For fans of Halloween thrills and chills, Howl-O-Scream events at both SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are highly anticipated annual traditions. However, recent experiences at SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream have sparked debate and raised questions about how it stacks up against the renowned Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream events. This analysis delves into a firsthand account of SeaWorld Orlando’s 2023 event to understand where it excels, where it falls short, and ultimately, how it compares to the benchmark set by Busch Gardens.
One visitor’s experience at SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream on Saturday, September 16th, paints a picture of disappointment. In stark contrast to the high expectations set by previous years and the standards of other comparable events, this particular visit left much to be desired. To put this into perspective, consider the reputation Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Busch Gardens Tampa, and SeaWorld Orlando themselves garnered in 2021.
Group photo at Howl-O-Scream event comparing experiences.
In 2021, a comparative review highlighted the promising start of Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream, even suggesting it surpassed Tampa and Williamsburg in certain aspects, particularly in narrative storytelling. The strength of Orlando’s event was noted in its “casts were consistently the strongest we experienced at conveying a story through their actions and interactions with guests.” This praise makes the stark contrast of the 2023 experience even more concerning. A significant criticism of the recent visit was the noticeable absence of narrative skill, a factor that was once a strong point. While a couple of houses hinted at a plot, the majority were described as “completely incomprehensible.” The confusion was so profound in attractions like “Blood Beckoning” that even consulting official descriptions provided little clarity. The official description for “Blood Beckoning”—”Scratch’s strength is weakening and she’s out for blood. No one is safe and what Scratch wants, Scratch gets. Her beauty comes at a price…will you pay it?”—only deepened the mystery rather than elucidating the experience.
Maze rankings and notes from the visit further illustrate the underwhelming nature of the event:
- D3LERIUM666 Laboratories: Labeled as a “crap house,” it at least possessed a discernible story and a spinning tunnel, offering a minimal sense of engagement.
- Beneath the Ice: The Meltdown: Characterized as “boring” but with a somewhat understandable story, it lacked the thrill expected of a Halloween haunt.
- Captain’s Revenge: Drowned in Darkness: Despite featuring pirates, the narrative was lost, leaving visitors puzzled about the storyline.
- Dead Vines: Nawlins Nightmare: Described as an “incoherent mashup” of themes with excessive lighting, failing to create a cohesive or scary atmosphere.
- Blood Beckoning: This maze was particularly criticized for its nonsensical layout—”a bookstore, some walk-in freezers, a tent, and a strip club”—leaving visitors questioning its purpose and narrative.
A significant shift in SeaWorld Orlando’s approach seems to be a move away from the overarching theming and storytelling that defined its promising initial year. Instead, there’s a perceived leaning towards “sex” and alcohol. The addition of a “Red Light District” scare zone with vampires and a pimp, alongside a house featuring suggestive audio, suggests a thematic direction that prioritizes adult themes over traditional horror and narrative depth. This, combined with performers in the entrance area and paths described as “strippers,” “cage dancers,” and “bondage girls selling alcohol,” paints a picture of an event that has pivoted towards a more adult-oriented, less scare-focused atmosphere. This raises the question of whether this new direction is an improvement over the initially praised nautical-themed houses connected by a single storyline.
Ironically, despite the perceived drop in quality, SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream event was sparsely attended during this particular Saturday night. Walk-on access to major attractions like Pipeline was noted, a stark contrast to the typically crowded Saturday nights at Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Howl-O-Scream. However, the light crowds are not seen as a redeeming factor. The sentiment remains that the experience, based on quality, did not justify the ticket price for many attendees.
It’s important to note that the criticism is directed at the design and thematic choices of the event, not the performers themselves. The actors are described as seemingly lacking direction beyond generic menacing gestures or suggestive dancing, indicating that the issues lie in the overall creative direction rather than individual performance.
In conclusion, while both SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream and Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream aim to deliver Halloween thrills, this recent account suggests a divergence in quality and thematic focus. Busch Gardens’ events are generally recognized for their immersive theming, detailed storytelling, and consistent scare quality. Based on this experience, SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream appears to have shifted away from these strengths, potentially impacting its standing in comparison to the consistently acclaimed Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream events. For those seeking a truly immersive and narratively driven Halloween haunt experience, the comparison, based on this recent visit, might lean in favor of Busch Gardens.
