Back in May, Busch Gardens Williamsburg started teasing details for the 2018 edition of Howl-O-Scream, which will be the 20th anniversary of the event at the park. After multiple reveals on May 20, June 20, and July 20, we now how have a full Howl-O-Scream line-up, which will debut when Howl-O-Scream opens for the season on September 15.
New Mazes
- Demented Dimensions
Sterling Manor, a massive estate, is home to more than meets the eye and is sitting on unspeakable terror. The energies of a dimensional vortex have opened portals to dreadful realms where unearthly creatures reside and humans are at the bottom of the food chain. Each new portal takes guests deeper into the terror.
Welcome to Demented Dimensions™, where new worlds await. This new terror is one of three new Howl-O-Scream haunted houses at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Demented Dimensions opens up a world where humans are hunted by monsters, where aliens are in control and ancient evils live once more.
Demented Dimensions is located inside NewKastle in Oktoberfest. This is the name of the building formerly occupied by the now-closed Curse of DarKastle dark ride, and shares the space with last year’s newest maze, Frostbite.
- The Vault: XX
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is inviting back some old friends to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Howl-O-Scream. Favorite creatures of the night from classic Howl-O-Scream experiences are locked up in one location.
• The Executioner from Dark Tower (1999-2000)
• The Mummy from Curse of Pompeii (2002-2009)
• The Pirate Captain Ghost from Sea Dog Cemetery (2007-2008)
• The Little Dead Riding Hood from Deadtime Stories (2002-2005)
• The Werewolf from Hunted (2009-2010)
Based on the location description, it will be located in the area formerly occupied by Howl-O-Scream’s former vampire-themed maze, Bitten. (For coaster enthusiasts, this is also the old Drachen Fire station.) The entrance will be near the back of Das Festhaus, near the Black Forest Picnic Area.
- Dystopia
In a futuristic post-apocalyptic world, a new world order has risen. In this new system, you have a choice—join or be forgotten. Welcome to Dystopia, one of three new haunted houses at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream. Surrender to the utopia, and don’t worry—you won’t feel a thing. Ever again.
Busch Gardens says this maze will be located indoors in Italy, which with the omission of “Deadline” in the below list of “returning” mazes, leads us to believe that it will be on the “first floor” of Escape from Pompeii.
Returning Mazes
- Circo Sinistro
When visiting Howl-O-Scream last year, Circo Sinistro was my favorite maze. I’m thrilled to see it return this year. It had two of the best maze scenes I’ve ever seen in a haunted maze, with the “Ringmaster Room” and Room Roulette.
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.
Circo Sinistro is located in Festa Italia, tucked behind Busch Gardens’ Roman Rapids Ride.
- Cornered
Another one of my returning favorites from last year is Busch Gardens “Corn” maze, “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.
Cornered is also located in Oktoberfest, on the other side of Das Festhaus.
- Frostbite
2017’s new maze Frostbite makes its return to Howl-O-Scream again in 2018.
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 located in NewKastle, and will share the space with Demented Dimensions.
- Lumberhack
One of just two outdoor mazes at Howl-O-Scream XX, Lumberhack returns again to Oktoberfest for the fourth year (tying it with Cornered as the “oldest” maze at Howl-O-Scream.)
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.
Mazes Not Returning For 2018:
- Deadline (Replaced by Dystopia)
- Unearthed
- Catacombs
New Terror-tories
- Fool’s Court (France)
A new king has taken over the throne at the Royal Palace and he’s a real Joker. Chaos reigns supreme in the Fools’ Court. When the Motley Fools hit the streets, the joke will always be on you. Steer clear of the jesters, who will terrorize you under the lights of this twisted celebration.
- Garden of Souls (Italy)
A ghastly transformation has taken place in Italy Gardens. Welcome to Funeral Gardens, the setting for Garden of the Souls™. Here guests may visit the graves of deceased loved ones, but this garden has a dark secret. The dead roam free, and they’d love to show you what waits in the afterlife.
Returning Terror-tories
- Axe Alley (New France)
The Norsemen came to invade, but what they got was their own Viking funeral. For this was no ordinary raiding party, but an unleashing of power so grotesque that even those mighty Viking warriors fell prey to its devices. The spirits are restless and now walk the world of the living once more to unleash terror upon the land.
- Ripper Row (England)
Things are looking a bit unsettling in England with a murderer on the loose plucking unsuspecting victims from the city streets. No one knows what Jack the Ripper looks like or who he will strike next. Keep your head down and your wits about you or you might not make it out alive.
- Sideshow Square (Festa Italia)
Your jaw will drop on your way to the big top. What was once only in your imagination is now a frightening reality full of haunts, curiosities and plenty of scare to make you shriek. So step right up … if you dare.
- Vampire Point (Germany)
Even vampires need a vacation once in a while and Vampire Point™ is the perfect destination for bloodsuckers. Watch your step and your neck or you might end up being their beverage of choice. Dawn is hours away, so your last salvation lies in escaping the vampire village before the inhabitants sink their fangs into you.
Shows
Though there are no “new” shows at Howl-O-Scream this year, three Howl-O-Scream favorites are on the schedule.
- Fiends
- Monster Stomp on Ripper Row
- Nightbeats: Revamped
Experiences
Busch Gardens Williamsburg also has a great line-up of Escape Rooms and other Howl-O-Scream experiences on tap for Howl-O-Scream XX.
Escape Rooms
- Case of The Haunted Hotel (Updated for 2018)
Many weary travelers have sought refuge in this once-grand lodging, few have ever been seen again. Right this way to your room – don’t worry, we’ll take care of the luggage. Enjoy your stay…permanently.
- Jack’s Nightmare Room (New For 2018)
Jack, the original Busch Gardens trickster is back, and he’s had plenty of time to sit in the dark and come up with new ways to surprise and startle his fans. Explore the terrors that keep Jack up at night.
Control Lab at Innoculation Station
Step into the Doctor’s lab and try your hand at being a lab assistant! Buy a token and pick which house you want to be a part of. Then, when the victim of your choice is in view, flip the switch to activate the scare and watch them jump out of their skin.
Haunting Hour
Each night of Howl-O-Scream, when the clock strikes 5:45PM, our haunting horde of scare actors are let loose by their fearless leader, Jack, in this frighteningly fun ceremony celebrating a new era of terror.
Party Zones
Heart beats and pulses aren’t the type of rhythms these DJs are throwing. Head over to Fools’ Court (France) or Il Teatro di San Marco (near Marco Polo’s Marketplace) for a Halloween party full of dancing and music.
Coaster Creepers
The creatures of the night are on the prowl … for an adrenaline rush. No place is safe during Howl-O-Scream, even the undead may be found queuing up at the hottest thrill rides.
Projection Mapping
Come see the Wilkommenhaus transform before your eyes with a projection mapping experience fit for Halloween. Every 15 minutes from dusk to park close.
Halloween Bars
What’s Halloween without a few libations? (For those 21+, of course.)
Chaos Cocktails – Located near Fools’ Court (France)
Jack’s Nightcap – Located in Vampire Point (Germany)
Last Call: XX – Located in front of Das Festhaus (Germany)
Restless Spirits – Located near Marco Polo’s Marketplace (Italy)
Inoculation Station – Located across from Abbeystone Theatre (Ireland)
Cobblestone Ale & Spirits – Located in Ripper Row (England)
Howl-O-Scream XX at Busch Gardens Williamsburg will begin on September 15, and take place on select nights. (Fridays-Saturdays-Sundays September 15-October 14, and Thursdays-Fridays-Saturdays-Sundays from October 18-28)
For more information be sure to check out the Howl-O-Scream website, and follow Busch Gardens Williamsburg on Facebook and Twitter.
We’re going to try to make it up to Williamsburg for a night of Howl-O-Scream. Stay tuned for more information!
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