For 2019 Jack is very much Back, at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Howl-O-Scream. The Ireland village also received a small makeover to welcome the second most famous Pumpkin King. This year marks the 21st season for the special halloween themed event. We visited Howl-O-Scream (HOS) opening weekend and plan to return as many times as possible, as the fall is the most wonderful time of the year here.
Your full guide to HOS
HowlOScream,
is the beloved spooky Halloween event at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg
Virginia. You can visit September 14th through October 27th on select nights (mostly Friday,
Saturday and Sunday) however there are more opportunities to visit this year which include all the Thursdays in October except Halloween ironically as the event ends on the 27th. There is also one Wednesday on 10/23.
This year there is a total of 6 Haunted Houses 6 Terror-tories , 2 party
zones, 3 shows and 5 bars.
There will also be a
new Escape Room featuring Jack, the pumpkin trickster, as well as a more intense option giving guests 2 escape
room choices. Even though there are no new haunted houses, there is an update to the Vault with the recent
retirement of Cornered, Catacombs and the Show Fiends. We journeyed through the Vault opening weekend and it was a bit different than before, and was a spooky good time.
.
All 6 Terror-tories are
back including the newer Fools Court
(France) and Garden of Souls (Italy) from 2018. The Italy scare area has returned,
which was most recently Cut Throat Cove. Also a roaming Hoarde will be
going through the parks pathways. You will not know where they are, you may hear them coming however.
The coaster
creepers are also back. Which is exactly as it sounds, creepy ghouls may just wind up sitting
next to you on rides after 6pm.
FOR THE KIDS
For kids there is still the Counts Spooktacular From October
5-27th (Saturdays and Sundays) families can come have not-so-spooky fun during the
day 11-5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. (and visit the park of course any of the other times until 6pm if their children wouldn't appreciate the scare levels).Children are allowed to dress up, trick
or treat and enjoy a hay maze as well as other activities and shows including
the Countdown to Halloween event, hosted by the Count of course. Busch Gardens
has Sesame street characters in the Forest of Fun, situated just outside of
England (to the left). There are several rides throughout the park as well as
another play area in Germany (The land of the Dragons) which is for kids,
typically ages 9 and under. The kid’s areas are closed at 5pm to get ready for
the event and at 5:45 the park is then handed over to the ghouls where things
will be much more frightening. So if your little ones won’t enjoy being scared
and terrorized its best to head out, as the ghouls’ job is to scare the pants
off of guest. Which is what guests typically go to an event like this for, and
some kids do enjoy a good scare. If you don’t know which your kid is, you will
find out.
Noah’s first HowlOscream was in 2010 when he was 8. He was
terrified of HowlOscream the first several years we went, but we kept trying in an gentile manner so
he didn’t develop a phobia. He didn’t. The park also was much more intense that first year with "the scare being everywhere". When we returned in 2012 there were new terrytories, which worked out for us as you can avoid some of them. Noah did eventually learn to conquer all
the Houses, for the first few years he just did one a year. But the last 2
years he has been able to do all of them and it’s now a sense of pride.
Scarers do not follow guests into stores or eateries. They also are not around the train or skyride.
One of the coolest more recent addition is the Control Lab in Ireland.
It’s situated in the lobby of Castle O’Sullivan. Guests can scare other guests
via a TV system by the press of a button. Dr. Freakenstien hosts over here and
is pretty intense fella. There are several TV screens with live feeds to a spot
in each of the houses and one on the Fiesta Bridge. Guests can push the button and it sends a mechanical
jump scare off. For example, in Demented Dimensions a huge furry spider comes
to life. There is a small upcharge, (which I figure makes sense otherwise
people could just sit there all day). 5 scares for $3 or 10 for $5. This could
be a good way to get skiddish kids, who are may enjoy HowlOScream to help them
take control of the fears, and perhaps their own.
Haunted Houses
It should be noted there are indoor and outdoor mazes, the
outdoor mazes can close in case of bad weather. Typically a steady rain, but
not necessary a light rain, always for lightening, which can be temporary. There are 6 Returning houses. 4 of them are indoor and 2 outdoor.
Frost Bite
(Dark Castle in Oktoberfest) indoor. Inside what was formerly Dark Castle it is
a chilly walk through a spooky enchanted castle, now run by some kind of yeti
monster. It is cool in here, which is welcome on warmer days which can still
happen anytime in October, and most of September. The chill adds to the chills
it creeps on your spine. This year they relocated those air traps from Cornered so there is an additional level of scare. A few special effects scared me going through also. Big improvement this year over the past few we have visited Frost Bite.
Lumberhacked
(black forest woods behind Fest Haus/black forest picnic area) outdoor. takes
guests to new territory, literally. Situated in the woods behind Busch Gardens’
Oktoberfest village, LumberHack beckons unsuspecting hikers into a forgotten
logging camp inhabited by undead lumberjacks. Lumberhack was the star of
the outdoor haunted houses in our opinion over the years. The fact they set it
up in the woods adds ambiance of being in the “Black Forest”. The whole thing
is instantly believable as far as these things can be. The scares are great,
and the effects of chainsaws and saws add some more scare. This is the only
haunted house out of all I have been into (and that would make 12 over the
years) where I literally ran away from the scare squad. If you can only do one
haunted house, be sure to do this one.
Demented
Dimensions (NEW) Oktoberfest- Indoor back of Dark Castle, the queue is
in Germany where Cornered formerly was, behind the shops and before the
entrance of Oktoberfest. The story goes; you are entering Sterling Manor, a
haunted House on top of a Vortex which opens portals to other dimensions, so
the place is full of creatures and aliens. The rooms are that of a mansion and
even a city street. This house was donated from Busch Gardens Tampa, it has
been slightly changed to make fresh. Since there are these portals and creepy
dimensions you will see a variety of demented things, some that seem normal at
first. It's very well staged.
The Vault Oktoberfest- Indoor behind Fest Haus, where Bitten was formerly. The
Vault is a throwback to past favorites including Scarlet, Jack, Little Dead
Riding Hood from dead time stories, the Wolfman from Hunted, and Pirate from,
Mummy from Pompeii. A terrifying trip down memory lane. Upon entering you will
notice morgue like drawers with the logos of former haunts. The maze has rooms
dedicated to these previous haunts as well as characters.
The Vault has been updated this year with the retirement of
Catacombs, Cornered and Fiends. You will see some of your favorites from the show Fiends in a new more disturbing way.
Dystopia at Pompeii, replacing Deadline.
It’s a
similar theme in that it’s a Post-Apocalyptic world. The ghouls here may not be of the spectral variety but they are equally creepy with their desire to have you join them. Frankly I do find rampant conformity frightening.
Circo Sinistro (Fiesta Italy in the back by Roman Rapids)
No one knows when the Tents will rise they say. Circo was new in 2016 and with
it is a new take on the old Fear Fair (which featured clowns in this location)
but Circo has lots of side show and freak elements, each room its own theme,
character and experience. The Ringmaster is not to be trusted or missed.
6 Terror-tories or scare zones are designated places in the
park that are themed and staffed with ghouls and creatures to jump out and
sneak up on you. They growl, hiss, scream but they don’t bite you. Favorites are returning such as Ripper Row in
England, Side Show in Fiesta Italia, Vampire Point in Germany, Axe Alley and
the 2 newer areas include Fools Court in France,(replacing Demon Street) Garden
of Souls in Italy which was been empty for 2 years.
All 5 bars are themed with entertaining bartenders. All bars serve bottled beers and some on draft, wine, soda and cocktails, which will vary for each location, mostly based on theme.
Restless Spirits- Italy. Skeletons serve up Frozen Hurricanes, Frozen Syringes and Ghostly Potions.
Last Call- Oktoberfest. You are served by vampires
Control Lab- Ireland. Syringe shots of Jell-O and Vodka.
Chaos Cocktails -France. Jester Juice, 2 kinds of sangria
Jacks Night Cap (outside Vampire Point Germany on the way
into Oktoberfest) serving Vampire Martinis
Escape Rooms
The Escape Rooms were added in 2016 and guests state they
are a lot of fun. The park intends for there to be at least a 60% success rate
according to Park VP Peter Dunklee. The Grave Obsession is new this year and also New
is Jacks Twisted Terror, haunted by
the original Busch Gardens Trickster which is a new room (last year was a Jack
themed room). Escape rooms are an up charge and can require reservations on
busy nights (Saturdays especially) Each adventure is 30 minutes and allows 6
guests at a time to escape the room.
Grave Obsession is said to be a more intense room highlighting more psychological elements. Its pretty hush-hush and they said "Each choice will lead guests further and further into a terrible reality with a shocking revelation." The Escape rooms weren't ready opening weekend but should be opening soon.
Party Zones
The Party zones are located in two different areas. France where Demon DJ previously was but is themed as Fools Court. And the big fun skull moved to Italy at the San Marco Theater
Party Zones feature much dancing and music from a DJ, as well as lighting effects.
Other Spooky aspects
The projection mapping in Germany on Wilkomena House features spooky skeletons, spiders, and lightening every 15
minutes. The show begins from dusk to park close.
Face Painting is more popular as you can't wear a mask in the park (you can wear a small amount, what they call festive) but you can get your whole face painted. Noah has enjoyed this 3 of the years as help dealing with the spookies.
Guided tours allow priority access (no lines) to all 6
houses, and 2 shows (special reserved seating) plus dinner at Fest Haus. Also
includes parking. Price is $75-$125 depending on the day per person.
Jack is Back
(Ireland) Family Friendly
NEW/Return - outdoor “side show” in the middle of the village. The original trickster is back with his ghouls and super tall scarecrows for dancing fun. This is a partially interactive show with many of your old favorite dancing tunes.
Monster Stomp (England - Globe) PG 13
The popular show that was missing from the park for a few
years but came back at the request of numerous guests, plus the update in
technology the Globe Theater. The projection equipment, increase in lighting
and new speakers brings on a more dramatic and darker version of Monster Stomp.
There are elements from the original that debuted back in 2002 with the “dance
of the skeletons” and a few of the favorite songs which launched Monster
Stomp’s popularity. Monster Stomp is loud, but it leaves you wanting more. The opening scene is a bit scary for
kids,(jack the ripped claims a victim behind a scrim so you see him holding a
head behind a scrim in silhouette) but you can just have yourself or your kids
close their eyes for those few seconds. Monster Stomp is hands down our
favorite show, we try to see it as much as possible. It’s just as good (but
shorter) than most “Broadway” shows.
Night Beats
(Oktoberfest- Fest Haus) Family Friendly
is a musical revue with Halloween themed costumes, special
effects and music. The show occurs in Fest Haus. It is updated each year and
performed by the undead members of the Casket Club. Performers sing, dance and
play instruments. This show has been
revamped, and guests who have seen it over the years will notice the change in scenery of the stage as well as the departure
of favorite characters Ulrich and Beatrix. A nod to them has been
included in Tombstones with their names on the stage.
FOOD
Don’t forget your fall treats! Busch Gardens food is one of
the reasons to visit for people who don’t ride roller coasters, or like my dad who don’t
ride anything but the train and just go here to eat and smoke. The food is exceptional for Theme Park food. I will post an additional article soon linking here going over all of the fine delicious options.
For HOS comes the return of fall themed desserts which include, whoppie pies, pumpkin cheese cake, and Monster cake plus much more. This year there is a new Cinnamon Spice cream cake. But one of my favorites is the pumpkin pie crepes. This little snack is only $5 and is made with real whipped cream and real pumpkin. It also only takes a minute to make. They top it with some graham cracker crumbs. Very much fall. You can find it in France and Crepes and Coffee.
Ticket Information
You can purchase single day tickets ($87-$120 for 1-3 days)
or a membership. Currently there is also a huge internet sale for tickets, so its only $42 to visit for one day. There are also options for a Funcard, ($92 and will be good for spring and summer of 2020) which is similar to a membership but its lower in price and does not have membership perks. (no free parking or discounts or other membership only perks) It just gets you into the park again, but is a great deal if you go more than once.
There are several levels for Membership and another article dedicated to explaining this, link is below. Or visit
Busch Garden’s Website.
Link to read more about Memberships
We have always owned season passes (memberships are what those are called now) as its the best value for anyone going more than once. Which of course you will want to do (if you can of course) we now live in Williamsburg so we get to the park about 20 times in a year since we don't pay to get in or park. But even when we lived near Philly we still made the trip here 2-3 times a year (one year it was 5 times because of this gig). But we kept coming back, and eventually moved here because its so nice (the whole city as well as BG). If you plan to visit and want to see the whole historic area, you can also purchases these types of tickets on the BG websited (called Bounce or Flex Tickets) these tickets include BG, Jamestown and Yorktown and free parking for BG (the others already have free parking).
