Spooky yarn part of theme park's new look

An exhibit spawned by author R.L. Stine is the centerpiece of Busch Gardens' changes, which will be unveiled for the public May 31.

TAMPA - Ashley and Mike are playing on a rocky beach when they meet an old bait shop owner, Captain Jack. He tells the kids about a place they dare not go: The haunted lighthouse in the distance.

So begins the latest R.L. Stine tale.

But this one isn't a slender Goosebumps book, the popular series for young readers. Instead, it's a movie, R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse, that will be shown at Busch Gardens beginning May 31.

And because it's at a theme park, special effects promise to be really special.

How special?

When a flock of seagulls flies above Ashley and Mike, a drop of warm water will fall on each member of the audience, mimicking bird droppings.

When a bowl of punch is spilled in the movie, a spray will splash up from each seat.

And when a bug crawls up Mike's leg, a tickler will emerge from the bottom of each seat and brush the movie-watcher's skin.

"It is spooky but family-friendly," said Leigh Wallace, a park spokeswoman.

Gearing up for the summer, Busch Gardens gave the media a tour of new exhibits Wednesday. The philosophy this year: out with the old and passe and in with the attention-getters - or so park officials hope.

Two Busch Gardens mainstays have been revamped.

Remember Das Festhaus, the 24-year-old, German-themed restaurant? Gone. Gone also are the Alps mural, the oom-pah-pah bandstand, the German-Italian combo menu.

The restaurant is now The Kasbah, to fit in better with Busch Garden's overall ancient North African market theme, said Wallace. Inside, walls will be painted with desert scenes and palm trees. Colorful fabrics and tassels will blow from the ceiling. Glass lanterns will hang from the walls.

Entertainment will be similar to Stomp, the popular percussion troupe. Gone are Mic, Dooley and Bud - dolphins named for beer. They are now at sister park SeaWorld Orlando.

Their former home - the dolphin pool - has been re-engineered beyond recognition. The stadium seating has been leveled and the theater is now enclosed, resembling a typical multiplex, albeit one with seats rigged with speakers and sprays.

The main feature: R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse.

Stine crafted the story for the 22-minute, 3-D movie with Busch Entertainment. Actor Christopher Lloyd plays Captain Jack, and Lea Thompson plays a mother ghost.

Busch Gardens isn't releasing renovation costs. Earlier this year, the park raised ticket prices 4 percent to $51.95 plus tax for adults and $42.95 plus tax for children.

The Kasbah restaurant and R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse open to the public May 31.

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