News Summary
Busch Gardens Williamsburg has reinstated its chaperone policy for the Howl-O-Scream event, requiring guests under 16 to be accompanied by an adult. This measure aims to enhance safety following disturbances at previous events. Guests aged 16 and older must present valid ID for entry, while minors without chaperones may be removed from the park. The policy underscores the park’s commitment to providing a secure environment for families during seasonal festivities.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg has announced the reinstatement of its chaperone policy for the upcoming Howl-O-Scream event, which will run from September 5 to November 2, 2025. This policy requires guests under the age of 16 to be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old.
Chaperones must enter the park alongside the minors, stay in the park for the duration of their visit, and remain reachable by phone. To ensure safety for younger guests, each chaperone is permitted to supervise up to six minors. The policy has been implemented to enhance the overall security and experience for all visitors during the event.
Guests aged 16 and older will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID that clearly shows their birth date for entry into the park. In the case of young guests aged 15 and younger, those found without an available chaperone on site may be removed from the park without a refund.
This decision to reinstate the chaperone policy follows several disturbances reported during previous events at Busch Gardens, including a significant fight and a reported stabbing in the parking lot. Such incidents raised concerns about security and the overall safety of guests, prompting park officials to take action to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The chaperone policy was first introduced in the fall of 2024, illustrating the park’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for families and younger attendees. Busch Gardens Williamsburg has emphasized that the safety of guests and staff will always remain their top priority. As part of this commitment, they continue to enforce rules that foster a family-friendly atmosphere during special events.
The chaperone policy is subject to change, and visitors are encouraged to review the updated guidelines on Busch Gardens’ official website as the event approaches. By ensuring compliance with these regulations, the park aims to create a more enjoyable and secure experience for all guests.
This policy serves as a crucial step by Busch Gardens in addressing safety concerns while allowing families to enjoy seasonal festivities, such as the highly anticipated Howl-O-Scream event. With the reinstatement of the chaperone policy, visitors can feel more secure knowing there are measures in place to protect younger guests.
Overall, the Howl-O-Scream event at Busch Gardens Williamsburg promises to be a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages, as long as the necessary safety precautions are followed. Attendees are reminded to plan ahead, ensure compliance with the chaperone requirements, and check the park’s official channels for any updates regarding event policies or procedures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Reinstates Chaperone Policy for Howl-O-Scream
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Additional Resources
- Wavy: Busch Gardens Chaperone Policy
- Google Search: Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream
- Daily Press: Busch Gardens Chaperone Policy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Busch Gardens
- WYDaily: Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2025
- Google News: Howl-O-Scream 2025
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.
