Howl-O-Scream 2010

[Sky]

"*INSERT SARCASM VOICE*
"CLEARLY THE SAME!"

ahem, sorry, just like being right." -MMMU

Give me a second to find a picture of last years entrance. It was pristine looking the week BEFORE HOS opened. Believe me, when I went through the maze during HOS the velvet was ripped into shards. Im not trying to kill your idea, which is a good one I might add, but I'm just saying that the entrance is identical to last years except for the slightly more purple hue to the velvet. Sorry, when someone degrades me believe me I'm gonna speak up.

-Sky

 

[mc14]

How do I talk my dad into taking me to HOS? He's trying to take me to Kings Dominion Halloween Haunt because its closer, but from what I've heard HOS is better, so I want to go to HOS.

Im not really biased towards either park. I love them both in their own ways. In fact Im a member of two BGE fansites and one KD fansite...


I promise the haunt isnt only scarier but, better than Howl-o-scream... If I had to choose between the two, go with the haunt...


The haunt's scarezones are far better executed... Last year for BGE was so horrible... BGE has better scenery inside the houses, but there is almost no gore, no blood, they let lines inside the houses stack horribly... Kings dominion lets a group in every minute or so and it staggers the lines pretty well. went into almost every house without running into people from the front group. Also they fog most of the park after dark, so not only can you ride the coasters in the dark, alot of them are foggy. Grizzly and Dominator are amazing in the fog, so is hurler... I cant even imagine intimidator in the fog...

Anyways, kings dominions scarezones are filled with actors and props. Busch gardens in the past has had problems with both.

Kings dominion delivers pure scares, and is not afraid to use more adult themes in their houses and more adult roles with their actors. Although Busch does better themeing inside their houses and have better scenery and props, KD makes the best use with what they got... busch just screws around with what they have. They could be so much better than what they are.


Give the haunt a chance dude. Busch is the better park for the most part, for the majority of the year, but kings dominion OWNS Halloween.

Thanks, and now i am really excieted to go... haha!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Wings]

"*INSERT SARCASM VOICE*
"CLEARLY THE SAME!"

ahem, sorry, just like being right." -MMMU

Give me a second to find a picture of last years entrance. It was pristine looking the week BEFORE HOS opened. Believe me, when I went through the maze during HOS the velvet was ripped into shards. Im not trying to kill your idea, which is a good one I might add, but I'm just saying that the entrance is identical to last years except for the slightly more purple hue to the velvet. Sorry, when someone degrades me believe me I'm gonna speak up.

-Sky

Clearly it is NEW Velvet, which looks slightly different. That doesn't rule out the fact it is different inside, and even if it wasn't, it is still a good maze.

 

[Sky]

Oh, I'm sure the velvet is new, after examining the picture a few times, all I was stressing was that the entrance arbors and accompanying velvet shards are placed and look similar. He came up with an idea about something going amiss in the Bitten house, the evidence being the shredded velvet. I was only trying to correct him by saying that that decoration was styled the same last year, so we can't really go by that indicator. Anyway, I really am looking forward to seeing possibly a redo of Bitten. I thought it was a great maze, I just think it needs a bit more, how should I say it, umph. The sand on the ground preceded by the vibrating trap door was brilliant. Hopefully that will remain. Oh and I wonder how the park with incorporate Harvest Hollow into a maze. Could we possibly be seeing a hay bale maze? I mean you can't do harvest without some hay.

-Sky

 

[Dream Out Loud]

It's more purple velvet than red.

 

[griffon09]

OK, I feel like I should put in my two cents...

KD very rarely gets a lot of business (especially after Paramount sold it)...I remember going 2 years ago and it was desolate with trash everywhere...If it weren't for their halloween event, they would probably go out of business... Don't get me wrong, KD has some awesome rides but the park itself isn't very well managed (I went this summer and Dominator kept opening and closing throughout the entire day)... But like I said before, if they didn't do all of the awesome stuff it does for Halloween, we'd probably be waving good-bye to KD.

On the other hand, I thought last year at BGW was pretty scary. I am a HUGE scaredy cat and I didn't even go into the houses because I probably couldn't handle them (I ran out of Masquerage in '08). I also saw plenty of people screaming their lungs out and running (me being one of them). I do agree, however, that most scarezones were weak, especially the Scottish people and the creepers in New France. But I thought that the werewolves and the Sliders in the Wild Reserve (more the Sliders) were pretty scary and those people around Festhaus were scary as well. BGW doesn't have to out-do itself every year like KD because they know that tons of people will show up and wait in those ridiculous lines, they know that people will be scared, and they know that if they lack with HOS that they can just continue on with their lives as if nothing happened, because they're a world class park which people come from all over the world to go to!

Ok, so I love BGW and I like KD, obviously if you want tons of screams go to KD, but if you love the park continue going to BGW.

But consider this:

BGW now has Christmas Town so they have to budget for that too. Maybe the reason that they're redoing last years mazes is because they couldn't budget 6 totally new ones, especially with CT less than a month after it and they have to buy all of the hot chocolate, hire people, decorate with over a million lights, and still be able to maintain.

My theory is that they probably didn't even take down what was inside Hunted and Bitten so it would be less money wasted on people building it up. And they're re-introducing the mazes again this year so that they can budget more wisely for CT and the new ride coming in next year.

Thanks



basically what im saying is that budgeting for CT and the new ride both at BGW and at WCUSA are probably reasons why they're just vamping up last year's mazes so that they wont have to waste tons of money buying new decorations and everything =)

 

[Dream Out Loud]

Why does everyone keep saying that KD is scarier than Busch?
BGW is a lot scarier than King's Dominion to me.
It's much more professional and I see way more people screaming at Busch than KD.

 

[griffon09]

Why does everyone keep saying that KD is scarier than Busch?
BGW is a lot scarier than King's Dominion to me.
It's much more professional and I see way more people screaming at Busch than KD.

I totally agree!

 

[Parkgoer]

Why does everyone keep saying that KD is scarier than Busch?
BGW is a lot scarier than King's Dominion to me.
It's much more professional and I see way more people screaming at Busch than KD.

King's Dominion does cheap, low-budget, and over gore. A lot of their stuff is gaudy and unappealing. This isn't a Rob Zombie horror movie, it is a theme park with a halloween event. Busch stays within tastes, KD obviously does. I could see how some high school kids would prefer KD and think that BGW is a light weight. Just because a park remains within its tastes does not mean that it is not scarey. I have yet to be let down by HoS and this year I know I will not be let down either.

As said, Busch is a "World Class" park; they can do their thing without having to go over the top and make it unappealing.

 

[Dream Out Loud]

Yes, exactly!
But I'm in high school and I still think that Busch is better and scarier.

 

[griffon09]

I also did a little research...

On BGWs site, there is a press release (here it is with my commentary in all caps italicized)

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Sept. 9, 2010) – Expect the unexpected during Howl-O-Scream, Busch Gardens’ annual frightening fall fest. Beginning Sept. 24 and continuing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 31, Busch Gardens is ramping up the bone-chilling excitement with a whole new batch of scares and terrifying features.

The scare is everywhere after 6 p.m. when Busch Gardens undergoes its transition into the eerie realm of the macabre, featuring new thrills along with some old favorites (AS SEEN ON THE SITE). Gone are the scare zones (?!?!) that once protected guests as they moved through the park. They can expect the unexpected—along village pathways (SERIOUSLY!!!!), scattered throughout the countryside and in places guests will never expect (IM TAKING THIS MEANS RIGHT OUT OF THE BATHROOMS AND AROUND TRAPPER'S SMOKE HOUSE =)).

“We’re looking forward to our guests experiencing the new thrills and chills we have planned this season at Howl-O-Scream,” said John Reilly, park president. “This year is gearing up to be one of the scariest ever.”

Guests entering the park will notice that each country has been completely transformed. They will bear witness to Victorian-era England at its darkest hour, they will pass through hundreds of tombstones in Scotland and stroll through a rat-plagued village in France. The frights don’t stop there; guests can experience six thrilling haunted houses, six spooky shows and other frightening features that will make their skin tingle.

The park’s youngest guests can enjoy the lighter side of Howl-O-Scream at Sesame Street Forest of Fun, the park’s newest KIDsiderate attraction. Happy Halloween music and special light-up displays fill the area as kids explore the playgrounds, enjoy family-friendly rides and meet their favorite Sesame Street characters.

Daring guests can get an exclusive inside look at Howl-O-Scream with three all-new terrorizing behind-the-scenes Howl-O-Scream tours: All-Access Insider, Eerie Insider and Monster Stomp Revamped Insider (AWESOME!!!!). All tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Halloween event with exclusive reserved seating and/or front-of-the-line access to the haunted houses.

Howl-O-Scream attractions are included with park admission or an annual pass. Not all Howl-O-Scream activities are suitable for children and parental discretion is advised. Ratings for each activity are posted at the attractions and on the show schedule. For more information, guests may call (800) 343-7946 or visit www.howloscream.com.

Busch Gardens is kicking off the fall season with exclusive packages and offers for their guests. For the price of a single-day admission ticket, guests can return again and again with this year’s Fall Fun Card. The Fall Fun Card is valid for unlimited admission Sept. 11 – Oct. 31, and is available starting Sept. 7. The Fall Fun Card is only available for Virginia residents.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment



Just thought id share with you

 

[Alpenscoot]

The frights don’t stop there; guests can experience six thrilling haunted houses, six spooky shows and other frightening features that will make their skin tingle.

6 shows, are there more to be announced? I only saw five on the site.

 

[griffon09]

The frights don’t stop there; guests can experience six thrilling haunted houses, six spooky shows and other frightening features that will make their skin tingle.

6 shows, are there more to be announced? I only saw five on the site.

Yeah me too...surprise show or maybe the entire park being a scare zone is considered a show????

 

[Dream Out Loud]

Or perhaps a halloween parade?

 

[H A R M O N I U M_2]

Im so totally excited!!, im excited to audition also. I dont care where they put me, far as im concerened

---

do you guys think there will be any wizards. in "cursed''. it was all women last year?

---

The wiki descriptions are alot better dont you think?

---

And i do remember seeing men in black cloaks around the pompeii bridge:dodgy:

 

[Dream Out Loud]

Wow. I just looked back at the best guesses and wishlist thread and everything that lovedoc posted is accurate to this years howloscream! Haha. If only we had known...
I really can't wait for the 24.

 

[Youhow2]

Why does everyone keep saying that KD is scarier than Busch?
BGW is a lot scarier than King's Dominion to me.
It's much more professional and I see way more people screaming at Busch than KD.

King's Dominion does cheap, low-budget, and over gore. A lot of their stuff is gaudy and unappealing. This isn't a Rob Zombie horror movie, it is a theme park with a halloween event. Busch stays within tastes, KD obviously does. I could see how some high school kids would prefer KD and think that BGW is a light weight. Just because a park remains within its tastes does not mean that it is not scarey. I have yet to be let down by HoS and this year I know I will not be let down either.

As said, Busch is a "World Class" park; they can do their thing without having to go over the top and make it unappealing.

Um... I see way more people screaming at KD than busch... But that's not an acceptable or measurable argument.

Kings dominion doesnt use over-gore. When the theme requires gore to execute properly, then you see gore... Something Busch doesnt do... There is a threshold between good taste and horrible taste you can do for Halloween unfortunately for Busch, an event made to appeal to older people and made to scare people of all ages they need to push THEIR boundries of acceptable. A little more gore than what they have wouldnt hurt. I mean seriously, what are the vampires and werewolves doing in their houses to victims? flashing their teeth at them to be scary? In order to create a feeling of unsafeness there needs to be... you know... a real victim? Maybe a little "You mess with us here's what happens" gore?

I am curious as to when guys last visited Kings dominion... Kings dominion isnt a gaudy unappealing haunt. It's not a bunch of senseless gore and "boo" scares in a semi themed environment... Each house tells a story, each room progresses the story. I have yet to see this take place at BGE. At BGE there is no story... only a theme and a setting.

Lets compare Bitten and Club Blood, both vampire houses, Bitten at BGE of course and Club Blood at KD. I will go through the story you ahem, EXPERIENCE in the houses.


Bitten: You are in a old Castle/mansion. There are vampires afoot... You must escape them or be feasted upon.

Club Blood: You are on your way to a one of the most popular night clubs in town. You are on a street filled with hookers and drug junkies they ask you for drugs, or cash in exchange for... favors. You finally reach the club, bouncers outside the club let you in. It's a pretty cool club, girls are dancing. They seduce you to the back room. At first it appears you may have just scored, but then some guy who was with you is being feasted upon. You must then escape...


You see how much more elaborate the KD vampire house is? Sure it is pretty adult and very risque'(but this is one of their "5 pumpkin, no one under 17 please" houses.) but You see the difference between the houses? Gaudy and Unappealing? Pfft... you must have been talking about howl o scream. Busch can do better with the houses when it comes to story. The cool theme, cool props and architecture doesnt make up for lack of a real story or event quality. They can also do better with the scarezones too, and you know what, you dont need tons of gore to do it. Kings dominion has a few gore houses, but you know what they are before you go in, and they are clearly advertised as "gore houses".

Seriously... Howl o scream in the past has been severely lack luster... I hope this yhear it is done roght...

Also, just for the record im not a high school student.

 

[coasterfan94]

"Daring guests can get an exclusive inside look at Howl-O-Scream with three all-new terrorizing behind-the-scenes Howl-O-Scream tours: All-Access Insider, Eerie Insider and Monster Stomp Revamped Insider (AWESOME!!!!)."

I can not find anything on this. Anybody else?

 

[Zachary]

YouHow, I obviously have my own opinion on what you said, but in this post, I'm going to let everyone else decide.

Click to see screenshot

More than enough gore anyone? [Hint: Look at the names of the houses.]

 

[Wings]

Why does everyone keep saying that KD is scarier than Busch?
BGW is a lot scarier than King's Dominion to me.
It's much more professional and I see way more people screaming at Busch than KD.

King's Dominion does cheap, low-budget, and over gore. A lot of their stuff is gaudy and unappealing. This isn't a Rob Zombie horror movie, it is a theme park with a halloween event. Busch stays within tastes, KD obviously does. I could see how some high school kids would prefer KD and think that BGW is a light weight. Just because a park remains within its tastes does not mean that it is not scarey. I have yet to be let down by HoS and this year I know I will not be let down either.

As said, Busch is a "World Class" park; they can do their thing without having to go over the top and make it unappealing.

Um... I see way more people screaming at KD than busch... But that's not an acceptable or measurable argument.

Kings dominion doesnt use over-gore. When the theme requires gore to execute properly, then you see gore... Something Busch doesnt do... There is a threshold between good taste and horrible taste you can do for Halloween unfortunately for Busch, an event made to appeal to older people and made to scare people of all ages they need to push THEIR boundries of acceptable. A little more gore than what they have wouldnt hurt. I mean seriously, what are the vampires and werewolves doing in their houses to victims? flashing their teeth at them to be scary? In order to create a feeling of unsafeness there needs to be... you know... a real victim? Maybe a little "You mess with us here's what happens" gore?

I am curious as to when guys last visited Kings dominion... Kings dominion isnt a gaudy unappealing haunt. It's not a bunch of senseless gore and "boo" scares in a semi themed environment... Each house tells a story, each room progresses the story. I have yet to see this take place at BGE. At BGE there is no story... only a theme and a setting.

Lets compare Bitten and Club Blood, both vampire houses, Bitten at BGE of course and Club Blood at KD. I will go through the story you ahem, EXPERIENCE in the houses.


Bitten: You are in a old Castle/mansion. There are vampires afoot... You must escape them or be feasted upon.

Club Blood: You are on your way to a one of the most popular night clubs in town. You are on a street filled with hookers and drug junkies they ask you for drugs, or cash in exchange for... favors. You finally reach the club, bouncers outside the club let you in. It's a pretty cool club, girls are dancing. They seduce you to the back room. At first it appears you may have just scored, but then some guy who was with you is being feasted upon. You must then escape...


You see how much more elaborate the KD vampire house is? Sure it is pretty adult and very risque'(but this is one of their "5 pumpkin, no one under 17 please" houses.) but You see the difference between the houses? Gaudy and Unappealing? Pfft... you must have been talking about howl o scream. Busch can do better with the houses when it comes to story. The cool theme, cool props and architecture doesnt make up for lack of a real story or event quality. They can also do better with the scarezones too, and you know what, you dont need tons of gore to do it. Kings dominion has a few gore houses, but you know what they are before you go in, and they are clearly advertised as "gore houses".

Seriously... Howl o scream in the past has been severely lack luster... I hope this yhear it is done roght...

Also, just for the record im not a high school student.

That draws a line between Busch and KD. While you can say Busch has less of a story and less gore. The scare part of it is pretty good. All I need for a scare and a good time is to have people to jump out at me. I'm not looking for this huge elaborate story and distracting innuendos. For the record, "fake victims" and "fake gore" don't scare me. Its CLEARLY fake. Busch focuses on the real things which scare people. Jumping out of no where and scaring the crap out of people.