Howl-O-Scream (San Diego)

[Wesker69]

Not a fan of having to exit a park and re renter it, universal have the right idea

This wasn't always the case for USH HHN, it changed in 2017(?) after people complained. Of course now Universal is charging for early entry

I did notice they still have the ridiculous & unrealistic bag policy/size. I can understand no backpacks, but a small sling bag/side should be acceptable *sigh*

 

[Jerroddragon]

This wasn't always the case for USH HHN, it changed in 2017(?) after people complained. Of course now Universal is charging for early entry

I did notice they still have the ridiculous & unrealistic bag policy/size. I can understand no backpacks, but a small sling bag/side should be acceptable *sigh*

Yeah, For now its just not for me with these extra rules

I know Knotts also has these rules but I find them pretty stupid when Universal and even Six Flags can let people in with bags...like upgrade your security instead of telling me I can't bring a backpack in.

But good on Sea world for adding a show...no idea if it will draw more people in but will be good for the event and people going

 

[Wesker69]

I know Knotts also has these rules, like upgrade your security instead of telling me I can't bring a backpack in

Knotts: BUY OUR EVENT purse or mini-backpack!!!!

Also Knott's: NO BAGS! Unless the size of a trifold wallet.

 

[Wishmaster]

Knott’s and Sea World are tripping with the no bag policy. As far as HOS is concerned, I wanna see what the mazes are and how they plan to improve scenery/jump scares.

 

[Thatguyoverwhere]

The addition of Monster Stomp is a big win. Last year without any proper stage shows and five weak mazes the event really fell flat; even if nothing else is changed from last year it'll still be a huge improvement for San Diego.

 

[Wishmaster]

How was capacity last year?

 

[Wishmaster]

So the website finally revealed the 5 mazes for this upcoming SZN.

Simon’s Slaughterhouse
Area 64: Alien Outbreak
Nightmare Experiment
Death Water Bayou
3D Maze: Circus of the Damned

 

[Freak]

Another year of nothing new huh?

 

[Rideguy70]

I could be wrong, but I think the shows are new

 

[Wesker69]

Simon’s Slaughterhouse - ENHANCED SCARES
Area 64: Alien Outbreak - REIMAGINED
Nightmare Experiment - NEW RESIDENTS
Death Water Bayou - NEW FINALE
3D Maze: Circus of the Damned - REPEAT

Another year of nothing new huh?

Here's the breakdown for the "NEW" & returning..

Simon's: This year, Simon’s Slaughterhouse includes BRAND NEW sensory effects that will have you screaming around every corner as you navigate through the bloody corridors, meat-hooked mortals, and screeching buzz saws of the meat processing plant to avoid the butcher’s blades.

ALIEN 64: This year’s Area 64: Alien Outbreak has been scaled up into a full scale invasion! Evade lethal security, mad scientists, and terrifying extraterrestrials who refuse to be contained!

Nightmare: With all-new patients and a terrifying secret, you are the subject of an experimental project run amok. Find safety before The Doctor finds you.

Bayou: NEW FINALE

SCAREZONES:
NEW - TERRORS OF THE DEEP: The salty sea air is pierced by the stench of rotting fish as a distant bell tolls. Here, at the water’s edge, deadly sea beasts and eldritch horrors emerge from the depths to terrorize the poor fishermen who call the docks home.

NEW - RIPPER ROW: Haven’t you heard the news? The infamous murderer Jack The Ripper is terrorizing the streets of Ripper Row. Everyone is on edge, distrustful, and more than willing to accost strangers if it means staying alive.

NEW - RED MOON REVELRY: A once quiet commune deep in the woods has been transformed into a bloodthirsty cabal of vampires, celebrating the arrival of the blood moon. It is time to feast on all those who are drawn in by the sounds of a party.

NEW - ALL HALLOW'S HARVEST: Step into a blighted farmland where nothing can protect you from the cursed scarecrows intent on harvesting your body and soul to feed their dark desires. Be wary and watch your back.

RETURNING - Carnival of Chaos, Deadly Toys, Graveyard

6 NEW VILE VIGNETTES: ("entertainment")
Misfortune, Dark Magic, Call From Beyond, Hunter's Oath, Songs of Old Halloween, Fall of Atlantis



3 NEW BARS:
The Cracked Cauldron, Bloodthirsty, & Ancient Libations

4 RETURNING BARS:
Big Top Drinks, Toys N' Tonic, AmBARlance, LaBARatory

SHOWS:
- Opening SCAREmony (reimagined)
- MONSTER STOMP (NEW)

 

[Wesker69]

Event Map

 

[Rideguy70]

Wow, Manta is not available this year? Last time I went (I think two years ago), it still was. Bummer, I like that ride... though I can admit given where the rest of the event was, it was sort of off by itself

 

[Wesker69]

Wow, Manta is not available this year?

It's interesting that JTA isn't open during HOS considering it's right in the middle of the action.

 

[Wishmaster]

Event Map
View attachment 23356

I know it may be mid but this map makes me wanna go

 

[Thatguyoverwhere]

They're really stretching the definition of "new" here lol. Most of these concepts labeled as new are returning for at least their second year, so I'm just hoping that means they'll finally be fully fleshed out this time. The one thing I have high hopes for is Monster Stomp.

 

[Wesker69]

They're really stretching the definition of "new" here lol. Most of these concepts labeled as new are returning for at least their second year, so I'm just hoping that means they'll finally be fully fleshed out this time.

I highlighted what the "new" was, but also keep in mind that HOS-SD is NOT their priority like Orlando (unfortunately).

I do hope the event on this coast continues to do well so they'll put more into it. Monster Stomp was from Orlando's event. It'd be nice if we got some of their concepts too (especially ones relating to the park/sea)

 

[Jake S]

I'll be there Friday — first time since I went to their inaugural event a few years ago. Curious to see how the event has grown/changed since then.

 

[Jake S]

Well folks, it is not very good. I'll have a full post on Theme Park Insider this weekend, but unless you:

a) Live in the San Diego Area
b) Get in for free

You're better off spending your time and money elsewhere. The houses are very bare, leaving nowhere for performers to hide. That means a lot of standing around, saying """crazy stuff""" and then staring at guests as they walk past. Scare zones are not much better, though the little vignettes throughout the park are a nice idea and performers are doing their best.

 

[Wesker69]

Well folks, it is not very good. I'll have a full post on Theme Park Insider this weekend

The important question is.... did you use the password to access the hidden bars?

It'd be nice if they'd up the budget & effort on this coast rather than put all focus on Orlando's event.

 

[Jake S]

The important question is.... did you use the password to access the hidden bars?

I didn’t even know who I was supposed to give the password to, so that ended up being a bust as well unfortunately.