Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream is an annual Halloween-themed event known for its spine-chilling atmosphere, terrifying haunted houses, and exhilarating scare zones. For 2024, the event promises even more fear-inducing experiences, with new attractions, expanded scare zones, and upgraded haunted houses. Set in the enchanting yet eerie surroundings of Busch Gardens Williamsburg (VA) and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (FL), Howl-O-Scream offers an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers and Halloween enthusiasts.
Event Overview
Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed nighttime event that transforms the parks into haunted playgrounds filled with horror and suspense. The event typically runs on select nights from early September through Halloween, featuring a mix of traditional Halloween attractions and innovative new concepts designed to keep guests on their toes.
Both Busch Gardens locations will have unique themes and experiences, so it’s worth visiting each to see how the event differs between parks. This year’s event will offer an extended lineup of haunted houses, more intense scare zones, themed shows, and pulse-pounding rides.
What’s New for 2024
For 2024, Howl-O-Scream is introducing several new elements to keep even returning visitors on edge:
- New Haunted Houses: Both parks will debut new haunted house themes that delve into the darkest corners of the imagination. Expect immersive storytelling, detailed sets, and live actors to deliver bone-chilling scares.
- Expanded Scare Zones: The scare zones are receiving a major expansion, with more zones added throughout the parks, each featuring unique themes and lurking horrors. These areas are designed to keep guests looking over their shoulders as they traverse through the park.
- Interactive Terror Trails: In response to guest feedback, this year includes interactive trails where guests can choose different pathways, leading to a variety of scare encounters and outcomes.
- New Show Themes: Howl-O-Scream’s popular live shows are getting a fresh twist, with new themes and darker narratives. These performances blend macabre humor and supernatural elements to create a hauntingly good time.
- Immersive Dining Experiences: For the first time, select restaurants in the parks will offer themed dining experiences, including ghoulishly inspired menus and entertainment that might just make you lose your appetite.
Returning Favorites
While new scares are always exciting, Howl-O-Scream 2024 will also bring back some fan-favorite haunted houses, scare zones, and live performances:
- "Death Water Bayou": A haunted house featuring a sinister swamp where the Voodoo Queen reigns supreme. Navigate through twisted bayous and try to escape her dark curse.
- "The Forgotten": A labyrinth of abandoned catacombs inhabited by creatures of the night. Be prepared for unexpected frights around every corner.
- "The Witch of the Woods": An outdoor terror trail that plunges guests into a haunted forest, where the Witch’s curse lingers in every shadow.
Scare Zones
Scare zones are one of the highlights of Howl-O-Scream, offering open-air terror where monsters roam freely. The 2024 lineup includes both new and returning scare zones:
- "CarnEvil": A twisted carnival where clowns and freaks run amok. This returning favorite is known for its menacing jesters and nightmarish circus atmosphere.
- "Deadly Toys": Step into a toy factory where discarded dolls and broken toys come to life with a thirst for revenge.
- "Ripper Row": A London-themed zone set in the shadowy streets of the Victorian era, haunted by the infamous Jack the Ripper.
Pulse-Pounding Rides
For thrill-seekers, several of Busch Gardens’ iconic rides will be open during Howl-O-Scream, offering a unique experience as guests ride through the darkness. Attractions like SheiKra, Iron Gwazi, and Verbolten are re-themed for the event, with added sound, lighting, and fog effects that intensify the thrills. Riding a high-speed coaster at night with creatures lurking around adds a new level of excitement to these already adrenaline-pumping rides.
Live Shows and Entertainment
Live entertainment is a staple of Howl-O-Scream, and the 2024 lineup will feature new shows alongside returning hits:
- "Fiends!": A cult classic, "Fiends!" combines twisted humor with energetic performances in a medical-themed cabaret.
- "The Witching Hour": A dark magic show featuring spellbinding illusions, supernatural elements, and eerie storytelling.
- "Monster Stomp": A high-energy musical performance that mixes dance, percussion, and horror into a unique show that will leave audiences screaming for more.
Themed Dining and Merchandise
Howl-O-Scream is also upping its game when it comes to themed food and drink options. Guests can indulge in devilish delights like vampire blood bag cocktails, eyeball cupcakes, and more. Don’t forget to grab exclusive event merchandise, including limited-edition shirts, mugs, and collectibles that celebrate the horror of the season.
Tips for Attending
- Arrive Early: The event gets busier as the night progresses, so arriving early can help you experience the haunted houses and rides before lines build up.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking through the park for hours, often navigating uneven terrain and scare zones.
- Skip the Rides Early On: Prioritize haunted houses and scare zones first, as ride lines tend to be shorter later in the evening.
- Consider Upgrades: If you want to skip the lines and make the most of your night, consider purchasing a Quick Queue pass, which provides front-of-line access to haunted houses and select rides.
Conclusion
Howl-O-Scream 2024 at Busch Gardens is set to be the most terrifying yet, with a perfect blend of new scares, fan-favorite attractions, and immersive experiences. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking for a unique way to celebrate Halloween, Howl-O-Scream promises an unforgettable night filled with screams, thrills, and chills.