Busch Gardens Williamsburg unleashes Howl-O-Scream, the park's Halloween themed extravaganza, each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 through Oct. 31.  This year, the adventure park introduces Aaron Radatz's Mind Over Magic to its Howl-O-Scream entertainment lineup.  The talented magician takes center stage at Busch Gardens' Royal Palace Theatre with innovative illusions, audience participation and theatrical special effects.

"Halloween themed events continue to grow in popularity among Americans, and our Howl-O-Scream event rules the mid-Atlantic," said Donnie Mills, executive vice president and general manager for Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA.  "Now in its fifth season, Howl-O-Scream creates an entirely new park after dark with more scares, startles and surprises than ever before," added Mills.

The ghastly adventures include new frights and old favorites:

Jack is Back:  In ancient Celtic Ireland, Jack-O-Lanterns were used to ward off evil spirits.  As nighttime descends, this tale comes to life at Busch Gardens Williamsburg as a party procession of the carved creatures invades the village to pay homage to Jack of the Lantern.  Oktoberfest Street Party:  Get down with the groovy ghoulies lurking in Oktoberfest.  The pumped-up street scene will leave Howl-O-Screamers "dieing" for more.
Piratical Purgatory:  Piratical skeletons have taken over Banbury Cross.  Dead men may tell no tales, but visitors won't want to be caught off-guard by these bony sailors. 
Child-Friendly Zone In Land of the Dragons:  The Land of the Dragons remains a friendly place for younger children to enjoy the holiday spirit without the startles. 
Sleepless Hollow Manor:  The tale of Sleepy Hollow becomes twisted when Ichabod Crane and friends torment guests brave enough to tour this haunted mansion.
Sea Dog Cemetery:  Gravediggers, zombies and legions of the living dead prowl the hills of Banbury Cross' gruesome graveyard.  Guests traveling through are immersed in an ominous experience as pirates and wretches gather to mourn their lost ones in the cemetery on the hill.

The world's "Most Boo-ti-ful Theme Park" transforms into monstrous mayhem after dark.  Street vignettes, themed scare zones and live actors provide interactive startles throughout the European-themed park.  Guests beware as Dracula invades Aquitaine.  Fang sharpening is just one of the specialties available to visitors of this charming French village.

Howl-O-Scream revelers also may participate in the Black Forest Feast.  The Black Forest Feast features VIP entrance to the Sleepless Hallow Manor, followed by an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner in the Black Forest.  Premier seating at a performance of Fiends in the Festhaus tops off the dining experience.  Advanced reservations are required and may be made online at http://www.howl-o-scream.com.  The Black Forest Feast is $19.99 for adults and $9.99 for children ages 3-6.  Children 2 and under are admitted free but require a reservation.

Howl-O-Scream activities are included with paid admission.  Not all activities are suitable for young children and parental discretion is advised.  Ratings for each activity are posted at attractions in the park and on the show schedule.  The park is open for Howl-O-Scream Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.  For more information, guests may call (800) 343-7946 or visit http://www.howl-o-scream.com.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA are Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks.  Other Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks include Busch Gardens and Adventure Island in Tampa Bay; SeaWorld Adventure Parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Sesame Place, a children's play park near Philadelphia; and Discovery Cove in Orlando, a family vacation experience featuring interaction with dolphins and other marine animals.