ORLANDO, Fla. – SeaWorld Orlando is turning up the fright — and the family fun — this Halloween season with its two distinct events catering to thrill-seekers and families alike.
Here’s everything you need to know:
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Howl-O-Scream
SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream previewed its sixth annual Howl-O-Scream event at a ’90s-themed “Scream and Sweat” showcase, teasing new scare zones, new bars, new haunted houses, and its first-ever IP house based on the 1997 horror film “I Know What You Did Last Summer”.
It marks the first time the film has been brought to life at a major Halloween event. Based on the 1997 Sony Pictures film and its latest installment, “I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch,” the haunted house pulls guests through chilling recreations of the franchise’s most memorable scenes — all while the notorious villain, the Fisherman, lurks around every corner.
Cindi Miller, SeaWorld Orlando’s vice president of entertainment, said a ’90s theme was a natural fit.
“It gave us the opportunity to also embrace the ’90s and really bring back an entire new level of nostalgia,” Miller said. “Bring back all of the fashion of the ’90s, the music, the experiences, all of the sights and sounds that we may have forgotten — but we’ll be reminding you of.”
This year’s event features five haunted houses, six scare zones and two roaming hordes stalking the park’s walkways throughout the night. Guests can also take on four thrill rides operating after dark, visit five themed bars and catch live entertainment scattered throughout the event.
The event runs select nights starting Sept. 11.
For ticket information, click here.
Halloween Spooktacular
For families looking for something a little less scary, SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular runs on select dates Aug. 29 through Nov. 1 — and this year, it’s checking in some very famous monsters.
Characters from Sony Pictures Animation’s “Hotel Transylvania” are making their debut at the event. Drac and Mavis have transformed SeaWorld’s SeaFire Inn into the Monster Dread & Breakfast, a separately ticketed character dining experience featuring a breakfast buffet, meet-and-greets, dancing and immersive Hotel Transylvania-themed décor. A Hotel Transylvania Dance Party, hosted by Mavis and Johnny, rounds out the monster fun.
Halloween Spooktacular — included with park admission — is packed with additional family-friendly activities:
- Trick-or-Treat Trail — Collect treats at 12 candy stations throughout the park with a Spooktacular trick-or-treat reusable bag.
- Meet Spookley the Square Pumpkin — The beloved square pumpkin returns with his message of kindness and acceptance.
- Meet a Mermaid — Encounter SeaWorld’s Halloween mermaids in the Key West area.
- Pumpkin Garden & Storytime — Wander a whimsical garden and catch Halloween story readings throughout the day.
- Spooky Bubble Trail — Follow a bubble-filled trail with Halloween surprises and Spooktacular Pals.
- Scarecrow Halloween Dance Parade — Watch festive scarecrows dance in a kid-friendly Halloween parade near Dolphin Stadium.
- Teal Pumpkin Program — Guests with food allergies can collect teal tokens at candy stations and redeem allergy-friendly treats at Coconut Bay Traders.
- Sesame Street Halloween Parade — Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Count von Count and more march in a not-too-spooky parade.
- Storytime with Big Bird — Families gather around Big Bird’s nest for Halloween story readings.
- Seasonal Treats & Sips — New this year: the Mummy Dog, an all-beef hot dog wrapped in pretzel dough, and Trick-or-Treat Crunch Popcorn.
Costumes are welcome for guests of all ages. Note that guests 13 and older may not wear costume masks or hoods.
For tickets and more information, click here.