Haunted Houses
Frostbite
Location: Inside Curse of DarKastle Debut: 2016 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. |
The Vault: XX
Location: Das Festhaus Debut: 2018 We're 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. These classic characters and more are just dying to catch up. Enjoy your walk down memory lane … • Executioner from Dark Tower • Mummy from Curse of Pompeii • Pirate Captain Ghost from Sea Dog Cemetery • Little Dead Riding Hood from Deadtime Stories • Werewolf from Hunted |
Cornered
Debut: 2015 "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." |
Demented Dimensions
Location: NewKastle Debut: 2018 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. |
LumberHack
Debut: 2015 "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 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." |
Dystopia
Location: Italy Debut: 2018 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. |
Scare Zones
Ripper Row
Location: Banbury Cross Debut: 2013 "Tendrils of fog curl lazily around those who walk the dark streets and cling to tattered bits of black parasols, forlorn reminders that the denizens of this forsaken place are in mourning. The wailing keens of those who’ve lost someone dear punctuate the air of a city shrouded in darkness and despair. Shadows lurk everywhere. Everyone is a stranger and no one can be trusted. The yellowed newspapers plastered on sides of buildings shout the dire news in bold headlines: patrons of the Ten Bells Pub are disappearing. Whispers permeate every shadow-filled corner and foreboding alleyway, rumors of a dark figure stalking the streets plucking unsuspecting souls who fall victim to his nefarious whims. Bobbies rush in and out of Scotland Yard, their brows furrowed with anxiety and their eyes averted from the citizens they are helpless to protect. Their efforts to warn away potential victims has all been in vain as more and more people seem to flood the streets each day. The locals are starting to call it the Autumn of Terror and no one knows when the horrors will stop and England will be safe once more. How do you save people from a villain with no known identity? For weeks he has been taunting the police by mailing them grisly notes detailing his murderous crimes, all signed with the same shudder-inducing name: Jack the Ripper. One thing is clear, this is his city now and the suffering is far from over for those who visit Ripper Row…" |
Sideshow Square
Debut: 2016 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 to the new Sideshow Square terror-tory at Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Howl-O-Scream. |
Vampire Point
Location: Rhinefeld Debut: 2013 "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 the main course at the Blood Banquet™. Dawn is hours away, so your last salvation lies in escaping the vampire village before the inhabitants sink their fangs into you." |
Axe Alley
Location: New France Debut: 2017 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 remains of this horrible attack are strewn among the desolate ruins of smoldering timbers and axe-slashed oak. There’s more hidden among these terrifying artifacts in Axe Alley ™. The spirits are restless and under the control of this madness. They walk the world of the living once more to unleash terror upon the land. |
Garden of the Souls
Debut: 2018 Location: 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. |
Fool's Court
Debut: 2018 Location: 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. |
Shows
Monster Stomp
Location: Globe Theatre Debut: 2014 "Monster Stomp returns, this time on Ripper Row. This modern rock and rhythm spectacular features Jack the Ripper like you’ve never seen him before. The beat is back as electrifying percussion, dynamic dance, and sensational singing return to the stage in a pulse pounding revue that is darkly entertaining." |
Night Beats
Location: Das Festhaus Debut: 2012 "Things that go bump in the night sing, dance and transport you on a musical journey. From the devilish sounds of the roaring '20s to vamping it up with the music of today, this show is filled with dazzling dance numbers, sizzling singers and a barely live band that will leave your heart … beating." |
Experiences
No Escape
The clock is ticking, and there’s only one way out. Do you and your friends have what it takes to solve the clues and save the day before it’s too late? Will you master No Escape and claim victory with your friends or will you be defeated?
Experience all of the fun and adventure of an “escape room” experience, with a unique Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream® twist. In this physical adventure game, you and five others are locked in a room and must use clues to solve puzzles and try to escape before time runs out. This is a scary event, so beware; other things might be lurking in the way of solving the puzzle.
Choose between two No Escape adventures:
The clock is ticking, and there’s only one way out. Do you and your friends have what it takes to solve the clues and save the day before it’s too late? Will you master No Escape and claim victory with your friends or will you be defeated?
Experience all of the fun and adventure of an “escape room” experience, with a unique Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream® twist. In this physical adventure game, you and five others are locked in a room and must use clues to solve puzzles and try to escape before time runs out. This is a scary event, so beware; other things might be lurking in the way of solving the puzzle.
Choose between two No Escape adventures:
Jack's Nightmare Room
Debut: 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.
Debut: 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.

CASE OF THE HAUNTED HOTEL
Many weary travelers have sought refuge in this once-grand lodging, few have ever been seen again. Dark secrets lurk behind every door and a feeling of malevolence permeates the very air. Right this way to your room – don’t worry, we’ll take care of the luggage. Welcome to No Escape: Case of the Haunted Hotel. Keep your wits about you and unlock the mysteries of this cursed hotel or once you check in, you will never check out. We hope you enjoy your stay…permanently.
Many weary travelers have sought refuge in this once-grand lodging, few have ever been seen again. Dark secrets lurk behind every door and a feeling of malevolence permeates the very air. Right this way to your room – don’t worry, we’ll take care of the luggage. Welcome to No Escape: Case of the Haunted Hotel. Keep your wits about you and unlock the mysteries of this cursed hotel or once you check in, you will never check out. We hope you enjoy your stay…permanently.
RIP Haunts
Unearthed: Scarlett's Revenge
Debut: 2015 Closed: 2018 Type: Haunted House "During maintenance at the park, an excavation crew uncovered a centuries-old house buried deep underground. Upon opening its door, a sinister force was unearthed—Scarlett—a furious demon who wields a deadly deck of magical cards she uses to summon her evil servants. Journey below to experience the splintered labyrinth of horrors and the wrath of this demon scorned." |
Dead Line
Location: Under Escape from Pompeii Debut: 2011 Closed: 2017 Type: Haunted House "Deep underground, construction of the newest line of the Pompeii Metro was moving smoothly until an ancient pipe was accidentally struck. At first, it seemed like steam. Then the mist became thicker, more sinister. Now the strange gas is leaking quickly, and everyone trapped inside is infected. The difficult decision was made to cut off all communication to the outside world. The Dead Line is off the grid." |
Catacombs
Location: Royal Palace Theatre Debut: 2009 Closed: 2017 Type: Haunted House "Through a ruined cemetery filled with statues lies a tunnel that leads to an underground city. Its history is more terrifying than that of France’s worst revolutions. Deep within these tunnels lie mile after mile of bones—the final resting place for those who are buried here. But all is not as quiet as it appears. As guests venture forth into the dank, dripping corridors of rat infested remains, the voices of the dead begin to speak, and some have taken shape." |
Wendigo Woods
Run: 2014-2016 Type: Scare Zone "Wendigo Woods™ started out as a state-of-the-art facility where researchers could study the flora and fauna of the northern reaches of the continent’s forests. The camp was named after a terrifying creature, the Wendigo, which was thought to be only a legend … until now. Sightings of mysterious creatures stalking through the woods have prompted a security team to shut down the compound and contain whatever is out there. Either unravel the mystery of Wendigo Woods or fall prey to the terror in the trees." |
Bitten
Location: Oktoberfest - Drachen Fire Station Run: 2009-2016 Type: Haunted House "Suspicion, darkness and mind-numbing fear surround the “Bitten” house which is set in Eastern Europe in the late 1800s. Full of legends and lore of vampires and the undead that preyed on the innocent, this manor sits by the road upon which all travelers must pass but few return." |
13: Your Number's Up
Type: Haunted House Location: Europe in the Air Debut: 2011 "For 13 long years, the dark tower was locked away from the world—existing only in the nightmares of those who had dared to experience Howl-O-Scream’s first and most terrifying maze. But now the seal has been broken. The tower is open once more and on the 13th floor, your darkest phobias and fears lurk in the shadows. Are you brave enough to face them or is your number up?" |
Dig It Up!
Type: Show Location: San Marco - Il Teatro di San Marco Debut: 2012 "Relics long forgotten and buried in the vaults of the Museo di San Marco have recently been dug up, dusted off and brought to life through song. Cavemen, Egyptians, Romans, and even an alien encounter make their musical debut in this eclectic energy packed anything goes at Halloween show." |
Root of All Evil
Type: Haunted House Location: Behind DarKastle Debut: 2012 "The seeds of evil have been sown. Venture if you dare into a decrepit greenhouse. Experiments here have not gone as planned and evil has taken control. Botanists, landscapers and staff all poisoned by the very plants they created. In this maze of foliage, you are ripe for the pickings." |
Cut Throat Cove
Type: Haunted House Location: Festa Italia - Behind Roman Rapids Run: 2013-2015 "Heed the warning: Abandon hope all ye who enter. Cut Throat Cove™ is the haven for bloodthirsty, dangerous rogues – where the scurvy dogs, buccaneers and scoundrels go for shelter. Proceed with caution. Alas, something has gone terribly wrong. Within this macabre market, the pirates have been slaughtered and mutiny is afoot. The way out lies with the buried treasure and the blood-curdling screams you hear just might be your own." |
Ports of Skull
Location: San Marco Run: 2013-2015 "The Jolly Roger has risen over a ship graveyard filled with lost souls doomed to haunt the vessels they once sailed. Chart your course through Cut Throat Cove™ or cozy up to the Pirate Baarrrgh™ for a swill ‘o the grog, but keep a weather eye open or you may find yourself keel-hauled by cut-throat buccaneers." |
Demon Street
Location: Aquitaine Debut: 2013 Closed: 2017 Type: Scare Zone "Paris is burning. Can you escape before the city is engulfed in flame? Let the smoldering ruins light your way, but beware, fiery fiends lurk around every corner ready to put you on the coals. The smell of a burning inferno fills the air and rumor has it unsuspecting souls will be roasted on a spit. It’s about to get very hot in Paris, so stay cool or you may find yourself going up in smoke." |
Starfright Orchestra
Return: 2016 Closed: 2017 Type: Show The Starfright Orchestra is back together, and has resurrected its popular music for Howl-O-Scream. Guests at Busch Gardens Williamsburg may recognize the ghostly musicians on the stage of Italy’s il Teatro Di San Marco this fall. The 12-piece swing band, featuring male and female lead singers, returns to Busch Gardens after an eight-year hiatus. The show will feature a familiar song list with popular spooky hits like, “I Put a Spell on You,” and “Monster Mash.” Many members of the original band are returning, making for a nostalgic reunion tour. The shows will run five times every Saturday during Howl-O-Scream. |

CASE OF MR. KARVER
Closed: 2017
Type: Escape Room
Mr. Karver’s dolls want to play. The puppet master has created new works of art for his evil encore, and it’s up to you to stop his evil machinations from becoming reality. Searching for clues, you will try to uncover the location of his secret workshop and, if found, attempt to stop him from making any more of his monstrous dolls.
Closed: 2017
Type: Escape Room
Mr. Karver’s dolls want to play. The puppet master has created new works of art for his evil encore, and it’s up to you to stop his evil machinations from becoming reality. Searching for clues, you will try to uncover the location of his secret workshop and, if found, attempt to stop him from making any more of his monstrous dolls.