News Summary
Busch Gardens Williamsburg has kicked off its Howl-O-Scream event, celebrating its 50th anniversary. This year brings new attractions, including haunted houses and themed scare zones. A chaperone policy has been introduced for guests aged 15 and younger to enhance safety, alongside ID requirements for all guests 16 and older. As the park aims to provide a thrilling yet secure experience, visitors are encouraged to stay informed about safety protocols while enjoying the Halloween festivities.
Williamsburg, Virginia — Busch Gardens Williamsburg has launched its highly anticipated Howl-O-Scream event for 2025, marking the theme park’s 50th anniversary. The Halloween celebration kicked off on Friday, September 5, and will be open on select dates through Sunday, November 2, 2025. This year’s event promises new thrills with the introduction of two haunted houses, alongside three newly themed scare zones referred to as “terror-tories.” Additionally, visitors can enjoy two new live shows as part of the Howl-O-Scream experience.
In a major highlight, the park is also showcasing its latest roller coaster, The Big Bad Wolf: Wolf’s Revenge, which adds an exciting twist for thrill-seekers attending the event. The Howl-O-Scream festivities are expected to draw large crowds eager to experience the Halloween-themed attractions and entertainment that the park has become known for.
Alongside the thrilling attractions, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has implemented a chaperone policy intended to enhance safety during the event. This policy, which began on September 5 and will remain in effect until November 2, 2025, requires that all guests aged 15 and younger must be accompanied by a chaperone aged 21 or older after 4 p.m. on nights designated for Howl-O-Scream. Chaperones are necessary to enter the park with the minor guests and must remain present throughout the entire visit, as well as be reachable by phone.
The chaperone policy also stipulates that each chaperone is allowed to supervise up to six minors. If guests aged 15 or younger are found without an available chaperone, they could be removed from the park without any possibility of a refund. This policy underlines Busch Gardens’ commitment to ensuring the safety of all guests and staff during their Halloween festivities.
To further reinforce their safety measures, Busch Gardens mandates that guests aged 16 and older must present a valid government-issued photo ID that includes their date of birth upon entering the park. This requirement is intended to verify ages and ensure compliance with the chaperone policy.
The incorporation of the chaperone policy stems from challenges faced in 2024 when the park experienced disturbances, including a significant altercation and an incident of violence in the parking lot. The park’s management emphasized that the safety of guests and team members is a top priority, and the introduction of the policy is part of their ongoing efforts to maintain a safe environment for everyone.
As visitors plan to experience Howl-O-Scream this year, they are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new chaperone policy. Additional information regarding both the event and the safety protocols can be found on the official Busch Gardens website, which provides the latest updates and details on the festivities.
In summary, Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s 2025 Howl-O-Scream offers a mix of new attractions and enhanced safety measures, ensuring that all guests can enjoy a thrilling and secure Halloween season at the park.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Williamsburg Gears Up for September Events
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Reinstates Chaperone Policy for Howl-O-Scream
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Launches Beer and BBQ Festival
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Celebrates 50 Years with New Coaster
Additional Resources
- WYDaily: In Photos – Howl-O-Scream 2025
- 13 News Now: Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream 2025
- Daily Press: Busch Gardens Reinstates Chaperone Policy
- Google Search: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- Williamsburg Families: Busch Gardens Williamsburg Discount Tickets
- Wikipedia: Busch Gardens
- WTKR: Inside Look at Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
