Busch Gardens puts together several season oriented attractions a year, two of the most notable being "Howl-O-Scream" and "Christmas Town". This was my second season in a row visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg for this haunted event and it was awesome. There are a few things everyone needs to know before they venture out for this event and it is not suitable for all ages.
Pro-Tips
When visiting Busch Gardens specifically for Howl-O-Scream make sure you buy tickets in advance. Weekends at Busch Gardens become extremely busy and they often meet their capacity for the day around 12 noon. Be sure to arrive promptly if you are planning on visiting the park for the roller coasters and shows before Halloween sets in at 6 pm. If the park reaches capasity as you arrive you will not be let in, regardless if you previously bought a ticket or not. Patrons are allowed in after the park occupancy falls below a certain amount. The lines for the haunted attractions become extremely long on Saturday nights especially, usually around 1-2 hour wait times. Every year Busch Gardens adds a new attraction (or two) and the lines for this attraction are always the longest. I recommend visiting the park for the weekend, going to the haunted attractions Friday evening and the daytime rides Saturday morning. On the weekends during the day, the lines for the roller coasters become very long as well. Bottom line: if you are visiting the park, prepare for lines.
Overall Review
As always the attention to detail and full involvement experience of Howl-O-Scream did not disappoint. Everywhere you turned an actor was there dressed to the theme ready to scare you as you passed by. Each themed haunted house was scary, rehearsed and fun. Every haunted house was worth the wait and the staff was perfectly friendly the entire trip. Busch Gardens added a special feature to their haunted evening this season that was interesting and unique. They added themed escape rooms. If you haven't heard of escape rooms they consist of a group of individuals being locked in a room. Clues in the room must be used to solve your way out in order to "escape" within the specified time limit. The awesome thing about these rooms at the are is that they are filmed live! There is a set of TV screens on the outside of the building where complete strangers can watch you struggle to get out. This new addition took the attraction to a new level this season.
Would I Recommend?
I recommend Busch Gardens theme park to anyone and everyone; however, I would not engage small children, those scared easily, those with health conditions or thse who have trouble walking in any of the haunted Howl-O-Scream events.
