Busch Gardens has re-vamped its 21st Howl-O-Scream layout to align with CDC safety regulations.


What You Need To Know


And one of those changes — haunted houses are out, and elaborate, open-air scare zones are in.

There are 10 scare zones in all and it’s open on weekends through November 1.

And yes, everyone is required to wear a mask — performers, staff and guests.

No ghoul will come within six feet of you. So do the frighteners a solid and steer clear.

Further, reservations are required (Busch Gardens says make them early), and space is limited each night.

There is more information here.

And for this year’s theme, our strange new world played a part.

It’s “The Fear is in your Eyes.”

“Obviously, when you're wearing that protective face covering, all we can see is your eyes,” explained John Prast, the Show Manager for Consumer Events at Howl-O-Scream. “And we know as you go throughout the park, you experience everything that Howl-O-Scream has to offer. We will definitely see that fear in your eyes.“

Many performers have been suffering economically for months, with most events canceled around the country.

Prast says it the fear of the season that make them feel normal.

“For our performers, for our guests, it's an escape from the reality that we're currently in, and that's why we really enjoy bringing this experience to everyone each year,” said Prast.