Beyond The Parks

Published on

Last Sunday we made our return to The Queen Mary's Dark Harbor for the first time since the "before" times. We unfortunately had to miss the event the last couple of years due to travel and family commitments and we never did get around to checking out Shaqtoberfest. So we were super excited to get back to one of our favorite events, and it's definitely clicking. 


The event has a slightly different layout than we remember, it actually seems bigger despite the presence of a new (and very temporary looking) concert venue in part of the old parking lot. 


This meant that the easiest and best way to get to the event is using one of the shuttles they provide, and honestly it was pretty seamless and totally stress-free. So kudos to Dark Harbor for putting together a fantastic plan to get people to the event. 

Image description

We arrived at the Queen Mary about 6:00 to check in for the event and get ready for our preview hour, which was amazing.

Image description
Image description

Scan to get your tickets, you will not be disappointed.

Image description
Image description

A beautiful Southern California sunset

Image description

A walk through a cemetery, no biggie

Image description
Image description

Our first stop during early entry was Shipwrecked: Brace for Impact. If you've done Dark Harbor in the past you'll know one of the amazing things is getting to explore the ship in very small groups. But this also creates VERY long lines for the mazes on the ship.

Image description

Legitimately I don't think they really need talent/monsters in this maze, just walking through an actual haunted ship is creepy enough as it is.

Image description

Next up was another ship maze, Lullaby: Teddy's Revenge. This one has always been a favorite due to the amazing talent in this maze, and this year was absolutely no different.

Image description
Image description

If you've never done Dark Harbor then you might be shocked by the amount of stairs and walking on the ship. We had almost forgotten, so it was time to take a break and get a nice view of the entire event.

Image description

Yes, you read that right. Boozy Dole Whip.

Image description

We didn't get a chance to try this early enough before our drive home but thanks to our dear friend Jacinda for sending this pic of her Dole Whip. Recommended!

Image description

Dark Harbor 2026 definitely has more of a "party" vibe than the previous years we attended, but that's not a bad thing. Everybody seemed to be having a killer time.

Image description
Image description

Let's get back to some mazes with the off-ship ones. WAY less stairs here. First up was Voodoo. Which was super creepy and awesome.

Image description
Image description

Breakout: Maximum Security which we absolutely loved. Some of the talent and scenes reminded us a bit of the Dark Harbor Classic Deadrise.

Image description

Back on the Ship, Infirmary: The Siren Song was new to us and seemed to take up the space of the classic B340.

Image description

The talent in here was absolutely exceptional.

Image description

To wrap up our night, no Dark Harbor would be complete without a visit to see the Ringmaster. This has always been one of our all-time favorite mazes and this year was no exception.

Image description

Every maze should have a hidden bar in the middle of it.

Image description
Image description

We had an amazing time at Dark Harbor 2026. The event is truly unique and is not to be missed. This new incarnation of Dark Harbor has managed to keep the spirit of the original while adapting to keep it fresh. A win/win!

Related Videos

Related Updates

​​​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, Twitter and YouTube


0 Comments