Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is cranking up the fear for this year’s Howl-O-Scream, and the horror keeps building. With the first haunted house announcement still sending chills, the second haunted house and first scare zone have now been revealed—and they’re taking guests deep into distorted fairy tales and ancient frozen horrors.
Running select nights from September 5 to November 2, Howl-O-Scream 2025 promises another season of blood-curdling screams with haunted houses, scare zones, roaming hordes, eerie entertainment, and nighttime thrill rides. Here’s what’s new in the nightmarish lineup.
New Haunted House: Shadows of Wonderland
Step through the looking glass into a version of Wonderland unlike any you’ve ever imagined. Shadows of Wonderland is a dark reimagining of the beloved tale, where time—and torment—have twisted the landscape into a realm of madness. The once-whimsical world has decayed under the iron rule of a merciless Queen of Hearts, and her former subjects are no longer laughing.
Now, with Alice long gone, the creatures of Wonderland have become bitter, malformed shadows of themselves. You’ll journey through warped tea parties, thorn-covered forests, and shattered chessboards, all while the vengeful Queen hunts for anyone who dares trespass—including you.
This brand-new house blends fantasy and fear, offering guests a surreal and sinister descent into a storybook gone wrong.
Scare Zone: Ragnar’s Wrath (Returning Favorite)
Back by bloodthirsty demand, Ragnar’s Wrath returns to plunge guests into a frozen hell. This scare zone evokes the mythic realm of Niflheim, where icy winds blow through a smoldering Viking longhouse, and death hangs heavy in the air.
Charred remains, shattered shields, and ghostly warriors mark the path as you encounter cursed Vikings who have returned from Valhalla with unfinished business. These resurrected raiders are not here for glory—they’re here for revenge.
With immersive set design and aggressive scares, Ragnar’s Wrath remains one of Howl-O-Scream’s most visually haunting scare zones.
Current 2025 Howl-O-Scream Lineup
Haunted Houses:
- Stranglewood Estate (Returning)
A once-grand manor now haunted by the cruel spirit of Madame Stranglewood and her eternally trapped victims. - Shadows of Wonderland (New)
A twisted Wonderland ruled by a vengeful Queen and corrupted by abandonment.
Scare Zones:
- Ragnar’s Wrath (Returning)
A Norse nightmare fueled by death, fire, and ancient vengeance.
What to Expect This Season
Beyond the haunted houses and scare zones, Howl-O-Scream 2025 will transform Busch Gardens Tampa Bay into a horror-filled theme park with:
- Sinister shows that bring the night to life with music, dark comedy, and immersive storytelling.
- Roaming hordes of monsters that strike from the shadows without warning.
- Florida’s wildest thrill rides, like Iron Gwazi, SheiKra, and Cheetah Hunt, all running at night for a double shot of adrenaline.
Whether you’re a returning scream-seeker or a first-time victim, this year’s event promises no safe zones, no mercy—and no way out once darkness falls.
Stay tuned for more Howl-O-Scream Tampa updates right here on CoasterMedia’s Halloween Guide, your go-to source for haunt announcements, event previews, and chilling insider coverage throughout the spooky season.
Howl-O-Scream Tampa runs select nights from September 5 to November 2, 2025.
Dare to scream?
