Howloscream 2017 has arrived and it was an awesome good time with a lot of high points and very few low. First, thanks to Busch Gardens Tampa for inviting us out on opening night to allow us to do this review to bring to all of you. This detailed review would not be possible without the gracious courtesy of the Busch Gardens Team.

What everyone comes here to do is to get scared, right? Me being one of those people that is almost impossible to scare I try to relate my reviews on the people I am with as well as the observation of others that I see.  That being said, most of the houses at Howloscream lived up to it’s name. As always, my rating system is the screams method where a  5 is awesome and a 1 is not so awesome.

Demented Dimensions  (5 screams) UPDATED

This was the first house I went through and also the one I was planning to be the most disappointed in because of replacing my favorite house. WAS I WRONG!!!   This house is awesome. Very different feel, long, and a lot of areas where the scare actors jump out to scare you.  Look carefully at the various designs showing the dimensions. Very cool.

Undead Arena  (2 screams) UPDATED

The other new house turned out to be in the opposite extreme in scares. I will be fair, we went through near closing and maybe there were nto as many scare actors as there could have been near opening. It seemed more forced scares rather than natural. Not as many opportunities as I could see be possible. I may revise this upon going through again. Went earlier in the evening a second visit, updated to 2 screams because of more scare actors in the house, but not a must see.

The Black Spot (3 screams)

Here is another I liked the concept to that has returned. It did not disappoint either. Had the same feel walking through as last year and I am not sure if there was anything different, even though I am certain there was. It still works though and the scares were there.

Motel Hell  (4 screams) UPDATED

My favorite last year and probably still my favorite. There is just something about a haunted 70’s feel hotel. I honestly think it gives me that Norman Bates feel before I even walk in.  I did enjoy it and from the others around me it was enjoyed also. I love how the subtle changes from last year were implemented and worked to keep the scare factor present.

Unearthed  (2 screams) UPDATED

I love this idea being under a roller coaster and everything. Maybe it is the lack of Scarlett, but it seems this house is getting less and less scary as each year goes by. Not sure how it can be improved on, maybe create a new spirit that just came loose? This is the only house you can get your picture taken in, so if anything else, a must do for that reason alone.

Death Water Bayou  (4 screams)

I will be saddened on the day Busch Gardens decides to do away with this theme. I LOVE THIS ONE EVERY YEAR!!!!.  It does get to me every year, even when knowing what may be coming around each corner. Also on my observances of others, it is obvious this is one of the scariest houses.

Zombie Containment Unit 15  (3 screams)

It is really hard for me to judge this house because it seems more fun to me than actual scary. The idea of shooting zombies it awesome, but not scary to me. Looking at others though I see the scare factor is obviously present. If there was some way to tabulate your score it would be AWESOME in my book.

Scare Zones (4 screams) UPDATED

The scare zones served its purpose and the scare actors were great. I heard screaming throughout the night and I was able to pinpoint to these scare zones. The Playground still stands out as my favorite with it’s eeriness. The theme nowhere to hide had me thinking nowhere was safe though. In my evening I encountered nothing in rides or lines, as well as out of the scare zones. I will be going another time to see if that is true or if it just happened to be our paths through opening night. 

Fiends  (EXTREME FUN AND LAUGHS) UPDATED

I always love Fiends and feel it is entertainment that is a must see, even if just to see the “nurses”.  It is a must every year and this year is no different. Fiends took a different direction this year that was a totally new and fresh approach that still kept the GOOD elements from previous years. I LOVE this show and cannot wait to see it a third time. Be sure to get your pictures taken with the NURSES after the show.

NEW!!  FRIGHT FEAST (Recommended)

Went to Fright Feast my second visit and I really like how it was presented. The buffet line no longer was there and more of a cafeteria style to get your food. Never would belive the longest line was just to get your drink.  Also got to see Joshua Seth’s show and he DOES get INSIDE YOUR MIND. Be sure to see him later if not for the Fright Feast.

There is plenty of food and alcohol to be drank and the sampler idea is an awesome idea for those that want to try everything without going into debt. I was not able to try the grasshopper tacos though, but there seemed to be a lot of positive feedback from it.

Overall, Howloscream, as always ….. delivered. I highly recommend it as one of your haunts this year. I will be visiting again and taking advantage of the Fright Feast, which has always been a lot of fun for me in the past, as well as good eats.

Make sure you visit Howloscream this year and let us all know how you think it went for the night.

Be sure to tag your experience on social media using the hashtags #NowhereToHide, #Howloscream, the names of the haunted houses you enter, or even the various rides, so that Busch Gardens and Howloscream knows they are doing you right.