Howl-O-Scream Tampa 2017

For the first time since 2011, zombies took center stage at Howl-O-Scream, smiling wide on park maps and lurking in its darkest corners. They returned for the debut of a new and unusual house, Undead Arena Live. Unlike previous multiple-choice mazes at Busch Gardens, guests picked their path at the entrance, with all of them eventually leading to the same grand finale. Though reception was mixed to the game-show theme, the branching design was retained for a more successful maze the following year. Scarezones returned in force, with five elaborately themed hunting grounds in addition to the roving hordes. As a tribute to the event’s past and the performers that made it worth remembering, a special horde called the Silver Devils was comprised solely of Howl-O-Scream veterans. After years of technical difficulties, Zombie Containment Unit 15 and its laser tag arsenal would finally retire. For the first time, “coaster creeps” boarded select roller coasters to ride alongside guests.