I received two free tickets to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream in exchange for writing a review on the blog.
As you all know, I’m obsessed with Halloween. I adore all things spooky and scary. I think this love came from my mom who always went all out on Halloween when we were growing up. She still decorates a bunch and dresses up on occasion. Anyway, I was THRILLED when Busch Gardens offered tickets to some of the Tampa Bay Bloggers to attend their annual Halloween scarefest, Howl-O-Scream.
I’ve been to Howl-O-Scream a few times before and it’s always frightfully fantastic. This year’s theme is Unearthed…
Basically, during some construction, the park crew digs too far and unearths a mysterious house full of oogie boogies and other murderous spirits. These are also known as scare-the-pants-off-you amazing make-up “scare-actors” that fill up the park’s seven haunted houses and those roaming certain areas of the park. My favorite are the trees and shrubs that come to life. And of course, the wraiths that welcomed me into the park.
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| Ghost host with the most. |
In addition to the haunted houses, there are more than a few roller coaster open for even for screams. You haven’t lived until you’ve ridden a coaster at night. It’s seriously the best.
And since Busch Gardens is a drinkin’ park you can get your drink on with all sorts of adult libations. I especially enjoy the scantily clad dudes who roam about with Jello shots. What can I say? I’m becoming a dirty old lady. Heh.
My two biggest “You got me!” scares of the night were pretty funny. First, and I won’t give the costume away, a fairly innocuous park roaming baddy got me really good. I am not a screamer but she gave me a good start and I laughed at myself after. Some of these roaming ghouls and ghosts look like regular park guests…with a twist. The second big scare for me came in the Deathwater Bayou house, my favorite house of the night. This house is a Louisiana bayou theme chock full of voodoo priestesses and dueling banjo creepers. Again, not to give the scare away but the one that got me wasn’t exactly standing on solid ground…
While I was familiar with most of the houses and coasters, this was the first time I went on Falcon’s Fury. It was also the first time I’ve ever been REALLY scared on a ride. It’s hard to tell by looking at it but when you get on and the seats keep climbing skyward, you are really, really, really high up. I had to tell myself to calm down a few times. Here’s the description from Busch Gardens:
“Falcon’s Fury is the tallest freestanding drop tower in North America, standing at 335 feet. At the ride’s highest point, like its bird of prey namesake, riders pivot 90 degrees in midair to a face-down dive position. An instant later they’ll plunge 60 mph straight down.”
Yeah, so I may have closed my eyes at one point. This ride is no joke and I can’t wait to go on it again!
Before leaving the park I had to have my annual churro. I love a good theme park churro. So much cinnamon and sugar goodness!
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| Disregard the post rain hair-do. |
It did rain a little bit but there’s a fun show in Patopia that’s perfect for getting out of the rain and getting your eat on. “Fiends” runs throughout the night and features hilarious pop culture jokes and songs. That Igor is a trip! Little known fact, I had my prom in the same building that houses “Fiends.” Seems fitting now that I think about it.
Ultimately, Howl-O-Scream is a must attend if you love haunted houses with a side of thrill rides and tasty treats. I can’t wait for it every year and I’m stoked I got to go and check it out for you all. The front of the line passes are worth it and don’t miss the theme house: Unearthed: Scarlett’s Revenge.
*Again I was given two tickets to Howl-O-Scream in exchange for a review. I was not compensated in any other way. But as always, all opinions are my own.
A 90 degree tilt facing a straight drop down? I wanna ride! (I would totally regret it at the top though lol)
Very cool! I love all of the halloween kitch. bring it on.
Reading this got me excited since we're going on Thursday! Glad you guys had fun.
Little known fact: I had my junior homecoming dance in that exact same building. Seems to me that was the thing back in our era. You and I are def becoming dirty old ladies.