Frequently Asked Questions
- Event Info
- Buy Tickets
- Evil Upgrades
Howl-O-Scream is a yearly Halloween fright fest and Tampa Bay's number one haunted attraction held at Busch Gardens!
This adult-targeted event transforms Busch Gardens into a late-night party with haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment. This event requires an admission ticket separate from daytime admission to Busch Gardens. Daytime admission to Busch Gardens is not included nor required.
General Event Info FAQ
What is Howl-O-Scream?
Howl-O-Scream is a yearly Halloween fright fest and Tampa Bay’s No. 1 haunted attraction, held at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This adult-targeted event transforms Busch Gardens into a late-night party with haunted houses and scare zones. This event requires an admission ticket separatefrom daytime admission to Busch Gardens. Daytime admission to Busch Gardens is not included nor required.
Is Howl-O-Scream suitable for children?
Howl-O-Scream contains intense adult content such as violence, gore and blood and is not intended for children.
Are kids allowed into Howl-O-Scream?
While this event is intended for adults only, children under 18 will be admitted to the event. There is no discounted rate for children.
Will the rides and attractions be open?
Pulse pounding thrills soar to new heights during Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Howl-O-Scream. Major attractions including the all-new Phoenix Rising, Iron Gwazi, SheiKra, Cheetah Hunt, Tigris, Cobras Curse, Kumba, Montu, and Serengeti Flyer will be open during the event.
Can I wear a costume to Howl-O-Scream?
No, for the safety of our costumed performers and other visitors to the event, guests in costumes will not be permitted.
Where do you enter Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay?
Once you have your Howl-O-Scream ticket you will be directed to enter the main entrance to the park.
Will there be an area to wait in the park as it transitions to Howl-O-Scream
Designated holding areas within the park will be provided for daytime guests who have also purchased a Howl-O-Scream event ticket. These guests will be provided with a wristband denoting that they are authorized to remain within the park.
Can you leave Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay and re-enter later that evening
No. Re-entry to Howl-O-Scream is prohibited.
What are the security measures upon park entry
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has increased security procedures, which may result in slight delays while entering the park. As a part of this process:
- No outside food or beverage is permitted.
- All bags, backpacks and packages are subject to inspection prior to entering the park.
- All persons are subject to screening for prohibited items using walk-through or hand-held metal detectors prior to entering the park.
- As a reminder, the following items are not permitted to be brought into Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for the safety of our animals and our guests: weapons, knives, any other type of sharp objects, disposable straws, hard or soft coolers and any hazardous items or materials.
- Any item that a guest presents that security deems unsafe or inappropriate will also not be inside the park. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
- Luggage, coolers, and bags with wheels are not permitted inside the park.
- Please leave any unnecessary articles secured within your vehicle to expedite your entry into the park.
- Busch Gardens is not responsible for fire, theft, damage, or loss of vehicle including articles left within.
What is the camera policy for Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay
For the safety of our performers and other guests, flash photography is not permitted at Howl-O-Scream. Filming inside of our haunted houses and scare zones is permitted, if no external lighting or accessories are used.
Tickets & Admission
How can I purchase my Howl-O-Scream ticket?
The easiest way to purchase your Howl-O-Scream ticket is online.
Do Pass Members receive discounted tickets to Howl-O-Scream?
Yes, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Florida Platinum Pass Members receive a discount to Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay. Discounted tickets start as low as $32.99. Log Into your Pass Member account to see the discount tickets on the Howl-O-Scream tickets page.
If I purchase a daytime park ticket to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, will it include Howl-O-Scream?
Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay is a separately ticketed nighttime event. Daytime admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is neither required nor included in general Howl-O-Scream admission tickets.
What is the "Unlimited" ticket?
The Unlimited ticket is for the true Howl-O-Scream fan who can’t get enough haunts and horror. The ticket provides you with UNLIMITED Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay admission throughout the entire Howl-O-Scream event.
How late is the park open?
The Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream begins at 7:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m.
How much is parking?
Parking for Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay is the same rate as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. General parking rates start at $32.00 +tax.
Does Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offer any Howl-O-Scream Vacation Packages?
Yes. You can purchase vacation packages, including hotel stays, by visiting the the
Does Howl-O-Scream offer group pricing?
Yes,group pricingfor Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay is available for groups of 15 or more. Tickets start at $32.99 and are only available online in advance of your group's visit. Prices are per person and do not include parking, taxes, or service fees.
What if it rains? Will I get a rain ticket?
Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay is a separately ticketed special event and will occur rain or shine. No rainchecks will be issued.
Do I still get free parking with my Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass?
Yes. Daytime benefits for Silver, Gold, and Platinum Pass Members including free parking and discounts on food and merchandise still apply for Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay.
Will Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Pass Members be able to receive their benefits while attending Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay?
Yes, all Annual Pass benefits including parking privileges and discounts on merchandise, food, and beverages will be honored. Other daytime-specific benefits available to certain tiers of passes, including guest tickets, reserved seating, priority entrance lanes, and access to the Pass Member Lounge, will not be available. One-time Quick Queue privileges may be redeemed earlier in the day at the self-service kiosks and used at rides open during the Howl-O-Scream event.
Do Florida Platinum Members get into the first weekend for free?
YesFlorida Platinum Pass Membersget in free for the first weekend of Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay. Simply show your valid Platinum Annual Pass at the park entrance on Friday, September 6 - Saturday, September 7 to receive FREE admission to Howl-O-Scream. This exclusive benefit is only available at Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Event Upgrades
What is Front Line Fear?
Front Line Fear gets you Single-use front-of-the-line access to five houses! Or go extreme and get single-use front-of-the-line access to five houses, PLUS single-use front-of-the-line access to 10 major thrill rides of your choice for rides like All-New Phoenix Rising, Serengeti Flyer, Iron Gwazi, Tigris, Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra, Kumba, Montu, Falcon's Fury and Cobra's Curse. Get yours here.
Seasonal pricing applies. Add Front Line Fear to your cart for actual price.
Howl-O-Scream admission is required but not included.Card must be punched at time of admission to the haunted house. Front-of-the-line access is void after all 5 redemption spots have been punched. Offers only available during Howl-O-Scream event. Discounts cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. No refunds for unredeemed house visits. Front Line Fear card is only valid on date purchased. Not redeemable for cash. Resale of cards is strictly prohibited. Busch Gardens is not responsible for lost or stolen cards.
What is the Howl-O-Scream Ultimate VIP Tour?
The Howl-O-Scream Ultimate VIP tour includes Admission to Howl-O-Scream and a Private tour for your group of 2 or more. Unlimited front-of-the-line access to all haunted houses and major thrill rides. A complimentary dinner at Dragon Fire Grill. Complimentary preferred parking (Subject to availability). Complimentary beverages at select locations within the park.
All children under 18 must be accompanied by a paid adult. This tour includes front-of-the-line access to all haunted houses. Cancellation of your tour or changes in your group size must be done at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled event night or 100% of your payment will be forfeited. If tours are sold out or you need to adjust your reservation, please email [emailprotected] . Prices are per person, and does not include taxes or service fees. Howl-O-Scream 2024 admission is included with this tour, however ticket is not valid for general day admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Busch Gardens reserves the right to refuse service of any alcoholic beverage to any guest who is unable to provide proper identification or appears to be intoxicated. Operating hours are subject to change without notice. No guests in costumes admitted. No rain checks or readmits. Get ready for guts, gore and a night of seriously sinister fun.
Accessibility, Health & Safety
Are motorized wheelchairs permitted in haunted houses?
All of our haunted houses are ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible, but there are some tight corners to turn. We do ask that guests transfer to a standard (non-motorized) wheelchair to tour the haunted houses. Transfer chairs will be available at the beginning of every haunted house.
Are motorized wheelchairs available for rent at Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay?
Both motorized wheelchairs (ECVs) and standard wheelchairs will be available for rental inside The Emporium gift shop located just inside of the park entrance in the Moroccan Village.
Does Busch Gardens’ Ride Accessibility Program apply to Howl-O-Scream houses?
Yes, information on Busch Gardens’ Ride Accessibility Program can be found at Guest Relations located inside the park in the Moroccan Village.
Shopping & Dining
Will full meal service be available during Howl-O-Scream?
Yes. Several Quick Service establishments will be open during Howl-O-Scream.
Will All-Day Dining Deal be available during Howl-O-Scream?
No, we will not be offering All-Day Dining Deal after the normal park operation.
Will PhotoKey be available for Howl-O-Scream?
Yes, PhotoKey will be available to use and purchase during the event.
