busch gardens haunted house

• Life & Culture

Here are the best Tampa Bay Halloween events, from fun to frights

• Sharon Kennedy Wynne Times staff

Halloween has become such a huge business that the frights start as early as August at theme parks and local attractions, where fans find elaborate haunts, creative costumes and super-spooky decorations.

It wasn’t long ago that the season consisted of a Charlie Brown special and maybe a costume party. But these days the season starts early with everything pumpkin spiced. The haunted houses at theme parks are pricey, but also crowded with fans ready to get their scare on. And a number of indie operators have stepped up to show the big brands how to bring the fear.

Tampa Bay lifestyle blogger Laurie Schroeder knows all about them because she goes to pretty much every one of them during the scary season.

The Wimauma resident goes to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights every year. She has already checked out Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream, and she’s looking forward to Scream-A-Geddon in Dade City and Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant City, two of the better indie haunts that create elaborate houses and scream-worthy scares in their backwoods settings.

“I have always been a big Halloween fan, I think because living in Florida we gravitate to Halloween and Christmas time because it kind of brings us to weather changes we are not receiving,” Schroeder said. “My family brought me up on horror movies but they always stressed that this is fake, that’s ketchup, not blood. ... You get an adrenaline rush but you know you are safe.”

We have been stalking the many purveyors of panic and came up with a guide for Halloween fans in the Tampa Bay area. We checked out Universal’s movie-worthy horrors. We caught up with Howl-O-Scream, which has a 24-year record of creating scary and hilarious settings, including this year’s new creepy Circus of Fear. And we found a number of not-so-scary Halloween events you can bring the little ones to so they can dress up and get an early jump on candy.

The National Retail Federation expects this year to bring a record $10.6 billion in Halloween spending. Next to Christmas and the summer travel season, Halloween has become the third-busiest time of year for many theme parks.

Read on to find out why.

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights

Fans of the fourth season of “Stranger Things” will immediately recognize scenes inside the show’s atmospheric new haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights 2023 . You’ll also find Chucky, the killer doll and The Exorcist over a record-breaking 48 nights through Saturday, Nov. 4.

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Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream

With haunted houses, scare zones and drinks delivered via a syringe, Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream ups the horror factor for the after-hours event at the Tampa theme .

Kid-friendly fun at Legoland, Busch Gardens, ZooTampa, SeaWorld

While the gory and ghoulish get the most attention, there are plenty of nightmare-free options for the little ones going on right now. They can get an early jump on trick-or-treating and dressing up. Here about it here.

Scream-A-Geddon, Sir Richard’s offer locally produced scares

Without the deep pockets of theme parks, two indie haunts, Scream-A-Geddon and Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail , manage to earn a loyal following using their backwoods settings to add a layer of terror.

Halloween calendar

Get out your calendar. From haunted houses to family-friendly theme park attractions, there’s plenty to do from now through October in the Tampa Bay area. Click here for a comprehensive roundup.

Sharon Kennedy Wynne is a reporter covering events, things to do and family experiences through the region. Reach her at [email protected].

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Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Historical wait times (10-07-2023)

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Howl-O-Scream returns to Busch Gardens with 3 new haunted houses

Howl-O-Scream is officially back at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and is sure to give visitors a fright.

This year Busch Gardens is featuring three new haunted houses: Inferno, Death Water Bayou, and Nevermore Chapter 2.

Nevermore Chapter 2 is a continuation of last year's Nevermore, based on Virginia native Edgar Allen Poe.

"Our interpretation is, what if we explored a house where Edgar Allen Poe grew up?" said Matthew Edwards, the manager of events at Busch Gardens.

Nevermore Chapter 2 brings literature to life and is guaranteed to give you a scare, along with an English lesson.

"It's a little more reality-based but there's a lot of really fun easter eggs for people that are familiar with Edgar Allen Poe's work," continued Edwards.

Also debuting this year is Inferno, a hellish trip into the underworld.

Along with Death Water Bayou, a swampy scared filled with the ghosts and ghouls of Mardi Gras.

"If you're used the area of the park that's more circus or clowned themed, this year is a dark Mardi Gras festival," explained Edwards.

But other Howl-O-Scream favorites, like the Killarney Diner, are returning for another year.

"Something weird has been going on, there's a new blue plate special, and turns out [the diner] has been overrun by zombies," Edwards explained.

And fighting experiences aren't only found inside the haunted houses. Busch gardens says visitors be surrounded by terror, with surprises around every corner.

"Our terror-tories are through the park so it's fun you never know where the scares are gonna end up when you're walking through," said Cassady Watson, a spokesperson for Busch Gardens.

This year's Howl-O-Scream features three new terror-tories, including a Marie Antionette inspired section filled with headless ladies in France.

Other new terror-tories this year include Gordon Gardens in Italy and Scary Tale Road in Rhinefield.

Returning terror-tories this year are Meat Market, Ripper Row, and Roaming Hack Pack.

And don't forget about your favorite fall snacks.

"We have themed cocktails, fall appetizers, pumpkin everything," said Busch Gardens President, Kevin Lembke. "Get your pumpkin pretzels, get your beer, and get scared."

Howl-O-Scream kicks off Friday, Septmeber 9, and continues through Halloween night. The event is offered on select nights starting at 6 p.m. and you can find a full list of dates here .

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Busch Gardens' Howl-O-Scream haunted houses ranked

TAMPA, Fla. — Busch Gardens officially kicked off Howl-O-Scream, its annual fright fest, on Friday.

This year's event features six haunted houses (two of which are new) and six scare zones. In each instance, there are dozens of scare actors waiting to jump out at you, follow you, scream at you and just make you uneasy.

The haunted houses are the big draw at Howl-O-Scream. Each one offers its own surprising twists and scares, some more than others.

Here's a ranking of this year's houses, from worst to best.

6. The Black Spot

The Black Spot is a returning house and doesn't really offer anything new.

It's pretty much a walkthrough house that has a few scares here and there. The pirate theme, however, is well executed, from the music to the design of the pirate ship. 

5. Simon's Slaughterhouse

This new house is recommended for those 17 and older, and it's easy to see why.

As you enter the slaughterhouse, you can hear pigs squealing and banjo music playing.

From there, you'll encounter dozens of dead bodies. Slaughtered pigs hang from the ceiling. A few human bodies hang as well. Blood is splattered all over the walls and the floors. The sounds of meat grinders and chainsaws follow you throughout.

Visitors will also encounter masked characters with large butcher knives.

But beyond the gore, there aren't many scares.

4. Death Water Bayou

One of the returning houses, Death Water Bayou, is set in New Orleans. So the house has the voodoo, swamp vibe down.

It features a spinning tunnel effect that can be a bit disorienting. This house also uses strobe lights to limit your visibility.

3. Unearthed

Unearthed is probably the most well-execute house in terms of theme and scares.

Visitors are met by construction workers who excavating an old house that has sinister vibes.

The lighting, or lack thereof, really make this house a highlight. Most of the rooms are dark, with the most of the light coming from candles or a flashlight that's given to some visitors before they enter.

Of course, there are plenty of bloody body parts placed throughout the house. And also the skeletal remains of a few house pets.

2. Motel Hell

Motel Hell has plenty of gore and plenty of scares.

Visitors enter a rundown hotel where they are likely to come face-to-face with a few dead bodies.

There are words written in blood on the walls. Nightmarish hotel employees jump out from behind hotel room doors.

This house also features creative smells and other special effects up the creepy factor.

It's easy to see why this hotel has is vacant. 

1. Insomnia

Insomnia is the other new house created for this year's event, and it's easily the best. Visitors enter a haunted asylum where the doctors are demented and the patients are tortured.

Walking through, you'll notice that one of the rooms has a distinct "hospital smell."

This house also takes advantage of digital projection technology. In one room, spiders crawl up the walls as one of the patients screams behind a glass window.

There are also plenty of strobe lights, which limit your ability to see.

Busch Gardens' Howl-O-Scream runs select nights Sept. 21 through Oct. 28. Learn more about it here .

Attractions Insider  is your all-in-one source for everything you need to know about Florida's theme parks. Get news, deals, helpful tips and more in our  Attractions Insider  special section!

• Download the  Spectrum News app  and turn on notifications to receive a weekly Attractions Briefing every Friday.

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2023 Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Survival Guide (13 Tips for Beginners)

13 Tips for Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Survival 

Are you ready to be paralyzed with terror? Do you have what it takes to venture out to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream this year?

If so, you’re in for more than ghostly encounters with five demented houses , six terrifying scare zones, wickedly delicious food, top-notch entertainment and more!

In addition to all of the details you’ll need for your trip, I’ve also gathered the best tips to help you survive Howl-O-Scream , based on my most memorable past experiences.

So, let’s get started!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

What to Know Before You Go to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens

Before we get into the tips, let’s go through a few things you can expect this year at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream.

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2023 Dates

The 2023 dates for Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream dates are from September 8 th through October 31st 2023, on select days Thursday through Sunday.

Times: Fridays & Saturdays from 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. and Thursdays & Sundays from 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (including October 30th and 31st)

What Rides that Are Open During Howl-O-Scream?

• Cobra’s Curse
• Cheetah Hunt
• Falcon’s Fury

Get up to 63% off of your Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream tickets with Groupon TODAY!

2023 Howl-O-Scream Houses at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

There are three new haunted houses and seven main scare zones coming to Tampa’s Premier Halloween event in 2023! Let’s go through them all.

So far this year, there’s only been one reimagine house and one new house announced for 2023 and that is D.H. Baggum’s Circus of Fear where you’ll watch the most terrifying show you’ve ever seen…

1. Stranglewood Estate

Don’t let the grandiosity of the Stranglewood Estate fool you. Evil darkness now fills this once lively home sitting eerily in town…

2. Witch Of The Woods

Don’t get caught up in this deep, dark forest filled with no way out as you are summoned deeper and deeper into something wicked in the Witch of the Woods haunted house.

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3. The Forgotten: Uprising

The underground realm of vampires are waiting on you, its next victim, to be lured into the hidden world for some surprising hidden terrors that will be lurking around just for you in The Forgotten maze.

Recommended:  35 Scary and Fun Things to Do in Florida for Halloween 

4. D.H. Baggum’s Circus of Fear (NEW)

You’ll want to avoid the deep depths of this bayou if you know what’s good for you…

Discover the spine-chilling world of D.H. Baggum and his frightful creations, which will surely leave you trembling in fear at the mesmerizing Circus of Fear!

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

5. The Residence: Home for the Holidays

Don’t let the suburban façade deceive you. This home holds sinister secrets that are waiting patiently for you to discover at your own demise in the The Residence haunted house.

Except that this house returns with a twisted holiday chill…

Hipster Power Tip: Don’t miss out on the CRASH TEST ZOMBIES that you can find on the Ubanga Banga Bumper Cars (If they return this year).

2023 Howl-O-Scream Scare Zones

• RAVENS MILL: Your worst nightmare is hidden within the foliage of the corn field of Raven’s Mill.
• BEYOND THE VEIL: Tucked deeply in the path of Nairobi is an evil presence taking form in the dark forest. Be sure to look out for fairies and orcs on your nighttime stroll.
• THE SHORTCUT:  Don’t take the shortcut through the cemetery…
• BIG ED’S DEMOLITION DERBY (NEW): Prepare yourself to enter a twisted world where Big Ed has gathered the roughest, toughest, and meanest baddies from all corners of the event.
• THE JUNKYARD:  You don’t want to become one of the scrap parts of the junkyard…do you?
• SIN CITY ZOMBIES (NEW): Located on the outskirts of the bustling Vegas strip, you will find a dilapidated motel that houses exceptional performers and is infested with relentless zombies. 
• HIDDEN SCARE ZONE & ROAMING HORDES: Keep a look out for unexpected popups of demented creatures through hidden scares zones as you make your way through Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream. (Final details pending for 2023)

ORDER NOW to secure your Orlando theme park ticket reservation in the parks! GET MY TICKETS.

2023 Howl-O-Scream Shows at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

If you’re someone who likes a good bit of entertainment mixed in with all of the scares, then you’ll be happy to know that Howl-O-Scream will have a total of four shows this year plus karaoke!

However, the classic and popular show, Fiends, is not returning this year. This is so sad as it has always be a staple of Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay.

1. Rock the Grave (NEW)

Discover the captivating Festival Fields stage at Busch Gardens Tampa, where you will be enthralled by the exhilarating Rock the Grave show. 

This dynamic live performance seamlessly combines the genres of alternative, classic rock, and pop hits, resulting in a truly unforgettable and energetic experience.

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2. Scare-E-Oke (NEW)

At this year’s Howl-O-Scream event at Busch Gardens Tampa, fans of the spooky festivities can now enjoy a thrilling new experience called Scare-E-Oke at Gwazi Plaza. 

It’s an opportunity for you to step into the spotlight and take your turn behind the microphone, adding an extra level of excitement to the event.

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3. The Rolling Bones

Be sure to catch a “live” performance of this boney band performing classic rock songs in the Dragon Fire Grill!

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4. Cirque X-Scream

Get captivated by aerial performances and incredible stunts during the Cirque X-Scream this year at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream in Tampa.

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5. Raveyard

Located at the Coke Canopy, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa offers an exciting opportunity for you to dance and enjoy yourself until midnight. 

The all-new Raveyard is a must-visit, providing a thrilling atmosphere with music and a wide selection of specialty cocktails to enhance the experience.

Get your cheap Busch Gardens Tickets with CityPASS TODAY!

How much does it cost to go to Howl-O-Scream in Tampa?

Prices start at $37.99 if purchased in advanced. Please remember that this ticket does NOT include your daytime admission to Busch Gardens.

You can however, get your Busch Gardens day ticket and Howl-O-Scream ticket on the official website.

Hipster Power Tip: Purchase the UNLIMITED ADMISSION TICKET to HOWL-O-SCREAM. It’s an incredible deal if you’re a big fan of the Halloween season as it will allow you to return to the event every night from September 8 th through October 31 st 2023 with prices starting at $104.99.

How to Get to Busch Gardens from Orlando?

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is about  70 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort (an hour and 25 minute drive).  

There is a  Busch Gardens shuttle service  that offers round-trip transportation to the park.

The round-trip fare is free with park ticket purchase and departs Orlando daily with a maximum of three stops to Busch Gardens.

Reservations are highly recommended and can be reserved by calling 1-800-221-1339 or visit  Mears Destination Services  online.

Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forget to stop by the Shop Of Horrors to pick up some fun Howl-O-Scream souvenirs to commemorate your night.

How to Get to Busch Gardens Tampa from Disney World?

• Travel  WEST on I-4  to I-75 (About 58 Miles)
• Merge onto I-75 NORTH via EXIT 9 toward  Ocala  (stay on I-75 for about 3.74 miles)
• Take  EXIT 265 toward Temple Terrace  (this exit is also the exit for the University of South Florida)
• You will  merge onto E Fowler Ave /FL-582 W via EXIT 265 and stay on here for about 4.65 miles
• Turn  left  onto N McKinley Dr/County Hwy-585A (stay on here for about 1 mile)
• Make a  U-turn  onto N McKinley Dr/County Hwy-585A
• Arrive  and park at Busch Gardens

Are you trying to choose between Halloween Horror Nights or Howl-O-Scream? Find out which one is better here!

What is Busch Gardens Tampa Address?

The address for Busch Gardens is 10165 N McKinley Drive Tampa, FL 33612.

What are Busch Gardens Tampa Hours?

Busch Gardens  usually opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. However, during the peak summer days the park may be open until midnight.

Remember when planning your trip, always check the park’s website or mobile app for the current hours and wait times.

What should I pack for Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream?

• Comfy Shoes
• Breathable Clothing
• Sun Protection
• Downloaded Howl-O-Scream Map
• Small Umbrella
• Hand Sanitizer
• Howl-O-Scream Ticket

Get Your   full Theme Park packing checklist here!

How to Survive Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (13 Pro Tips)

Although this year’s event is slightly altered, you use some of the tips below to help prepare for your 2023 Howl-O-Scream trip.

1. Start Early

I cannot express this enough. Unless you’re getting the Front Line Fear Pass , I would suggest you get to Busch Gardens at least 45-minutes before the start of the event.

If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to get into the park early and knock out two to three houses within the first hour.

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2. Solo trip vs. Group trip

Going to Howl-O-Scream solo is terrifying, but quite an adventure in its own right.

However, going as a group is sooo much fun and increases the excitement of the night!

How to Go to Busch Gardens Alone (11 Easy Solo Travel Tips for 2022)

3. Should You Bring Your Kid to Howl-O-Scream?

Although you can purchase a No BOO Necklace (final details pending for 2023) to prevent the Busch Gardens monsters from scaring you, there’s an official statement from the park that you should look at.

According to Busch Gardens, Howl-O-Scream contains intense adult content such as violence, gore and blood and is not intended for children.

So, basically leave the kiddos at home.

4. Know What to Wear to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream

I recommend choosing comfort over style, but I understand if you’d rather be quite stylish.

I’m trying to get better at combining the two.

My top recommendation is to wear comfortable sneakers for all of the standing, walking, and running you will be doing…

…. trust me, you will thank me later.

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5. Have a Game Plan and Itinerary for Howl-O-Scream

Get a park map and route your path around Busch Gardens in advance.

Ride the permanent attractions on another visit or wait until after you have finished all of the haunted mazes.

6. Attend Howl-O-Scream on Off Peak Nights

Visit Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream on Sundays or Thursdays to take advantage of the smaller crowd. Avoid Saturdays and holidays.

These are the worst days to go because you will not be able to enjoy all the houses. You will also have to fight through an extremely crowded night.

When is the best time to visit Howl-O-Scream?

The best time to attend Howl-O-Scream is during the first few opening weeks of the event.

2021 Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Tickets: Everything You MUST Know (Travel Podcast)

7. Purchase Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Tickets in Advance

It’s best to buy your tickets ahead of time. This prevents waiting in a line once you arrive at Howl-O-Scream.

The line to buy tickets can exceed the usual queue that’s operational during regular theme park hours.

Learn more about getting discounted ticket for Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream here!

The Unlimited Admission Ticket is a way for you to visit every night of Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay starts at $104.99 for unlimited visits (price subject to change).

You can also get the Two Park Unlimited Ticket to both Busch Gardens Tampa Howl-O-Scream and SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream from $178.99

I recommend buying your ticket from a trustworthy website such as Groupon or directly from Busch Gardens’ website.

Hipster Power Tip: If you’re and Annual Pass PLATINUM MEMBERS , then you can GET FREE ADMISSION ON OPENING WEEKEND of Howl-O-Scream. That’s such a great perk!

8. Buy Front Line Fear Pass

Howl-O-Scream is an extremely popular Halloween event in Florida. In order for you to enjoy your evening, you may want to splurge on a on a Front Line Fear Pass.

This special add-on gives you front-of-the-line access to haunted houses of your choice and special discounts at gift shops throughout the night.

Front Line Fear Howl-O-Scream 2023

This upgrade allows you to get front-of-the-line access to 5 haunted houses of your choice.

• Single-use front-of-the-line access to five houses
• Prices do change daily
• Front of the Line Fear Pass starts at $69

Front Line Fear Extreme Howl-O-Scream

This upgrade allows you to enjoy front-of-the-line access at 5 haunted houses and 9 major thrill rides of your choice.

• One-time front-of-the-line access to Serengeti Flyer , Falcon’s Fury, Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra, Montu, Kumba , Cobra’s Curse, Iron Gwazi , and Tigris.
• Prices change daily
• Front Line Fear Extreme Pass starts at $79

This will help you conquer each haunted house at Howl-O-Scream.

If you want to avoid spending extra money on the Front Line Fear Pass, then it’s best to get to Howl-O-Scream early. The wait times are shorter at the beginning of the event and also towards the end of the event.

9. Buy a Unique Experience

If being in a larger group with V.I.P perks appeals to you, then I recommend getting the Ultimate V.I.P. Tour.

You’ll get a guided tour through Howl-O-Scream Tampa. Each tour includes:

• Admission to Howl-O-Scream and private tour
• Unlimited front-of-the line access to haunted houses & thrill rides
• A private lounge as well as select bars offering complimentary beverages such as beer, water, and soda
• Complimentary dinner at Dragon Fire Grill
• Free preferred parking (subject to availability)
• Prices start at $249 per person (minimum of two people)

Which is Better, Halloween Horror Nights or Howl-O-Scream?

10. Purchase a Unique Activity at Howl-O-Scream

Do a behind-the-scenes tour at Busch Gardens.

This tour is one of my favorites as it allows you to tour a haunted house during the day   to see what it takes to put this event.

Plus, you’ll get all the little details that you can’t see during the night. Mainly because you’re too occupied with screaming and running.

On this Howl-O-Scream tour you’ll:

• Learn what goes into the scares on this behind-the-scenes tour
• See one of the iconic houses in a new light , with a unique photo opportunity
• Includes a 1-time/1 house priority access to one of our houses at night during the event
• Daytime park admission is REQUIRED
• Cost is $29.99

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11. Stay Hydrated

Howl-O-Screams requires A LOT of walking and sweating! Something Floridians are used to, but not a common thing for out-of-towners.

Plan to drink a few ounces of water every hour while at Howl-O-Scream.

12. Monitor the Weather

The weather in Florida from September to early November can range from extremely hot and humid to rainy and sometimes (very rare) cool October days.

Always check the weather to know what to expect. The weather will make or break your trip, especially if it’s scorching or if there’s a rainstorm.

13. Watch Vlogs

View vlogs (YouTube videos) such as Zombie Chris to help get you excited for Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream in Tampa Bay.

Personal vlogs will show you some of the things to expect and will let you know the intensity of the event.

The vlogs also show different ways people enjoy the spectacular annual event.

My Final Thoughts on Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream

Remember to just have fun!

You’re really going to have a great time, so try not to stress too much and enjoy the chilling frights of Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream!

I hope this survival guide helped you prepare for this year’s event. Remember that it is one of ThemeParkHipster’s favorite fall Florida event .

Let me know what your favorite Howl-O-Scream maze is of all time in the comments section below.

If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:

• What to Pack for Howl-O-Scream?
• 17 Busch Gardens Rides and Attractions You Must Do!
• Halloween Horror Nights Survival Guide for Beginners
• Complete Guide to Busch Gardens Tampa
• Howl-O-Scream Tickets and Tip for Beginners (Podcast)

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor , and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

(Original Article Date: Fall 2012/Updated September 5, 2023)

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Moscow’s 9 most unusual houses

Ship House. 2, Bolshaya Tulskaya Str. // Built in 1981 by the USSR Ministry of Atomic Industry, this is one of the few buildings in Moscow that can withstand a nuclear explosion. The foreman who oversaw its construction spent his entire life building only nuclear reactors, which left its mark on this house. To prevent it from “folding up” in the event of an explosion, there are no 90° angles in this seismically stable house — only 87° or 93°; the thickness of the glass panes is a unique 0.23 inches. It is called the “Ship” because of its huge size (1312 feet long, 164 feet high) and encircling balconies that resemble decks.

Egg House. 1/11 Mashkova Str. // Moscow has always been famous for its crankiness and sweeping gestures, including architecture. One of the most striking and outrageous examples is the “Egg House”. Originally planned to be built in Bethlehem as a maternity ward, it was eventually put up in Moscow. Outwardly, it resembles a giant copy of a Fabergé egg. It is the only such house in the world.

Arseny Morozov Mansion (Reception House of the Russian Government), 16 Vozdvizhenka // This house was built in 1899 by order of young millionaire, dandy, and merchant family heir Arseny Morozov on a plot of land given to him by his mother on his 25th birthday. Even at the construction stage, the house, which was executed in a Moorish style unprecedented for Moscow, became the butt of ridicule and criticism. When it was finished, legend has it that his vexed mother’s words were: “Only I used to know that you’re a fool, now the whole of Moscow will know!”

Nautilus Trade Center, 25 Nikolskaya Str. // In the early 2000s, this mall became Moscow's new “Morozov Mansion” — lambasted by everyone for its vulgarity. The pretentious postmodern architecture seems to jut out of an edifice on one of Moscow’s oldest streets, but the place once sited the Vladimir Gates of the Kitai-Gorod Wall and the Chapel of St. Panteleimon — buildings that were also rich in gaudy architectural details. Furthermore, the region was always a hotbed of commerce, for which reason a shopping center is quite apropos. Who knows, maybe in future Nautilus — like Morozov’s house before it — will become a feature of classic Moscow architecture.

Copper House, 3 Butikovsky Lane. // Built within the “Golden Mile,” historically the most expensive area of Moscow, this three-block residential house of 20 apartments was admitted to the Moscow Museum of Architecture’s collection of finest buildings in 2003-2004. It is faced with prepatinated copper plates and is one of the most expensive blocks in Moscow.

Stolnik House, 5 Maly Levshinskiy Lane. // Stolnik stands among the old lanes of Arbat Street, still home to places where Pushkin once resided. This residential house made of glass and metal literally explodes the architectural environment. However, there is something vaguely classical about it, namely the three-part symmetric layout and “Corinthian column” motif.

Kitezh Business Center, 3-7 Kievskaya Str. // This business center resembles the Titanic. The unique shape is the result of the complex internal structure — many of the shafts and stairwells are inclined and curved. Such a project would be beyond many architects, but Dmitry Bush has been building stadiums and ice rinks in Russia for many years.

Melnikov House, 10 Krivoarbatsky Lane. // This single-unit house, built by the great Soviet avant-garde architect Konstantin Melnikov for his family, is today an architectural monument of national significance. It is unique for its shape — two intersecting cylinders each truncated by a third of its radius — and its hexagonal window apertures encircling the entire circumference of the building. There are 60 windows in total, while the apertures in the walls number more than 130 — all stuffed with brick and construction debris (not a single wheelbarrow of waste was removed from the site!), but able to be unblocked to create a new window anywhere in the walls. Melnikov placed such windows in all the walls so that his hand never overshadowed a blueprint in his studio. The internal area of the house is very modest — a mere 2691 ft². Melnikov’s descendants live here to this day.

Department for Brain Research of the Neurology Center under the Russian Academy of Sciences, 5-7 Obukha Lane. // Built in 1914 in the era of art nouveau, this building is a former Evangelical hospital for the poor. In Soviet times, it housed the Brain Institute, which primarily studied the brains of prominent (and deceased) state and public figures: Lenin, Mayakovsky, Landau, Sakharov, Michurin, Gorky, and others. Of all the houses in Moscow, this building most resembles a gloomy castle from a gothic novel or vampire legend, especially in overcast weather.

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