As a Florida resident I have been visiting the haunted attractions at Universal Studios for years, and when Busch Gardens started to offer a haunted attraction, I was excited to have one in my backyard.  As far as Universal to Busch Gardens I was unsure what I would get, knowing that Universal Studios is a movie studio so I expected it to be better.  That first experience changed my view, I am hooked on Busch Gardens version.

Its going on over 7 years since they started Howl-O-Scream and I have enjoyed going back year after year.  This year I heard they were changing things around a little, so I was extra excited to see what they had to offer.  This year the theme was “The Dark Side of the Gardens”, zombies infest the haunted landscape, and they lived up to their theme.

Inside there were tons of haunted attractions including:  Nevermore, Ultimate Gamble Vampire Casino, Nightshade Toys, Death Row Vengeance -Fear the Dead, Destruction – The Dr. is Out of Control, Alone and the signature house Zombie Mortuary.  There are also scare spots across the park and all their roller coasters were operating even in the dark for an extra scary thrill.

From the moment you walk in the entire park was decked out as is if it were a garden.  Wrought iron fences draped in ivy and vines, but beware because as I found out leaning up against one of these walls or gates, there maybe something lurking behind.

Zombies, cheerleader zombies and evil clowns walk the park revving up chain saws from behind you, screaming at your face, scraping metal across the concrete as you walk the paths throughout the park.  Sometimes you don’t even know they are there, because they blend in.

Throughout the night I was able to visit two houses and ride one ride.

Cheetah Hunt

I chose for a ride “Cheetah Hunt” the brand new roller coaster to Busch Gardens.  Using magnet technology you are boosted from 0 to 60 mph in seconds. You ride down a path, making you feel like you are a cheetah running across the Serengeti.  You are propelled up 120 feet at 60 mph, reaching G forces of 4G simulating a cheetah jumping into the trees, then a short 90 degree drop.

I actually rode this amazing coaster during the day but at night… WOW!  I would seriously recommend this coaster.  There are not a lot of upside down loops, only one barrel roll, but its a fun ride you won’t soon forget.

**For this special event, this ride fills up fast, expect long lines with long wait times.  I suggest since this is a brand new coaster, hit this first**

Death Row Vengeance 

Now this was a cool haunted house.  It had some great effects for sure.  You’ll walk through the death chambers including the lethal injection, where you watch a man as he is strapped to the table, needle hanging out and waiting to meet the devil.  Walk through the maze and you will soon come across a strobe filled electric chair, where a damned inmate’s fate is sealed.  You’ll even see the old fashioned gallows where a man is strung up by his neck waiting to drop to his death.

When you come to the death row cell block, you’ll be “greeted” by the charming inmates and inmates float across the hallway above you.

I LOVED this house, wasn’t a horrific house, but it had a scare factor of its own.

Nevermore

The final house I went to was Nevermore.  This was a wicked cool house, because it has the feel of an old haunted victorian house with art statues that fill the atrium and garden; but don’t be surprised if one of or more of these statues come to life and try to grab you.  You’ll experience a haunted house, similar to the “Haunted Mansion” at Disney, just you won’t be in a ride, you’ll be up close and personal with the haunted entities.

I love the feel, the effects were amazing and by far my favorite house I had the pleasure to experience

What to Expect

All the rides are active except for the water rides, the Phoenix, and the kids area.  I would not suggest bringing children under 10 it is violent.  Get your tickets online if you can to help lessen the wait at the door.  Get there early, its packed and parking is tough and Busch Blvd is at a stand still.  Expect to wait in long lines, so bring your smart phone and sit back for the fun ride!

The event goes from September 28th to October 29th.

Passport members get in for $32.99, tickets are normally $77.00 – to purchase tickets visit http://seaworldparks.com/howloscream_com_2011/#/home/

Once again, Busch Gardens didn’t disappoint