It’s scream season, so you know what that means: haunts are in full swing around Orlando! We were lucky enough to be able to check out the opening night of Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando, entering into its third year of thrills and chills.
This year’s event saw some returning favorites, as well as some brand-new houses and scare zones. Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando will run select nights from September 8 to October 31, and will run Fridays and Saturdays in September and Thursdays through Sundays in October. Each night, the event runs from 7:00pm – 12:00am, and is a separately ticketed event, meaning that you’ll need to buy a ticket exclusively for Howl-O-Scream.
There are multiple ticket options available, including a combination day and nighttime ticket for those who want to experience SeaWorld during the day (on weekends starting September 16, guests who visit SeaWorld in daytime will be able to experience the family-friendly Spooktacular event, with cute meet n greets and trick or treating for all!). For full ticket and pricing information, visit SeaWorld Orlando’s website.
Howl-O-Scream 2023 features five houses, seven scare zones, three shows, and five themed bars. We got to experience most of the event, and are thrilled to share our reactions with you. So gather your scream squad, and let’s go!
The Houses
Although Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando states they have three new houses this year, in actuality, there is only one completely new house. Two others are re-themes from houses past, and the two remaining houses are unchanged.
D3LER1UM666 Laboratories
The only completely new house of 2023 is D3LER1UM666 Laboratories. This house tries something never before seen at SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream. Guests are funneled into two separate elevators after making their way into the lobby, where they experience a ride down to the far depths of the ocean. On the ocean floor, mercenaries have gathered to launch their attack against the problematic Sirens. Unfortunately, something goes wrong, and we’re stopped on floor 666, where we must escape the laboratory and the scientists’ botched experiments, who have escaped and are trying to attack us.
While the attempt at being innovative was appreciated, the overall house was very short, but still, we liked the overall theming, with this house leaning into the evil Siren motif that has been a staple of SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream since its inception.
Dead Vines: N’awlins Nightmare
Howl-O-Scream claims this is a new house, and in a way, it sort of is. The Dead Vines concept has existed for all three years of the event, but each year it’s had a different theme, which does play into the overall experience of the house. For this year’s Dead Vines, guests are transported to the bayous of New Orleans, and the décor of the house reflects this new location. We traverse decaying cemeteries and the gardens of some grand estates, before stumbling upon Hex’s land, who is determined to chase us from her domain.
Ending with a trip through Bourbon Street, Dead Vines: N’awlins Nightmare was our favorite house of the night by far. The New Orleans theming was evident, and the decorations creating Bourbon Street, including a fortune teller and scareactors with Mardi Gras beads, led to an immersive experience we enjoyed.
Beneath The Ice: The Meltdown
Another ostensibly “new” house, Beneath The Ice: The Meltdown is a new take on the Beneath The Ice house, which has also existed at SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream since the beginning. This time, however, we’re experiencing a sequel of last year’s house. After Frost was captured by the government, she cried out for help and her sister, Flame, decided to answer her call. The Fire Siren torches the facility and all who are left as she attempts to rescue her sister, and we’re caught in the middle.
This house is always cool (literally!) but this time, they did a nice job of playing with the temperature of things, making the house sometimes cold and sometimes warm, depending on how close Flame is. The end has a nice moment with both sisters, a solid finale to a fun house.
Captain’s Revenge — Drowned in Darkness
Captain’s Revenge has also been a staple of the event since Howl-O-Scream first started, and the “Drowned in Darkness” sub theme is the same as last year. We find ourselves aboard a pirate ship in search of a famed treasure. It turns out that the treasure is cursed, and we need to escape the ship before we become a minion of Darkness and her vengeance forever.
Interestingly, although the house itself hadn’t changed from last year, where we entered and exited did. This year we experienced the house backward, entering through last year’s exit and exiting through last year’s entrance. We aren’t sure if this change in path will be permanent, but for a house whose story hasn’t been modified at all from the previous iteration, we’re not quite sure why the path was inverted. Overall, the house has some good sets and some fun scares, though the best ending scare (at this year’s beginning) wasn’t there for our walkthrough. And if it is there for the event this year, it’s certainly an interesting choice to have the biggest scare right off the bat.
Blood Beckoning
Returning for its second year, Blood Beckoning sees us making our way through a forgotten and decrepit part of town that is inhabited by Scratch and her team of minions. Entering into this realm, we must avoid the shadows in our effort to make it out of the area alive.
This house was exactly the same as last year, and it was still a fun time, with some interesting sets and music choices throughout. Overall not the strongest house of the event, but still a solid choice that we’re glad they brought back for another year.
The Scare Zones
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando gave us seven scare zones this year, including four brand new ones. While scare zones have typically been lacking in the past at SeaWorld, this year they seemed to up their game, and we were pleasantly surprised at the new zones’ quality.
Blood Light District
A new scare zone in a completely new area of the park, Blood Light District was our favorite thing of the entire event this year. An obvious play on the famous Red Light District of Amsterdam, this scare zone showcased a variety of vampires intent on making your night (and theirs!). Stay too long, though, and you’ll soon find yourself a resident of this district as well…
The theming here was on point, down to a small bicycle that really helped sell the Amsterdam aspect of the scare zone. Along with its unique location in a narrow alley, this scare zone is a must see for any visitor to Howl-O-Scream.
Toxic Turmoil
Another new scare zone this year, Toxic Turmoil shows the aftermath of a toxic waste spill that has mutated plants and people equally. Although the walkway of this scare zone is fairly large, making it a bit difficult to really immerse you in the experience, there are awesome stilt walkers here and an overall ambiance that makes it a fun place to experience.
Carn-Evil Pier
The third new scare zone is located right near Pipeline, SeaWorld Orlando’s newest rollercoaster. This scare zone was really cool, as it captured the pier and circus aesthetic really well, from a creepy ringmaster to themed bars and arcade games. Just be careful, those who play too hard might never be able to leave…
We enjoyed this scare zone and thought it fit in well where it was located, a nice addition to the promenade around Pipeline, which is of course open throughout the event.
Portal of Passage
A new-ish scare zone, Portal of Passage exists at the entrance of Howl-O-Scream, and opens at 6:15pm, before the full event starts at 7:00pm. This scare zone welcomes you to Howl-O-Scream with enticing Sirens and scareactors who slide on the ground, a fantastic start to the event.
For those who want to experience the scares a bit early, Portal of Passage lets you immerse yourself as you wait for the gates to open and keeps the party going all night long.
Frozen Terror — Alive in the Ice
Located around SeaWorld Orlando’s second-newest coaster, Ice Breaker (we dig a synergistic theme!), Frozen Terror — Alive in the Ice returns for the third straight year, the second with the “Alive in the Ice” sub theme. This scare zone features frozen zombies who won’t even let the cold of the Arctic stop them.
Exactly the same as last year, this scare zone is a fun time, with some cool (literally) set pieces. The scareactors who create sparks by dragging their shovels across the ground are always favorites to see.
Witchcraft Bayou
This returning scare zone exists at the crossroads of the bayou, where witchcraft and voodoo combine to entice you to never leave…
Just like last year, the sets of this scare zone really add to the immersive atmosphere of the experience. The scareactors are always fun to see, and the fog tends to gather here, making walking through this area hazardous in more ways than one!
Terrors of the Deep
A scare zone fit for SeaWorld Orlando, Terrors of the Deep returns for its second year at Howl-O-Scream. Here a sunken village beckons visitors with treasure fallen from the world above, but a cursed pirate crew has already laid claim to the goods. Approach the treasure with caution.
A fun addition to the parks, we always enjoy walking through this scare zone and figuring out which treasures we can examine safely under the scrutinizing eyes of the cursed pirate crew.
The Shows
Three shows can be experienced while at Howl-O-Scream, but we unfortunately were only able to catch one. (The schedule of the shows is a bit difficult to manage, so be sure to check out the SeaWorld Orlando app for the most up-to-date showtimes so you can plan your visit accordingly).
Cursed Lagoon
A new show this year, this experience takes place at the Forever Pearls attraction, where, during the day, mermaids can be found diving for pearls and interacting with guests. During Howl-O-Scream, this show takes a look at what can be lurking beneath the surface of a cursed lagoon. The times of this show were limited, so be sure to check the app in advance of your visit!
Siren’s Song
A returning show from years past, Siren’s Song takes place outside Beneath The Ice: The Meltdown. A fun dance show, Sirens perform in this outdoor venue as they express themselves and feast on your fears. Fun and entertaining, but get there early if you want to grab a seat!
Monster Stomp
Another returning show (and our favorite!) Monster Stomp remains unchanged from the previous two years, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a fun time. Monster Stomp is probably the best haunt theme park show in the Orlando area, and it’s not one to be missed. The talent is incredible (as always) and it’ll be a must do whenever we spend time at Howl-O-Scream this year.
The Themed Bars
One of the most interesting parts of SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream are the themed bars. There are five of them this year, and honestly, you shouldn’t miss any of them, even if just to walk through. They’re a great atmospheric addition which helps keep the spirit of Howl-O-Scream alive throughout the park.
Carn-Evil Curiosities
The only new themed bar experience at Howl-O-Scream, Carn-Evil Curiosities can be found at the edge of the Carn-Evil Pier scare zone. We highly recommend this bar, as there are small interactive elements that can be found throughout the experience. These interactive elements can change, too, so multiple visits might be warranted!
Longshoremen Tavern
Utilizing the famous Longshoremen of SeaWorld Orlando, this bar is also interactive, as guests can enjoy a drink while having a conversation with the Longshoremen. Hilarious and altogether event-appropriate, the Longshoremen will make sure you’re having a funny time as well as a scary one, and should always be sought out when attending Howl-O-Scream. After all, they’re all dying to meet you…
Tormented
Located near the Arctic abyss of Beneath The Ice: The Meltdown, Tormented is also a returning themed bar for this year’s Howl-O-Scream. This is a fun drink location that lets you potentially scare your fellow expeditioners in an interactive way as you’re taking a break from the frozen fears.
Poison Grotto
Another returning bar this year, Poison Grotto isn’t interactive, but it does have the wonderful entertainment that we’ve seen from years past: mainly, walk around characters and an aerialist who will entertain you as you wait in line. The skills on display are always a thrill to see, and guests can easily be enticed to pay their respects to the grotto’s owner.
Sirens’ Last Call
Located in the Portal of Passage, Sirens’ Last Call also returns this year. A great place to hang out while waiting for the event to open, or throughout the event, Sirens’ Last Call features the titular Sirens and their devotees, who are all thrilled to welcome you and make you one of their own…
The Food
One of the better additions to the event, SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream has upped its food game this year. Each of the food booths set up for the event has their own themed menu items, and they all were delicious, but our favorite is the Zombie Taco: absolutely delightful and something we will definitely be seeking out again.
A full list of all the themed food options can be found below:
Zombie Taco
The Zombie Taco is a slice of fried pork belly topped with lettuce, sour cream, and the pièce de resistance: crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
Cheesy Mac
Double the mac, double the fun, right? This mac ‘n cheese dish features both the traditional style mac n’ cheese as well as fried mac ‘n cheese, along with some pico de gallo. A tasty treat to be sure!
Unfortunate Teriyaki Chicken Hibachi
Served in a traditional Chinese food container, this teriyaki chicken could have used a bit more teriyaki sauce in our opinion, but it was served on top of fried rice, which was a nice touch, and also featured a drizzle of Yum Yum sauce. Who can turn that down?
We weren’t able to taste the rest of the items, but they did have them set out for our inspection, and they all look delicious.
Beef Birria Soup
Bloody Ribs
Country Fried Pork Belly
The Ofrenda
Vampire Burger
The Merchandise
Last but not least, SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream has some cute new merchandise for sale this year. Some are event wide, available at every Howl-O-Scream around the country, but others are SeaWorld Orlando-specific. We think they did a great job with them this year and have already added a few pieces to our collection.
They have two T-shirts this year, one featuring a generic Howl-O-Scream decoration, and the other one with a list of all the houses specifically at SeaWorld Orlando’s event.
There is also a wide-variety of drinkware available this year. The purple and black is a great combination, and there are cups for almost any beverage you would like to consume.
Howl-O-Scream also has a Loungefly bag for sale, with some incredible detail work. The bag even has a matching long-sleeve T-shirt that can be purchased with it.
This cool ceramic tray certainly caught our eye…
And last, but not least, this neon skull bag which can definitely be multipurpose.
All in all, SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream was a fun event for those who are looking for more adult entertainment. Of course, those who have littles or who want something a bit more relaxed can enjoy SeaWorld’s Spooktacular during the day on weekends.
Looking forward to seeing you in the fog…
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Let’s Hear From You
Are you excited about Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando this year? What part of the event are you most looking forward to? Do any of the food options catch your eye? Let us know in the comments below!