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Theme park legend and Howl-O-Scream co-creator needs your help in severe health battle

in Events, Haunted Attractions, Theme Parks

Posted on by Ricky Brigante 1 Comment
Howl-O-Scream fans gather onstage, beaming under vibrant lights and surrounded by immersive set pieces, as they soak up the electrifying atmosphere of this legendary theme park event.

Robbi Lepre (center) with panelists at the 2017 Entertainment Designer Forum.

Robbi Lepre was with Busch Gardens for more than 39 years. A leader of the theme park community, Robbi is the Former Director of Theatrical Services at Busch Gardens Tampa, having co-created Howl-O-Scream and ChristmasTown. But recently, severe health problems have forced her away from her fabulous profession to deal with these unwanted issues – and she needs your help to get through them.

This story means a lot to me personally, as Robbi has been a wonderful friend of everyone in the theme park industry for so many years, not just doing her job but always genuinely eager to help everyone. She has always greeted me with a warm smile and hug every time I’ve seen her and she has truly felt like a motherly figure to me as this site has grown over the years, championing our every success.

A woman with short, curly brown hair beams with a joyful smile indoors, her pink top adorned with a beaded neckline. Her shining expression evokes the spirit of a beloved Disney park icon—a resilient figure known for meeting every challenge with optimism and magic.

It saddens me to have watched her health worsen over the past year, with multiple issues compounding. Specialists and surgeries do not come cheap and now that Robbi is no longer with Busch Gardens (recently dropped fully from her leave of absence as the company downsized) she is left in need of support.

But she hasn’t asked ever for it. Instead, the theme park community has bound together to form ways in which you can help. Designers from Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, Disney, and beyond have come together in support of Robbi.

So how can you help?

First, contribute to the GoFundMe set up to benefit Robbi. This Wellness Fund will help her pay for her ever-growing medical and living expenses.

Second, attend Robbiween! On February 3, the same group that has organized the annual (and amazing) Entertainment Designer Forum has is creating a special event to raise money to help Robbi.

A whimsical pumpkin sporting bright red hair and cool sunglasses sits atop the bold “Robbiween” logo, with the festive slogan: Talk. Drink. Share. Buy. Laugh. Love. Robbi.—a cheerful celebration for fans ready to dive into Howl-O-Scream thrills, theme park style!.

The event will feature three outstanding panel discussions, discussing Halloween Horror Nights, Howl-O-Scream, and building major theme park attractions.

UPDATE: Check out the incredible, just-released lineup of speakers for the Halloween Horror Nights panel…

Michael Aiello, Sr Director, Universal Entertainment
TJ Mannarino, VP Universal Entertainment
David Hughes, Manager Art & Design Universal Entertainment
Kim Gromoll, Scenic Designer, Universal Creative
Michael Roddy, Show Director Disney Parks Live Entertainment

Moderator: Ray Keim, Concept Illustrator, Universal Creative

It all takes place in the The Garden Theater in Winter Garden, about 15 minutes north of Walt Disney World.

In addition there will be a silent auction filled with excellent items to bid on and take home. Here’s a small sampling:

Bronze plaques featuring the iconic, grinning Jack in his signature suit add a whimsical flair to the park’s landscape, showcasing the playful legend cherished by fans.

A Howl-O-Scream skull mask with haunting dark eye sockets and jagged teeth is displayed on a mannequin head, set against an ominous backdrop to evoke the chilling atmosphere of Busch Gardens’ signature Halloween event.

Elsa, Anna, and Olaf stand together in a vibrant cardboard display for “Frozen Summer Fun” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, inviting guests to celebrate the magic of Arendelle with these beloved park icons.

Frankenstein’s monster head sculpture on the bar at Howl-O-Scream, surrounded by bottles, setting an eerie and immersive atmosphere for theme park visitors.

So, please donate to Robbi’s GoFundMe and get tickets for Robbiween to help support this wonderful, caring legend of the theme park industry whom I am delighted to call a friend.

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