Howl-O-Scream 2017

[NoStylGia]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I am super hype about Thursdays becoming a thing, and later park hours but what kind of repercussions will happen because of these decisions?

I speak as a scare actor myself, and with more hours added and and a whole day, where are they going to find the actors for it? We barely make numbers as it is in mazes/zones (especially when we run breaks and have call outs) and most of us are either in school or have our main job, or even both. Plus, our numbers (in my opinion) have been dropping for auditions with all of he horror stories that get passed around. Also with longer hours means longer breaks which also means bigger holes in the mazes/zones for a longer amount of time.

Like I said, personally I am excited for change but I don't feel confident that we can pull it off. I hope this year is a good turn out at auditions but honestly, we need new faces and for people to keep coming back if we want the event to be a good one for guests.

 

[Zimmy]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Welcome to the forum!

 

[James]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I am super hype about Thursdays becoming a thing, and later park hours but what kind of repercussions will happen because of these decisions?

I speak as a scare actor myself, and with more hours added and and a whole day, where are they going to find the actors for it? We barely make numbers as it is in mazes/zones (especially when we run breaks and have call outs) and most of us are either in school or have our main job, or even both. Plus, our numbers (in my opinion) have been dropping for auditions with all of he horror stories that get passed around. Also with longer hours means longer breaks which also means bigger holes in the mazes/zones for a longer amount of time.

Like I said, personally I am excited for change but I don't feel confident that we can pull it off. I hope this year is a good turn out at auditions but honestly, we need new faces and for people to keep coming back if we want the event to be a good one for guests.

I thought the same exact things. The harsh conditions and treatment from park guests really makes the job miserable. Sure you have some fun experiences but over the 6 weeks it really wears you down. And people going out and telling others how it is really is what I think has hurt the number of people who sign up to work HOS.

IMO if you solve this issue and find a way to convince people to come work there and that these things are being improved, then you will see those numbers go up and along with that the quality of the event will go up.

 

[Merboy]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I am super hype about Thursdays becoming a thing, and later park hours but what kind of repercussions will happen because of these decisions?

I speak as a scare actor myself, and with more hours added and and a whole day, where are they going to find the actors for it? We barely make numbers as it is in mazes/zones (especially when we run breaks and have call outs) and most of us are either in school or have our main job, or even both. Plus, our numbers (in my opinion) have been dropping for auditions with all of he horror stories that get passed around. Also with longer hours means longer breaks which also means bigger holes in the mazes/zones for a longer amount of time.

Like I said, personally I am excited for change but I don't feel confident that we can pull it off. I hope this year is a good turn out at auditions but honestly, we need new faces and for people to keep coming back if we want the event to be a good one for guests.

Welcome to the forums! It's always great to have park staff here, we appreciate and look forward to your participation. And yes, I agree with you 100% on this.

I thought the same exact things. The harsh conditions and treatment from park guests really makes the job miserable. Sure you have some fun experiences but over the 6 weeks it really wears you down. And people going out and telling others how it is really is what I think has hurt the number of people who sign up to work HOS.

IMO if you solve this issue and find a way to convince people to come work there and that these things are being improved, then you will see those numbers go up and along with that the quality of the event will go up.

I agree, the more scare actors the better quality. All the best theming and music and lighting can't make up for lack of staff members.

I'm really curious though about these horror stories. I can certainly imagine guests getting hostile with the actors especially when drunk, but I've never seen anything like that personally. Having said that I've worked in retail a few years and know what the general public is capable of doing. I just hate the idea of scare actors getting harassed or treated badly when all they're trying to do is make your experience as fun as they can... Unless you mean the park management treats them poorly too?

 

[James]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

No I was only talking about how bad the park guests treat the employees. And I'm talking sexual assault, punching, pranking, hitting, spitting in faces, etc. It's rough. There's a reason why you see JCC deputies at almost every maze.

 

[NoStylGia]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I am super hype about Thursdays becoming a thing, and later park hours but what kind of repercussions will happen because of these decisions?

I speak as a scare actor myself, and with more hours added and and a whole day, where are they going to find the actors for it? We barely make numbers as it is in mazes/zones (especially when we run breaks and have call outs) and most of us are either in school or have our main job, or even both. Plus, our numbers (in my opinion) have been dropping for auditions with all of he horror stories that get passed around. Also with longer hours means longer breaks which also means bigger holes in the mazes/zones for a longer amount of time.

Like I said, personally I am excited for change but I don't feel confident that we can pull it off. I hope this year is a good turn out at auditions but honestly, we need new faces and for people to keep coming back if we want the event to be a good one for guests.

Welcome to the forums! It's always great to have park staff here, we appreciate and look forward to your participation. And yes, I agree with you 100% on this.

I thought the same exact things. The harsh conditions and treatment from park guests really makes the job miserable. Sure you have some fun experiences but over the 6 weeks it really wears you down. And people going out and telling others how it is really is what I think has hurt the number of people who sign up to work HOS.

IMO if you solve this issue and find a way to convince people to come work there and that these things are being improved, then you will see those numbers go up and along with that the quality of the event will go up.

I agree, the more scare actors the better quality. All the best theming and music and lighting can't make up for lack of staff members.

I'm really curious though about these horror stories. I can certainly imagine guests getting hostile with the actors especially when drunk, but I've never seen anything like that personally. Having said that I've worked in retail a few years and know what the general public is capable of doing. I just hate the idea of scare actors getting harassed or treated badly when all they're trying to do is make your experience as fun as they can... Unless you mean the park management treats them poorly too?

Thanks for the warm welcome all!!

 

[The Hessian]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Well I just recieved the park calendar in the mail and it looks like the No Escape rooms will be returning for this year. There was a passage on the side referencing the premise for the No Escape rooms though nothing as to themes.

 

[Wooemwoemeht]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Plus, our numbers (in my opinion) have been dropping for auditions with all of he horror stories that get passed around.

Being a scareactor is mentally and physically demanding. I did it for two years (not with HOS) and I came home with bruises, assaulted almost nightly, can't walk days afterwards, and my life was threatened one time so I must of done a good job. Most of the time the punches were from females being scared but sometimes it was from men trying to be tough guys until I followed them out and got the police officer at the exit involved.

Ended having to stop being a scareactor due to the fact that guest can say anything and the park usually will side with the guests and I had a full time job that could of been affected from it. Good luck this year with HoS. I'll be there opening weekend.

 

[Merboy]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

This is why we can't have nice things. Like scare actors.

 

[NoStylGia]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Well in other news(to not make this a thread about our bad time working), I would speculate with new numbers in the park from a new roller coaster we could see a small jump in budget for HOS..? Maybe... a ghoul can dream. I'd love to see a Viking attraction for HOS to go with Invader. It would be amazing if the "big boys" came back for it (very popular big guys that worked years ago. Think back to the Scott's, pig bikers, etc). I liked the idea of Wendigo but without one or two walking around, it seems empty to be there. I'd rather those guys and gals go into other areas and show the guests what they can really do. I'd love to see Bitten, Catacombs and Revenge retire for a while(ever). Those venues could be turned into something WAY better than run down old shows. A new show would be awesome too, maybe say goodbye to Fiends ( I know I know, everyone LOVES the show but with some good writers we could have another hit? ) I hope all of the circus returns, but absolutely with some more decorations in Sideshow. Needs some real love in the atmosphere department.

 

[Zimmy]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I am all in favor or Fiends going away, for good. I am also not in favor of Scott style over spending when Zoo is being hack and slashed.

 

[CastleOSullivan]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

^This, except when Entertainment has much better ideas that never come into play due to overspending.

For instance, what happened to the rumored projection mapping for Howl-O-Scream? Last year had hits and misses with the new projections, but really none of it was what we were supposed to have four years ago.
Hopefully they will be able to agree on providing a more unified look for the event. Last year was a great step in the right direction. I hope it continues that way.

 

[Irishman]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

According to Busch Gardens Williamsburg Facebook page escape rooms will be returning to the 2017 season. Mr. Karver will be returning along with a new escape room that you can vote on! The three voting choices are : mummy's Curse, Dark Magic, and Haunted Hotel. You can vote once per day until May 15th

Mummy's Curse: Trapped in the long-lost tomb of a great king, you must unravel his twisted past or be sealed in the crypt forever.

Dark Magic: It’s said that a magician never reveals his secrets, but this is exactly what you must do to escape his most devious illusions.

Haunted Hotel: Keep your wits about you or once you check in, you will never check out. We hope you enjoy your stay.

https://wyng.com/Contest.psp?c=826282&u=1312245&a=128546743959405&p=18543728314&rest=0&v=After&sub_id=134594789

 

[Ghost of Pretzel Kaiser]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Why is the Mummy one even an option? Did corporate confues the Busch parks again?

 

[luseendesi]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I read that as Mr.Karver not returning and this new room replacing it. Is that not what it says??
"Help us pick the theme for a new escape room which will replace No Escape: Case of Mr. Karver at Howl-O-Scream."

---

Ok wait....Facebook says pick one to join Case of Mr.Karver. I'm confused.

 

[VonDerrick]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Wonder why they didn't want to use a theme already expressed in the park, like a clown theme, or vampire theme?

Does this mean there is no new overall park theme since they are keeping Mr. Karver?

 

[luseendesi]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I messaged Busch Gardens on facebook and they confirmed that is joining Mr.Karver, not replacing like the poll originally said. They've since fixed their error. So yes sounds like the theme of hos will be staying the same this year.

 

[CastleOSullivan]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I don't really care to pay for The Case of Mr. Karver experience again. The set was well-detailed and the actor was good, but the show control system was riddled with bugs. Too many people were unable to solve it because the set malfunctioned. My biggest problem with it was that it lacked any thrill factor beyond perhaps your fist steps into the room.

I understood the concept of an escape room beforehand, as I have tried some very good ones. That said, I still see all of them as cheep, quick and easy gimmicks for a place as big as BGW. For that reason alone, I can't stand the thought that they are charging for this.

I would have hoped for something more like "Alone" or a minimum of "The Experiment" up-charge houses at Tampa's Howl-O-Scream. "The Expirement" seemed like a cheep trick to many guests at BGT, but even that had good scares and included an awesome surprise twist at the the end in the style of the more elaborate "Alone" experience. "No Escape" didn't have any of that. The least Williamsburg could do would be to add a few surprises like that.

 

[CastleOSullivan]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Update:I wouldn't be surprised if they pick two of the choices and have two new rooms. On my Mac it says "Help us pick the theme for a new escape room which will replace No Escape: Case of Mr. Karver at Howl-O-Scream."
On my iPhone it says the same thing except with Jack The Ripper.

 

[Nicole]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I don't really care to pay for The Case of Mr. Karver experience again. The set was well-detailed and the actor was good, but the show control system was riddled with bugs. Too many people were unable to solve it because the set malfunctioned. My biggest problem with it was that it lacked any thrill factor beyond perhaps your fist steps into the room.

I want to provide a counterpoint to this. I agree that the Ripper room had startle scares that the Karver room lacked. That said, the Karver room, in my opinion, was significantly creepier than Ripper. The actor was very interactive and responded to events in the room constantly. More importantly, he was very disturbing.

I found the Karver room much more intense and felt dramatically more anxiety throughout.