Howl-O-Scream (HOS) is finally here, at least for SeaWorld Orlando. On select nights from September 8 – October 31, 2023 you can dare to be scared at this Halloween event. I was fortunate enough to be a plus one for the SeaWorld Orlando HOS media event held on opening night, Friday September 8.
Howl-O-Scream Food & Drink
As part of the media event, we had an hour reception to mingle and sample some of the food and drink offerings. I unfortunately mingled too much and missed out on a lot of the food samples. However, I was able to try the Teriyaki Chicken Hibachi found at the Unfortunate booth as well as the Cheesy Mac found at Carni-Treats. The Teriyaki Chicken Hibachi was served in take-out Chinese restaurant boxes which was unique and a nice touch. Both items were tasty and I would recommend them.
Even with my mingling, I was able to sample the four offered Siren Spirits. The Hex (Tito’s Vodka, Midori Melon Liqueur, Pineapple, Lemon, Apple Puree) and Frost (Titlo’s Vodka, Blue Raspberry, Lemonade) both tasted like the very common sweet cocktail served at theme parks. The Darkness (Milagros Tequila, Triple Sec, Blueberry Puree, Sweet & Sour mix) was my least favorite as it tasted floral to me, and I generally do not care for that flavor in my beverages. The clear winner was Flame (Bacardi light Rum, Spicy Mango, Orange Juice, Sweet & Sour) as it provided a unique flavor and was ever so slightly spicy. And just to be certain it was my favorite, I had two of them.
Shows & Scare Zones
We were then free to explore the event armed with passes for VIP access to the haunted houses as well as reserved seating for the Monster Stomp Slasher Alley show. Let’s start with the show. Everyone who knows me, is quite aware that this is one of my favorite theme park Halloween shows performed in any park. It offers a unique mix of dancing, singing, instrument playing and acting themed to the Jack the Ripper murders. To me, this is a must do at this event. Dare I say, if you are only coming to one night of HOS and if you can fit it in, go to two performances of this spectacular show. Two other shows are also offered. I have seen the Siren’s Song show in previous years and did not feel the need to see it again. The new Cursed Lagoon show just did not fit into my schedule.
I think in general, SeaWorld Orlando excels with their scare zones. It all starts with the scare actors. They truly appear to enjoy their jobs and their enthusiastic performances make the scare zones a pleasure to stroll through. Terrors of the Deep is always near the top of my favorites list. This year is no different. Between the unique sea creatures and the combination of set pieces with the fog effects, that make you feel like you’re in the deep blue, I could just spend the entire event hanging out in that area. The fact that it is also close to my favorite roller coaster in the park, Mako, and the Monster Stomp theater, I just may wade in this scare zone one of these nights.
Haunted Houses
SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream can not compete in house set design with the competition down the street (a certain theme park Halloween event with the initials HHN). They can offer a unique experience though.
Howl-O-Scream is the only major theme park Halloween event in Orlando that sends guests through the houses in small groups. The other event herds you through each house in one continuous “conga” line. If you attempt to stop for even a moment while walking through the house, you are ushered to move along. However, Howl-O-Scream’s small groups allow for a more intimate experience and lets you walk through at a more relaxed pace. I was even able to stop and turn around to wait for the next person behind me to enter a room to see them get jump scared.
My favorite house this year is the new D3LER1UM666 Laboratories.
Welcome to the headquarters of a unique mercenary group. An organization established by the government to counter the threat posed by the Sirens and other dangerous sea creatures.
While these creatures are typically unseen in human occupied territories, recent attacks on humans at the surface necessitate a swift resolution.
The public has been invited to tour the facility to gain support and understanding for the cause. Based on the ocean floor, D3LER1UM666 houses countless abstract sea creatures. These dangerous creatures are studied, experimented on, and often tortured.
You will be transported to the bottom by an undersea elevator. Rest assured you will not be alone on your journey. A dedicated task force is in place to oversee your safety. What could possibly go wrong?
D3LER1UM666 Laboratories actually has a pre-show of sorts. To start the house, a group of about twelve guests enter an “elevator” room that has one scare actor (a soldier) that you “travel” down into the laboratory with. It’s not a sophisticated elevator effect but it works and I appreciate SeaWorld Orlando trying something new that the competition logistically could never do with their “conga” line approach. Of course, you spend the rest of the house trying to get out of this “undersea” laboratory. At the end they bring back the classic spinning tunnel that will make it almost impossible for you to walk a straight line. It was pure fun.
This is the third year SeaWorld Orlando has held Howl-O-Scream. It’s maturing into a must do Orlando Halloween event. Among the food, shows, scare zones and haunted houses, there is enough uniqueness that separates this Halloween event from other theme park Halloween events in Orlando. So, plan to visit this under the sea terror at SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream this year and keep making memories.
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