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Here's some more info on this year's version of Howl-o-Scream. BUSCH GARDENS® WILLIAMSBURG CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SCARES AT HOWL-O-SCREAM WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia – Fill fall nights with fright at Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream® on select dates through Oct. 28. Celebrate 20 years of fears in this special anniversary year, with more haunted houses, Terror-tories™ and scares than ever before. The park brings the spirit of Halloween to life at 5:45 p.m., becoming home to a host of creepy creatures hungry for unsuspecting victims. This year’s event promises to be the scariest ever with new haunted houses Demented Dimensions™, Dystopia and The Vault: XX™, and new scare zones Garden of the Souls™ and Fools’ Court™. Also new this year, No Escape: Jack’s Nightmare Room, an escape room featuring the original Busch Gardens trickster, and five new bars, including Control Lab at Inoculation Station, where park-goers can be the scare-masters for unsuspecting haunted house visitors. Please note that all kids attractions close at 5 p.m. as the park prepares for the terror to be unleashed. For more information, please visit http://www.howloscream.com/va.

^Aha! Thank you.

I liked IllumiNations, but 20 years is an impressive run. Looking forward to the new show.

Holmes lit his third pipe. “So, Watson . . . what have you ascertained? “I’m not sure, Holmes--other than Fuji Q can surprise you from time to time.” “Elementary, indeed, my dear Watson.” Hi there, two coasters I never have to bother riding again. I’ve never been a fan of Eejanaika. The Mad Mouse is pretty rough, too--but at least it's supposed to be "mad." Hi, Jere. The King of Coasters was, at least, available for photos. Dan is so naughty. Professional sign made by a professional sign maker. Perhaps this is a curry-themed haunt. Fuji Airways was a good Soarin’ clone that takes you on a tour of Mt. Fuji. “Open a hailing frequency! We must tell the giant space bird that the Enterprise does not wish to mate!” Hmm--I don’t recall seeing any hot stewardesses on our flight. This isn’t the strangest thing that you’ll see in Japan. Sheesh! I thought the TSA line at Dulles was bad. Joe Don Baker is Rex Fujihead: Japanese Private Eye. Time to head for the bus. Gotta give Fuji Q credit. This shopping-and-dining area is really nice. Yes, Fuji Q can surprise you from time to time . . . . . . with how nice it can be. This was the most pleasant day I’ve spent at this park. But now it’s time to head back to Tokyo. That's all for now.

I could scarcely believe what I’d read. A third of the way into this man’s report, and nary a negative thing had been said about Fuji Q. Holmes was on his second pipe. Time for lunch at the much improved Food Stadium. Oh, good lord. Unfortunately, due to a mix up while ordering, Megan and KT were cooked and eaten. We were all very sad. But life goes on, so I consoled myself with these rice “volcanoes.” One was plain, but the other two had different fillings (one was pretty spicy). They were good, but I couldn’t clean my plate. Thomas Town is a really nice kid’s area. Much nicer than the one Six Flags built, then abruptly changed. “By the way, it’s our 20th anniversary. Did we mention that already? Where is our gift?” I admit to having this credit. Now he must admit it. “Damn you, Thomas Town! I’ll see you in hell!” Don’t do it, dude! You have so much to live for! “I’m comin’ for ya, buddy! Hang on!” Party? Oh boy! Is there beer? No beer, but lots of hallucinogens. “You! The stoned guys in the car! Watch out!” “Oh, I’m totally stoned, too.” “Yeah, we’re all high as hell . . . . . . but this guy had a bum trip.” Proof that Japan has the backside of water. OK, we need a nice, pleasant stroll through the woods to mellow out after Thomas’s party . . . OH MY GOD! What the hell is this place? It’s “finished” for good, as the old Haunted Hospital is being removed. The old walk-through haunt wasn’t all that scary, but it was heavy on atmosphere. My new zombie girlfriend helped me get over Pal Pal’s Blue Fairy dumping me. One more set of photos to go.

The Curious Case of the Good Day at Fuji Q After making my rounds to visit my patients, I, Dr. John Watson, returned to my flat at 221B Baker Street. I found my friend and colleague, Sherlock Holmes, sitting in his accustomed chair. He was examining a photograph, which sat on his lap. As usual, he was lost in thought. We stayed silent for a few moments. “Watson,” the great detective said, “what do you make of this?” He handed the photograph to me, then walked over to the mantle and grabbed his Meerschaum pipe. I shrugged. “It’s Mt. Fuji in Japan, shrouded by clouds,” I replied. “Very good," said Holmes. “But I was referring to the place at the foot of the famous volcano.” I shuddered. “Fuji Q? Holmes, what can that cursed place have to do with us?” Holmes moved to the window. He gazed for a few moments at the other inhabitants of Baker Street as they went about their business unaware that the Place that Shall Not be Named had, in fact, been named. “So, this place is known it you?” “Yes.” “You know of its singular reputation?” “The long waits, odd weather and loose-item policies, bad food, and low-capacity attractions?” “The same.” I walked over to him. “You still haven’t answered my question, Holmes.” “What would you say if I told you that someone who dislikes Fuji Q had spent a pleasant day there recently, say, within the last few months?” I pondered this for a moment. “That, perhaps, you were misinformed?” “Ah,” said Holmes. “And if I were to tell you that scarcely a week later, others of trustworthy reputation had reported having the customary ‘bad’ day at the same place?” Again, I pondered my old friend’s words. “I would scarce know what to say, except that the latter report seems more likely to me.” Holmes turned away from the window and strolled to the hearth. He stuffed his pipe full of fresh tobacco, which he kept in an old Persian slipper on the mantle. “Yes, I think this could prove to be a three-pipe problem,” said Holmes. “Let’s look into this matter a bit more closely.” He sat in his chair. “Be a good fellow and go online to themeparkreview.com and see what you find.” He puffed furiously on his pipe as I went to get my laptop. Welcome to Fuji Q. Fujiyama, the King of Coasters, is taking a break for maintenance, but says, “Hello.” Elissa was, no doubt, making an important point here. I wish I could remember what it was. This is no reflection on the importance of her point, but on my faulty memory. Their entrance looks like it’s erupting! Aw, even Japanese volcanoes are adorable. We had to walk from the park’s gift shop through this new “France-themed” area to get to the group sales office. It had something to do with a cartoon about two dogs named Gaspard and Lisa. I think. “Kids, always follow the advice of Hot Sausage Ninja and don't abuse your hot dog. Treat it right.” I met Pink Japanese Deadpool. Let’s take a look at Takabisha, a ride that I like quite a bit (even though it’s a bit of a Jeckyll and Hyde). Up the lift. Stop. Hang. Reconsider your life choices. “We regret nothing!” This is one of the better Eurofighters. It even duels a bit. Er, should we be concerned about this? This is good advice, . . . . . . particularly when riding Do-Dodonpa. That launch is still completely insane (0 to 112 mph in about two seconds)! This is the best ride at Fuji Q. You can hear this thing all over the park, and it was running very well that day. The new 160-foot loop has grown on me . . . . . . but I guess Pink Deadpool misses the insane, painful air time of the old high hat. (Well, Deadpool is a bit “off.”) There is a bit of a “bump” when you enter the loop . . . . . . but it is smoother and less painful than the high hat. So, I’m going to call the loop a good “upgrade.” More to come.

I went to the park with a couple of friends last night for a beer and the "abbreviated" opening of HOS. None of the outdoor scare zones and mazes were running thanks to last week's hurricane scare, but all the shows and indoor mazes were. Of the three new mazes, the best was Vault XX in the old Drachenfire station. This was "Howl-o-Scream's Greatest Hits," and featured monsters and rooms from many of the old mazes, such as Unearthed, Cursed, and Masquerage. It was pretty well done (even their old mascot, Jack, has a room). I'll do a more detailed report when the event is going full steam.

I like the idea of weaving the 1980s throughout the whole event, and the Stranger Things maze looks great (they captured the show pretty well).

According to the park's Facebook page, Howl-o-Scream will begin tomorrow, but the Terror-tories (scare zones) and outdoor mazes won't be running. I think they took a lot of their decorations down early last week in anticipation of Hurricane Florence, but the storm missed us. Indoor mazes and shows will be running.

^They have dark-chocolate-mint KitKats, and they're delicious.

In case any of you were wondering, the park will be closed on Saturday due to the weather, but they're planning to open at 10:00 am Sunday (again, weather permitting).

I liked the wasabi KitKats a lot. The chocolate mint is good, too--I think it would be a bit hit in the U.S.

LOL! You really want BGT to get another GCI?!?!? Seriously??? Actually, thinking about it, if it leads to an eventual second RMC maybe that's not that bad of thinking after all! I'll be happy to send InvadR to Tampa, if BGW can get an RMC in return.

Why, this here one!

The Sky Rocket II is becoming Premier's bread-and-butter ride. I like the black-and-orange color scheme for Tigris. But, yep, more intrigued by what's go to happen with Gwazi for 2020.

Same here, I think I missed voting 3 or 4 years ago and was not sent a ballot the following year. I used to write in selections for more than half the categories. Yep--I used to write in a bunch of selections, too.

Dan and I hung this in our room to hold off the demons.

I used to be on the list to vote in this poll, but they dropped me years ago, for which I have no regrets--the Golden Tickets are just dumb.

Let's stroll around the Tokyo Decks. Who knows? Maybe we'll find some wasabi KitKats. I love this building. It looks like a model from a 1970s sci-fi flick. “Stay on the other side of the wall, or there may be unpleasant consequences on your head.” There’s the Decks. We didn’t hit Joypolis today. Pokemon? That’s a thing here? Who knew? Great Godzilla gear in this store. Who wouldn't want a major monster in their pants? Hmm . . . not sure I’m that interested though. Ulp! Then again, . . . . . . the King of the Monsters is a very persuasive salesman. Aw, Dan is showing his love for Tokyo. Beautiful view from the back deck--of the Decks. Who’s up for some really touristy shopping? “If Gigantor were somewhere around here, I’d give him a piece of my mind!” “Don’t sing it, bring it--punk.” If you’re looking for a big skeleton with a little skeleton hanging from its crotch, this place has you covered. Intriguing, but not what I’m looking for. Aha! My quest is at an end! Achievement unlocked! They were delicious. I have no idea what’s going on here. Perhaps someone from another dimension is trying to force his way into ours. I think this was some sort of Shinkansen simulator. Dan and I did this little haunted walk through. We had to carry a flashlight. It was cheesy, but fun. Does this bug you? I’m not touching you. Does this bug you? Er, I’m gonna say “no.” Hello kitty butts . . . . . . and hello kitty heads. This vending machine made fresh, blazing-hot popcorn--lightly salted or caramel. Nathan nearly burned his fingers on the bag. I think some Pokemon stuff is going on here. Just a hunch. I wonder if any of the Pokemon players caught these guys? Time to check in--yay! This is a great hotel . . . . . . even though we needed an exorcist to treat our room with holy water each night (especially when the walls started bleeding). That’s all for now.

Back to Tokyo: LaQua & the Decks Our time in Nagoya came to an end. Time to head back to Tokyo, the Tokyo Disney Resort, and the Hilton Tokyo Bay! Farewell, Nagoya! You had the cutest manhole covers anywhere. Did Disney theme this town, or something? But how to get back? I considered taking this bus. But catbuses are notoriously unreliable. One random piece of yarn on your route, and your whole trip could be canceled. Plus, the damn thing stopped every half-hour to groom itself. But Robb and Elissa were right. The Shinkansen was the most practical alternative. Much more reliable than the catbus. We had some time to kill before checking into the Hilton; fortunately, Tokyo is a great town for just killing time. So, how about lunch at LaQua and some random shopping at the Tokyo Decks? Sure! Join us, won’t you? I thought you went down for the Big O? Obviously, I’m confused. We’ll get to you later Thunder Dolphin, but now . . . . . . it’s lunch time. Enjoy this raclette, or feed it to the rabid dog on the sign. This is the Tokyo Dome: The home of the . . . . . . Tokyo Giants (and their snacks). Yep--pro baseball is a big deal in Japan. Who knew? (Well, almost everybody.) Thunder Dolphin/Big O foreplay. More foreplay. “Was it good for you too?” I don’t think anything particularly disgusting went on in this theater (unlike those last three captions). This is for all the Lupin fans. I think it was some kind of simulator. (EDIT: Turns out it was some kind of maze.) Tokyo Panic Cruise was Spider-man, except that you’re following a hot cat woman in a crop top and a short skirt who uses kung fu and a magic umbrella to defeat monsters. (Well, why not? Too bad it’s being removed.) At LaQua, you can smoke in the Battlestar Galactica. Bye, LaQua! We're moving on to the Tokyo Decks.

I really enjoyed Kolmarden a few years ago. Wildfire is easily a top-ten coaster, and the park's location is beautiful.

I love Haunted Mansion Holiday--such a great treat for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

"Put in a quarter!/Shut out the lights!/Magic Fingers makes you feel alright!"

In the future, no more "topics" that are just lists of rides at a particular carnival. If you want to post an actual trip report, with your own photos, that's OK. There's really nothing to discuss here. Thank you.