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