Howl-O-Scream 2017

[Diamond Dave]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I honestly love the theme of the new maze. I can't point to what exactly the "deceased ice warlock in an ice fortress" story reminds me of, but it's a theme I've never heard of for a haunt event before, and I can see it fitting perfectly with DarKastle's scenery.

Narnia, maybe? That's my first thought. Similar but not quite.

 

[Sky]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

The park released this description which makes me feel like a house will not be returning in the Drachen Fire station, but I would rather see this mega house have the proper staffing instead of a house lacking actors.

The fire-breathing giant that once guarded the enchanted dark castle has met his chilling demise. He once stalked the premises, providing the warm lifeblood for the stronghold, but now his bones are mere decoration in a macabre icy grave. Frostbite now consumes all those trapped within. Those who dare to walk through this fortress are exposed to a harrowing array of chilling elements, from a fog-shrouded graveyard to a creepy cavern filled with frigid creatures. The cold is not the only bone-chilling resident of the castle, however. For the ice has teeth … And this frost … Bites.

FrostBite is a walk-through haunted house located in the Curse of DarKastle building, across from Blood Haus in Oktoberfest. The haunted house will be located inside the building, but will not use the ride vehicles or current video/theming elements. The theme of FrostBite is completely different than the theme of Curse of DarKastle. If you're looking for another haunted house nearby, Lumberhack ™ can be found near Das Festhaus and the Black Forest picnic village.

I'm very interested to see how they'll use the screen as in all there's nine screens used in the attraction giving them a lot of opportunity to make some great scenes. Also, I feel like they'll only want to use one side of the track as many of the scenes of you looked behind you would just see black unthemed walls with projectors.

Beyond excited for this attraction with the endless opportunities to make this one of largest and best attractions in HOS history.

I may be reading into this too much, but this says no thematic elements will be reused in the house. What if we're all overthinking the ride track and the maze is actually only in the vehicle bay (which is rather large mind you) or just in the queue? If that has nothing to do with DarKastle, maybe they're literally putting a scrim over the scene elements and building something completely different.

While this all seems great...it also seems kind of odd.

 

[Adam]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

^I would agree with this if it weren't for the fact that, if I remember correctly, they said in the Facebook video announcement that the maze would be unique since it uses the "ride area" and that they were going to be able to use the video screens.

 

[757Scream]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Can confirm that the ride track will be utilized!

 

[CastleOSullivan]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

If Sky is right that the park's statement means no theming elements will be shown, I think that will take away the majority of most people's curiosity in this attraction.

 

[Sky]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

If Sky is right that the park's statement means no theming elements will be shown, I think that will take away the majority of most people's curiosity in this attraction.

Full disclosure - I am by no means trying to rain on anyone's parade, but someone took the time to write that press release, and that sentence. Just seems strange for Phil to hype up the scenic elements and the release to completely negate him.

 

[Nicole]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

It looks as if the park's site has been updated to include the new FrostBite house.

 

[jornor]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

If Sky is right that the park's statement means no theming elements will be shown, I think that will take away the majority of most people's curiosity in this attraction.

Full disclosure - I am by no means trying to rain on anyone's parade, but someone took the time to write that press release, and that sentence. Just seems strange for Phil to hype up the scenic elements and the release to completely negate him.

The statement does not say that there will be no theme or scenic elements shown, the statement says that the current elements of DK will not be used. Meaning there will likely be all new elements created specifically for FrostBite.

 

[Zimmy]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Those are very intriguing ideas, Hessian. I think finding out more of the backstory of DarKastle and/or having a crossover with Alpengeist would be worth visiting the house in and of itself, just to learn more about these canon characters.

As someone who has long since stopped wearing glasses on the ride I tend to look at the surrounding scenery anyway because it's so well-done (keep an eye out for the gargoyle flashing his junk at passengers). So I'm completely satisfied just being able to go through the ride and take a closer look at things I can only glimpse in passing. Very good move, Busch. Very good.

Sadly the can of beans is gone. I was on the last tour to see it. They apparently pulled the can that afternoon.

 

[Nicole]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

NEW CHILLS COMING TO HOWL-O-SCREAM®

Busch Gardens® Williamsburg adds FrostBite to its lineup of spooky haunted houses.

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (July 14, 2017) – A different kind of chill is coming to Howl-O-Scream® this year at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg.

Goose bumps will be in store with the addition of FrostBite to Busch Gardens’ lineup of scary haunted houses.

That’s not the only new feature this year at Howl-O-Scream. The park also will provide an exclusive sneak peek at the event with the first-ever Pass Member Howl-O-Scream Preview Night on Sept. 22. Park guests must have a valid annual Busch Gardens pass to attend this event.

Howl-O-Scream opens Sept. 23 and runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 29. New this year, the park will stay open until midnight on Saturdays in October and will add two Thursdays, Oct. 19 and 26, to its schedule.

FrostBite, located inside the park’s Curse of DarKastle attraction, will take guests on a frigid journey through an enchanted stronghold that has been overtaken by icy creatures.

Frost consumes everyone trapped within. Those who dare to walk through this fortress are exposed to a harrowing array of chilling elements.

Pass members will get a first look at the new haunted house during their Preview Night, which will be held from 4-10 p.m. The entire park also will be open for pass members to enjoy their favorite haunted houses, Terror-tories™, thrilling rides, terrific shows and culinary delights.

FrostBite, which replaces the retired Bitten, gives Busch Gardens seven haunted houses.

NEW FrostBite: The fire-breathing giant that once guarded the enchanted dark castle has met his chilling demise. He once stalked the premises, providing the warm lifeblood for the stronghold, but now his bones are mere decoration in a macabre icy grave. Frostbite now consumes all those trapped within. The cold is not the only bone-chilling resident of the castle, however. For the ice has teeth … And this frost … Bites.

Circo Sinistro: No one knows when or where the tents will rise, but all who see them are drawn to find out what lies inside Circo Sinistro at Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Howl-O-Scream. This haunted house is not of this world and not of this time – but beware, what you see, you soon will be.

Catacombs: Through a ruined cemetery filled with statues lies a tunnel that leads to an underground city. Its history is more terrifying than that of France’s worst revolutions. Deep within these tunnels lie mile after mile of bones—the final resting place for those who are buried here. But all is not as quiet as it appears. As guests venture forth into the dank, dripping corridors of rat infested remains, the voices of the dead begin to speak, and some have taken shape.

Dead Line: Deep underground, construction of the newest line of the Pompeii Metro was moving smoothly until an ancient pipe was accidentally struck. At first, it seemed like steam. Then the mist became thicker, more sinister. Now the strange gas is leaking quickly, and everyone trapped inside is infected. The difficult decision was made to cut off all communication to the outside world. The Dead Line is off the grid.

Cornered: It’s 1977 and a picturesque farming community is in an uproar over the ongoing disappearances of its residents. Each time someone goes missing, an intricate corn husk doll is left behind leading many to suspect local corn-farmer Jasper McCobb. The McCobb farm has fallen into disrepair since the death of Jasper’s mother. Could the missing townspeople be somewhere in the maze of maize? Join the search party and find out.

Lumberhack: Hikers beware: The woods hold a terrifying secret. More than 50 years ago a logging camp was abandoned after a horrific accident where saws ripped into human flesh instead of tree bark.

Tragically, the loggers perished … only to inexplicably awaken from death sometime later filled with inhuman rage. The undead loggers rampaged until every living thing in the camp had felt the bite of their axes. Now the forgotten lumberjacks lie waiting for unsuspecting campers to stumble into their den of the damned.

Unearthed – Scarlett’s Revenge: During maintenance at the park, an excavation crew uncovered a centuries-old house buried deep beneath the ground. Upon opening its door, a sinister force was unearthed—Scarlett—a furious demon who wields a deadly deck of magical cards she uses to summon her evil minions. Journey below to experience the splintered labyrinth of horrors and the revengeful wrath of this demon scorned.

Busch Gardens becomes a seriously scary place at 6 p.m. when the Howl-O-Scream haunts come out. Guests should consider the park’s elevated scare factor when deciding whether Howl-O-Scream is appropriate for young children.

Hours of operation during Howl-O-Scream may vary. The Curse of DarKastle attraction will be closed for the season starting Sept. 4, then reopen as FrostBite on Sept. 22. Please visit www.howloscream.com/va for a schedule and additional information.

 

[Diamond Dave]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

"The Curse of DarKastle attraction will be closed for the season starting Sept. 4, then reopen as FrostBite on Sept. 22."

The important part from that release above that a few people were asking about, just in case you missed it or didn't read the whole thing.

 

[newsie]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Here's something interesting to think about: DK's maintenance bay cannot hold all 11 RVs (sleighs), only about six, so five will have to remain on the track. I imagine that a few scenes will not be used to store the remaining RVs. As per the fire plan of the building, there's numerous cut-thru doors between scenes so the maze will make use of these I assume.

Also, depending on where the entrance and exit will be, the maze path may require walking up an down stairs unless they build ramps. Or if the storage area behind scenes 2 & 4 is used that's an at-grade area to use, but with only one access door to the outside.

Will definitely be interesting to see how the building is utilized.

 

[deacfan31]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I'm liking the 22nd being for pass members. Hopefully it can be used as a night to work out the "kinks".

 

[The Hessian]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I'm just suprised that Scarlett's Revenge will still be on the menu given the New VR atraction coming next year. But now having the Houses confirmed I have two questions, 1. Are they going to add a new territory or keep the same line up and 2. Are we going to see sideshow Square expanded on because while the actors are great the area stil has a minimal impact as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Alf33]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Now that Bitten's demise has been confirmed I hope/expect that the park will change the entrance queue to Lumberhacked so you don't have to walk all the way around like it has been. Going in through FP will be a lot easier and shorter.

So far I"m really liking these changes for HOS this year!

 

[Merboy]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Also, depending on where the entrance and exit will be, the maze path may require walking up an down stairs unless they build ramps. Or if the storage area behind scenes 2 & 4 is used that's an at-grade area to use, but with only one access door to the outside.

I'm curious if houses are required to be handicap-friendly... Certainly I can't imagine navigating a wheelchair through a place like Bitten what with its sand on the floor and such. Or for that matter trying to walk through a dark maze period, regardless of scare actors and various elements...

 

[CastleOSullivan]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Now that Bitten's demise has been confirmed I hope/expect that the park will change the entrance queue to Lumberhacked so you don't have to walk all the way around like it has been.  Going in through FP will be a lot easier and shorter.

So far I"m really liking these changes for HOS this year!

I definitely agree. However, I also like the long walk when there is no line. The maze is terrifyingly short, and I somehow feel like that helps with that dilemma. Though it's not for everybody.

I think the maze is more aggravating than what it's worth most of the time. Although what little they have is great. They should definitely expand it though, especially now that Festhaus Park is not being used for much. Also, surely they could send people to the back of the line if its right up at the house, or let them back in if there is no line. I don't understand what good they see in making a person walk all the way back around if they could easily walk to the back of the line. Maybe they could have a routing wall for people to do this so it doesn't look like they are cutting in line.

 

[phurst]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I'm curious if houses are required to be handicap-friendly... Certainly I can't imagine navigating a wheelchair through a place like Bitten what with its sand on the floor and such. Or for that matter trying to walk through a dark maze period, regardless of scare actors and various elements...

As far as I'm aware, they're all ADA compliant. My wife had knee surgery last October, and we did all the houses at BGW and KD with me pushing her in a wheelchair.

 

[Merboy]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Oh wow, and the sand wasn't a problem? Glad to hear you guys got through all the houses!

 

[phurst]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Not that I recall. The only real issue we had was in CornStalkers at KD. Because it was so narrow, actors had to either get out of the way, or completely break character and help me get the chair around a corner without tearing the place down. Everything else, to my memory, was no problem at all.