Howloscream in Tampa has just started it’s 20 years. I remember my first Howloscream in it’s 3rd or 4rth year saying ….. “This is nice, but not like going to Orlando.” At 20 years I still agree it is not like going to Orlando, but in a lot of ways it is a better alternative than going to Orlando. It is smaller, more personalized, roller coasters, and SHORTER LINES; while keeping quality haunted houses. Thanks to Busch Gardens, I was able to go on opening night and experience Howloscream and it did not disappoint. Following is a review of the houses and outstanding scare zone with my overall recommendation to the entire event.

RATINGS WILL BE BASED ON 1 TO 5 SCREAM (5 THE SCARIEST)

HAUNTED HOUSES:

THE RESIDENCE (3 screams)

The Residence is in the favorite location for haunted houses. Upon walking through the Clark residence there is a good visual and storyline that works for the house. It did not seem to take full opportunity of everything that could have happened in this house, but what was there did work.

DEATH WATER BAYOU: WRATH OF THE QUEEN (3 screams)

Death Water is a great concept that might have gone 1 year too long. For attending every year I was just no longer surprised. If you have never seen it before I will say this will probably be the most memorable house for you and a true 5 scream rating. If here every year, yes, enjoyable, but not a priority house.

INSOMNIA: PATIENT’S REVENGE: (5 screams)

The winner of the best house at Howloscream for 2 years in a row now. I had an expectation of this house after going through it last year. The expectation was pleasantly denied to me and was very twisted. This kept me off through the walk through as I kept expecting and getting something else. It was a well-designed followup to last years house and a MUST to see this year.
  

MOTEL HELL: INFESTATION (4 screams) 

This awesome concept designed 3 years ago takes another step in it’s life as the house evolves. The
concept and design are pretty much the same, except the storyline has taken a life of it’s own that is obvious and it works. Even
though we all know what should be where and why, it still has it’s moments and surprises and should be visited.

THE BLACK SPOT: BLOODSHED (2 screams)

This may be personal, but other than concept and design, this house really is not scary to me. I do hear a lot of people disagree with me, so there must be something I miss. I suggest you go and rate this house for yourself and agree or prove me wrong.

SIMON’S SLAUGHTERHOUSE (3 screams)

What worked for this house last year was missing this year. If I did nto have the expectations of the
MATURE HOUSE that was presented last year, this probably would be a 4 scream rating. It is a good house and must visit. The concept is good and I do look forward to seeing how it evolves in it’s 3rd year.

SCARE ZONES

There were numerous scare zones this year, but the one I think was the best would be:

CAMP DOA

 This was a good one last year in the same area and it did not disappoint this year. The screams and scares I remember from everyone last year was still present again. It is also located in a small bottleneck walking through which makes it much more difficult to run side to side from your fears, only head on.

THE SHOW FIENDS

The DR is back with the Fiends Show again and this year was delightfully the best show I have seen

in years. Everything we remember of past shows is present, but presented in a very different manner this year and it made it new for both the new and old audiences. WELL DONE

 

Overall, Howloscream started off with a bang for it’s 20 year celebration. When I make my second visit some of this may be revised, but it would not be by much. Howloscream is one of the premiere scare park offerings in Florida and probably North America. For the value with the roller coasters I would highly recommend it for you this 2019 season.

The Thrill Freak 

David “Thrills” is an avid enthusiast of thrill parks and entertainment activities in the Tampa Bay Area. Busch Gardens did supply admission for myself to make this review possible, but all opinions of the event are mine only. Be sure to follow me on twitter @TheThrillfreak for live tweets, Snapchat @thethrillfreak for that special exciting memory, and  instagram @thrillfreak just or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns. Pictures are the property of David “Thrills”