Howl-O-Scream for your Lives!

You can run, you can scream, but there is “nowhere to hide” at Howl-O-Scream this fall.
We went this past Saturday for our first time and we’re about to tell you all about it! We’ll also let you know whether or not you should go to the event this year while there’s still a couple weeks left. (Hint: You should!)

Howl-O-Scream this year featured 7 horrifying mazes, 5 scare zones, and 2 great shows. The two new mazes this year were Undead Arena: Live and Demented Dimensions. The Demented Dimensions one was very cool in the fact that every room was its whole different dimension. There were also some unique scares in there that we had idea were coming! The other new maze, Undead Arena, also had some really cool features to it. In fact, right at the beginning they split your party into different hallways where you won’t see them again for quite some time! So your best friend that was supposed to go through the maze with you, well… they’re not there anymore. Have fun by yourself!

There were also a handful of the returning favorites such as Unearthed which ended up being our favorite of the night! The set design, crazy animatronics and perfectly placed scares made this maze terrifying from start to end! I may have screamed like a 5-year-old girl once… or probably a few times… but that’s beside the point!

Alongside the array of mazes are the scare zones scattered throughout the park. Plus, three of them are brand new this year! At the new Meat Market zone, you will encounter quite a few crazed butchers that are looking for some fresh meat. I had a couple of them size me up, but fortunately I was a little too skinny for their liking. I was directed to go fatten up then come back later. Another new zone was the Carnie Camp, and let me tell you, these carnies know how to clown around. Talk about jokes for days… But, they definitely knew how to put on a show! The third new zone was Class Deceased which had some of my favorite sets of all the scare zones.

One of our favorite things at the event this year had to be the scattered monsters throughout the park, and even outside the park before you enter. There was truly “nowhere to hide” this year around the park which means Busch Garden’s choose the perfect slogan. You’re not even safe throwing trash away at a trash can… we learned that the hard way unfortunately. Although, a great scare nonetheless! Plus, there are some great photo opportunities with the monsters scattered throughout. Especially the giant ones on stilts and everything. That is, if you’re brave enough to approach them

Oh, and just a heads up as nobody gave us one coming in to the event. The bushes come to life. And by this, I mean that the “harmless” piece of shrubbery along of the edge of the pathway could, and probably will, leap out at you! So, I basically had a heart attack from a piece of shrubbery…. Never thought I would ever say that!

Overall, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa is a fantastic event and well worth the trip if you can make it! Although, if you are coming on a Friday or Saturday night, especially Saturday, you should really consider purchasing Fright Feast. For a price starting at $30 you will get a buffet dinner, a private showing of Joshua Seth: Inside your Mind, and a skip the line pass that lasts for 90 minutes which is by far the best part!