Howl-O-Scream 2020 promoting a safe scare
Howl-O-Scream promotional poster for this year features it’s theme: The Fear is in Your Eyes.
Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream is now open and has worked with local and state health experts to put in place safe distancing protocols for the new year, requiring face masks and employing open-air scare zones.
Due to Covid-19, Busch Gardens plans to take precautions similar to other theme parks such as Universal Studios and Disney World to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Reservations will now be required to help limit the number of people at the park and temperatures will be taken at the entrance. Public health is a top priority for Busch Gardens this year.
“Yes, I plan on going there [Howl-O-Scream], because I’ve had so much fun in the past,” Senior Michael Donely said. “It’s also good to know that they have done something about public health because of the Coronavirus.”
Howl-O-Scream has taken public safety into consideration when creating their attractions this year and this includes their annual musical. They are finding the balance between safety and scary for the thrill-seekers that are attending this October. Not only will the actors be social distancing on stage, but they will also provide modified seating arrangements for the audience.
Attendees from previous years will be excited to revisit the park for its new scare zones along with the fast-paced roller-coasters. However, some believe that theme parks are not the wisest decision at the moment, despite the efforts of health and safety teams.
“I think it’s a relatively high-risk situation but the theme parks have done a really good job to ensure everyone’s safety, but you’re still going to be around a lot of people and a lot of surfaces that you cannot control,” Science teacher Nicholas Cuviello said.
Many contemplate the risk vs. reward of going to these theme parks regardless of safety precautions. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions states that the best way to prevent any disease or illness is to avoid exposure. If you are interested in reserving tickets for Howl-O-Scream or want more information about their safety protocols, visit their website.
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Patrick Amis is a senior at Wiregrass Ranch and this is his first year writing for The Stampede. He is a captain of the varsity soccer team for the school....
