Explore Howl-O-Scream Tampa celebrating 25 years of Horror at Busch Gardens

This review is based on our visit to the opening weekend of Howl-O-Scream. As platinum members, we were able to attend the event for free that weekend. Our group consisted of three people, one of whom required an electric wheelchair to travel around the park due to a foot injury.

The process for entering each haunted house involved using a return time through the disabled pass, which allowed us to use the quick queue entrance. Most of the haunted houses also had wheelchair-accessible standby lines. Only one house did not, but it had its own separate entrance.

It’s important to note that while all of the houses are accessible via standard wheelchairs, electric scooters are not allowed inside. You would need to transfer to a standard wheelchair to experience the haunted houses.

On Friday, we only used the disabled pass, so we waited the standard wait times. However, on Saturday, we opted for the Fright Feast, which included complimentary quick queue access for the haunted houses for one hour after they opened.

For each listing we will rank out of 7, with 0 being the worst and 7 being insane, why? Why not…

Shows

The Reckoning (PG-13 Warning): (Dragon Fire Grill): Join mortal Lark on her wedding day as she faces her ultimate judgment in the fiery depths of Hell. But is she truly what she seems, or is there something more sinister beneath the surface? This adult-oriented spectacle features fire, aerial acrobats, and daring, revealing costumes that bring the seven deadly sins and the devil himself to life.

Cirque X-Scream: Electrifying & mesmerizing stunt show that will leave you on the edge of your seat, unfortunately we have yet to experience the show this season.

Scare-E-Oke: It’s karaoke with Howl-O-Scream guests—enough said! New this year is the addition of characters from the previous show, Fiends, who now make appearances and perform minor acts throughout the event.

Foods

Fright Feast: Want to sample the special food items offered during Howl-O-Scream? Then this event is for you! Not only do you get all-you-can-eat food and drinks, but you’ll also have the chance to meet iconic characters from the past 25 years, including Doctor Freakenstein and Igor. As an added bonus, you’ll receive one hour of Quick Queue access to the haunted houses once Howl-O-Scream officially begins.

However, we think they should extend the time by at least 30 minutes, as the houses are quite spread out—we were only able to visit three during the allotted time. The cost for this event is $25, and it should include a discount for annual passholders.

Scare Zones

Sawgrass Slaughter (NEW): Based on the legends of the Skunk Ape, the southern swamp’s version of Bigfoot, this scare zone takes you deep into the Everglades, where you must evade the terrifying creature that lurks among the cypress trees and swampy marshes. The area is richly detailed, incorporating set pieces from the former Bayou house in tampa and Bayou area at Howl-O-Scream Orlando.
6 out of 7 loops

Beyond the Veil: Moving again for its third year, this area has evolved beyond just fairies and forest creatures. Now you’ll encounter mischievous creatures like ogres and trolls, ready to leap out at you from unexpected places. Located behind the train station, this zone makes excellent use of varied lighting levels, with black-lit set pieces enhancing the eerie atmosphere.
4 out of 7 loops

Sin City: Bright lights and danger await as zombies have taken over Sin City! Set near a classic roadside motel just off the Strip, you might run into an undead Elvis or stop for gas—though it could cost you an arm or a leg. The citizens here might try to marry you… or eat your brains! Located near Pantopia, this zone has expanded to include even more twisted residents of Vegas.
5 our of 7 loops

Ragnar’s Wrath (NEW): Located along the shortcut walkway between the Sky Ride and Bumper Cars, you’ll encounter cursed Vikings trapped in a defiled Valhalla. While the area is well-designed, during our visit the lighting wasn’t functioning properly, and the fog was so thick that it made it difficult to see much.
3 out of 7 loops

Tree Lot Massacre (NEW): On cold winter nights during the holidays, the once festive Evergreen Acres Christmas Tree Farm hides a dark secret—a massacre occurred, and the restless spirits now haunt the farm. Located along the pathway from Stanlyville to Sesame Street, you’ll encounter lumberjacks and other lost souls wandering the grounds.
5 out of 7 loops

Little Nightmares – Trick or Treat (NEW): One fateful Halloween night years ago, a group of children mysteriously vanished. Every year since, they are doomed to relive their final trick-or-treat. This haunting scene features eerie doorways, ghostly children, and the unsettling locals of this suburban nightmare.
4 out of 7 loops

Atmosphere

Raven’s Mill – The Blood Harvest (improved): Come explore this eerie, abandoned farm, complete with old equipment, scarecrows, and a haunting barn. Not quite a haunted house but more than just a scare zone, this hybrid attraction is located in Gwazi Field. While it’s a bit of a trek to reach, it’s well worth the visit.
6 out of 7 loops

Terror Through Time (NEW): Step into the Architect’s twisted warehouse of horror, where pieces from famous haunted houses and scare zones from the past 25 years come back to life. Located in the old Marrakesh Theater, this chilling attraction features iconic props and characters returning once more to haunt and terrify your mind.
5 out of 7 loops

Haunted Houses

Circus of Fear: D.H. Baggum has returned, luring you into his terrifying midway filled with grotesque creatures and bizarre sideshow attractions. Be careful, though—you might just become part of the show yourself.
6 out of 7 loops

Witch of the Woods: The infamous Witch of the Woods has summoned her coven, unleashing twisted and grotesque powers upon the forest and the nearby town.
4 out of 7 loops

Stranglewood Estate: Come tour this historic home, once the site of lavish parties. But beware of Madame Stranglewood—she may lure you into a secret room and trap your soul in eternal torment.
5 out of 7 loops

Shadows of Wonderland: You may know the historical tale or have seen one of the many movie adaptations, but have you ever truly gone down the rabbit hole into a version of Wonderland where the Queen of Hearts’ reign of terror has been left unchecked? Fueled by abandonment, the Queen now seeks to eliminate both Alice—and you. Encounter familiar characters like the White Rabbit, Tweedledee, and Tweedledum in this twisted world.
7 out of 7 loops

The Forgotten – Uprising: The vampires are back, and they’re fighting for survival. They could be anywhere—beside you, above you—just waiting for the perfect moment to make you their next snack.
5 out of 7 loops

Howl-O-Scream takes place on select nights from September 6 through November 2, 2024. For more information and to purchase tickets, be sure to visit their website.