Last year Screamageddon was introduced to the Tampa scene as the newest and most interactive scare park and they succeeded. This year the minds at Screamageddon had to build from their success last year and come out with a new product that will have the people wanting to come back year after year. They succeeded once again.

In it’s sophomore year, I asked Benjamin Nagengast “What do you do to top a successful first year to make this even better?”. Nagengast answers “We have had a whole year to tweak the experience.” He further says they read every review and reaction their guests had and took all of that into account for the second year. I myself saw improvements in a couple of areas where I would have had issues last year if I was critical about it. I was very pleased with what the team did up there for this year’s presentation. Most of all, it seems the scareactors really love what they are doing. Adam Sala, the general manager of Screamageddon, said that all of the scareactors were well trained. It really enhances the experience when it is not just a jump out and “boo,”, but something that builds up to that “boo.” They also make sure you are sent through in groups so the scares are not predictive right in front of you.

There were 4 houses, a hayride, and the midway for their 6 attractions. My review will be based upon the 5 skulls system. 5 being extremely scary and 1 not as much so.

THE MONSTER MIDWAY  (2 skulls)

The Monster Midway is the center of everything. The games, food, souvenirs, and occasional scare are here. It is not intended to be the scare area like the houses, but it does have the wandering creature to sneak up to you and give you a jolt. Be sure to check out Zombie Paintball or make some smores at one of the firepits.

THE CURSED HAYRIDE  (3 skulls)

The redesign of this hayride was much needed and much welcome. It tends to make sense now as you go through. The designers have also set it up to allow you, the guest, to absorb each element of the hayride. Personally, it did not do much in scares for me, but it was a lot of fun. Watching others, including the girl who went 4 feet straight in the air and landed on me, it would seem to be very scary and worth the ride.

BLACKPOOL PRISON  (3 skulls)

This is a new house this year and one of the 2 new interactive houses. There is definitely two different stories if you choose to get involved or just walk through. My rating is based upon being interactive. Acting was superb, storyline well-written and fits well into the house. Scares, not much, but if I was rating based upon experience as a whole, would be a true 5 out of  5. Now, prisoners with hands on you may get more out of you. For that reason it is a must do and rate for yourself.

INFECTED  (4 skulls)

A return house from last year that worked on the storyline and added the interactive part. Just because you saw Blackpool and not this one you can pass it by. The interactive elements to the two are very different. This one has a lot of creepiness in the house that makes you wait for the scare. It comes, just not in a predictive pattern. I was impressed with the improvements here and recommend it.

BEDLAM 3D  (4 skulls)

I do not think I rated this highly last year and did not have much expectations going through it again this year. Wow, was I surprised. For pretty much the same maze they learned the choke points where the scares would be most effective and it worked. With the exception of Dead Woods this had the most effect on me in scares. I cannot wait to see how they tweak it even more.

DEAD WOODS (5 skulls)

For me, something about walking through the dark woods scared me as a kid and still has an effect on me as an adult. I always look forward to scares like this and was disappointed in it’s premier year. This year made up for it. The minds that scare listened to us and now that walk through the woods scares, and scares well. I cannot even try to describe without giving away the scares itself, but it is the one you MUST go through.

 Screamageddon debuted last year and surprised us all. In 2016 they sent a message to us “WE ARE HERE TO STAY.” Tampa and the surrounding areas are glad to hear that. Tickets start at $19.95 and the park is open daily all month long. Busy in October?  It is even open on Nov 5-6 for your scaring entertainment. Take advantage of a Fast Pass and do not wait in lines. You can purchase tickets early at their website. Do not get sold out at the gate because they are limited on attendance each evening. For more information be sure to visit screamageddon.com.

The Thrill Freak

David “Thrills” is an avid enthusiast of thrill parks and entertainment activities in the Tampa Area. Be sure to follow me on twitter @TampaAmazeMe for live tweets, instagram @thrillfreak just or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns. Pictures were taken at a park with permission and the property of David “Thrills” and logos are property of Screamageddon.