This is the twelfth year of Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens, and we’ve got a lot of fun in store. I talked to Scott Swenson, the Director of Entertainment and one of the “mad scientists” behind the event. His enthusiasm about Howl-O-Scream is infectious, and made me eager to see the event myself again this year as a guest. I asked what his favorite part of Howl-O-Scream is, and he said the many unique and interesting people who work the event are the heart and soul of Howl-O-Scream. They come from all walks of life, ethnic backgrounds, and diverse circumstances. Some of them may only work here this one time of the year, but they keep in touch with each other throughout the year and look forward to coming back every year.
Scott also said that the guest interaction is such a big part of creating an exciting atmosphere that we wanted to make the entire park an even more immersive experience than ever before.
The theme behind Howl-O-Scream this year is drawing on the premise that there has been an epidemic. Nobody knows how it started, but now zombies live here. In past years there have been safe zones, but this year no place will be safe. Be warned! The zombie plague infests the entire park as a roaming horde of monsters, jackals, and street creeps could turn up anywhere.
The scope of Howl-O-Scream has certainly grown since the first year. Each year we have added scare zones and new houses. All venues have been tweaked and upgraded.
Here’s what’s new this year:
Zombie Mortuary where zombies infest a small town funeral home. You must avoid the walking dead or you could find yourself deeper than six feet under.
Ultimate Gamble: Vampire Casino where fanged fiends lure you to test your luck at the high- stake thrills that are sure to get your blood pumping. Will you escape before your luck gets drained?
Nevermore where beating hearts, swinging pendulums, and a raven’s cries haunt the manor of Lenore. Find your way out of this horror story before paranoia authors your final chapter.
Two shows will be featured each evening. The popular Fiends show returns with new elements, and yes, ladies, the male nurses will be back. New this year at the Desert Grill is Midnight Hour, a show that features a singing competition at the Hellfire Club, with a panel of sinister celebrity pop-culture coaches to help make you a star!
The Alone house was a big hit last year and will be even more psychologically unnerving than last year. I walked through this house last year during the day with all the lights on and got creeped out. Even Scott Swenson, one of the creators of this house said he almost couldn’t go through it on his own. Will you be able to make it out ALONE?
Don’t forget to stop in at Club Virus and join the killer party at this exclusive adults only dance club. The non-stop music, drink specials, and exclusive appearances by Howl-O-Scream’s most terrifying personalities will keep your energy pumping.
Will you join us as a new type of terror takes root in the Dark Side of the Gardens?
Visit http://seaworldparks.com/howloscream_com_2011#/schedule/ for the complete schedule of dates and times.
