By JACKIE MOE
As the sun sets over SeaWorld San Diego, the aquarium park transforms into a chilling playground for its 5th annual Howl-O-Scream.
Fog creeps across pathways, sinister laughter echoes in the distance, and haunted houses lure the brave inside now through Nov. 1.
Visitors can also enjoy rollercoasters, themed cocktails flowing at six immersive bars, the “Monster Stomp” musical, and those in the know can uncover five hidden speakeasies tucked throughout the mazes.
At the helm of this spooky spectacle is SeaWorld’s Vice President of Entertainment Kira Lang, who oversees the creative strategy and execution behind Howl-O-Scream.
From designing haunted houses to orchestrating scare zones, Lang and her team craft an experience that’s equal parts terrifying and fun. We had a Q&A to get a peek behind the screams.
Q: What makes this year’s Howl-O-Scream unique from past events?
This marks our fifth year of fear, and we’ve taken everything we’ve learned from past seasons to make 2025 the most thrilling yet. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time guest, you’ll find more to scream about than ever before: expanded scare zones, additional hidden speakeasies, extra themed bars, and an upgraded menu packed with hauntingly good bites and drinks.
Q: How do you decide which themes make the cut each year? Do you lean more on trends, guest feedback, or your team’s imagination?
We evaluate based on guest feedback and imagination. All houses and scare zones are designed by our Entertainment and Theming teams. We work as a team to come up with concepts for each of the above. Once a house concept and storyline are designed, the team creates and designs character profiles and staging for each role, we will work with our costume shop on designs and make-up artists on their final looks.
The vile vignettes this year are based on pathway characters and scare zones from previous years that quickly became guest favorites. We saw guests really enjoy the engagement of the characters and this year we wanted to feature them in a unique way.
Q: What’s something most people don’t realize about the planning and detail that goes into building a scare zone?
Designing a scare zone is like choreographing a living nightmare—it’s incredibly strategic. Every path, prop, and shadow is placed with purpose, creating hidden pockets where scare actors can appear from unexpected angles. The goal is to keep guests guessing at every turn, because the best scare is always the one you never see coming.
Q: For a first-time visitor, what’s the can’t-miss part of Howl-O-Scream?
This is San Diego’s largest Halloween nighttime event. It’s a big party! The atmosphere is fun, it is high energy and the best part is that this event can be the entire evening. There are so many offerings that it takes a few hours or more to get through all the haunted houses, scare zones, coasters in the dark, vile vignettes, musical performance and live entertainment, plus food and drink stations throughout.
Q: Do you design with repeat visitors in mind so there’s always something fresh to scream about?
We strive to provide a fun and entertaining haunt event, each year we have a mix of returning fan-favorites, while also bringing in new elements, whether it be new additions to houses, or brand-new scare zones.
Q: We hear there are hidden speakeasies tucked inside some of the haunted houses. Without giving away too much, can you share how guests might stumble upon these secret spots?
Yes, new this year, every haunted house has a unique speakeasy, themed to the house. The password is shared on Instagram the weekend of the event. Guests should also look for an orange projected skull image on a door and an Ambassador nearby to whisper the password to.
Q: Do you have a favorite hidden detail or Easter egg inside the houses or scare zones that most people miss?
Alien 64
Q: For guests who really want to maximize their Howl-O-Scream experience, what insider tips would you share; like the best times to visit, can’t-miss paths, or special add-ons?
Catch the opening “SCARemony” to set the mood, then head straight toward the back of the park while most visitors linger near the entrance. Working your way forward means shorter lines and more scares with less waiting. Another pro move: ride the coasters in the dark early, before the crowds shift from haunted houses to thrill rides. It’s the perfect way to pack in every scream-worthy moment.
Q: Which haunted house or scare zone is your personal favorite this year, and why?
My pick for the scariest house has to be Simon’s Slaughterhouse—it never fails to deliver heart-pounding moments. For scare zones, I’m especially excited about Overgrowth, a brand-new addition for 2025. It’s designed like an eerie greenhouse, and our performers wear ghillie suits that blend seamlessly into the foliage, creating the perfect jump-scare. And for entertainment, you can’t miss Monster Stomp—a high-energy mash-up of music and dance that’s an absolute 10 out of 10.
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CHECK OUT Backstage SoCal’s Instagram and TikTok for behind-the-screams coverage, interviews with “Monster Stomp” musical actors and actresses, and more!
Sea World’s “Howl-O-Scream”
When: Sept. 12-Nov. 1, 2025
Where: SeaWorld San Diego
More info: seaworld.com