After our almost 3 1/2 hour drive down on Thursday afternoon (yeah) it was nice to check into the Knott's Hotel and enjoy some relaxing time at Amber Waves prior to media check in. 

We ran into some friends 

Amber Waves looks great all decked out (and the service was amazing all weekend) 

Technically taken Friday morning, but we have to share the entrance. =) 

We're all checked in and ready to get our scare on

The fountain display is amazing this year 

Let's start our walk-through of the mazes, because they were amazing this year. 

I honestly don't have enough adjectives to describe how amazing this maze is. It's got everything. Amazing talent. Incredible sets. A stellar story. Easter Eggs galore. 

This maze tells the story of Sarah Marshall (not that Sarah Marshall) and the curse she set on Calico with her transition from human to, well, the green witch of course. 

Even the queue line looks amazing

Picture slide-show of Origins 

In ANY other year, Wax Works would have been the maze of the year, probably even moreso than my beloved Dark Ride during it's first year. 

I've always been a fan of Daniel Miller's work, and I think it's safe to say this may be the best maze he's ever done. It's creepy, exciting, tells a great story and has so many hidden things in it that you have to go through multiple times. 

​We will be posting a tour we had of this maze in a couple of days. 

Now in it's 3rd year, Dark Ride shows no signs of slowing down on the amazingness. Quite a few new things this year, including our favorite on-ride photo ever. We really do wish this was something we could buy. 

Also waiting to see if there are any complaints on this yet. 

Now in it's second year, Gus Krueger's Dark Entities is setting itself up as one of the strongest mazes of 2019. In fact, our last trip through this maze on Saturday night was easily our best time through this maze ever. And may be the most fun we've had in any maze so far this season. 

Don't sleep on this maze, the talent is finding it's stride and there are a lot of great new lighting effects this year. 

In it's second year, the stand-out new maze from 2018 is also not showing any signs of letting up on the fun and scares. Some new additions this year including a pre-show that may make waits a bit longer than they normally would be. So get to this maze early. 

In fact, later in the night on Saturday they were skipping the new show scene altogether. So it will be interesting to see if it makes it through the season. 

There are some mazes that are instant classics and yet others that kind of take a bit to hit their stride. Pumpkin Eater is one of those that really took about half way through it's opening season to hit all cylinders. But when it did, wow. This is a maze that has gotten better each and every year. 

We didn't go through Paranormal on media night so no video this year (we'll post last years below). There weren't any additions this year but the amazing ending from last year is more than enough to keep this maze one of our favorites. 

Still, we wouldn't be surprised if next year was the last go-round for this one. 

Now in it's final season, Shadowlands is still one of the most visually stunning mazes at the farm. This one suffers from being the first of the "new wave" of mazes that have taken over the past few years. Still, it's a lot of fun and we look forward to getting our last tours of this maze on upcoming visits. 

We didn't go through Infected on media night so no video on this one either. Infected is also in it's final season and again represents the first of the new wave of technological advances Knott's Scary Farm has implemented the past 5 or so years. 

When we went through on Saturday it just didn't seem like there were enough zombies in the maze. We walked out with 8 and 9 kills respectively. 

Our favorite video of Infected remains our "Gun POV" that we did a few years back. 

We'll start off with the Hanging, the proverbial "love it or hate it" show every year. 

I'll be honest, we're kind of in the middle this year. Unlike the last 2 years they didn't hang a "YouTube" or "Influencer" that 75% of the audience had to ask "who is that". So that was good. 

But this years show in particular has produced some interesting discussions as to what the ending could mean for the future of this show. We'll just have to see. 

Lastly, we want to take a second to talk about Puppet Up. 

I'll be honest, we had no idea what to expect from this show and even on media night we basically just wanted to sit down and take a rest so we decided to do it in the theater. We really aren't "theme park show people". 

So when we found ourselves back at the show the next 2 nights that should pretty much tell you how much we loved this show. 

Basically it's "Who's Line is it Anyway" but with Puppets, complete with dirty language. 

We love that Knott's has allowed the show to go all out. Hopefully there haven't been any complaints about the content because word is spreading about how good the show is. The crowds were bigger on each subsequent night. 

On media night here is a great improv on an audience suggestion of a "Tiki Bar Fire at Disneyland". You can tell the cast truly understands Disney culture as this has reference to Annual Passholders, Pin Trading and much more. 

The show also features some classic Jim Henson puppet acts. They seem to switch it up at each show, the early show is typically "I've grown accustomed to your face". 

So that's what we've got from our first Scary Farm update. We'll be putting together more pics and video from outside of the mazes and shows for our next update in a couple of weeks. The scare zones are amazing as always and deserve their own time in the spotlight. 

Written by Renée Girar

We’re walking down the blood stained carpet at Busch Gardens Tampa for the 20th anniversary of Howl O Scream! ​

​Already making new friends.

​Festive scares all around among the Dia de los Muertos. 

Our first house of the night and returning for a second year is Insomnia: Patients’ Revenge.

​Taking a break for some snacks and drinks before heading into more scares. 

​Enjoyed some scares from the south at one of our returning favorites, Death Water Bayou: Wrath of the Queen.

​Rocking out with these creepers in the Hell on Wheels scare zone. 

​I managed to escape the cage.

​Ventured into Simon’s Slaughterhouse, but would have enjoyed it a lot more if the team member guests behind us didn’t have their phone flashlight lit the entire time.

​The meat market is not vegetarian friendly!

​Motel Hell: Infestation is back for more, and this time, they might need an exterminator.

​I appreciate some of the repeat houses, because most of them are awesome. But I think The Black Spot has lived its life and I wouldn’t mind seeing something new here next year. 

​Back row night rides on Kumba? Yes please!

​You never know who, or what, you might encounter along the dark pathways of the park.

​More friends!

​The Residence was the one new house this year. Unclear of the storyline, but some good scares. 

Looks like Busch Gardens is doing one of those coffin challenges next week. I would love a 24 hour nap!

​If a rabbit with a chainsaw is what you think of when you think of Deadly Toys, then you’d be right.

​The Trickster, one of the event’s previous icons, made an appearance for the 20th anniversary.

Here’s to 20 years of fear! Busch Gardens always knows how to put on a fantastic Halloween event!

After such a long break, where else would our first stop be? 

"Super Nintendo Land"

I know, we shouldn't put it in quotes, and everybody knows what it is, but until it's announced we're not going to say it's definitely what it is. We're weird like that. =) 

The area is much bigger than the pictures make it out to be. 

It'll be great to have something else on the lower lot

An overhead look

Down in the early entry queue for Stranger Things

That'll wrap it up!! Now that we have AP's again we'll be back at the park more often. Promise I'll remember to get some Secret Life of Pets pics next time we're at the park (I believe next Sunday the 28th). 

Demon's Door, where you can get your mazes passes as well. 

​I think we saw more maze purchase locations this year than any other year, which is a good thing. 

Some West Coast Racers pics and video, the track looks to be mostly done, the station is getting some work and the buildings are getting some nice paint. Hopefully testing will be starting soon. 

This video also features some of the updated queue for Apocalypse. 

New fence, no lookie for you!! 

The Preview Center was also closed

Sadly we didn't know at this time that Apocalypse was open otherwise we would have gotten some pics and video from the other side. Next time!! 

Oh, and I know that some people thought we didn't know what we were talking about a few weeks back when we said deconstruction of Green Lantern would begin soon ... 

This sign has been up here for awhile, but it's funny now. =) 

The park set up a nice media reception with snacks, drinks and more. 

Time to get unleashed 

It was CROWDED!!

The coffin challenge was still going strong, despite the heat

Nap time 

Apocalypse was back open, it wasn't "2009 good", but it was really good and a definite improvement. 

The queue got some nice new upgrades

Aftermath 2 was back, I actually got taken on a different path than I've been on before (as you'll see in the video)

Willoughby's is also back, with a couple of new effects

One of our favorite scare zones at any park. 

One tip for visitors: Please don't turn on your phone flashlights in scarezones, especially THIS scare zone. You're ruining it. 

CondAmned was back with a slightly different name change. 

Our media night started right at park opening as we made our way all the way from the entry plaza to the backlot. 

On Sunday we used our Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Survival Guide utilizing early entry and no express passes with some success. Make sure you check it out prior to heading to the event. 

We stopped by the Universal Store to check out some of the amazing merchandise. They've really upgraded their merchandise game this year.

Slideshow of some of the awesome merchandise

The amount of mazes available for Early Entry is kind of insane, and is all of them except 2 (and Walking Dead)

Quickly pointed out that Ghostbusters is not on this, but still some amazing artwork.

Let's go to the mall!!! Today!!!

Scoops Ahoy, wouldn't mind if this was a permanent addition

Waffle Sundae 

These Universal Monster murals by Tristan Eaton are seriously amazing. We love, love, love them so much. 

So let's get on with our maze reviews. We'll preface with this ... we think that overall this is one of the best line-up's of mazes in HHN Hollywood history, if not the best ever. There is a great mix of horror, comedy, pop culture, IP's and great scenery. 

We'd been considering getting the frequent fear for years and are very glad this is the year we finally did. 

​Let's head into the mazes!! 

Stranger Things
​

We are huge fans of the show, in fact, after Season 3 we re-watched all 3 seasons again. And even enjoyed Season 2 (that this maze is based off of) more than the first time. So we were pretty excited about this maze. 

Unfortunately the maze didn't really translate from screen to maze. 

The maze suffered from a lot of duplication of scares, with Demigorgon's, Demidogs at pretty much every turn surrounded by a lot of black walls. 

The maze started off strong however.

One of our biggest concerns was the scene depicted in the artwork for the maze not being included in the maze itself. Not sure if the budget was smaller this year due to all of the other IP and extra mazes. 

We're very much hoping this one improves over the next few weeks as it's a great IP, a popular IP and we'd love to see it back in the years to come. But with it being a very strong year, something has to be last, and sadly it's this one. 

House of 1000 Corpses sufferers from being compared to the amazing 3D maze that was at HHN previously, and it's really not fair. Because this maze is great fun. 

The talent in here is fantastic and really understands the source material. 

The first of the original mazes for 2019 this maze has some amazing scenes, amazing talent and a great score. Also, probably our favorite opening scene of any maze at the event. 

Lots of props from last years Universal Monsters and House of Horrors in here, which we absolutely don't have an issue with. Just a fun maze that has a high repeat factor. 

I'll be honest, I didn't really find Us, the movie, to be scary. Disturbing, absolutely. Interesting story, for sure. Amazing directing and acting, without a doubt!! 

The maze however, probably had the most amount of "scares" and creepiness. We absolutely loved this. Not only did it tell the story of the film, not only did it capture without flaw the feel of the film, but the talent really seemed to enjoy bringing these characters to life. It was just great. 

A continuation of last years amazing Universal Monsters maze, this one definitely takes a more Gothic feel than last years maze, but is still just as great on the characters, talent, scenes and scares. 

The music definitely sets this one apart and is just such a part of the legacy of these two characters. 

Our absolute favorite scare zone at this event last year, and maybe one of our favorite of the entire year, this year it was brought to life as a maze. And it didn't disappoint AT ALL. 

So much so, somebody (me) forgot to hit record when we got in the maze, so sadly no video. But seriously, check this one out. The line has been very manageable during our first two visits. Not to be missed. 

I'm a HUGE fan of the original two Creepshow movies, they were kind of my first foray into horror when I was growing up. So I had really high expectations for this maze. And I absolutely LOVED it. 

It really is kind of a love letter to the films with a bit from the upcoming series thrown in. And if the walk-through is any indication, the new series will definitely capture the look and feel of the source material. Can't wait to see the show and go through this maze again. 

Remember when I said at the beginning that Universal finally figured out how to have "fun" with their mazes? Well they did. It's no coincidence that our top two mazes of this year are based on 80's horror comedy movies (and one pure comedy if we're being honest). 

Are you going to get huge scares in this maze? Probably not. But you're going to have fun. And the talent in the maze knows it. You always know when the scare-actors at any event know they've got a good time going on, and it definitely shows in this one. 

That leaves our absolute favorite maze of Halloween Horror Nights 2019. And that's Ghostbusters. To say that we were all looking forward to this maze would be an understatement. And that's usually when a maze doesn't live up to expectations. That's not the case with this one at all. 

This maze isn't exactly a literal retelling of the film, and has some typical HHN effects, but it has so much more than that. It has a lot of dedicated talent, some really cool effects and again, just a lot of fun. 

Well that wraps it up for this HHN Hollywood update. Since we have Frequent Fear so we'll be back a few more times including one night for the amazing Chainsaw Chaseout. 

Be sure to share your thoughts on the event below. We'd love to hear what your rankings are. 

​Orlando, Fla. (September 12, 2019) – Today, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay revealed details regarding NEW attractions coming to the parks in 2020. This marks the first time in four years that both parks have launched new coasters in the same year, in addition to a new water slide in Tampa. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Pass Members will be among the first to experience the new attractions.
 
Iron Gwazi – Opening Spring 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
A NEW legend is surfacing in 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with the evolution of Iron GwaziTM, North America’s tallest, and the fastest, and steepest hybrid coaster in the world. Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, Iron Gwazi will be 206 feet tall, feature a 91-degree drop, and reach top speeds of 76 miles per hour. The journey will include three inversions and 12 airtime hills as it races along more than 4,075 feet of purple steel track. With a 48” height requirement, Iron Gwazi will be an exciting thrill attraction that families can take on together.
 
“Iron Gwazi is the evolution of a classic wooden coaster into a modern icon,” said Stewart Clark, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “From the bones of the original Gwazi, a new legend rises, reaching taller heights and faster speeds, delivering the next-level thrills that our coaster fans crave and expect from Busch Gardens.”
 
While elements of the former wooden attraction will be integrated into the new ride, the steel track and reimagined layout of Iron Gwazi present an entirely unique experience that tells a different story. Iron Gwazi will highlight the best of both worlds — the classic nostalgia of a wooden coaster and the bold innovation of a steel coaster. Thriving and adapting over millions of years, this evolutionary crossroad is perfectly represented in the crocodile, the largest living reptile and the animal inspiration for Iron Gwazi.
​
Solar Vortex – Opening Spring 2020 at Adventure Island
Spin and splash at Adventure Island on Solar VortexTM — America’s first dual-tailspin water slide.  This thrilling family raft slide combines high-banking rotations and rapid descents, sending sliders on a swirling journey through two open tailspin features. Manufactured by Whitewater, Solar Vortex will also include three dynamic AquaLucent™ elements — harnessing the power of the Florida sun into colorful patterns that shine through the slide as riders reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. Solar Vortex will be an electrifying new ride for families next year when it opens with the 2020 Adventure Island season.
 
Ice Breaker – Opening Spring 2020 at SeaWorld Orlando
Making its debut in spring 2020, riders will shiver through family friendly adventures on SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster: Ice Breaker™. Named after the icy Arctic summits, Ice Breaker will feature four launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida — a 93-foot tall spike with 100-degree angle.
 
Located near the Wild Arctic Attraction, the ride’s theme is reflective of this area with a nod to Ice Breaker’s conservation partner, Alaska SeaLife Center. Primarily dedicated to marine research, education and wildlife response, the Alaska SeaLife Center mission matches closely to SeaWorld Orlando’s, making them a perfect partner to help educate riders about the Artic and its inhabitants.
 
"The Alaska SeaLife Center is excited to grow our partnership with SeaWorld.  For many years, SeaWorld has been a stalwart supporter of the Center, and particularly our Wildlife Response program,” said Tara L. Riemer, President and CEO of Alaska SeaLife Center. “We are grateful for SeaWorld's contributions of funding and staff over the years to further our mission. This new collaboration will continue efforts to highlight Arctic rescue and conservation stories.”
 
The opening of Ice Breaker is the perfect addition to SeaWorld’s ever-growing ride portfolio. From the roller coaster thrills of Mako, Manta and Kraken, to the water rapids of Infinity Falls and the flume fun of Journey to Atlantis, Ice Breaker joins the park’s famed attractions as a must-do experience in Orlando.
              
Best value for Floridians – Enjoy all NEW rides with an Annual Pass!
With three ALL-NEW attractions to enjoy, there has never been a better time to be a SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Annual Pass Member. Upon the launch of each attraction, Pass Members will enjoy EXCLUSIVE RIDE TIME on Iron Gwazi, Ice Breaker and Solar Vortex.
For 2020, the best value for Floridians is the FOUR PARK PASS, which includes admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island, SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando. In addition to exciting NEW rides coming next spring, guests who purchase an annual pass today can enjoy fan-favorite events included with their park admission in Orlando and Tampa. In the fall, there’s Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends and Halloween Spooktacular. Then, as the holidays draw near, visitors can experience the magic of Christmas Town and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. And for culinary connoisseurs, the spring brings the Food &Wine Festival and the Seven Seas Food Festival to the parks. For pass holders, there’s something for everyone all year at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
For more information on Fun Cards, Annual Passes, and daily admission, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com and BuschGardensTampa.com
 
Fans can learn more about new events, special deals and future announcements by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
 
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, behavioral training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 35,000 animals in need over the last 55 years.
 The company owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 50-year history, the company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection. The company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests. 
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company. Visit www.seaworldentertainment.com for more informatio

Iron Gwazi Fast Facts
A new legend is surfacing in 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with the evolution of Iron Gwazi, North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world.

• Opening Date: Spring 2020
  
• Maximum Height: 206 feet
  
• Maximum Speed: 76 mph
  
• Drop Angle: 91 degrees
  
• Track Length Travelled: 4,075 feet
  
• Number of Trains: 2
  
• Number of Riders per Train: 24
  
• Minimum Rider Height: 48 inches
  
• Ride Elements: 12 airtime features, including three inversions
  
• Manufacturer: Rocky Mountain Construction