Howl-O-Scream Tampa 2000

For its first-ever Howl-O-Scream, Busch Gardens Tampa hit the ground running. Taking cues from Tampa’s legendary Guavaween celebration, the event offered seasonal chills and spills for all ages. Kids could howl on hayrides in their own monster-free area and even partake in an up-charge slumber party on the Serengeti, but the rest of the park was open season for the “Creature Crew,” a 70-strong army of werewolves, vampires, and other assorted ghouls.

Befitting the park’s African theme, a pith-helmeted icon named Dr. Livingsdoom presided over the screams, starring in one of the event’s three haunted houses. The newly formed T.R.I.B.E. - To Realize Innovative Busch Experiences - didn’t skimp on the live entertainment either, bringing in everything from a magician to a Munster.