Howl-o-scream 2009 (tampa)

Holy crap, this looks awesome!



I've been to both the Tampa and Williamsburg Howl-o-screams at their respective Busch Gardens. And while Williamsburg is very good (and close), Tampa is phenomenal. They (both) have such a fine attention to detail, a dark but cheeky sense of humor, and a mastery of timing and atmosphere. Think about how often Disney rolls out a new ride; it's positively glacial. Howl-o-scream reinvents itself EVERY year and it does it very well.

I'm guessing that Williamsburg is a little more kid-oriented (starts during daylight, doesn't go as late, haunts aren't as dark) because the park has been in operation longer and has more of a reputation as family-friendly. Don't get me wrong - there's nothing wrong with that. I have a young one, and I'd certainly want her to have fun with Halloween on her first few experiences. So I can definitely see taking Baby Charlie to Williamsburg in a few years. Tampa wouldn't be until (much) later.

The Tampa Busch Gardens is newer, and I think they must have planned for a more adult demographic when designing not just the park, but especially Howl-o-scream. The whole campaign is very slick, very professional - the website does a great job rescuing vampires from the Twilight-inspired wussiness they've gone through in recent years without ugging them out like some have done in recent years.

I really wish I could go to Tampa this year - all of the haunts look fantastic, especially the Nightshade Toy Factory.