Howl-O-Scream Sea World San Diego

Sea World San Diego How-O-Scream was an overall enjoyable event. The event kicked off Friday night, September 16 at 7PM and ended at 11PM. This is the 2nd year of the event here in San Diego. Bigger than last year, Howl-O-Scream 2022 includes six Scream Zones, five Houses, two scAREAS and several bars throughout the park. 

We first wandered the park to get the lay of the land, hit one of the bars then hopped in line for our first house, Simon's Slaughterhouse. The line didn't look terribly long but we ended up waiting about 40 minutes to get through. Sea World did a fairly good job of letting small groups through each time. The wait was a bit longer but this allowed the scareators to do their job and actually scare. Sometimes in larger groups the first person gets scared and the group in the back already know what's coming so its not as fun. As usual once the evening went on the lines were a bit shorter and moved a little quicker. We didn't wait any longer than ten-minutes for the houses. 

There are two new houses this year, Circus of the Damned, and Area 64: Alien Outbreak. Sea World does a nice job of dressing the set for the maze. Even though there was a lack of staff in each house the way it is set up makes you always feel there is something right around the corner. You are on edge feeling you're going to get scared walking through whether something is there or not.

Favorite house for us again this year was Death Water Bayou. Both the set dressing and scares were the best. Not giving anything away but one scare was so good in this house it almost knocked me on my a**. The scAREAs are fun too. The clowns of Carnival of Chaos greet you as you enter the park. I found them to be friendly and very talented, not quite scary. There is a stage and a good sized area to perform and greet guests. We also enjoyed Vampire Underground, there was another bar along with a live DJ, and dancing. 

We did not get to experience it but I heard there is a speakeasy of sorts in one of the mazes (Area 64: Alien Outbreak). Although we didn't make it in we have been to something similar at Dark Harbor and really enjoyed it. I would like to see something similar in Circus of the Damned. I think there is lots of opportunity for themed drinks and there is plenty of space to accommodate if built a bit different next year.  

All in all we had a good time. There weren't as many scareators as there was last year but that may change as we get further into the season. Staff at the event are always great, very friendly and welcoming. For being a younger event here in San Diego we have been quite impressed with Howl-O-Scream the past two years. Event dates and times vary starting Friday, September 16 through Monday, October 31. For more information visit seaworld.com/san-diego/events/howl-o-scream

2022 Oogie Boogie Bash

Disney knows how to throw a party and the Oogie Boogie Bash in Disney's California Adventure is no exception. Whether you are playing through the parks on the regular or attend the event as your one time a year Disney Park visit this event is always a blast. Attendees may enter 3 hours prior to the official 6PM start time and party runs till 11PM.

This year we attended on Thursday, September 15th, crowds weren't too bad. We arrived just after 7PM and was able to show our ticket and walk right through the gate. Each attendee is given a "treat map" showing all food, fun, and festivities exclusive to the event. The rarely seen Villain's are placed throughout the treat stops as well. Not only do you get to get up close and personal with Mr. Oogie himself but Sid and his hand crafted toys are located on the Pier, and even the one we don't talk about (Bruno) has a picture op by River Rapids. Our favorite addition this year was seeing Ernesto De la Cruz from Pixar's Coco. We had seen pictures from the preview but wow! He was even more amazing in person, it was like animation come to life.

A must do is a walk through Villain's Grove (aka Redwood Creek Challenge during the day). This walk through attraction is beautiful and simply amazing. The transformation from family fun during the day to Villain spectacular at night is spectacular. The line can get quite long but moves fairly fast. We found the best time to go was during the parade, line was considerably shorter.

Even though we arrived about an hour after the event officially started we had 4 full hours to roam the park which we found was plenty of time. We were able to hit every treat station as well as grab a bite to eat, go on a few rides (including Guardians after Dark), grab our Magic Key goodie, and catch the parade. Small treat bags are provided upon entry which are not nearly enough to carry all the goodies you are given throughout the park (lots of candy as well as healthier treats such as graham crackers, goldfish, apples and grapes). I suggest bringing a spare trick or treat or reusable shopping bad to carry your loot as well.

Oogie Boogie Bash is a separately ticketed event. This year the event is sold out for the season. Tickets typically go on sale around July and sell out quickly. Don't let the title fool you, the Bash is not only for kiddos, there is so much to do and so much fun to be had whether you are going with the family, out on a date night, hanging with friends, or even decide to go for a solo experience.