Howl-O-Scream 2017

[CastleOSullivan]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

With everything meant to be viewed form one angle, they are going to have to re-block (re-stage) everything. I don't think this should be a big problem for LumberHack, however, seeing as most important props are easy to move. I think this could work, but I don't care much one way or another unless they extend the maze.

Maybe the could use the previous queue line as the exit and place a few actors along the way outside the house. As long as they can re-block efficiently, this could make the maze new in the eyes of returning guests. Catacombs has pulled this off well for years (re-arranging, not reversing). It seems like Catacombs has been stagnant the last two years, though.

 

[Pat]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I just got my howl-o-scream mailer, and it looks great! I like the idea of the first night being a Pass Member Preview Night  (the 22nd), it seems like a good final dress rehearsal for the staff and a nice pass holder perk at the same time. Will definitely have to check that out!

 

[CastleOSullivan]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I am hearing that FrostBite will have sliders. For those who don't know, sliders are athletic scare actors who wear shin guards and specia gear to slide out at unsuspecting guests, usually creating sparks. This scare is very effective when done properly. Williamsburg has had them in the past in the precursor to Vampire Point and in Cavern of Darkness.

I have usually found them to be more effective in open outdoor areas, but indoor spaces usually provide a more safe barrier between them and guests. For example, in Cavern of Darkness the slider would just slide up to the same gate used in the pre-show room. This and the projection being used caused many people to miss this loud scare.

I am already starting to draw lines to Cavern of Darkness, which I know was/still is some people's favorite maze, but they did very little with that maze to hide the existing theming. Likewise, Curse of DarKastle should lend itself well to the theme of FrostBite, but I hope they aren't too cheap. Cavern was filled with old props such as those from Secrets of Castle O'Sullivan, and I highly expect to see some in FB. That old T-Rex skeleton from Dig it Up is bound to reappear sometime. What better way to portray giant dead beasts from long ago?

 

[roastoast]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

First year pass holder, here. Am I reading the advertisements correctly that after 6pm, we won't be riding all the rides during Howl-o-scream? They seem to list a couple that are available at night, and then say "the whole family can enjoy all the rides during the day" or some such. What should we expect ride-wise after 6?

 

[deacfan31]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

First year pass holder, here. Am I reading the advertisements correctly that after 6pm, we won't be riding all the rides during Howl-o-scream? They seem to list a couple that are available at night, and then say "the whole family can enjoy all the rides during the day" or some such. What should we expect ride-wise after 6?

What they mean is that the park is scare free so the whole family can enjoy. They don't ahut rides down during Howl-O-Scream.

 

[Wings]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

The only rides that have ever shut down in the evening at Howl-O-Scream to my knowledge, have been the children's areas (Land of the Dragons and Sesame Street) and some select flat rides.

Unless this is something new this year, all the roller coasters / major attractions are typically in full operation.

 

[horsesboy]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

And Dark Kastle and Pompeii as they both host houses but everything else should be up unless they try something different.

 

[Nicole]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

From the flier I received in the mail:

 

[The Hessian]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

My Group plans to be at the Park for Pass Member Preview Night and so I will give a rundown on what I experienced when the event happens. I will have a camera to record the event and also attempt to get videos from inside the houses as well.

 

[Whaler]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Hey!

I am planning to go to howl-o-scream this year for my first time. I've been very intrigued about howl-o-scream for the past few years, and I want to get a lot of stuff in. I know BG very well, since it is my home park. Any tips for me?

 

[Nicole]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

If you are local, I would recommend going early in the season and on either a Friday or Sunday.

On crowded days, Quick Queues are essential to completing all of the mazes.

Are planning you to see the shows, or just try the houses? Are you interested in the escape rooms?

 

[Whaler]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I mostly want to see the houses, but I'll most likely watch a show if I have time. Any show reccomendations? And no, I do not think that I'll do any escape rooms.

 

[Nicole]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I'll defer to other people about the shows, as I don't watch them. You can check out the show threads from last year, but I think Night Beats is gone.

I recommend getting in line for Frostbite or Unearthed before 6pm to avoid the worst lines. I always use QQs, myself, but I believe you can get everything done on a Friday or Sunday early in the season without them. You will find the shortest lines in the early evening and right before park close. I would avoid opening weekend, as they will still be getting the kinks out.

If you interested in the themed bars, plan some time in for them, as well. When the Terror-Torries are well staffed, the bars can be entertaining places to experience the path scares.

Rain can reduce the crowds, but can also reduce the number of actors on the paths, and sometimes close outdoor mazes.

I also recommend getting to the park early, because parking can become difficult.

Although houses change from year to year, you can look at last year's reviews, if you want prioritize mazes. Do you have a preference for scare level?

 

[Whaler]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I don't really, but I will most likely want to hit the house that is the least scary first. I might be going with a few friends, but if I do, it will still be all of our first times.

 

[Nicole]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I'd check out people's posts after the first weekend to get an idea of which houses are the most intense this year.

 

[lightninlady]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

On the train the other day as we were driving by the Drachen Fire station, the employee on the speakers mentioned that they were preparing the site for Howl-O-Scream. Since Bitten isn't there anymore, what would they be preparing for? I know train employees aren't really reputable for info but I thought I'd ask.

 

[VonDerrick]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

Lumberhack is still in the Festhaus Park. There is also a lot of HOS storage in the woods out there as well, so they may mean that things are being moved out of storage.

 

[luseendesi]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I found this while browsing the pass member add ons for Howl-o-scream. Wish I had $300 to blow on this....

"Ultimate Chills Quick Queue

Buy EARLY and save as prices will rise as we get closer to Howl-O-Scream.

The Howl-O-Scream® Ultimate Chills Quick Queue® pass provides UNLIMITED priority access for the following thrill rides ALL Howl-O-Scream long (valid 9/1/2017 - 10/29/2017): Alpengeist, Apollo’s Chariot, Griffon, InvadR, Loch Ness Monster, Mach Tower, Tempesto, Verbolten, Curse of DarKastle Log Flume, Roman Rapids and Escape from Pompeii*.

* Be advised the following rides will close before Howl-O-Scream: Curse of DarKastle (9/3), Log Flume (9/4), Roman Rapids (9/4) and Escape from Pompeii (9/17).

Also includes the following Haunted Houses: Catacombs, Circo Sinistro, Cornered™, Deadline, Lumberhack™, Unearthed™: Scarlett's Revenge, and FrostBite.

PLUS you will also receive the following:
•Early access to our newest haunted house, FrostBite, beginning around 5:30 PM
•A special discount coupon good for 25% off retail & photo purchases at the park (only valid on the first date the Ultimate Chills Quick Queue pass is used).
•A special Buy One Game, Get One Game Free coupon valid for a one time use at a Game of Skill location in the park (only valid on the first date the Ultimate Chills Quick Queue Pass is used).

Please note the following prior to purchasing this product:
•Park admission and parking are NOT included and ARE REQUIRED.
•As part of utilizing this product, please note you are REQUIRED take a guest photo via our handheld scanners at the first location used to match your Ultimate Chills Quick Queue purchase to you. This is for ease of use with the product, to prevent anyone else from attempting to use your product, and prevent product misuse or abuse."

 

[Nicole]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

The comparable Unlimited HOS QQ ranged from $75-$100, so you would need to use it at least three times to break even.

The lower tier HOS QQ is $50-75, depending on the day.

 

[Zachary]

RE: Howl-O-Scream 2017

I wonder if the "Early Access" to Frostbite perk is a hint that Frostbite will be opening (unannounced) at 5:30 nightly. It seems doubtful that they'd run a house for 30 minutes just for the minuscule handful of people who buy the Ultimate Chills QuickQueue.