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Busch Gardens digs up Howl-O-Scream
The Tampa theme park sets out to scare you more than the Orlando attractions.
By SHANNON BREEN
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 12, 2000
Lying in the open casket with her arms crossed against a white wedding gown, she looks so peaceful.
Except for the rats scurrying over her. Big ones. One after another.
The Rat Lady, dressed in a bridal gown, lies in a coffin as assistants continue dumping live rodents over her pale body.
If that reversed Survivor scene doesn't earn a piercing scream or at least a few chills up and down your spine, some of the other ghoulish characters at Busch Gardens' Howl-O-Scream may.
Howl-O-Scream premiered Sept. 30 and runs every Friday and Saturday from 7:30 p.m. to midnight until Oct. 29.
Monkeys, zebras and flamingos are the norm at Busch Gardens, yet throughout October, the African-themed park has undergone a shocking metamorphosis in honor of the spooky holiday.
Creatures of the night, including mummies, witches, and 8-foot pumpkinhead scarecrows, are sharing space with the wildlife. About 70 actors (ghouls by night) haunt the crowd.
Eerie fog, shrill sounds and special lighting create surreal effects similar to Universal Studio's Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando.
Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va., gave birth to Howl-O-Scream a year ago. Word of its success prompted Busch Gardens in Tampa to adopt the profitable concept this year.
"We hope to be as successful with the event as (Universal Studios)," said Busch Gardens spokesman William Darnall. "We want to give residents and tourists on the west coast a neat and safe place where people can have a great time."
Three mazes to trek through include the Dark Cavern, where the Rat Lady sleeps deeply; the Haunted Jungle Trail, prowled by a brilliant scientist gone mad; and the Labyrinth of Lost Souls, where spirits of the recently departed are trapped and bitter.
If a scary evening isn't enough, children can spend the night at the park.
Howl-O-Scream Sleepovers offer young animal lovers in grades three through eight a slumber party with nocturnal creatures on the Serengeti Plain. Kids can make treats for animals and create spooky crafts. The program includes a night in Busch Gardens' camp dormitory, dinner and breakfast. Sleepovers start at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 a.m. the following day.
Land of the Dragons features face painting and friendly characters in a monster-free zone, a less dramatic atmosphere for the kiddies.
Two celebrities are appearing each night.
Butch Patrick, who played Eddie Munster in the television series The Munsters, is available for autographs and questions in the Marrakesh Theater.
The Amazing Kreskin, "the World's Foremost Mentalist," reads minds three times nightly. Kreskin, whose career spans 50 years, has been a frequent guest on both Late Show with David Letterman and the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
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WHAT: A Halloween festival at Busch Gardens. It includes free admission to roller coasters and most park attractions.
WHERE: Busch Gardens, 3000 E Busch Blvd., Tampa
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. to midnight, every Friday and Saturday through Oct. 29.
COST: $25.95, regular park admission; $9.95 for annual pass holders; $12.95 plus tax for Florida Fun Card holders; sleepover for kids is $55 and $50 for annual pass holders; $20 for Serengeti evening ride.
CALL: (888) 800-5447, or for information about sleepovers, call (800) 372-1797, ext. 7.
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