in a pulse pounding revue that is darkly entertaining.
5. The Blood Banquet– Near the Carousel is the outside dining experience of The Blood Banquet. If you can time it correctly there are performances at 4:15, 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 (weather permitting). It’s an all you can eat buffet to die for (get it?). I highly recommend the mustard glazed pork loin, baked potato bar and red velvet cupcakes. If you can eat dinner before the park changes at 6 p.m. even better- the music gets kind of loud after that point.
6. The Troll by the Bridge– Beside the bridge between Pompeii and Italy there is a sleeping troll. People always walk by and laugh as he snores but rarely stop. The ones who do get brave enough to go over and talk to him will discover he awakens! He will grumpily tell you to get away from his bridge and then go back to his snoring.
7. The DJ in the Skull on Demon Street– France looks like it’s on fire during Howl-O-Scream! Red fire comes out of the chimneys and dry ice makes the streets murky. In the center of the village is a large skeleton with horns- and on top of that is a DJ with huge wings playing records. Normally there are people dancing around to his (or her) music and you can catch some pretty good performances by members of the crowd.
8. Scarlett’s Potion– By the entrance to Unearthed-Scarlett’s Revenge you will find some of Scarlett’s followers peddling her potion. It is a sweet drink with vodka (non-alcoholic not available) in a cup that lights up! It’s incredibly novel and a steep $11 but it can be hard to find a decent mixed drink at a theme park.
9. Cut Throat Cove– Of the mazes already in the park before 2015 this one is my favorite. There is just something about pirates. Maybe it’s that they use more make up and less masks. Maybe it’s that I never get tired of hearing the word “Arghhh.” Maybe it’s the hope Johnny Depp will pop out from around the corner. Either way don’t miss Cut Throat Cove!
10. Tempesto– Tempesto is the newest roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. And although it isn’t technically part of Howl-O-Scream it’s still pretty cool. It’s a fantastic coaster and there is nothing else like it in the park. What better time to experience the thrill than at night?
These are just my top attractions to visit while at Busch Howl-O-Scream. There are many other Haunted Houses and Experiences throughout the park. Not to mention just walking around the park is pretty cool (and frightening).
If you really want to kick your experience up a notch, Busch Gardens offers VIP access, reserved seating and backstage tours. This is a cool way to get a look at what goes on behind the scenes. It would be pretty cool to get your makeup done like the performers. Afterwards you can hangout and scare your friends!
What attractions are on your “must do” list when visiting Busch Gardens Halloween horror night?
Don’t pay full price! See all the Busch Gardens Halloween Coupons available before heading to the park.
*A Final Reminder* The park isn’t suitable for young kids. My kids ages 8 and 11 are still too little, in my opinion. At 5 pm an announcement will be made throughout the park warning visitors that Howl-O-Scream will commence in 1 hour. This gives parents (and anyone not in the mood to be chased around with chainsaws) plenty of time to exit the park. You have been warned….
This looks like spooky scary fun for the whole family!