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    Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns Illuminates South Coast Botanic Garden With More Than 10,000 Carved Pumpkins

    A Mile-Long Trail of Glowing Displays and Family-Friendly Halloween Fun Returns September 18 Through November 1
    LOS ANGELES (AUGUST 27, 2026) — More than 10,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns will illuminate South Coast Botanic Garden this fall as Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns returns to Palos Verdes. Presented by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, a leading producer and operator of immersive experiences, the family-friendly Halloween event will welcome guests on select nights from September 18 through November 1.

    Set along a mile-long walking trail, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns transforms the garden’s winding pathways into a glowing landscape filled with pumpkin artistry, radiant light displays and larger-than-life scenes. This year’s illuminated trail brings the garden to life with a whimsical circus scene, a colorful Día de los Muertos tribute and an enchanting journey under the sea.

    A synchronized pumpkin light show will illuminate the event every 30 minutes, while towering inflatables, interactive activities and seasonal photo opportunities offer more to discover throughout the trail.

    “We're thrilled to bring Magic of the Jack O' Lanterns back for another unforgettable season at the South Coast Botanic Garden,” said General Manager Norberto Urrea. “This year's show features thousands of hand-carved pumpkins along a beautiful trail, with radiant light displays and immersive scenes at every turn. It's the perfect way to kick off the Halloween season with family, friends, little ones, and the people you love.”

    Guests can enhance their visit with 3D Jack O’Lantern Glasses, which transform points of light into glowing pumpkin images, or gather around the fire with a tasty S’mores Package. The Fun Zone also invites children and adults to enjoy a massive pumpkin-shaped bounce pad and oversized pumpkin-themed slides. Food and beverages will also be available throughout the event. A low-sensory night will take place on Sunday, September 27th, offering a modified experience for guests who may benefit from reduced sensory stimulation. 

    Tickets start at $29.99 for adults at $24.99 (including fees) for kids on select nights and are on sale now. Visit www.magicofthejackolanterns.com to secure your tickets while supplies last. 

    For additional information, including event specifics, ticket pricing, and more, please visit magicofthejackolanterns.com/la/ or connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

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     Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group
    Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group (“13FEG”) is the world’s largest producer and operator of
    theme park-quality entertainment events. 13FEG currently operates 26 attractions, including
    haunted houses, Halloween festivals, and year-round location-based entertainment venues.
    13FEG continues to set the bar for live horror entertainment, operating in 17 cities across the
    United States. Thirteenth Floor is headquartered in Denver, CO with offices in Austin, TX and
    Los Angeles, CA. Learn more at ThirteenthFloor.com. ​
  • Published on

    All the Frightful Details: Howl-O-Scream 2026 at SeaWorld Orlando

    SEAWORLD ORLANDO'S HOWL-O-SCREAM REACHES A TERRIFYING NEW LEVEL WITH THE PARK'S FIRST-EVER MOVIE-INSPIRED HAUNTED HOUSE

    Experience five terrifying haunted houses, including the debut of “I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch” and four all-new original haunted houses, alongside six immersive scare zones, five all-new themed bars, pulse-pounding live shows and terrifying coasters in the dark.

    For a limited time, tickets start at just $45.99 each when guests purchase two or more

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    ORLANDO, Fla. (August 27, 2026) – This fall nightmares return bigger than ever as SeaWorld Orlando unleashes its largest and most immersive Howl-O-Scream yet. Featuring five terrifying haunted houses, including the park's first-ever movie-inspired house based on Sony Pictures' iconic horror franchise I Know What You Did Last Summer, along with six immersive scare zones, five sinister themed bars, pulse-pounding live entertainment and four exhilarating rides in the dark, Howl-O-Scream 2026 delivers an unforgettable night of fear unlike anything guests have experienced before.

    Making its chilling debut this year is "I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch," marking the first time a movie-inspired haunted house has been featured at SeaWorld Orlando's Howl-O-Scream. Inspired by Sony Pictures’ iconic 1997 horror film, the house transports guests to the infamous Southport Massacre, where they will relive unforgettable moments from the movie while desperately attempting to escape the relentless Fisherman.

    But the terror doesn't stop there.

    Named one of the Top Theme Park Halloween Events by USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice, Howl-O-Scream returns on select nights September 11 through October 31. The separately ticketed nighttime event is intended for mature audiences.
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    Five Terrifying Haunted Houses  

    Fear begins the moment guests step beyond the gates.

    Technology becomes the ultimate predator inside "Dark Net." Amid a global energy crisis, cyborgs have turned to vampirism to survive in the seedy underbelly of a futuristic city. As humans become caught in the crossfire between machine and monster, guests must navigate a cyberpunk nightmare where black oil flows like blood and predators can no longer distinguish between flesh and metal.

    The ordinary becomes terrifying inside "Everything Must Stay." For years, one suburban home has remained unsold as every open house ends the same way—with terrified buyers fleeing from unexplained horrors. Now those unseen forces finally reveal themselves, trapping guests inside the property's most terrifying showing yet.

    The party never dies inside "Raveyard." What began as the ultimate underground rave has become an eternal celebration for the undead, where pounding music echoes through the darkness and newly resurrected partygoers dance long after death itself.

    Curiosity leads guests beneath the city in "Crawlspace," where a recently sealed-off sewer system conceals evidence of a failed containment effort. As something deep below continues to grow larger and hungrier with every passing moment, escaping the tunnels may no longer be possible.
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    Six Immersive Scare Zones

    The horror doesn't end when guests leave the haunted houses. Terror spills into the streets as six immersive scare zones transform every corner of the park into a world overrun by decay, infestation and toxicity, where danger lurks around every turn and no path leads to safety.

    "Nekrosis" is where the biggest party of the '90s came to a horrifying end. When the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2000, this once-thriving seaside town was forever changed by an infectious mystery that left its residents frozen in time. Now, zombies roam among abandoned video stores, forgotten technology and relics of the decade, proving some eras refuse to stay dead.

    Love takes a toxic turn inside "Just One More Chapter." Inspired by modern dark romance, this hauntingly beautiful scare zone invites guests into an enchanted garden where cursed lovers, mysterious antiheroes and dangerously alluring creatures tempt visitors deeper into a story where every great romance begins with a terrible decision. Beneath the beauty lies obsession, betrayal and heartbreak waiting around every corner.

    Returning fan favorite "Woodrot Hollow" invites guests back into a forest consumed by decay, where twisted trees, rotting foliage and ancient woodland creatures have reclaimed the wilderness. Every winding path leads deeper into a landscape overtaken by corruption.

    Returning fan favorite "Trailer Park Tragedy" delivers its signature blend of horror and dark humor as guests wander into a rundown trailer park where suspicious residents fiercely defend their forgotten neighborhood. Behind every rusted camper and flickering porch light waits another unsettling surprise.

    Civilization crumbles inside "Dooms District," where the apocalypse has finally arrived but no one can agree how the world ends. As conspiracy theorists, survivalists and doomsday preppers compete for new recruits, guests must decide who to trust while navigating a town in complete collapse. In a world where every theory could be true, survival is anything but guaranteed.

    The infestation reaches its breaking point inside "Extermination Order." Swarms of horrifying insects have taken over, forcing exterminators into an all-out battle against an invasion that has already spiraled beyond control. As creatures crawl through every corner of the zone, guests quickly discover they may have arrived far too late to stop what's spreading.
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    Five All-New Themed Bars and Sinister Sips

    No night of terror is complete without raising a glass to the darkness. This year, Howl-O-Scream introduces five all-new immersive themed bars, each designed to extend the story beyond the haunted houses and into unforgettable nightlife experiences.

    Step back into the decade that refuses to die at "The Rewind," where VHS tapes, dial-up internet and '90s nostalgia set the stage for a killer throwback party.

    Inside "Byte Bar," technology has evolved into something far more sinister. Inspired by "Dark Net," this cyberpunk hideaway serves futuristic cocktails in a neon-soaked world where machines have developed a thirst for more than just power.

    The music never stops inside "Resurrection Club," where guests can dance alongside the undead in an electrifying afterlife celebration that keeps the party alive long after death.

    Those preparing for civilization's collapse can seek refuge inside "The Black Sheep," where doomsday preppers gather over themed cocktails while swapping survival strategies for whatever apocalypse may come next.

    Meanwhile, the unsettling "Larva Lounge" invites brave guests to indulge in creepy-crawly concoctions inspired by the infestation spreading throughout the park, because every great extermination deserves a drink afterward.
    Frightfully Delicious Food

    Guests can fuel their screams with an all-new lineup of frightfully delicious food and beverages found throughout the event.

    New for 2026, Howl-O-Scream serves up a fresh menu of twisted culinary creations, including the Tripleta Sandwich layered with roasted pork, ham and steak, Eggo Massacre (crispy chicken and waffles drizzled with maple chili syrup), the indulgent Highway Havoc Bacon Mac & Cheese Dog, Beef Birria Ramen, Philly Cheese "Stake," and the devilishly sweet Bloody Cookie. An extensive lineup of specialty cocktails crafted exclusively for Howl-O-Scream adds even more flavor to the night.

    Signature sips like "Midnight Marigold," "Mutation Serum," "Radiation Exposure," "Emergency Beacon," "Roadkill Wreckage," "Static on Channel 7," and "Grito de la Muerte" pair bold flavors with immersive theming, while seasonal brews and themed mocktails offer something for every monster in the making.

    Whether guests are craving terrifying comfort food or raising a toast before their next scream, every bite and sip is designed to become part of the night's unforgettable experience.
    Two Electrifying Live Shows Return to the Night

    The screams continue long after guests leave the haunted houses.

    Returning to ignite the night is "Throttle," where high-octane action, breathtaking stunts and explosive energy collide in a pulse-pounding spectacle unlike anything else at the event. This year's production also introduces an all-new character whose arrival adds an unexpected twist to the story.

    Guests can also experience the fan-favorite "Monster Stomp," the electrifying live show that blends heart-pounding percussion, rock music and unforgettable monsters into one of Howl-O-Scream's signature nighttime traditions.

    Choose Your Level of Terror

    Guests looking to maximize their Howl-O-Scream experience can choose from a variety of Front Line Fear options, offering enhanced access to haunted houses, select thrill rides, reserved show seating and other exclusive event benefits. Those looking for the ultimate night can elevate their visit with the VIP Terror Tour, a guided premium experience featuring front-of-the-line access and exclusive perks throughout the event.

    A Feast of Fear: Sample Lanyards

    Guests can savor the flavors of Howl-O-Scream at their own pace with Food & Beverage Lanyards, offering a flexible way to enjoy the event's exclusive menu throughout the night. Multiple lanyard options make it easy to mix and match select food items, specialty cocktails and more than 15 all-new themed mocktails, giving every guest a delicious way to experience the event.

    Best Ways to Scream

    For a limited time, guests can purchase Howl-O-Scream tickets for as low as $45.99 each when purchasing two or more tickets. SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass Members can unlock an even lower price, with tickets starting at just $40.99 each when purchasing two or more. For park hours, show schedules and to purchase Tickets, Fun Cards or Annual Passes, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

    About SeaWorld: 
    SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life-themed rides and attractions, special events, and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 43,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.
     
    About Sony Pictures Entertainment
    Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services, and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics. See www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions for more information.
  • Published on

    Sweet Dreams: Scarywood Unleashes Its Largest Haunt Ever For 2026

    Four years in the making, the all-new Nightmares will bring 13 phobias to life across 14 terrifying rooms.
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    ATHOL, ID – Sweet dreams…while you still can. Silverwood Theme Park’s 17th season of Scarywood Haunted Nights is preparing to bring your worst fears to life. The debut of Nightmares will give guests a whole new reason to be afraid of the dark. This fall’s all-new haunted attraction is four years in the making and the largest haunt ever created at Scarywood.

    Featuring 14 rooms built around 13 different phobias, Nightmares will take guests deep inside the fears that keep us awake at night. From arachnophobia to the fear of dolls, pain, death, and more, each room will bring a different nightmare to life as guests make their way through one of the longest haunted attractions ever developed at the park.

    Jordan Carter, Silverwood’s Director of Marketing and Entertainment, warns there is no waking up between rooms.

    “Scarywood has always been about finding new ways to scare people, but Nightmares takes that idea to an entirely different level,” Carter said. “During every Scarywood audition, we ask our scare actors to share their biggest phobias, and we are using that research to incorporate the most popular fears into this haunt. Everyone is afraid of something, and that's what makes this haunt so fun and so terrifying.”

    Nightmares has been in development for four years, making it one of Scarywood’s most ambitious haunt projects to date, as well as the largest single investment in Scarywood history. Rather than centering the new attraction around a single story or monster, its creators turned to something far more personal: fear itself.

    Each section explores a different phobia, creating dramatically different environments as guests move from one nightmare to the next. The result is a haunt designed to prevent guests from ever getting too comfortable.
    “Four years is a long time to dream up ways to terrify people,” Carter added. “Our team has poured an incredible amount of creativity into this attraction, and the scale alone is unlike anything we’ve done before.”
    Also NEW for 2026 are the addition of two new scare zones. The Wharf whisks guests into the dark, where the tide has returned…bringing with it the lost souls of those who never made it back to shore. The second, named Doom Town, promises one thing: The joke is always on you! 

    The new additions will join Scarywood Haunted Nights’ lineup of four additional haunted attractions, a total of 10 scare zones, thrill rides in the dark, and live entertainment. Returning for 2026 include:
    • The Swine - Once upon a nightmare, three little KILLER pigs lived in a large cornfield, hidden from the world behind towering stalks and twisted vines. These were no ordinary pigs; they were clever, vengeful creatures, their hooves stained with blood. These pigs didn’t fear the big, bad wolf—they relished hunting him down, along with anyone foolish enough to enter their deadly maze. This is not a fairy tale, but the dark, forgotten chapter of the story you thought you knew.
    • Chuckles 3D Sideshow - Send in the clowns. Chuckles the Clown is a maniacal lunatic. A loose cannon with one too many screws loose. Because of his antics, he was voted out of Clowntown and sentenced to live in solitude as an outcast at the edge of Scarywood. Taking matters into his own hands, he created his own funhouse and wants one last laugh.
    • Blood Bayou - Enter the Bayou, where the blood flows freely, and cannibals lurk behind every corner. This fan favorite returns in 2026 and will leave you screaming at the top of your lungs. Don’t stay too long in Blood Bayou, or you might end up as tonight’s dinner…
    • Pharaoh's Curse - Enter the Valley of the Queens, where the splendors have been stolen, and an ancient evil has been awakened. All who enter will be cursed forever. This walkthrough haunt will keep you on your toes in anticipation of what’s around every corner. Luckily, if you don’t survive, you will already be in a tomb. 

    Are you not a fan of getting scared? Guests can purchase a newly designed “FrightLight Necklace,” which reduces the likelihood that monsters will scare them throughout the night. However, these necklaces must be turned off when walking through the haunted attractions to avoid disturbing the haunted environment.

    The horrors will kick off on Friday, October 2nd, and will keep guests screaming every weekend through Friday, October 30th. Tickets are on sale now and will sell out. They are only available for purchase online. All of Scarywood's haunted attractions, as well as other Silverwood rides, will be open. For tickets, guests can log onto www.scarywoodhaunt.com
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    SeaWorld Orlando's Spooktacular Returns with First-Ever Hotel Transylvania Experience, More Treats, Costumes and Family Fun Than Ever Before

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    ORLANDO, Fla. (August 14, 2026) – SeaWorld Orlando is once again transforming into the ultimate Halloween destination for families as Halloween Spooktacular returns on select dates from Aug. 29 through Nov. 1, 2026. Included with park admission, the daytime event invites children and families to dress up, explore an immersive trick-or-treat trail and enjoy Halloween fun designed for all ages.

    From trick-or-treating and meet-and-greets with Drac and friends to a whimsical Pumpkin Garden, the Spooky Bubble Trail, and more, Spooktacular remains Orlando's favorite daytime Halloween tradition for families. Crafted with children and their families in mind, the event is packed with festive Halloween fun.

    Spooktacular is also welcoming a licensed entertainment franchise as beloved characters from Sony Pictures Animation’s “Hotel Transylvania” make their debut at SeaWorld Orlando’s signature family Halloween celebration – expanding the offering with immersive character experiences, themed entertainment, and interactive moments that bring the beloved monsterfilled world from the big screen to life.   
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    Hotel Transylvania Breakfast | This fall, your favorite characters from Sony Pictures Animation’s Hotel Transylvania have set up their newest vacation destination at SeaWorld Orlando’s Spooktacular, marking the first time characters from the beloved film franchise have appeared at the event.

    Available as a separately ticketed experience, the Hotel Transylvania Breakfast invites guests to check in as honorary hotel guests and begin their Spooktacular day with a monster-sized meal and immersive family fun.

    Drac and Mavis have discovered the perfect vacation destination—SeaWorld Orlando. After hearing that humans and monsters celebrate Halloween together during Spooktacular, Drac and Mavis transformed the SeaFire Inn into the Monster Dread & Breakfast, a quirky vacation destination where monster hospitality meets Halloween fun.

    The SeaFire Inn comes to life with monster luggage, quirky décor, humorous “house rules,” vacation-inspired touches and playful nods to the beloved films. Guests will enjoy an all-youcare-to-enjoy Monster Breakfast Buffet, meet Drac, Mavis, and the rest of their friends, capture family photos inside Drac’s vacation home and dance during lively interactive musical moments. More than a character breakfast, Drac and Mavis’ Monster Dread & Breakfast invites families to step inside the world of Hotel Transylvania and create unforgettable Halloween memories together.

    Your stay includes: 
    • A themed all-you-care-to-enjoy Monster Breakfast Buffet featuring Drac’s Brown Sugar Glazed Ham carving station, Wayne's "Howling Breakfast Favorites," Mavis' Morning Magic French toast sticks, Dennis' Little Monster Corner with kid-friendly treats, fresh fruit, pastries and more—all served with playful Hotel Transylvania-inspired touches.
    • Meet & greet opportunities with Drac and your favorite Hotel Transylvania friends. 
    • Dancing, laughs, and family-friendly Halloween fun.
    • The perfect start to your Spooktacular day at SeaWorld Orlando! Come as a human, leave feeling like part of the monster family.

    Hotel Transylvania Dance Party| Join Mavis and Johnny for a rocking dance party only at SeaWorld Orlando. 

    Trick-or-Treat Trail | Guests can collect delicious treats at 12 candy stations on an immersive trail throughout the park. Trick-or-treating is available to all guests who purchase a Spooktacular trick-or-treat reusable bag.

    Meet Spookley the Square Pumpkin| Everyone's favorite square pumpkin returns to SeaWorld Orlando! With his heartwarming message of kindness, acceptance and celebrating what makes us all unique, Spookley is back to inspire smiles and unforgettable family photos. Find him across from Rita's Italian Ice. Meet a Mermaid | Make a splash with SeaWorld's enchanting Halloween mermaids in the Key West area, where magical encounters and memorable family photos await.

    Pumpkin Garden & Storytime | Wander through a whimsical Pumpkin Garden and see how many friendly pumpkin fish you can spot! During your stroll, you may even run into the Storyteller as they read Halloween stories in her garden throughout the day.

    Spooky Bubble Trail | Follow a whimsical trail filled with floating bubbles, playful Halloween surprises and Spooktacular Pals for a bubbly adventure the whole family will enjoy.

    Scarecrow Halloween Dance Parade | Watch our Spooktacular scarecrows dance near Rita’s Italian Ice, just outside Dolphin Stadium, during this festive, kid-friendly Halloween parade for the whole family.

    Teal Pumpkin Program | SeaWorld's Teal Pumpkin Program helps make Spooktacular more inclusive for guests with food allergies. At each trick-or-treat candy station, guests can collect teal tokens and redeem them at Coconut Bay Traders in the Key West area for allergy-friendly treats.

    Costumes Welcome | All guests are invited to wear their Halloween best. Children and adults alike can dress up as their favorite characters or in seasonal attire. Guests ages 13 and older may not wear costume masks or hoods. Face painting is permitted only if done by SeaWorld artists.

    Sesame Street Halloween Parade | Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Count von Count and more take to the streets in colorful costumes for a high-energy, not-too-spooky parade.

    Storytime with Big Bird | Families can gather around Big Bird’s nest for readings of his favorite Halloween stories.

    Seasonal Treats & Sips | No Halloween celebration is complete without festive seasonal flavors. This year's lineup features the NEW Mummy Dog, an all-beef hot dog wrapped in pretzel dough and dressed like a mummy, and the NEW Trick-or-Treat Crunch Popcorn, featuring caramel popcorn topped with M&M's, gummy candies and a chocolate drizzle. Guests can also enjoy freshly squeezed lemonades in colorful flavors like Cotton Candy, Blue Raspberry, Strawberry, Watermelon and Cherry, plus warm, soft butter pretzels topped with coarse salt, buttery popcorn and more.

    Play More, Spend Less: The 2027 Fun Card
    Make the most of every season at SeaWorld Orlando with the 2027 Fun Card. For as low as $139.99, guests can enjoy unlimited visits through December 31, 2027, and receive the rest of 2026 FREE when purchased for a limited time. That means guests can experience all the remaining 2026 favorites—including Spooktacular, Christmas Celebration and more—before returning throughout 2027 for signature festivals, seasonal celebrations, thrilling attractions and unforgettable family fun. This limited-time offer won't last, and prices will increase after the promotional period ends. 

    Guests can also make an even bigger splash by adding Aquatica Orlando for just $40, a limitedtime savings of more than 25%. Aquatica Orlando, voted one of the Top 10 Best Outdoor Water Parks in America and recognized by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers' Choice for its award-winning wave pool, offers something for everyone to enjoy from sunup to sundown year-round—unlike any other water park in Florida. Returning favorites include Aloha to Summer, The Ultimate Playdate and AquaGlow (separately ticketed event).

    Purchase your 2027 Fun Card today at SeaWorldOrlando.com, because one visit is never enough.

    About SeaWorld   
    SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life-themed rides and attractions, special events, and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 43,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com. 
  • Published on

    The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Makes a Haunting Return for Its 13th Season

    An All-New Shipwrecked Maze, Reimagined Favorites and New Experiences Await September 18 Through November 1
    LONG BEACH, CA (August 26, 2026) – The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor returns for its 13th season, opening September 18 and running select nights through November 1. Tickets start at $50.99 on select nights. This fall, the world’s most haunted vessel summons guests back into the fog with six terrifying mazes, including the all-new Shipwrecked: Brace for Impact and reimagined versions of Lullaby, Infirmary, and Big Top Terror. Across the ship and surrounding harbor, guests will encounter Dark Harbor’s infamous spirits, live entertainment, hidden secret speakeasies, carnival rides, games, themed bars and devilish bites. 
     
    Produced by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, a leading producer and operator of immersive experiences, Dark Harbor brings the haunted history of the Queen Mary to life through maritime disasters, restless spirits and the characters that have long defined the event.
     
    “Dark Harbor’s 13th season is an exciting milestone, and we’re celebrating by introducing new ways for guests to experience the haunted history of the Queen Mary,” said Star Romano, General Manager of Dark Harbor. “This year’s new mazes, rides, secret speakeasies and theatrical encounters expand the stories and experiences that make Dark Harbor unlike any other Halloween event.”
     
    Mazes at Dark Harbor include:
     
    • Shipwrecked: Brace for Impact — New for 2026! During a blackout voyage, a single command sealed the fate of hundreds. Step aboard the Queen Mary and relive the ship’s most chilling collision as drowned sailors return from the depths to haunt the vessel that left them behind. As the ship descends into chaos, guests will navigate flooding corridors, shattered hulls and restless souls demanding revenge.
    • Lullaby: Teddy’s Revenge — Reimagined for 2026! In the depths of the Queen Mary’s first-class swimming pool, the sinisterly playful ghost of Scary Mary rises to accost passengers and guide them toward a watery abyss. The vortex leads to a chilling underworld where guests must listen carefully or risk hearing their final lullaby.
    • Infirmary: The Siren Song — Reimagined for 2026! The wicked spirits of sadistic surgeon Dr. Edwin Masters and his accomplice Graceful Gale torment the living with ghastly echoes of their gruesome procedures. While the spectacle of the doctor’s specialized surgeries dazzles spectators in the operating theater, a revolt builds below in the third-class corridors. 
    • Big Top Terror: Carnival of Chaos — Reimagined for 2026! Step right up and uncover the terrors lurking in the shadows of a Halloween carnival built as a deadly labyrinth of jack-o’-lanterns. Discover the tale of the Pumpkin Carver, witness death-defying stunts and avoid the Ringmaster’s Henchies at all costs.
    • Voodoo: The Queen’s Curse A ruthless Priestess rises from a decayed bayou to seize the Queen Mary’s power by commanding Loa, raising the dead and marking anyone who strays too close. She has spent years stalking the ship, binding pirates to her will and building an army to storm Long Beach. 
    • Breakout! Maximum Security The mystery of the infamous stateroom B340 continues. Samuel the Savage has been arrested, dragged off the ship and thrown into a prison cell, but the rusted shackles inside this seaside village jail may not be strong enough to contain him. 
     
    Beyond the mazes, Dark Harbor’s 2026 lineup unleashes new rides, haunting theatrical experiences, twisted carnival games and more. The new Alien Abduction ride traps guests inside a spinning spacecraft filled with eerie sounds and immersive lighting, while Blacklight Bumper Cars brings neon mayhem to an arena inspired by Dark Harbor’s infamous legends. Returning rides include Sinister Swings and the Rampage Double Wheel, with an Unlimited Carnival Rides add-on also available.
     
    The darkness continues aboard the Queen Mary with new and reimagined theatrical experiences. Lady Mabel Presents: Scary Mary’s Dark Séance invites guests to join an intimate attempt to contact Scary Mary before the paranormal investigation spirals into a terrifying encounter. In the reimagined Gale’s Requiem, guests descend into the belly of the ship following Infirmary to witness a haunting confrontation between Graceful Gale and Dr. Edwin Masters. 
     
    Throughout the carnival, guests can test their luck and skill at the Ringmaster’s Games of Chance, including the Wheel of Misfortune, Head Hunter, Ring of Ruin and Big Top Axe Alley. They can also race against the clock in Five-Minute Escape Games or take a break from the frights with the S’mores Package.
     
    Lady Mabel returns with five secret speakeasies throughout Dark Harbor, including four new bars and a one returning favorite. Guests can unlock access with a valid VIP badge or one of Lady Mabel’s mystic tokens. Lady Mabel’s Foresight Four Pack includes a group astrology reading and four tokens, while individual tokens will be available for purchase at the event, subject to availability. Aboard the Queen Mary, Spirits of Dark Harbor explores the paranormal encounters and ghost sightings that inspired the event’s stories and characters, complete with cocktails and mocktails from the Spirits Bar.
     
    Live entertainment unfolds throughout the night at Ringmaster’s Halloween Carnival and the ShipYard, with sideshow performers, fire performers, drag queens and nightly sets from DJ KILLtrina. Each evening also features the Maiden Voyage Launch Party at 8:08 p.m. and the Final Voyage dance party beginning one hour before the festival closes.
     
    Dark Harbor’s themed food and beverage lineup includes standout offerings from Big Top Smokehouse, Voodoo Fries, Diablo’s Tacos, and Freak Show Funnel Cake, along with monster ice cream shakes and more. Guests can also visit themed bars located throughout the event.
     
    Guests looking for an upgraded experience can also book an RIP Guided Tour, which includes early entry, a personal guide, one-time immediate entry into all six mazes, Evil Express access, admission to Lady Mabel’s Speakeasies, select additional experiences and a discount on Dark Harbor merchandise. 
    For more information and event updates, visit www.darkharborhalloween.com and follow Dark Harbor on Facebook and Instagram. The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor is located at 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802.
     
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    Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group
    Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group (“13FEG”) is the world’s largest producer and operator of theme park-quality live events and immersive installations. 13FEG currently operates 26 attractions, including haunted houses, Halloween festivals, and year-round location-based entertainment venues. 13FEG continues to set the bar for live themed entertainment, operating in 17 cities across the United States. Thirteenth Floor is headquartered in Denver, CO, with offices in Austin, TX, and Los Angeles, CA. Learn more at ThirteenthFloor.com.
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    Wild Adventures Hosts Spookley the Square Pumpkin in All New Trick or Treat Trail

    Spookley the Square Pumpkin Makes His Wild Adventures Debut
    New Trick-or-Treat Trail and More at Great Pumpkin LumiNights
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    VALDOSTA, Ga. — A one-of-a-kind pumpkin is coming to Wild Adventures Theme Park for the first time this fall. Spookley the Square Pumpkin will make his park debut during Great Pumpkin LumiNights powered by Georgia Power, taking place on select days September 26 through November 1.

    Known for stories that celebrate kindness, courage, acceptance and inclusion, Spookley will welcome families to the new Spookley’s Trick-or-Treat Trail. Children can pick up a trick-or-treat bag and follow a winding nature trail filled with festive décor, six themed trick-or-treat stations, scavenger hunt activities, interactive bubble stations and surprises along the way.

    The new experience will take guests through an expanded section of the Alapaha Trail, enhanced this year as part of Wild Adventures’ 30th anniversary season. The trail concludes with Story Time with Spookley and an opportunity for families to meet the famous square pumpkin.

    “Spookley’s story fits naturally with what families already love about Great Pumpkin LumiNights,” said Adam Floyd, director of sales and marketing. “He brings a meaningful message about celebrating what makes each of us different, while his new trail gives children a fun place to explore, play and collect treats together.”

    Spookley has entertained families for more than 20 years through books, animated movies available on Netflix and YouTube, and appearances across North America. He also serves as the Official Spokes-Pumpkin for PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.

    “We’re excited to welcome Spookley to Wild Adventures for the first time and introduce families to a new experience created around his story,” Floyd said. “From the first trick-or-treat station to the chance to meet Spookley, the trail adds another reason for families to play all day and glow at night.”

    Spookley’s Trick-or-Treat Trail, Story Time with Spookley and the opportunity to meet Spookley are included with park admission during Great Pumpkin LumiNights.

    Starting Sep. 26, Great Pumpkin LumiNights powered by Georgia Power transforms Wild Adventures with glowing pumpkin displays, towering illuminated sculptures, the 100-foot Twilight Tunnel, Foggy Forest, live entertainment and rides continuing into the night. The event continues Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1.

    2027 Season Passes go on sale August 31. The Gold Season Pass will be available at $99.99 plus tax, the lowest price Wild Adventures has offered it in more than six years. Current Passholders are eligible for a discounted renewal prices. Passholders can begin using their new passes immediately and continue visiting throughout the rest of 2026 and all of the 2027 season.

    Additional information is available at WildAdventures.com.

    About Wild Adventures Theme Park
    Wild Adventures Theme Park, located in Valdosta, Ga., halfway between Atlanta and Orlando off I-75, is a 170-acre destination where families can ride, slide, and explore all in one place. A Herschend Family Entertainment property, the park is home to more than 35 rides, hundreds of exotic animals, a full calendar of concerts and special events, and Splash Island Waterpark, ranked among the “Top 30 Waterparks” by U.S. News & World Report and home to Paradise River, America’s “Best Lazy River” by USA Today’s 10Best. Wild Adventures has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Most Affordable Theme Parks in America by Travel + Leisure and named the Most Thrilling Theme Park in Georgia by FinanceBuzz. It is also home to the Good Sam-rated 10/10★/10 Wild Adventures Safari Campground, one of the highest-rated campgrounds in the nation.

    About Spookley the Square Pumpkin
    Spookley lives on Holiday Hill Farm, a world of storytelling magic where "Every Day is a Holiday” and where Spookley and his friends celebrate what makes every day – and every one – special throughout the entire year. Spookley was born one Halloween night years ago, when Joe Troiano’s young son asked for a non-scary bedtime story about pumpkins. Troiano is the award-winning author, script writer, lyricist and producer behind all of the Spookley the Square Pumpkin and Holiday Hill Farm books, movies, songs and stage shows. Spookley is the “Official Spokes-Pumpkin” for PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and National Bullying Prevention Month (October).
     
    About Herschend
    Wild Adventures Theme Park is part of Herschend’s family of brands. Herschend is the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with a portfolio of over 40 family entertainment brands across North America, including destinations, resorts, theme parks, water parks, immersive experiences, and content enjoyed by audiences worldwide. For more information, visit www.Herschend.com.