This year Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando is bigger and bloodier than ever! The event consists of 5 haunted houses, all of which feature nostalgia from the 1990’s.
I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch is SeaWorld’s first movie house. The IP house is based off of the 1997 slasher I Know What You Did Last Summer.
In the maze you will be stepping into the seaside town of Southport, North Carolina. One year ago the fatal cover up of a horrifying car crash involving four teenagers still haunts them. Unbeknownst to the teens, it is still on someone else’s mind as well. A Fisherman with a hook is hellbent on getting his revenge for their negligent and deadly actions. Will you escape the Fisherman’s hook? Re-live scenes from the 1997 classic as you travel through the maze that made seaside towns not so charming.
Howl-O-Scream Reanimates the 1990’s
There is a huge overarching theme this year in the aquatic themepark’s large scale haunted attraction. From cyborg vampires to neon lit cocktails and even a rave zone, Howl-O-Scream is bringing back the 90’s! It wasn’t all Dunkaroos and boy bands though. The remaining original houses are surely to bring you back to the era where the unknown reaches of Internet and technology threatened to evolve and take over humankind. Maybe Sarah Connor was right after all.
The Dark Net is based on a futuristic city landscape on the downfall of an energy crisis. Alternatively, inhabitatnts found a way to survive. Their everyday life is now powered by human blood! Cyborgs are on the hunt for you as you roam through their neon lit city. They want to continue to sustain their way of life, and your blood is what they want, so you better run!
The Crawl Space may not be for those who find themselves a bit on the claustrophobic side. Inside this house you’ll find yourself wandering through a maze of underground tunnels that have been sealed off after a massive containment failure. As you twist and turn your way throughout the dark and damp corridors below, something is watching you. The mutation that has occurred inside the tunnels has spawned something big. Rather, somethings. And now those eyes are watching you in the darkness as you try to find your way out. This is the only home they have ever known, and you better believe that they know it better than you. Will you make it out alive?
Last to be announced so far at Howl-O-Scream is Everything Must Stay. Perhaps from the outside this suburban home is the definition of a dream. Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, great neighborhood, large lawn. Yet this house is really a young homeowner’s worst nightmare. The four walls contain the secrets of why this slice of the American Dream hasn’t been sold in six years. Every open house this home has ends in blood and fear. Prospective buyers who are fortunate enough to escape with their lives leave terrified by the paranormal experiences they witness inside. Maybe renting an apartment isn’t such a bad idea.
But Wait… There’s More to Scream About!
Did you really think SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream in Orlando would leave you with just five haunted house experiences? No way!
Additionally six scare zones are set up around the park, and no matter which way you go, “no path is safe” according to the website. Four of these zones are entirely new experiences for those brave enough to enter the park. The announced scare zones for Howl-O-Scream 2026 are; Nekrosis, Toxic Turmoil, Portal of Passage, Carn-EVIL Pier, and Terrors of the Deep.
Each of these scare zones are set up among the pathways you will travel to get to your destinations. No matter what you are seeking, food, drink, the bathroom, nowhere is safe! You must experience fear before you reach any of these endpoints. The choice is yours. Which way will you go?
Lastly, two roaming hoards of scare actors are finding their way throughout the park freely! Unlike those you encounter in the scare zones, these characters do not have boundaries to keep them contained. No rules. Nowhere to hide. No matter where you go the hordes will be hunting you!
Howl-O-Scream Drinks
Now onto some liquid courage. Four of the five interactive bars have been announced for Howl-O-Scream Orlando. However, the theme park is keeping the final bar as a surprise… for now.
Feeling… thirsty? At Byte Bar glowing neon cocktails are served to customers in a futuristic style underworld by cyborg vampires. Byte Bar also features cyber beers that are locally sourced and available on tap. They also have an array of cocktails made with glowing iced cubes, and specialize in their signature Vampire’s Bite shot.
The first bar to be announced this year is The Rewind bar. This concept will pull at the nostalgic heartstrings of all of us who lived through the 90’s and the dreaded screech of dial-up. Sip on Gusher inspired cocktails in their VHS stocked lounge.
Fuel up at Sacrificial Spirits with domestic and import beers, craft beers, and hard seltzers. This themed pop-up bar is located along the outdoor scare zones for those who may need some extra liquid encouragement. The location also serves as a mini performance venue showcasing acrobats, singers, and aerialist shows to watch as you sip.
Last but not least so far at Howl-O-Scream is Space Gate 3, which is an overlay at the Waterway Grill. This bar embraces a sci-fi horror feel. Here you will find the signature neon green Hex Cocktail (formerly the Whitechapel Hex) making its anticipated return. This drink consists of Vodka, midori, pineapple and lemon juices, and apple puree lemonade.
Let’s Munch on Some Grindage!
Every good drink deserves a delicious bite to go with it! An equally masterful selection of themed eats are spread throughout the park.
Next door to Space Gate 3 is another highly anticipated eatery, Jack the Ripper food hut. This location includes the Ripper’s Revenge burger. The Revenge consists of a bison patty, vampire blood jam, chèvre, bacon, and arugula.
The Ripper also has two tantalizing sides this year; battered cajun cauliflower called Fogbound Fang Bites, and loaded “Sidewinder” twisted fries.
If hot dogs are more your style, the Roadkill stand is calling your name. The eatery features three different hot dog options; The Devil Dog, The Bacon Jam Dog, and the Nacho Dog.
Continue your stroll to Mercado de los Muertos and enjoy their Day of the Dead-inspired street food! The Zombie Taco is anything but ordinary. Enjoy a Mazina tortilla with thick cut bacon, pico de gallo, letter, and Flaming Hot Chetto dust.
Finally, if you are a cheese lover the CarnEVIL food stand is your ultimate destination. Monster Munch Mac & Cheese, Nightmare Nachos, and Cheese fries with EXTRA cheese are all featured at this stand.
Sweet Treats
Unfortunately Howl-O-Scream offers few sweet options this year. The typical standard sweet treat-fare is available throughout the park, with a few additions such as cotton candy and caramel corn.
However, one upcoming sugary treat does sound amazing; a strawberry filled cinnamon roll! This baked good has all of the ooey-gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll, with one addition. Inside the center is a sticky strawberry jam, resembling blood and guts as you bite into it!
If these drinks and food options sound good, consider a Taste the Terror lanyard. This is SeaWorld’s prepaid punch card system for food and drinks options. As you select a food or beverage item, an employee will punch a hole on the card attached to your lanyard.
The options for this year’s lanyards at Howl-O-Scream Orlando have yet to be announced. Historically in the past there have been two options available. The standard lanyard gives you three spirit beverages and an entree for $45. Or for $75 you can opt for the premium lanyard where you get five spirits and two entrees.
Be sure to keep an eye on the SeaWorld Orlando event webpage and facebook for their soon to be announced Taste the Terror Lanyards!
Tell us which houses you are most excited for, as well as what food and drink you’ll be trying in the comments below!
