Sorry if this is in the wrong place (new here). I just didn't think my ramblings needed to be in the 2012 howl-o-scream rumors thread.
----
I have been a Busch gardens pass member for many years. My favorite time and event of the year is Howl-o-scream. The whole park is usually very nicely decorated, the haunted houses are fun, and there is a different theme each year.
However, there are a few things I would like to discuss.
Mostly I would like to share some ideas that I think would make howl-o-scream even better.
1) the start of howl-o-scream at 6:00
Signs are posted throughout the park and guests are fully aware that things become scary at 6:00. It is advised that those with small children leave before then. However, once 6:00 comes along, there is no big change. Some scare zones become active and possibly a person in costume will walk by. But one still has to check his or her watch to see that things have actually started.
I think there should be a park-wide announcement at 6:00. In a really creepy / cool way to pump up enthusiasm. A great idea is to have the Big Ben in England chime at 6:00, and the chime could be heard from speakers all around the park. Then roll in some fog machines, and a few minutes of spooky music. In essence, this alerts guests that it is 6:00…it is howl-o-scream, and that “all hell has finally broken loose”.
This would be a simple task, but would make the night a lot more enjoyable. Shortly after, people in costumes could make their way out and let the fun begin.
2) Jack is back train ride
One of my favorite attractions was the jack is back train ride. It was like a movable haunted house. It was an amazing experience. The creepy music, the way the train was decorated, and all of the people in costume you would see as you rode along.
Recently, the train has been reduced to a simple transportation device. This is not unique or different than during any other time of the year. Since this is howl-o-scream, shouldn’t the train ride be different? Why has the effort been reduced? Last year it was just a train ride. And the year before that, it was extremely family friendly with Scooby-do music.
Howl-o-scream should be an event for adults. If kids must be around, then designate them to Sesame Street.
3) Shows
Monsters revamped or monster stomped – it’s a decent show. But I would like to see a short and scary play somewhere. If not in Ireland, then in another location. Having people dressed as werewolves singing queen does not give me the Halloween feeling. It’s goofy. I think a creepy, 25 or so minute play would make a lot of people happy.
Then there’s the globe theater. It showed a cheesy 4d pirate movie. How about a 4d Halloween themed film? Then there's the royal palace which is such a beautiful theater with potential which isn't used right. I don't even know if busch plans to keep it. If so, then it would be much better hosting something instead of being empty during howl-o-scream.
4) Scare zones compared to “scare is everywhere”
I think the scare zone idea was neat initially. You see each one on the map and are curious what it would be like to walk through one. However, I like the way things were run a few years back, when the scare was everywhere. Howl-o-scream should be the entire park. Not in designated areas. The werewolves, chainsaws, clowns, etc should roam the park so you do not expect them. Fear is when you are surprised and cannot control things. Please bring back the fear is everywhere.
Also, outside the area of "brothers grimm", in the grassy area where there are bmx bike riders and skateboarders during other times of the year, is an amazing spot for a large maze. It was my one of my favorite parts during howloscream when I leave lets say the "brothers grim" haunted house, and then have the joy of going through the large maze outside. I think this maze was still there last year, but it was extremely shorter than usual and felt like just another weak scare zone.
5) Haunted houses
Unless a haunted house is soooo good, then there is no reason I should see the same one year after year. Keep some of the ideas, props, etc...but for the love of god it should not be more than 40% the same as previous years.
Busch gardens makes an incredible amount of cash. It would seem that paying their employees and electrical fees is a drop in the bucket for a days worth of profit. Is it that difficult to create at least a few new and exciting houses? What does the creative team do all year? It's not like they change rollercoasters all the time. Probably be stuck with verbolten and gryffin for 20 more years. Not a fan of gryffin and have not ridden verbolten (hope its good). My point is that besides special events, the creative team should have ample time to make howl-o-scream fresh each year.
---------
I appreciate you taking the time to read my thoughts. While some items may have come across as overly-critical, I just think this event should get better every year or at least stay consistent in quality. I think Busch Gardens is the most beautiful and enjoyable park in the world. Thus, it pains me anytime I feel like the ball is dropped during howl-o-scream.
I realize that this is also a business. The main strategy is to make as much money, while trying to keep costs low. But I am a believer that this does not have to hurt innovation. Just change some things up.
----
I have been a Busch gardens pass member for many years. My favorite time and event of the year is Howl-o-scream. The whole park is usually very nicely decorated, the haunted houses are fun, and there is a different theme each year.
However, there are a few things I would like to discuss.
Mostly I would like to share some ideas that I think would make howl-o-scream even better.
1) the start of howl-o-scream at 6:00
Signs are posted throughout the park and guests are fully aware that things become scary at 6:00. It is advised that those with small children leave before then. However, once 6:00 comes along, there is no big change. Some scare zones become active and possibly a person in costume will walk by. But one still has to check his or her watch to see that things have actually started.
I think there should be a park-wide announcement at 6:00. In a really creepy / cool way to pump up enthusiasm. A great idea is to have the Big Ben in England chime at 6:00, and the chime could be heard from speakers all around the park. Then roll in some fog machines, and a few minutes of spooky music. In essence, this alerts guests that it is 6:00…it is howl-o-scream, and that “all hell has finally broken loose”.
This would be a simple task, but would make the night a lot more enjoyable. Shortly after, people in costumes could make their way out and let the fun begin.
2) Jack is back train ride
One of my favorite attractions was the jack is back train ride. It was like a movable haunted house. It was an amazing experience. The creepy music, the way the train was decorated, and all of the people in costume you would see as you rode along.
Recently, the train has been reduced to a simple transportation device. This is not unique or different than during any other time of the year. Since this is howl-o-scream, shouldn’t the train ride be different? Why has the effort been reduced? Last year it was just a train ride. And the year before that, it was extremely family friendly with Scooby-do music.
Howl-o-scream should be an event for adults. If kids must be around, then designate them to Sesame Street.
3) Shows
Monsters revamped or monster stomped – it’s a decent show. But I would like to see a short and scary play somewhere. If not in Ireland, then in another location. Having people dressed as werewolves singing queen does not give me the Halloween feeling. It’s goofy. I think a creepy, 25 or so minute play would make a lot of people happy.
Then there’s the globe theater. It showed a cheesy 4d pirate movie. How about a 4d Halloween themed film? Then there's the royal palace which is such a beautiful theater with potential which isn't used right. I don't even know if busch plans to keep it. If so, then it would be much better hosting something instead of being empty during howl-o-scream.
4) Scare zones compared to “scare is everywhere”
I think the scare zone idea was neat initially. You see each one on the map and are curious what it would be like to walk through one. However, I like the way things were run a few years back, when the scare was everywhere. Howl-o-scream should be the entire park. Not in designated areas. The werewolves, chainsaws, clowns, etc should roam the park so you do not expect them. Fear is when you are surprised and cannot control things. Please bring back the fear is everywhere.
Also, outside the area of "brothers grimm", in the grassy area where there are bmx bike riders and skateboarders during other times of the year, is an amazing spot for a large maze. It was my one of my favorite parts during howloscream when I leave lets say the "brothers grim" haunted house, and then have the joy of going through the large maze outside. I think this maze was still there last year, but it was extremely shorter than usual and felt like just another weak scare zone.
5) Haunted houses
Unless a haunted house is soooo good, then there is no reason I should see the same one year after year. Keep some of the ideas, props, etc...but for the love of god it should not be more than 40% the same as previous years.
Busch gardens makes an incredible amount of cash. It would seem that paying their employees and electrical fees is a drop in the bucket for a days worth of profit. Is it that difficult to create at least a few new and exciting houses? What does the creative team do all year? It's not like they change rollercoasters all the time. Probably be stuck with verbolten and gryffin for 20 more years. Not a fan of gryffin and have not ridden verbolten (hope its good). My point is that besides special events, the creative team should have ample time to make howl-o-scream fresh each year.
---------
I appreciate you taking the time to read my thoughts. While some items may have come across as overly-critical, I just think this event should get better every year or at least stay consistent in quality. I think Busch Gardens is the most beautiful and enjoyable park in the world. Thus, it pains me anytime I feel like the ball is dropped during howl-o-scream.
I realize that this is also a business. The main strategy is to make as much money, while trying to keep costs low. But I am a believer that this does not have to hurt innovation. Just change some things up.
