Featuring four haunted houses, four scare zones, themed bar experiences, and two shows; SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream is bringing new frights to Central Florida! We had the amazing opportunity to attend the opening night of this new event, and we are so excited to welcome this terrifying addition to the Orlando Halloween scene! A big THANK YOU to SeaWorld Orlando for inviting us out!
Are you brave enough to face the siren’s call? Let’s take a look at all of the fearsome scares waiting for you beyond the gates!
Normally I’d want to jump right into a discussion about the haunted houses and scare zones. Instead, however, I think it’s important to first mention the Sirens Song – an outdoor show explaining the event’s lore, theme, and overall storytelling. As a huge fan of all those things, I really appreciate how this performance ties the whole event together. Here’s a short clip from the show, explaining the siren’s role in all the chaos you’re about to endure:
Fun theming note: There is a siren at the end of almost every haunted house – further immersing guests in the overall story of the event.
SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream Haunted Houses
As mentioned, there are four haunted houses throughout the park, each with a unique story and theme. Let’s take a closer look at each one!
Beneath The Ice Terror at Base Camp Aura
Entombed in snow and ice, no one has heard from the lost Base Camp crew for some time. Are you brave enough to search for any remaining survivors?
Of the four houses, I think this one is my favorite. Located in the Wild Arctic building, you can actually feel a significant temperature drop as you enter Base Camp Aura – which of course adds to the overall atmosphere and storytelling. But what I really love about the house is the obvious attention to detail throughout each scene. I feel like I walked through every possible room in the base camp, including bunks, locker areas, offices, and more. As an added bonus, theme park nerds will enjoy noticing random pieces of the Wild Arctic attraction, although they blend pretty seamlessly into the base camp surroundings.
Dead Vines
Beware of this evil forest (enchanted by a siren perhaps?), where these ravenous plants crave only one thing – you!
I genuinely find plants kind of intimidating and creepy, so I definitely appreciate this house’s story and aesthetic. While each scene had a distinct setting; the flowers, gardens, and vines worked together for a cohesive feel. In my opinion, this was the most beautiful of the four haunts – not only for the plant-filled scenery but the creative costuming as well!
Captain’s Revenge
Travel each deck of this dank and musty pirate ship to find a murderous Captain seeking his revenge.
Even though this house takes place in one location (the pirate ship), there are a wide variety of scenes and scares. From a dark cell block to a brilliant treasure room, each area has a very different dynamic. Additionally, I have to give this house the title of “Most Creative Scares.” I’m not going to give anything away, but I noticed a few effective tactics that I definitely wasn’t expecting.
Water’s Edge Inn
Don’t trust this seemingly quiet seaside inn! Some secrets are best left undiscovered.
As someone who appreciates performance and show, I very much enjoyed Water’s Edge Inn! While the other houses utilized a great deal of startle scares, this house was more focused on guest interaction. Actors were often fully physically present in a scene (as opposed to using a “boohole”) and engaged guests with multiple lines of dialogue or small vignettes. Additionally, I noticed a few striking physical and digital effects!
SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream Scare Zones
I adore haunted houses, but I have to admit that I am super impressed with SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream’s scare zones! They all featured beautiful set pieces, and the performers are 100% dedicated to their roles. Each actor was interactive, energetic, and completely immersed in their characters. With such talented individuals driving the action, each time we walked through a particular zone (and there were many) felt like a totally new experience!
Deadly Ambush
Potentially my favorite of the zones, Deadly Ambush explores a campsite overrun by fearsome creatures!
I especially loved the set and sound design of this area. The ruined tent and picnic table juxtapositioned with the cheery music and hanging banners created an awesomely creepy atmosphere. Additionally, I noticed many actors in this zone were interacting, not only with guests but, with each other! Each time I came across a werewolf/human battle or camper conversation, I felt more integrated into the overall story.
Frozen Terror
Just steps away from the Beneath The Ice haunted house, encounter a series of icy, subhuman walkers!
I love that this zone is located so close to its counterpart house. It makes this whole area feel like a horror-themed “land.” I only wish it could stay this way year-round! 😉
Witchcraft Bayou
An absolutely beautiful zone, Witchcraft Bayou is filled with incredible costumes! Plus, these actors are more focused on creeping you out instead of startling you – which I really enjoyed! I find that blocking my path, getting just a bit too close for comfort, or complete silence with a deadly glare can sometimes be way more effective and terrifying than any jump scare (but don’t worry – this zone had plenty of those too)!
Sea of Souls
At the site of a nasty shipwreck, the souls of the lost pirates seek their revenge upon the living!
While all of the actors in this zone were talented, the guy above really sold the experience for me. He was so cheerful and smiley – all while explaining how I would ultimately meet a gruesome fate. Pure genius! I loved it!
Other Haunted Experiences
There’s plenty to enjoy at Howl-O-Scream Orlando, even after you’ve experienced the houses and scare zones. Check out Monster Stomp, a Broadway-style show following the story of Jack the Ripper and filled with rocking music and incredible dancing! There’s also four different themed bar experiences with special Howl-O-Scream cocktails. And don’t forget to enjoy some of SeaWorld’s best rides at night! The Mako roller coaster and Infinity Falls water attraction will be open during the event.
Know Before You Go
- Instead of using the general SeaWorld gates, Howl-O-Scream has a separate entrance at the Ports of Call.
- No bags larger than 8”x 5” are permitted inside the Howl-O-Scream Orlando entrance.
- Animals need to rest too! There are no animal exhibits open during the event.
- Sensitive guests can purchase a “No Boo” necklace for $15. While it cannot be utilized in the haunted houses, scare zone performers will attempt to avoid guests wearing it.
- There are upgrades available, such as Front Line Fear and VIP Terror Tours. See the website for more details and pricing.
Thank you again, SeaWorld Orlando, for inviting me out to opening night!
There are so many screams waiting for you at SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream! The event runs select evenings from now until October 31st. Visit SeaWorld’s website for more information or to buy your tickets!
