Scream-A-Geddon Vs Howl-O-Scream: Which One is Superior?

I figured it was time to do this post with Halloween coming around. Yes, another post is coming from the archives and into the world. As I previously stated in the Howl-O-Scream post, you will see a lot of that over the next few months to maybe a year!

Now, if you are a Floridian, you’ll know the two biggest haunts around town is Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando. This is not to say there are no other haunts around, but these are the two mainstream haunts you tend to hear about wherever you are in Florida.

However, we will discuss two haunts I’ve experienced: Howl-O-Scream and Scream-A-Geddon. I’ve written about them both, but what got me thinking was, is one better? Does one stand out to me more? Is one worth it more?

Similarities

Both Howl-O-Scream and Scream-A-Geddon have the essential components of a haunted attraction. They both have haunted houses, scare actors, food and drink options, and VIP passes that allow you to skip the long lines. However, the differences between the two are significant.

Before we dive into the differences, let’s first take a look at what these two events have in common:

Haunted houses
Scare actors
Food and drinks

Ticket Prices and Front of the Line Passes

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing between Howl-O-Scream and Scream-A-Geddon is the cost of admission. Here’s a breakdown of the ticket prices and front of the line passes for each event:

Howl-O-Scream

General Admission: Prices vary depending on the day of the week and whether you purchase your ticket in advance or at the gate. Expect to pay around $40-60 per person for regular admission.
Front of the Line Pass: This pass allows you to skip the regular lines and get priority access to all of the haunted houses and rides. Prices start at $70 per person in addition to the cost of regular admission.

Scream-A-Geddon

General Admission: Prices start at $24.95 per person on select nights, with higher prices on weekends and peak nights.
Fast Pass: This pass allows you to skip the regular lines and get priority access to all of the haunted houses and attractions. Prices start at $49.95 per person in addition to the cost of regular admission.

As you can see, Scream-A-Geddon generally has lower ticket prices than Howl-O-Scream. However, if you want to skip the lines and get priority access to all of the attractions, you’ll need to pay extra for a front-of-the-line pass at Howl-O-Scream or a fast pass at Scream-A-Geddon.

It’s also worth noting that both events may offer discounts for Florida residents, military personnel, and annual pass holders. Be sure to check their websites or contact their customer service for more information.

Differences

Scream-A-Geddon takes place in the middle of the woods, giving the illusion of being in the middle of nowhere. The haunt is on a smaller scale, but it has several unique features that make it stand out. For instance, guests can be marked, meaning the actors can touch them, separate them from their group, and create an immersive experience. Additionally, a haunted hike and hayride add an extra level of fear.

On the other hand, Howl-O-Scream takes place in Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, and is much larger in scale. They have a more extensive selection of food options and offer scare zones that allow guests to experience a specific theme. However, unlike Scream-A-Geddon, there are no interactive experiences with the actors.

Now, let’s take a look at what sets these two events apart:

Scream-A-Geddon

You can be touched (or “marked”) by the actors
Haunted hike and haunted hayride
Located in the middle of the woods for a more immersive experience
On a smaller scale compared to Howl-O-Scream
Actors interact with guests more than just screaming in their faces

Howl-O-Scream

Rides and other attractions in addition to haunted houses
Larger selection of food options
Scare zones throughout the park
On a much larger scale compared to Scream-A-Geddon
Actors mainly scream at guests

Actor Quality

One of the most significant differences between Scream-A-Geddon and Howl-O-Scream is the quality of the actors. I believe the actors at Scream-A-Geddon are superior to those at Howl-O-Scream. As I mentioned in my Scream-A-Geddon post, the actors there can touch you and interact with you in ways that are not allowed at other haunts. They don’t just scream in your face like the actors at Howl-O-Scream do. This makes for a much more immersive and thrilling experience.

Location

Another factor that sets these two events apart is their location. Scream-A-Geddon is located in the middle of the woods, which adds an extra layer of fear and realism to the experience. On the other hand, Howl-O-Scream is located in a theme park and has various scare zones throughout. While both locations are unique and offer their own advantages, I personally prefer the woods for a more isolated and terrifying experience.