Halloween Fun: Howl-O-Scream 2017

It's mid September. Must mean it's time to start talking about Halloween!

Howl-O-Scream, 2017

Now in it's 17th year, Howl-O-Scream returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to bring the fright counting down towards Halloween night! Opening Friday (That's 9/22 to those of you who run across this post later), Howl-O-Scream brings seven haunted houses, five scarezones, and this year's Fiends show. Added perks include a fast pass and a fright feast which gives you early access to the event, a special viewing of mentalist Joshua Seth, and a buffet style dinner, plus early access to three of the houses, both for an additional cost. All the information about the event will be posted below. 

Motel Hell, 2017

To those asking, yes, I had to get creative while shooting that picture. Anyways, lets talk houses! There are seven this year. Lets go through each.

Houses:

This year's Howl-O-Scream features two new houses. The first of which is Demented Dimensions. The description for the house, according to Busch Gardens: 

"Unwanted worlds come together at Demented Dimensions.

Constructed above a vortex of otherworldly energies, the abandoned Sterling Manor houses every door to unwanted worlds, creating a series of portals in Demented Dimensions. Every room and hallway holds a door to a different universe where rules of your world do not apply and escape is nearly impossible. "

The second new house is called Undead Arena. The description Busch Gardens gives for this house:

"In a post-apocalyptic world, the Undead Arena: Live is home to a gruesome event starring The Unworthy.

In a post-apocalyptic world, survivors of the Great Conflict have been divided into The Worthy and The Unworthy. Now for sport, you are The Unworthy and the stars of a gruesome event at the Undead Arena: Live. Infested with Brain Eaters, this gauntlet is an almost impossible feat without guarantee that your group will stay together."

The other five, in Busch Gardens fashion, are refurbished houses from previous years.

 The Black Spot:

"An infamous pirate has you marked for death and he has you right where he wants you.

When Saw Tooth Silas decides that one should no longer exist, he marks them for death. Victims are then sent to The Black Spot, where they meet their horrifying end. The trick lies within the dimly-lit corners of the mysterious retreat, holding the secret to escape… or demise."

Zombie Containment Unit 15:
"It’s up to you to hold off an undead mob of ravenous zombies.

An undead invasion leads to a containment failure in Z.C.U.15, leaving zombies in search of flesh. Armed with only a Z.E.D. (Zombie Eradication Device), you’re the next target, and it’s up to you to hold off an undead mob in this interactive zombie hunting experience."

Death Water Bayou:

"Escape the depths of the Bayou before you fall victim to the Voodoo Queen’s spell.

In the depths of the Bayou, the Voodoo Queen and her sadistic creatures transform wanderers into evil minions with dark magic. Descend into the swamps if you dare as you try to escape the evils that lurk in the shadows.  Get out before you fall victim to her spell."

Unearthed:
"During maintenance at the park, an excavation crew uncovered a centuries-old house buried deep beneath the ground.

Upon entering the house, a sinister force is Unearthed. The vengeful demon takes her revenge by collecting the eyes of all who enter the house."

Motel Hell:
"Nightmares become reality at this deserted motel once you realize why it’s conveniently vacant.
The paranormal presence of its former owners still lurk on the untouched property, mysteriously preventing the brave souls who have attempted to tear it down. Guests who dare to enter will find themselves face-to-face with their worst nightmares and inescapable fate." 

 Uncle, 2017

Scarezones:

Along with the houses, there are five scarezones this year. Three of which are brand new. They are

Class Deceased: See what happens when savage school kids punish their cruel headmaster in this abandoned schoolhouse-inspired scare zone. Our Facebook fans voted to name this scare zone and now you can experience the terror first hand.

Carnie Camp: The backstage area of an old carnival breathes new life with its lingering dirty inhabitants. Eerie music fills the air as spine-chilling fairground performers prowl for new test subjects to be featured in the next spectacle of this horrid attraction.

Meat Market: Watch a band of sinister and cannibalistic creatures feast on the weak. With chainsaws and sheer disregard, they might just smell your fear and add you to their monstrous menu.

Wasteland: Dare to enter through the perils of the post-apocalyptic Wasteland where scenes of past and present atrocities still linger in an abandoned strip of roadway. Rush through the rusting and rotting piles of debris because those who remain will do the unimaginable to survive and make escape nearly impossible for newcomers.

And Playground: A paranormal Playground lurks in the shadows of Howl-O-Scream 2017. Squeaking swings and rusty merry-go-rounds are now inhabited by hordes of deadly toys and lost children eager to stalk unsuspecting guests.

Shows:

Fiends: A modern take on Dr. Frakenstein as a mad scientist and his sexy nurses descend upon Busch Gardens in an attempt to create the perfect fiend.

Mentalist Joshua Seth: Performing some of psychology's lost arts. This show brings hypnosis, mind play, and illusion to life in the heart of the Dragonfire Grill! 

 Out of Order, 2017

   
Ticket Information:

One Night Ticket: $39.99

Group Tickets (15+ people): $34.99 a piece

Recurring Nightmare (good all 19 nights): $104.99

Ticket Upgrades:

Front of the line, includes front of the line access to six houses of your choice, 20% off all gift shops, $25 photopass, and BOGO on all ring toss and skee-ball: starting at $35.00

Front Line Fear Extreme, includes front of the line access to six houses and six thrill rides of your choice plus special offers throughout the park, 20% off gift shops, $25 photopass, and BOGO on ring toss and skee-ball: starting at $45.00

Fright Feast including an all you can eat buffet, front of the line access to select haunted houses, and a special viewing of the Fiends show: starting at $29.99

Tour Options:

Along with the upgrades, Busch Gardens also offers tour options. These guided tours include:

Super Guided Tour: A three hour guided tour "full of perks." Includes admission, front of the line access to most haunted houses, and a five item sampler lanyard: starting at $79.00 a person

Mega Guided Tour: Five hour guided tour, includes admission, front of the line access to most houses and thrill rides, and a five item sampler lanyard that gives access to a private beverage location: starting at $119.00 a person

Ultimate Guided Tour: A seven hour guided tour that includes admission, fright feast, unlimited front of the line access to all houses and rides, and a five item sampler plus access to a private beverage location: starting at $229.00 a person

 Party Hard, 2017

The Exploring Tampa crew will be here on Saturday, September 23, 2017. We will be doing the Fright Feast and enjoying the event. Come join us, shall you?

 Howl-O-Scream, 2017

What house are you looking forward to most? What Scarezone is your favorite? Leave a comment below. If you'd like more information on Tampa, check out my YouTube Channel and if you'd like to support my efforts, don't hesitate to buy a shirt from our Spreadshirt (we have new designs!). Also, don't be afraid to click subscribe and you'll instantly be notified whenever a new entry is posted. If you'd like to meet other people who love Tampa, consider joining our Facebook Group. Thank you all and I will see you next time!