During the day, SeaWorld Orlando delights guests with underwater adventures and adrenaline filled roller coasters. As the sunset sets across the theme park during the spooky season, the shadows hold torrid tales that snarl guests in their grasp. During my recent visit to the 2025 Howl-O-Scream event, havoc was everywhere and I was lucky to escape unscathed.
Adults Only
While daytime offerings are meant to be family-friendly, SeaWorld Orlando’s nighttime experience is for adults. It is more than the frightening aspects to this event. Themes, visuals and even the overall vibe is meant for an older crowd.
From couples looking to scream the night away to friends wanting a spirited night out, SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream offers a little bit of everything. In its fifth year, the creative team amplified the experience with new shows, haunted houses and scarezones.
Look towards the flames and prepare to enter Havoc’s realm, if you dare.
- When to Go: Howl-O-Scream 2025 runs now through November 1, 2025 on select nights. Doors open at 6:15 and the event begins at 7:00 p.m.
- What to Do: The event includes five haunted houses, six scare zones, five themed bars, shows and more.
- Ticket prices vary
I received tickets to attend Howl-O-Scream from SeaWorld Orlando.
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No Where to Hide in These Haunted Houses
Over the years, I have learned to calm my fears in haunted houses. At SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream, that concept is tested. The scenes are not necessarily grotesque, but they are intense.
From hanging obstacles to flashing lights, every wicked twist and turn is designed to make me feel disoriented. Not knowing where to look makes that jump scare more intense.
At this year’s event, the returning haunted houses are Water’s Edge Wellness Center and Farm 51. Although the “wellness center” might be a misnomer, the scareactors are amazing. They really get into character. That moment of calm makes the scream even more intense.
The new houses are The Collector’s Curse, Rave Yard and The Widow’s Nest. The Rave Yard is a stunning house. From stepping through the graveyard gate till the music fades, this experience proves haunted can be captivating. This concept would be well served outside the seasonal event.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Opt for the Front of Line Fear Extreme. While wait times are manageable, the majority of the evening should be spent having fun versus standing in line. It is worth the extra cost.
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Scarezones Are Not for the Timid
Scarezone scene at SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream. Photo credit: Cristine Struble
SeaWorld’s looping path around the water makes its scarezones unavoidable. While there are safe havens along the way, every twist, turn and shadow has a person waiting to pounce. I have learned to never carry my cocktail while walking around the event. One spilled drink is too many.
This year’s scarezones are Ashes Forgotten, Blood Light District, Woodrot Hollow, Trailer Park Tragedy, Cannibal Horror and Echoes in the Glass. The Blood Light District is a returning favorite. These vampires are still thirsty for new partners.
I found the Trailer Park Tragedy area quite entertaining. The scare actors really took their roles seriously and were willing to interact with guests. It was less about causing people to scream versus having a good time at the event.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t want to be scared? SeaWorld sells a special necklace that alerts scare actors to tone down their approach.
Interactive Bars Are the Ultimate Watering Holes
One of the ways that I survive Halloween theme parks events is with a cocktail. At SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream, the interactive bars turn a quick stop into a reason to linger. There might be shots and blood bags around the park, but I cannot resist a bar stop.
At this year’s event, there are three interactive bars. They are Scorchline, The Butcher’s Block Tavern, Carnevil, Space Gate 3 and Tormented.
Tormented is a returning favorite and this year it did not disappoint. The bartenders shake a strong cocktail. I recommend ordering the 5 Years of Fear Cocktail. The lemon ginger vodka with tangy Midori is both refreshing and spicy. Plus, the vibrant green color captivates.
For the cocktail fan, each of the interactive bars have a signature sipper. Although I did not do a bar crawl, it would be a great option for a group. Sharing a few beverages throughout the night would be wonderful.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Additional specialty cocktails are served at some of the food marketplaces. Be sure to download the SeaWorld Orlando app for complete details.
Don’t Be Frightened by Terrifically Terrifying Food
Theme park food has become a huge draw. This year, SeaWorld’s culinary team wove its themes into the creative, complex and delicious offerings.
This year’s menu features favorites like a Skull Pretzel, Swiderfries and Nachos. While the standard fare is good, the global cuisine is where SeaWorld chefs’ shine. The Dangerous Pork Egg Rolls served over Pad Thai noodles is a hearty meal with just the right amount of spice.
Even the traditional burger gets an upgrade. Made with bison, the Ripper’s Revenge tastes like a pub burger with its chevre, arugula and vampire blood jam.
Overall, I appreciate that Howl-O-Scream’s food offerings balance familiar dishes with some bold flavors. It might push some people out of their comfort zone, but it is not as daring as previous year’s creepy, crawling protein options.
SheBuysTravel Tip: For couples and groups, it is smart to buy the Tasting Lanyard. The $75 Premium option includes five entrees and two beverages.
Sit a Spell and Watch a Show
When time is limited, some people skip the shows. I built extra time into my night to ensure that I saw the performances.
This year, the shows are Throttle, Hellzapoppin Presents: The Grave Danger Thrill Show, Monster Stomp and Deadly Rhythm. The fan-favorite Monster Stomp is always my choice for mid-evening experience break. The visuals bring the heat, but the air-conditioned environment is refreshing.
This year, the new Throttle show puts Havoc, the new face of fear, front and center. From the motorcycles revving their engines to the impressive choreography, this high energy event was like a mini-concert. The gigantic flames igniting the night sky served as my beacon to find all the action.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Get to Howl-O-Scream early to enjoy the new Deadly Rhythm show at Scorchline Bar. Those beats are infectious.
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