[Haunts] Howl-O-Scream 2015 Details Unveiled for Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Just the other day, the theme theme for this year's Howl-O-Scream was announced for Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld SanAntonio. Usually that's enough, but details for a couple of the parks have also been unveiled as well. Busch Gardens Tampa being the sole exception there, but hardly a surprise with how they do things down there. What about Williamsburg and San Antonio? They both have info out for us, and to kick things off here's a look at what's coming back to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for this year's Howl-O-Scream!

For the past couple of years I've been saying that the team in Williamsburg has needed to shake things up a bit, many of the mazes have been around for a long while and not much had really changed in other areas. In fact, some of the mazes and things had actually started to decline in quality in a lot of cases.

Thankfully, that appears to be changing for 2015. A few of their stronger offerings will be returning, and hopefully a couple will get some updates to them as well. There's a lot to go through here on this one, so let's get to it!

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from September 25th thru November 1st; Catacombs, Bitten, Cut Throat Cove and Deadline are all slated to make their return along with a host of other things. I can't fault them for bringing a couple of these back, but a couple definitely need some updating. Catacombs is still solid, but myself, +Carrie H.C., and +Filip Muncan found Deadline and Bitten to be a bit lacking last year. Mostly in the amount of actors they had in each. Cut Throat Cove is a ton of fun, but definitely has to be done after the sun goes down as it really doesn't work well in daylight.

What won't be coming back this year is 13 Your Number's Up and Root of all Evil. I can't say I'm broken up about either of them going either.

13 was a mess, and I don't think really worked at all anymore, not to mention had been around for quite a while. Lately it seemed to be a jumbled mess that was lacking in so many areas that it's just painful to even think about.

Root of all Evil was the signature theme maze for the Darkside of the Garden theme, back in 2012. The past couple iterations weren't any kind of improvement, it had definitely been in decline and many referred to it as "Lowes" or "Home Depot". So, can't really say that it's loss is anything to get upset over, it outlived it's usefulness years ago and really wasn't that great at all.

What this does mean, is that for the first time there will be some major shake up with the maze line up and at least two new mazes will be coming to the party for 2015. Hopefully they can continue along the same tracks as Cut Throat Cove and Wendigo Woods with them.

Speaking of that, all five of the "Terror-tories"/Scare Zones will be coming back for 2015 as well. Can't say much on them returning, as they do fit where they are within the park. Granted, so much more could be done with them and they definitely need some work in a few areas.

Kind of hoping they do a little more with each area this year, especially Demon Street, Vampire Point and Ports of Skull. Wendigo Woods, and even Ripper Row, are definitely the benchmark though and looking forward to seeing some of the intensity and ideas from those filter into the rest. And please, get rid of the "hot wheels flags" for Demon Street, maybe an actual, real DJ wouldn't hurt in there either...or a little more demonic atmosphere like at the train crossing throughout the entire area. So much could be done.

On the show front, there's not much change, and returning this year will be the show and dining experiences that have been around for the past few years. Definitely can't fault them for not changing too much up here, all of them are solid offerings and no reason to fix what isn't broken in this category at all.

In all the years that we've been covering this event, we've still yet to make Night Beats. However, I can say that Monster Stomp and Fiends are both a ton of fun, and hoping that they keep them going in the right direction without too much meddling.

Additionally, it seems that Blood Banquet and Igor's Fright Feast will also be returning in the realm of food experiences too.  Having experienced both in the past couple of years, have to say that Blood Banquet is by far the majority favorite with the review team. Not only is the food a little better quality, but the atmosphere as well. Both are good though, so if you can, check 'em both out while you're there.

Speaking of food, all of the various bars that are spread throughout the park will be around as well. Pirate Baarrrgh, The Inoculation Station, and Open CASKet will be back to serve up various libations for those that need a bit of liquid courage.

Also, the Crow's Nest Grill will be making a comeback for those looking for something a little less involved than Blood Banquet or Igor's Fright Feast. Or, maybe you just need a quick bite. Haven't tried it yet ourselves, so we'll see if it fits into things this year.

Oh, right, there's still a bit more. Tickets for this year's event will run $75 or you could go the Fall Fun Card route and go as often as you like from Sept 25th-Nov 1st for the same price. I'd say, even if you're just visiting for a couple of days? The Fun Card is the best way to go. I mean that's getting two days for the price of one and since the park is open all day on Saturdays and Sunday? can really get some value out of that one.

No clue on any behind the scenes or VIP experiences just yet, but as soon as we get word on them, we'll be sure to let you know what they are. Of course, still have a few surprises to deal with here as well, so as they're announced, we'll let ya know! Of course, will have the huge megapost and our guide to best navigate Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg later in the year as well!

Stay tuned here for more info on Howl-O-Scream Unearthed as we get the news, and as always, follow along with the chaos on Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and even Facebook for all the latest!