The curtain has gone up and Howloscream is here for the 2016 season. The Evil Encore introduces us to two new houses, more roaming hordes than ever before, and an all new Fiends show starring those Naughty Nurses. After going on the preview weekend I have to give Busch gardens another thumbs up for a very successful Howloscream once again. It is hard for myself to gauge if it is a scary event or not, but this time I went with 4 people that really solidified that the Evil Encore is a hit. now on to the reviews.

HAUNTED HOUSES

I rate the houses on a scale of 1 to 5 screams, 5 screams being the scariest possible. this year I am reviewing it based upon the reactions of the entire party versus my individual view.

Zombie Containment Unit 15  (2 screams)

This house is more fun than really scary. I enjoyed how the actors at the beginning were really into character in preparing us with our guns. The scare factor really wasn’t there, but, this is a huge fan favorite because you get to shoot zombies. I gave it a 2 screams for scariness, but, a full 5 out of 5 for outright fun.

Death Water Bayou   (4 screams)

This fan favorite back for it’s third year is still a favorite of mine. From the beginning to the end it is fun and scares. Myself even jumped a few times and I have seen this many times in its past. When I witness two people fall to the ground in fear, I know this is a house that will be around for a year or two more.

Zombie Mortuary  (3 screams)

I have always liked this one and was surprised it was back again, but then again, there is a reason. It works. The darkness, touch of parts of the walls, and sound effects really put the background of what you are walking though. Misdirection is very good and this house is a definite must do.

The Spot  (4 screams)

One of the newer houses this year which has a pirate theme. Being from Tampa it would probably prove to be a very successful theme. The design inside and outside was outstanding. I think I was too enthralled by the design I actually missed some of the scares. This is a definite must do and time it carefully. Lines can and will be long on this house.

Motel Hell (4 screams)

I was lucky enough to do part of this on a media preview and it scared the hell out of me in parts of it. The group I was with did not share the effect I did, but what used to be the basement works so much better as Motel Hell. The design and misdirection works so well. I dare you to go through and not be singing Mr. Sandman later in the evening.

Circus of Superstition: The Last Laugh (5 screams)

The oldest of the returning houses, done with the 3d effect actually turned to be one of the scarier ones of the evening. One of my party members would even rate this as a 10 screams. There is so much detail to bring out the 3d effect and clowns. Did I say clowns?

Unearthed  (3 screams)

The feature house from last year still has the meticulous design and the scare effect as you walk through. there seemed to have been missed opportunities within this house as compared to last year. Of course Scarlett has moved on. I definitely say go through and judge for yourself, as well as to get a memory flashback of Gwazi as you wait in the line.

The scarezones were not much because roaming monsters could be anywhere. There were two areas that were really an experience in walking through. The playground (as I call it) and the Wastelends. The eeriness in those areas had in effect roaming hordes did not need to do for me.

The Fiends show is also a staple of Howloscream and something I want to see every year. this years version build upon the election year and proves to be very entertaining while keeping the comedy and fun we are used to from previous years. First Time?  Sit back and have fun.

This year i got to try the specialty drinks and both of them were awesome. if you are not driving and over 21, I recommend hitting a drink station, getting that souvenir cup, and enjoying a Howloscream creation.

Surprisingly, on the preview weekend it turned out that the lines for the rides were longer than the haunted houses. This may be different as we get closer to Halloween, of course. Do not like lines, there are always Front Line Fear passes you can get which eliminated the lines. Or enjoy the Fright Feast and get front of line access to the houses for an hour afterwards.

There are many spots to get photo memories of your Howloscream experience. Take advantage of the Photokey and get unlimited pictures of you and your friend’s experience to download and share immediately.

Overall, we all enjoyed Howloscream
m and I put it on my list as a must do again. I will do it again, maybe even 2 more times.

Howloscream will be open on select dates and weekends all the way through Oct 30th. The best way to get tickets for Howl-O-Scream is ordering them in advance on the Howl-O-Scream ticket part of the website. Not only is it cheaper, you do not run the risk of it getting sold out on you. Howl-O-Scream is the premiere scare park in the Tampa Bay area and a must-visit if you live anywhere in Florida. For more information, visit howloscream.com, facebook, twitter, and instagram.

David “Thrills”
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 preview event and the property of David “Thrills” and logos are property of Busch Gardens.