Most of us have traveled at the speed of fright on the Big Bad Wolf, enjoyed an avalanche of adventure on Alpengeist, soared on the wings of Apollo’s Chariot, and traveled through the double loops of the legendary Lochness Monster, but now Howl-O-Scream presents many other spine-tingling activities. One of the attractions, The Dark Tower, is a medieval castle located in the Hastings area of the park. Be aware — this is not your ordinary haunted house. Guests can explore the endless hallways of this castle as long as they are brave enough to withstand frightening encounters along their journey.
You can also take a ride aboard a 17th-century locomotive. This ride is not for the fainthearted because you will travel through gruesome graveyards while encountering spooky characters along the way. Some of the entertainment has also been altered to coincide with the new Howl-O-Scream event. Das Festaus, a large dining facility at the park, has fallen prey to the mad scientist Dr. Weirdweiser. He will attempt to create "chaos" among the audience as they consume all the Budweiser beer they desire.
Creating such a transformation at the park is a huge undertaking. Busch Gardens has recruited workers from Sea World in San Diego, CA, and other countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic, to help maintain the event. The extra employees are temporarily residing in the Kingsmill area near the park and most of them are taking off a semester of school to be on this trip.
Cast members’ costumes will also be re-vamped and will take on the terrifying "spooktacular" theme. They will wear custom made outfits such as vests with ghosts and goblins on them that will add to the mysterious and intriguing atmosphere of the park. "It’s awesome, but the hat is ridiculous," said John Connors, a ride operator at the park. "They probably have better vests at Uptons." Other changes to the park include renovations for The Dark Tower. The building needed creative changes because it is located where the rides, King Arthur’s Challenge and Questor previously resided. It appears as though the entire building was gutted and replaced with a whole new interior filled with special effects, creating a spooky atmosphere.
The Howl-O-Scream activities begin Friday, October 15, and continue Friday through Sunday until October 31. Park hours will be extended until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Be sure to visit Busch Gardens, America’s "Most Beautiful Theme Park", during the month of October before the ghosts and goblins are retired for the season.
The gift seems innocent enough, but chaos quickly ensues for Frankie. Upon having the rosary in her possession, Frankie unwittingly becomes what Father Andrew (Byrne) says is "stigmatic." Stigmata refers to the five wounds inflicted upon Jesus Christ: the simultaneous bleeding of the hands and feet, the lashings on the back, the bleeding from the crown of the head, and the "spear in the side."
Frankie also becomes possessed by the late Father Almeida, and his spirit enables her to speak different languages in his voice and write cryptic messages. In one episode when Frankie is possessed, she begins writing on her wall in the Aramaic language; the language Jesus used to address his disciples at the Last Supper when He told them how to run the church in His name.
According to Father Andrew, "All stigmatics suffer the most spiritual conflict." If this is true, then Frankie’s conflict stems from her lack of spirituality. She is a self-proclaimed Atheist, but her lack of belief in God stems from apathy rather than spiritual conflict. Stigmata has the kind of action that is a disturbing combination of violence, and a lot of gore.