Last month, we learned that the 2020 Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens would not feature physical haunted houses. Instead, the park opted to use multiple “scare zones” (specified areas where scaractors and haunted house like set pieces create a spooky scene) throughout the park to give Guests socially-distanced Halloween fun. Recently, Busch Gardens announced more details about these “zones” throughout the park and what kind of monsters lurk within.
Busch Gardens Announces 2021 Mardi Gras Festivities
There will be a total of 10 scare zones scattered throughout the 335-acre park. Four of these zones are brand new to the event.
1. Lycan Landing – NEW!
Set in a campground, this scare zone features werewolves and possibly some other creatures of the night.
2. The Shortcut – NEW!
When you cut through a graveyard, you have to pay the price! Be prepared to meet a few unhappy corpses in this zone.
3. The Junkyard – NEW!
I’m not sure if the “monsters” inside this zone are psychopathic humans or anthropomorphic rubble. Either way, it sounds like a creepy place!
4. The Escape – NEW!
YES!! Escaped inmates from Grey Echo Penitentiary are ready to deliver their own form of justice! Get ready for some old-fashioned prison scares!
5. First Fear
Familiar faces from the last twenty years adorn these streets. Howl-O-Scream icons from the haunted past are ready to terrify you once again.
6. Little Nightmares
Feeling nostalgic? This scare zone is full of twisted childhood memories that probably won’t leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
7. Maniac Midway
Located in the Pantopia section of the park, Sparky and his crew of goons are ready to take you to the “scariest show on earth.”
8. Deadly Toys
Another call back to childhood, get ready to be hunted down by murderous, giant toys.
9. Hell on Wheels
Enter a post-apocalyptic world where you’ll encounter an understandably desperate group of survivors. You might not want to get in their way. This biker gang is hungry!
10. Dia de los Muertos
Probably the most colorful and vibrant scare zone in the park, join the celebration!
In the current times, multiple scare zones seem like a safe alternative to the small, confined spaces of a haunted house. I’m pretty disappointed that Busch Gardens won’t be putting out all new scare zones and instead will be repeating so many previous themes. However, Howl-O-Scream doesn’t release all-new content in any given year. There are always a combination of repeat houses and scare zones with a few new additions. I had just hoped that, given the situation, we would have had a higher percentage of new content.
Before Visiting Howl-O-Scream
Because of reduced capacity and COVID-19 concerns, it is highly recommended that you reserve your tickets ahead of time. You can visit Busch Gardens’ website to learn more!
