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Your guide to the creepiest & cleverest mazes at Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Howl-O-Scream

Howl-O-Scream is haunting Busch Gardens Williamsburg once again, and as always, it’s a Halloween event not to be missed.

The park is open select dates through October 27, and entry to Howl-O-Scream is included with park admission. During the day, visitors can enjoy nearly all the rides and attractions they’ve come to love, including 2019’s new Finnegan’s Flyer, soaring 80 feet above the cliffs of Ireland. But by 5:45 p.m., little ones and anyone else who doesn’t love a good scare should be on the way to the car because the scares begin. (Kids attractions close at 5 p.m.)

Screams can be heard from England and Scotland to Italy, through Germany, France, and Ireland as scare zones and six haunted mazes bring out all sorts of creepies. Watch out for the invading Norsemen, Vampire Point, and more as you make your way through the park after dark. But if you need to take a break from all the scares, Howl-O-Scream features three fantastic shows in 2019, including Jack is Back in Ireland with a crew of dancing scarecrows for a disco party and the revamped Night Beats musical at Oktoberfest. Two new escape rooms are also available to visitors who are willing to pay an additional fee.

While haunts and scares are certainly what Howl-O-Scream is so great at delivering, the daytime hours offer family-friendly activities at a special Sesame Street Halloween Event, “The Count’s Spooktacular”, on Saturdays and Sundays. Children under 9 are encouraged to come dressed up and join the costume parade and other activities. Just remember, the Count’s Spooktacular closes at 5 p.m.

The scariest mazes

Lumberhack maze

Winner – Lumberhack

Make your way through this frightening logging camp and try to leave in one piece. Demented lumberjacks lie in wait for visitors to their camp with chainsaws and axes waiting to add to their collection of rotting body parts.

Frostbite maze

Runner-up – Frostbite

Prepare to feel the cold hand of fear climb up your back as you enter Frostbite, inside Oktoberfest’s NewKastle. Walk through the foggy graveyard which includes the icy remains of the fire-breathing giant that once guarded the castle. Then, try to make your way through the icy cavern beneath the castle and try to find your way back to the surface.

The most creative mazes

Circo Sinistro maze

Winner – Circo Sinistro

The circus has come to town and raised its tents in Italy, but it’s not the circus you remember from childhood. Ghoulie clowns are anything but funny and beware the acrobats who try to tempt you into joining them on the trapeze. If you’re careful, you just might make it out of the big top in one piece.

The Vault: Overtaken

Runner-up – The Vault: Overtaken

The vault has been thrown open and creatures from past Halloweens have taken over the maze. Wind through some of your favorite experiences from Howl-O-Scream past like Frankenstein and the Fiends nurses, the Executioner from the Dark Tower, and many more. Scream like you haven’t since these frights last roamed the park.The vault has been thrown open and creatures from past Halloweens have taken over the maze. Wind through some of your favorite experiences from Howl-O-Scream past like Frankenstein and the Fiends nurses, the Executioner from the Dark Tower, and many more. Scream like you haven’t since these frights last roamed the park.

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream

Ready to feel the fear in person?

AAA members can save up to 40% per ticket on select dates at Busch Gardens Williamsburg when they buy online. Tickets are also available at AAA Tidewater Virginia branches.

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