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Howl-o-Scream Creeps Back to Williamsburg Guests coming to Busch Gardens Williamsburg best be ready for witches, cannibals, evil clowns, Jack o’ the Lantern, and even a creepy game-show host at Howl-o-Scream 2022 (HOS). The park held a VIP/Media Night on Friday, September 23, hosted by Mr. Bobby Ocean, the MC of that classic game show Win, Lose, or Die on Station 666. Of course, the show’s been off the air for a while, and all the other folks at the station are dead, but Bobby is making his big comeback greeting guests at the front entrance for HOS. He gets ‘em coming and going. TPR thanks Busch Gardens for inviting us to their big night--and for the nice spread of fiendish food and drink in the Globe Theatre. But what’s new at HOS this year? There are three new “Terror-tories" (that is, scare zones)--Dead A-Head (the vengeful spirits of the beheaded in France), Gorgon Gardens (Medusa and other sirens in Italy), and Scary Tale Road (childhood favorites gone horribly wrong in Germany). Meat Market (New France) and Ripper Row (England) are back, as are the roaming hordes of scary clowns with chain saws and really big hammers. Although DarKastle is now lost as a “special event” space, the park is offering three new mazes this year (two are from last year). Nevermore: Chapter II (NEW, old Drachen Fire station): This is a reimagining of the Nevermore maze that was in DarKastle last year, and I think the new space (which has more of a “decayed House of Usher” feel) works better for it. It’s a walk through the world of Edgar Allan Poe’s stories, including “Murders in the Rue Morgue” and “Masque of the Red Death.” I’ve always been a big fan of Poe, so this was my favorite. Death Water Bayou (NEW, Festa Italia): This maze uses the same space as last year’s Circo Sinistro. It’s a big improvement, with much better sets and atmosphere, including a New Orleans mortuary, a creepy jazz club, and (of course) a voodoo master’s lair. Nice work reusing the old tents from the circus maze. Inferno (NEW, Escape from Pompeii show building): This maze is a somewhat generic “walk through Hell,” with demons, victims, and the smell of brimstone. But I think it’s a good replacement for the old Dystopia maze and fits in better with Pompeii. KILLarney Diner (Battle for Eire building, Ireland): Who’s ready for lunch? You’re always on the menu at this 1950s diner for cannibals. Who would like a nice plate of Steamed Ears or Flesh Fries? I love the diner and town sets of this maze, but it has the same problem other mazes have had in this building--that long exit where nothing happens. Witch of the Woods (behind Verbolten in Germany): Yes, there are woods and witches here. I thought this maze was a bit weak last year, but on Friday night the witch and her minions were a bit more active. It’s quite a hike to get there, though. You have to walk around the Festhaus and all the way past the old Drachen Fire barn on a service trail. Note that Monster Stomp on Ripper Row should be opening next weekend (September 30), but other shows, such as Jack Is Back (Ireland) and Phantoms of the Festhaus, are running now. Again, thank you to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for inviting Theme Park Review to the VIP Night. Dust off your crucifix and break out the garlic--we’re heading into Howl-o-Scream! Here's the some of spread BGW put out for the VIP Night. The hand on the right was not part of cuisine (at least for the media). Did you ever have the feeling that you were being watched? Not sure why . . . it was just a strange sensation that came over me. I'm pretty sure these cards are cursed. I'm positive now. At Busch Gardens, even the dead can smoke only in certain designated areas. Time to start exploring Howl-o-Scream. Jack is, indeed, back in Ireland. Get down, or Jack will haunt the hell out of you! Who's ready for Jack's after party? "Our special tonight is Roast Leg of YOU!" The sign pretty much says it all. Remember, before entering Inferno, please apply sunscreen. "Somebody wanna hand me a magazine? I'm gonna be on the throne for a while, if you catch my drift." Fire in this skull's mouth hole! Sheesh! Even the trees in Italy are burning. This is the best-dressed snake person I've ever seen. The stone-faced ruler of Gorgon Gardens. I give Busch Gardens credit for how they name their bars. On to Germany and whatever fiendish fate awaits us. Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore . . . one more time!" OK, I'll cut off these chains so you can escape the pendulum. But watch out for the pit as you exit to your left. "Oh, you simply must stay for the party! It'll really start to swing when Red Death arrives." "For the love of God, Montressor, if you don't show up with that Amontillado in five minutes, I'm leaving!" It wouldn't be HOS without some random fog. Once upon a time, before Disney sanitized them, fairy tales were really creepy. Hey, pig, how's that straw house workin' for ya? On Scary Tale Road, the pumpkins eat Peter, the Pumpkin Eater. Should I glaze myself first? This guy in the Meat Market was the most polite monster I ever met. Always happy to give a hand . . . or a foot . . . or a liver. "You're gonna buy a handstamped ring, right? Who wants cake? "Oh, what an adorable little girl! Let granny help you with that guillotine." "Yes, we don't behead just anyone, you know!" Darkness descends, so it's time for a pint. "Aye, Scotland! We're hauntin' the hell outta ye!" Blurry park guests! The most frightening monsters of them all! Ireland isn't the only venue where one can, as they say, "get down." Bozo never had a chain saw. That was his mistake. "Wanna try my whammer? It's really big!" Can you not smell the gumbo . . . of DEATH? I wonder if there's a beignet stand around here? If this was a "Boo Blasters" ride, he'd have milk and cookies. It's quite a haul to Witch of the Woods. First, you have to get past Gorgon Gardens. Then you walk all the way around the Festhaus, past Nevermore, then past the old Drachen Fire barn. Our quest is at an end. God be praised! "Geez! All we did was fall asleep for a few hundred years, and a damn tree grew around us!" "I am an attorney representing the Blair Witch, and she would like to discuss this egregious violation of her trademark 'stick figures.'" That was a fun night, but I'm beat . . . oh, crap--a cop! And Jack the Ripper? Where's that cop when I need him? "Y'all won this round of 'Win, Lose, or Die'! Care to play again?" That's a wrap from Howl-o-Scream 2022 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Thanks for reading.

You might be better off using one of the local taxi services , such as Colonial Cab. Or, better yet, just rent a car.

Plus, they also have . . .

I think of it as a "sequel" to Curse of DarKastle, and I'm looking forward to what sort of effects they'll use in the show building. As for Battle for Eire, my guess is that it'll be "special event space" for a few years, at least. One of the returning HOS mazes, KILLarney Diner, is still in there.

^Marathon the log ride and mine train.

Busch Gardens Gives Us a Look at DarKoaster For years now, the building formerly known as DarKastle in Oktoberfest has politely housed some haunted houses and Santa's Workshop. But, at last, a ride is returning to the sinister home of Mad King Ludwig. In fact, the new ride, DarKoaster, looks like something that fits both Howl-o-Scream and Christmas Town: a crazy "snow mobile" ride in which you try to escape an evil blizzard! The ride has been a bit of an "open secret" for a while, but the park made a more formal announcement at a media event on Tuesday, September 6. After a brief presentation and video by Kevin Lembke, park president, they took us backstage to DarKastle to give us a look at the ride itself. But we had another visitor, too . . . Yes, Jack would like to remind us that while DarKoaster is a fine thing, indeed, don't forget that Howl-o-Scream starts on Friday, September 9! Here's the park's official press release for DarKoaster. Here's a look at the media day and DarKoaster. Welcome to the Abbeystone Theatre in Killarney. There will be no traditional Irish dancing today, but this makes up for it. I think the scary face in the storm might be old Ludwig. Park president Kevin Lembke tells us about DarKoaster. Remember--you have been warned! Here, we see coaster enthusiasts in their natural habitat. Be very quiet! We don't want to startle them. Suzy Cheely, vice president of design and engineering, was there to answer questions about the new ride. DarKoaster will feature projection-mapping effects and physical set pieces to tell its story. As I recall, we were standing in what used to be the maintenance bay for Curse of DarKastle. It was the entrance of the Distorted Dimensions HOS maze a few years ago, too. Lots of twisty track in here. It looks like they're repurposing some of the old ride's theming, too. You can see it a bit more clearly here. Here's a close up of one of the launch sections. A closer look at the twistiness of it all. Looks like it'll get pretty "stormy" in there. Gets pretty close to the ceiling there. One last look at the track. "COME BACK, YOU FOOLS! I was gonna make espresso." And that's a wrap from Busch Gardens--for now!

I like me a good, scary tiki mug--and some of that calimari.

I think "Jekyll and Hyde" would've been a better name than "The Ultimate." The first half was a pleasant ride across a meadow, while the second half was a blazing path through Hell with a crazed demon that tried to kill you!

The old man speaks the truth! I also agree about bad karma = Boomerang. Really bad karma = SLC. Hideously bad karma = Golden Horse knockoff SLC. I love this report--thanks for finally updating it.

New area looks like it should be nice but, yeah, I know what you mean.

The layout is very interesting, bordering on the bizarre--which is OK by me.

Who's ready for Howl-o-Scream? Here's what the park has planned for this year! Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream®--Virginia’s Premier Halloween Event, Returns with a Twisted New Game and Three All-New Haunted Houses, Plus the Most Sinister Sale of the Season Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream returns on select nights September 9 – October 31, 2022 Conquer the frights with the best deal of the season, buy a 2023 Fun Card and get now through Howl-O-Scream FREE Three NEW haunted houses and three new terror-tories Scares at every turn with a total of five haunted houses, five terror-tories™, four shows and two party zones Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream returns with a twisted new game and an evil host, beginning on Friday, September 9, 2022. In this ghoulish game show, every guest is a contestant, led to their destiny by the master of scare-monies. Your fate awaits with five haunted houses, five terror-tories, four sinister shows, two party zones, and unsuspecting scares awaiting their victims at every turn. Beyond the haunts, guests can take horror to new heights with nighttime rides on eight world-class coasters, including the all-new Pantheon, the world’s fastest multi-launch coaster. Howl-O-Scream takes screams to the extreme with three NEW haunted houses and three NEW terror-tories, complete with seven menacing BOOze bars and bites to fuel the fear and tackle the night’s frights. Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream will take place on select dates from September 9 - October 31, 2022. Looking for sinister savings? The best deal of the season is reincarnated for Howl-O-Scream 2022. For a limited-time, guests who purchase a 2023 Fun Card will get now through Howl-O-Scream FREE, plus unlimited visits January 27 through September 4, 2023. Guests will have nowhere to hide as iconic frights are combined with newly unleashed experiences. Fan-favorite houses Witch of the Woods and KILLarney Diner will return in 2022, as well as two signature terror-tories, Ripper Row and Meat Market. These staple scares are paired with the following hair-raising new additions: 2022 All-New Haunted Houses NEW! Inferno: When death is only the beginning, there’s no end to the scorching terror in sight. As the ground opens to the fiery torments of the dead, your only hope for escape is to journey further into this twisted domain. Descend deep into the pits of Lucifer’s lair to find your way out but beware--the underworld’s demonic horde is yearning for your soul. NEW! Death Water Bayou: The sounds of the carnival celebration grow faint as you are beckoned deeper into the bayou by an unseen force. The cursed hands rise out of the swamp, reaching in desperation for their next devilish devotee. Beware of the bayou or fall victim to the horrors cast by the swamp’s sinister citizens. NEW! Nevermore Chapter 2: A disturbing new chapter in the Nevermore saga has been unveiled, wreaking horror and havoc for the nobility and townsmen alike. The gothic nightmare reads on as tales of torment and terror take frightening form. Explore a world where literature comes to life and Poe’s poignant prose takes on an even darker reality. 2022 All-New Terror-Tories NEW! Dead A-Head: The bloodied bodies of the beheaded are lurking through the streets of France seeking revenge for their bludgeoned fate. Beware of your surroundings--one wrong move and it could be your head on the chopping block. NEW! Gorgon Gardens: Don’t look too closely--staring straight into the soul-less eyes of these serpent sisters leads to venomous consequences and a stone-cold eternity. There’s no escaping these sinister sirens once you’ve been added to their succulent garden of souls. NEW! Scary Tale Road: Once upon a time, these fairy tale fantasies lured you to sleep with picturesque places and harmonious heroes. Survival is slim as these childhood icons have been ripped from the pages and are now haunting your dreams. Plus, guests can experience daytime fun with thrilling coasters, fall theming, family-friendly shows, and more, all at the world’s most beautiful theme park. Parental discretion is advised after 6:00 PM, as Howl-O-Scream contains amplified scares that are not recommended for children. Best Deal of the Season – 2023 Fun Card with Howl-O-Scream FREE The best way to experience Howl-O-Scream 2022 is with a Busch Gardens Fun Card or Membership. For a limited-time, guests who purchase a 2023 Fun Card will get now through Howl-O-Scream FREE. Hurry, before prices go up August 28! 2023 Fun Card holders also get unlimited visits from January 27 through September 4, 2023, plus unlimited admission during Howl-O-Scream 2022. For unbeatable benefits and admission, guests can purchase a Membership to receive 12 months of visits with amazing park perks including free parking, up to six free guest tickets, savings on merchandise and more.

Tripsdrill is a park I need to visit again. It was a lot of fun back in 2008, but it looks even better now. As for the great "Europa v. Phantasialand" debate, I'm on Team Europa, although I like Phantasialand, too. If only they had kept Hollywood Tour--its cheesiness made it adorable.

OK, that's enough of that. Everybody go to their respective corners and relax.

Agreed. Universal Japan had a temporary Wizard of Oz-themed area years ago. I'm curious to see what Movie World really does with theirs.

For those of you who have been wondering what's been going on with the old candy shop in Germany . . . Sip in Secret at an ALL-NEW Theme Park Speakeasy, Opening this Month at Busch Gardens Williamsburg For a Limited-time, Guests Can Save 20 Percent on Reservations for this Exclusive Experience Something new is brewing at the all-new Bürgermeister’s Hideaway This immersive, one-of-a-kind experience debuts on July 20 Guests 21+ can enjoy handcrafted cocktail flights customized to each season For a limited-time, all reservations receive a 20 percent grand opening discount Save up to 55 percent on tickets, Fun Cards and Memberships during the Summer Sale A one-of-a-kind, immersive bar experience is debuting this summer at Busch Gardens Williamsburg with the addition of an all-new speakeasy. Bürgermeister’s Hideaway will open on July 20 and offers guests an opportunity to partake in a spirited experience with festive drink and fantastic ambiance. Behind a sweet façade visitors will explore an exclusive hideaway bar that houses mystery and marvel for all to enjoy. The tale of Bürgermeister’s Hideaway dates back to a centuries-old mystery bar that offers a different type of counter service with a drink that is contrary to its country. This hidden den, run by Busch Gardens’ iconic Bürgermeister, offers signature cocktail, mocktail, wine, and beer flights that will leave guests craving more. Beverage flights are chef curated and seasonally inspired, debuting with the vibrant flavors of summer. Guests who select the cocktail flight can sip on the perfect blend of sweet and spice with the refreshing Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita and the Banana Nutella Martini, a smooth and savory concoction with a hint of hazelnut. Prost to sweet surprises with this ALL-NEW adventure at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Visitors must prebook their speakeasy visit here. Each reservation includes a timed entry to Bürgermeister’s Hideaway and one drink flight. For a limited-time, guests can save 20 percent on reservations purchased before July 22. Throughout the year, Members receive a discount on this all-new experience.

It's nice to hear that Walygator has turned Anaconda into an enjoyable ride. I haven't been there since 2008, when that coaster would've put any torture by the Spanish Inquisition to shame. Europa looks excellent, as usual. I appreciate the beautiful theming and the "balance" of the park (good mix of thrill and dark rides).

Maybe everybody went to Water Country, instead.

^I doubt that a "30% chance of isolated thunderstorms" is going to discourage anyone from going on a holiday weekend. I see Quick Queue in your future.

I visited this park when it first opened as Marriott's Great America back in the 1970s. We almost lost it when Marriott pulled out, but the City of Santa Clara ran it for a while, before Paramount and Cedar Fair came along.

It appears that Arizona is finally getting a new park. MATTEL AND EPIC ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL BRAND EXPERIENCES FOR UPCOMING MATTEL ADVENTURE PARK EL SEGUNDO, Calif., – May 24, 2022 –Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and EPIC Resort Destinations, LLC. announced today that Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale, Arizona will feature additional brand activations from Barbie, Masters of the Universe, and Mattel Games when it opens in 1Q 2023. These Mattel brands join the previously announced Hot Wheels roller coaster and go-karting experiences and Thomas & Friends indoor theme park. “Mattel Adventure Park will be even more engaging and entertaining at launch, with the addition of these iconic Mattel brand experiences,” said Julie Freeland, Senior Director, Global Location Based Entertainment, Mattel. “The expansion of this flagship attraction brings together the largest representation of Mattel’s beloved brands in a live space as never before.” The additional brand experiences planned for Mattel Adventure Park will be highlighted by the Barbie Beach House, designed to be a must-visit destination for Barbie fans of all ages. The Barbie Beach House features the Barbie flying theater, taking riders on a journey from deep underwater to outer space; the Dream Closet Experience, where Barbie, through state-of-the-art hologram technology, is brought to life to help curate the ultimate wardrobe; and the Barbie Rooftop where guests can enjoy a selection of signature pink beverages perfectly paired with sweet and savory snacks while enjoying panoramic views of the property. Mattel Adventure Park will also feature a nine-hole mini golf experience that translates the Mattel Games portfolio into an immersive environment. Families can putt-putt while battling Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, or through a life-sized Pictionary game board with additional games featured throughout. The #1 card game property, UNO, will be represented as a larger-than-life climbing structure where guests can jump on oversized UNO cards and race to the top. Master of the Universe’s iconic Castle Grayskull has been transformed into a 4,500+ sq. ft. state-of-the-art laser tag arena where fans “have the power” to fight for Eternia. A Laser Tag experience will bring the world of Eternia to life and invites guests to join an epic battle to regain the power of the Universe. “We are extremely excited to add Barbie, Masters of the Universe and Mattel Games themed attractions and rides to an already outstanding offering in development at the first-ever Mattel Adventure Park. We have spared no expense to bring these iconic brands to life in ways that will delight visitors of all ages for years to come.” Said Mark Cornell, President, Epic Resort Destinations. About Mattel Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com. About EPIC Resort Destinations EPIC is a resort destinations developer specializing in Intellectual Property driven resorts and location-based entertainment. We are guest obsessed and, on a mission, to create, develop, and operate world-class destinations and attractions that are extraordinary, safe, and fun places where epic memories are created and shared. Our unique blend of family-friendly fun is created by combining time proven “wind in your face” themed rides, globally iconic brands with multigenerational emotional resonance, and immersive theatrical experiences featuring original media content. Current developments under construction include Mattel Adventure Park, Barbie Beach House, and a flying immersive theater in Glendale, Arizona, with future destinations under consideration across North America. Visit us at matteladventurepark.com.

This is typical for the first year or two of a new coaster at Busch Gardens. Pantheon will probably become part of the "regular" Quick Queue lineup in time.

^Sound advice for a busy holiday weekend.

It opened with the park during my last few visits. I went there first thing at opening last Sunday and waited about 20 minutes for the back row. By the time I finished my ride, the wait was over 70 minutes.

Throw in Abbott and Costello, and you got a deal!