Howl-O-Scream 2014
- Thread starter Zachary
- Start date
I guess I'm in the minority here in wanting them to continue with a mix of "party" and "scary", and in thinking there is a way to successfully market with both... though I do agree that perhaps the flow from one type of atmosphere to the other could be better. I just don't want to see either side eliminated completely- I like being able to buy a (ridiculously overpriced) cocktail from one of the bars, but I also love the haunted houses and spooky atmosphere in other sections of the park! And I think realistically if Busch Gardens were forced to choose one or the other, they would probably choose to go pure "party"... which I think would be a real loss. I like that there's something for everyone, even if it's no one's "perfect event".
Now talking about "adult" versus "family-friendly", I'm very in support of picking a side and sticking 100% to it on that count! And I think that the presence of the party side (i.e. alcohol, risque shows and costumes etc) already makes the event lean heavily towards adult in general, so I'd love to see them amp up the scares to match. And of course, add a family-friendly component during the day.
Now talking about "adult" versus "family-friendly", I'm very in support of picking a side and sticking 100% to it on that count! And I think that the presence of the party side (i.e. alcohol, risque shows and costumes etc) already makes the event lean heavily towards adult in general, so I'd love to see them amp up the scares to match. And of course, add a family-friendly component during the day.
Isn't the point of Howl-0-Scream to be adults only; At least thats what it says on their websiteNicole said:
Buried deep in this thread somewhere is an idea of Nicole's about an indoor party/club thingy that would satisfy your wishes also. I wish I had the patience to dig it up for you.TheMostHappy said:
It's really a difficult matter in deciding what philosophy is best for the park. Unfortunately, it's essentially impossible to compare Howl-O-Scream's success of the "mixed theme" to Halloween Haunt's "total scares" theme because of the endless variables (demographics, location, "home park" mumbo-jumbo), and is probably equally impossible to compare to Howl-O-Screams of years past because of recent changes in overall park success.
Unfortunately, it's all a matter of opinion. Not for us, because we have all made our opinions loud and clear. Right now, it's a matter of the opinions BGW's execs have, and right now it seems like they don't even know what they're doing.
I definitely think BGW should do something like Planet Spooky, if they're moving away from the "scares" direction. An alcoholic event isn't great for families either, so I don't know. It's a big can of confusing.
*starts rereading post* *realizes everything said makes no sense* *hits "Post Reply* *explodes*
Unfortunately, it's all a matter of opinion. Not for us, because we have all made our opinions loud and clear. Right now, it's a matter of the opinions BGW's execs have, and right now it seems like they don't even know what they're doing.
I definitely think BGW should do something like Planet Spooky, if they're moving away from the "scares" direction. An alcoholic event isn't great for families either, so I don't know. It's a big can of confusing.
*starts rereading post* *realizes everything said makes no sense* *hits "Post Reply* *explodes*
Austin said:
Actually they have decided to go with a more adult event. The problem lies more with reputation, expectation, and execution. They are known as a family-friendly park, and families expect the event to not be catered solely towards adults. You can tell people all you want how the event is not catering towards children; however, because they have gone to previous events they have that expectation.
Execution can break the expectations these people have; however, the park refuses to focus on their scares and thus they don't provide a lot more intense scares. Once they get their scares together, people will re-set their expectations. They need to pull off at least one really perfect year to change the game.
Joe said:
The park used to do kid events during the day... They had small little mazes setup, shows targeted for kids, giveaways, etc. They would generally kill all that around 4-ish and start HOS at 6? This made it clear to parents how everything worked. It was simple and effective. You are able to appease all parties with this. Outside of the cost for employees, it's not like it's an expensive thing to do...
So a little birdie told me: military outposts set up around along with an old beat up pickup truck that had a headlight busted out... the windshield is all shattered and caved in. Blue floodlights everywhere.
I'm seriously too excited for Friday.
I'm seriously too excited for Friday.
I really am I excited to see what Wendigo Woods really looks like. It sounds very bare with just security towers, but hopefully there is more to it than that.
Mazakman said:
Actually my idea for an indoor HOS dance club has its own thread in the Concepts section.
Also, I just got my nails done in blue and glitter polish for the first weekend of HOS.
I've already said it time and time again, Busch will not change over from haunt to family event. Doing so WILL piss off a LOT of people.
Maybe its just me, but as someone who attended the event quite a bit last year, the park never closed to capacity, but there were definitely days where it felt like it went over capacity. Especially on Saturdays. There were a few days where people were parking in the grass and walking across the street to the park.
Maybe its just me, but as someone who attended the event quite a bit last year, the park never closed to capacity, but there were definitely days where it felt like it went over capacity. Especially on Saturdays. There were a few days where people were parking in the grass and walking across the street to the park.
On the subject of HOS attendance for this year, I'll be able to give info after Friday. How is everyone tonight?
My point is that people are very passionately arguing against the idea of a "family friendly" event, but I have not seen where anyone has advocated one to begin with.
I will say that I think it is incredibly short-sighted not to offer some Halloweeny thing for kids during the day, before HOS starts. But I think most people agree that HOS at night should be an adult event, and many of us would prefer that all of the children be sent home.
I will say that I think it is incredibly short-sighted not to offer some Halloweeny thing for kids during the day, before HOS starts. But I think most people agree that HOS at night should be an adult event, and many of us would prefer that all of the children be sent home.
Mazakman said:
I do remember that, now that you mention it! That would be a cool idea... though I think realistically there is no way to successfully COMPLETELY separate the two elements just due to the fact that the demand for alcohol is high enough to necessitate numerous different bar areas, which would have to be spread throughout the park. It IS a conundrum, how to make the two different vibes coexist successfully...
http://forum.parkfans.net/thread-2418.html
I made a thing before.
I made a thing before.