Busch Gardens Howl O Scream Bag Policy

You’ve scored tickets to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens. You’re ready for jump scares and twisted clowns. But wait—what’s the deal with your bag?

Don’t let a silly bag policy ruin your night of terror. It’s actually pretty simple. And honestly, it’s kind of funny when you think about it.

The No-Bag Trick or Treat

Busch Gardens wants you to have empty hands for maximum screaming. So, most bags are totally banned after 5 PM. You can’t bring in backpacks, large purses, or any bag bigger than a fanny pack.

Why? So zombies can grab you faster? Kind of. It’s really about speeding up security lines and keeping the crowds moving.

The limit is strict: bags must be smaller than 5” x 8” x 2”. That’s about the size of a paperback book. If your bag is bigger, you’re out of luck.

The Clever Exceptions

Here’s the fun part: fanny packs are totally fine. Wear one like a 90s kid and you’re golden. You can also bring a clear plastic bag, but only if it’s under 12” x 6” x 12”.

Need a diaper bag? That’s allowed, but it will be thoroughly searched. Medical bags get a special pass, too—just be ready for extra questions.

Pro tip: If you show up with a giant backpack, you don’t get to go to jail. You just have to use the rental lockers outside the park. That costs extra money, and nobody wants to pay for that.

The Weirdest Bag Rules

You can’t bring a camera bag unless it’s a tiny point-and-shoot case. No GoPro backpacks. No “murse” (man purse) bigger than a wallet.

One year, I saw a girl try to bring a plush unicorn backpack. It was cute. It was also rejected at the gate. The unicorn had to live in a locker for five hours.

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Also: no selfie sticks in bags. That’s a separate rule, but if your bag has one, they’ll make you take it back to the car. Awkward!

Why You Should Care

This policy exists for one reason: safety and speed. The park wants you inside the haunted houses faster, not stuck in a bag-check line.

Plus, it makes the scares better. Imagine a zombie chasing you with a huge purse flapping on your shoulder. Not scary. Just silly.

So, pack smart. Wear a fanny pack. Leave the backpack at home. You’ll thank yourself when you’re running from a chainsaw-wielding maniac at 10 PM.

The Last Scary Thing

Forgetting the bag rule is the scariest part of the night. You’ll arrive, see the sign, and realize your backpack is a security liability.

Don’t be that person who argues with a teenage employee about “but it’s a designer bag.” They don’t care. Rules are rules.

And if you absolutely must bring a bag? Consider a clear plastic tote. You’ll look like you’re going grocery shopping—but everyone will be too scared to judge you.