Here at Orlando Informer, we work hard to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information. On this guide page, you can find all the information you need to navigate this new experience and plan your visit to SeaWorld Orlando during this frightful time of year!
If you are looking for haunted happenings in Tampa rather than Orlando, you can check out the details for Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay here.
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What is Howl-O-Scream?
This annual Halloween-season event began taking place at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 1999. That same year, Busch Gardens Tampa hosted “Spooky Safari,” a milder scare experience for families with older children. They abandoned the idea after one year and joined Williamsburg in putting on Howl-O-Scream in 2000. In 2013, SeaWorld San Antonio joined the Howl-O-Scream crew, and the newest installation of this successful scare event has come home to SeaWorld Orlando recently in 2021. The specifics of the event itself vary from park to park, but SeaWorld Orlando promises a park-wide scare zone, with no respite from the thrills and haunts. The established Howl-O-Scream locations typically feature 5-10 haunted houses and 3-5 scare zones. It should be noted that costumes are not permitted at any of the events.
Howl-O-Scream 2024 at SeaWorld Orlando Haunted Houses:
Farm 51 – Stumbling into an abandoned farmhouse, you quickly realize you are not alone—an extraterrestrial presence is lurking within.
D3LER1UM666 – Explore the newly expanded headquarters of a unique mercenary group created by the government to combat the menace of the Sirens and other formidable sea creatures. As you navigate through this facility, keep an eye on your surroundings—you might not be the only one roaming its eerie halls.
The Ultimate Gamble – Step into a high-stakes game of survival at this cursed casino. Will you beat the odds and escape with your life, or will you be trapped forever? Remember, in this eerie gamble—the house always wins.
Howl-O-Scream 2024 at SeaWorld Orlando Scare Zones & Roaming Haunts:
Seeds of The Coven – Dodge the clutches of a coven of witches and their sinister creations. Can you escape their grip in this bewitched realm?
Blood Light District – Beware of those who walk the streets of this borough – they are out for blood and ready to paint the town red.
Toxic Turmoil – Make your way through this lethal landfill as you flee from its inhabitants infected by the toxins.
Carn-EVIL Pier – Come one, come all to this sideshow of haunts filled with terrors from the big top.
Terrors of the Deep – The citizens of this ancient, lost city roam these streets as they have finally submerged from their underwater tomb.
Roaming Haunts – The Sirens, The Siren Minions, and Camo will roam about the park freely to make sure nowhere is safe!
Howl-O-Scream 2024 at SeaWorld Orlando Themed Bar Experiences:
CarnEvil Curiosities – Become mesmerized with the oddities and libations served in this cirque.
Tormented – You survived the expedition in Beneath the Ice and the grasps of Frozen Terror. Time for a cold one in this relatively safe space.
Longshoremen Tavern – Everyone is a pirate here! The Longshoremen are here to entertain you as you take harbor from the sea of haunts around you.
Howl-O-Scream 2024 at SeaWorld Orlando Live Shows
Monster Stomp – Far from the frozen tundra, this show transports guests back in time to Victoria-era London. Who is there to steal the show? Jack the Ripper himself. Join in the singing and dancing to this unconventional rock show.
Sirens’ Song – This show will be held outdoors and promises dancing, music, and action. The siren will beckon you all with her enticing voice, but don’t get too lured in – just enjoy the show!
Where can I get tickets for Howl-O-Scream Orlando?
You can get your discounted tickets for Howl-O-Scream online here.
Is Howl-O-Scream appropriate for children?
Busch Gardens and SeaWorld strongly recommend no one under the age of 13 attend Howl-O-Scream. However, this age recommendation is just that – a recommendation – and restricting children’s attendance is not policy. Keep in mind that if you bring a younger guest and they decide the event isn’t to their liking, tickets are non-refundable, and you could lose out on a fun night.
If you are interested in more kid-friendly Halloween options, check out SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular. This event is included with park admission to SeaWorld Orlando and provides children with a unique opportunity to dress up, meet some familiar (and some spooky) characters, and trick-or-treat in a friendly setting. Halloween Spooktacular takes place during regular park hours on select dates, from August 31 – November 3.
When should I visit Howl-O-Scream?
Howl-O-Scream 2024 dates, in a nutshell, will return on select nights between September 6 and November 2:
September 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
October 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31
November 1, 2
If you’re concerned about crowds, we suggest going before things ramp up in October, when the Halloween season is really thrown into gear. Predictably, Fridays and Saturdays are consistently the most crowded and busy nights of the event, so also aim for Thursdays and Sundays if crowds are worrisome for you. No matter what, you should weigh the pros and cons of each night.
Thursday & Sunday night pros: Typically, these nights entertain lower crowd numbers, and there’s less of a “party” atmosphere for those wanting a milder experience. Ticket prices are also a few dollars cheaper.
Thursday & Sunday night cons: Thursdays and Sundays don’t become available until October.
Friday & Saturday night pros: These nights typically fit better with traditional work schedules.
Friday & Saturday night cons: These nights are typically the busier nights, with crowds increasing up to Halloween. Ticket prices are also slightly higher.
How much does it cost to attend Howl-O-Scream?
One of the most appealing things about Howl-O-Scream is that it is affordable fun. Prices will vary through the season, but tickets in 2023 started at just $38.99 and didn’t exceed $48.99. These prices mean that tickets provide a great option for a unique date (or a parent’s night out) for the same price of movie tickets and a bucket of popcorn. You can purchase tickets here.
What else can I experience at SeaWorld Orlando?
SeaWorld Orlando is full of things to do and see, and Howl-O-Scream is just the tip of the iceberg! We recommend browsing tickets to potentially include visiting Discovery Cove, Aquatica, SeaWorld, or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to maximize your experience and make sure everyone in the family gets to see and do what they want. You can do this here. Not sure if that’s for you? Here’s a breakdown of what each of the parks has to offer:
Discovery Cove – An immersive, experience-based resort where guests can swim with fevers of stingrays and schools of tropical fish. There are also many upgrades you can purchase. These upgrades range from swimming with dolphins to enjoying premium alcoholic drinks.
Aquatica – More than just SeaWorld’s water park, folks of all ages have something to do! Thrill seekers can go on the rides and slides, while chill seekers can relax in the shade. There are a variety of shows, and the park stays in the immersive aquarium motif SeaWorld has mastered.
SeaWorld – A wonderful mix of theme park and aquarium, SeaWorld Orlando has welcomed guests for nearly 50 years. In addition to focusing on conservation and rescue efforts, SeaWorld also now boasts six roller coasters and two water rides. SeaWorld Orlando was voted #1 Theme Park in the USA Today 10Best Awards, with one of its flagship rides, Mako, receiving the same accolade in Best Roller Coaster. If you’ve got little ones, be sure to take them to Sesame Street Land before going over to the Orca Encounter show!
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – In the same way that SeaWorld blurs the line between theme park and aquarium, Busch Gardens leaves people wondering if they’re at an exceptional theme park or world-class zoo. The answer? Why not both? With some of the most intense roller coasters in Central Florida, Busch Gardens is a popular destination for people looking to have a great time riding rides and watching Cheetahs run!
Where should I stay?
SeaWorld Orlando has a number of hotel options. We recommend staying at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld or Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld. The Renaissance is a family-oriented hotel, offering amenities such as a full spa, two pools, and (separate) water play areas appropriate for toddlers and teenagers. If you’re looking to stay as close to SeaWorld as possible, Fairfield Inn & Suites is where you want to stay. This hotel offers a free breakfast buffet and a Shamu pool. A stay at any of these locations will put you in the heart of Orlando action, just a few short miles of SeaWorld, Universal Orlando Resort, and Walt Disney World.
How to save on Howl O Scream Orlando tickets
Like what you see? We don’t blame you. We can help you save on your Howl-O-Scream (or other) tickets here!