The main thing that originally drew me to Busch Gardens Williamsburg was the park experience. I grew up going to theme parks with my family. We didn't have munch money, but every summer I could go to a theme park thanks to my Mom and Dad saving up for it. This theme park trip would be just as anticipated as Christmas morning.
The dreams that theme parks created inspired me to pay my way through college and strive for education and positivity in my life. Creativity and fun is the engine that got me from there to here. As an adult with a husband, it inspires us to have fun together and work together to give back to the community.
But…my husband can't ride most rides due to a bad back. Except for, like, the Skyride:
At most theme parks he would be stuck sitting on a bench holding my bag. At Busch Gardens Williamsburg this is not the case. During Howl-O-Scream there are even more things than usual for my husband and I to do together. In my opinion, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg is probably the most pleasant Halloween event in the country with the most to offer people. Even people who think that they don't like theme parks will be pleasantly surprised by what a great experience it is at Howl-O-Scream.
One of my favorite things to do at Howl-O-Scream is Blood Banquet. You enjoy a buffet meal while actors who are in character the entire time provide a truly magical atmosphere.
It's equal parts swanky and family fun. If you are tired of the same "dinner and a movie" formula like I am after 10 years of marriage, I'd say Blood Banquet at Howl O Scream is perfect for a non-traditional date night.
I even met a new friend:
I hear he's on a high-iron diet. No matter what you eat you'll find something awesome on their buffet, though. This type of food is well above what you might expect from a theme park. Things you can nibble on include Eerie Empanadas, Diablo Turkey, Casket Club Chili and Vladtastic Pork Schniztel.
I am not a big drinker, but I do love me a festive cocktail.
OK, I just like anything with lights. Or plastic things or umbrellas or...you get the idea. This one has lights. I am easily amused.
That said, the Schooner Cider in Ports of Skull was one of the best cocktails I've ever had. It's hot buttered apple cider with a little bit of rum. It was soothing without being too sweet or too strong. I did not expect a hot cocktail when I ordered it but I was pleasantly surprised.
I will have to try and find out the recipe so that I can make this at home when I have guests over.
Hmm... The last time I tried that I lit a table on fire by accident in my apartment and then we used a fire extinguisher on all of the food we had prepared. There's an embarrassing video on Facebook of it somewhere that a friend of mine accidentally took before we left to get burgers.
Maybe I'll just let Busch Gardens handle it. :)
Between the festive food experiences, the cocktails, the shows, and the haunted houses, there's really something for every couple to have a relaxing or a kinetic "run through haunted houses" night. We loved Monster Stomp on Ripper Row just as much as the haunted houses. Stand back because I'm going to lay this awesome on you:
YEAH! :D
After Monster Stomp we went straight to the haunted houses! If you don't like haunted houses you can ride a ride, watch another show, shop, or enjoy some great food. They even have these cute and spooky treats in the candy shop in England:
All you have to do is choose what type of night you want! The ability to customize your experience to your unique taste and the high quality level is Howl-O-Scream's strength. I feel that I can bring people to this park who think that they don't like theme parks; they always have a great time and are surprised at how above their expectations this park is.
As for us? We did everything in sight as if we were 10 years old again. YEAH!!! I know, this is your surprised face. :)
Check out more of Oni's work at her blog: OnezumiVerse.