Howl O Scream Returns to Seaworld San Diego

Howl O Scream returns to Seaworld San Diego with three ‘reimagined’ houses and two more TBA. Explore a lab experiment gone wrong in “Nightmare Experiment“; navigate an abandoned meat-packing plant in “Simon’s Slaughterhouse“; evade the curse of the evil Swamp Witch in “Death Water Bayou.“

Universal Studios (Hollywood, CA) unveiled “Scarecrow: The Reaping” during Midsummer Scream. Originally from Universal Orlando Resort, it’s getting a fresh take for Hollywood. Set in the dust bowl of the 1930s it tells “an ecological horror story” of Scarecrows and Crows seeking revenge after being abandoned. A varied assortment of scarecrows including Skelecrows, Seepycrows, and Beastcrows will set out to reclaim the land. Leading the madness is the ‘Kingcrow,’ a large crow likely played by a stilt walker.

Busch Gardens (Williamsburg, VA) also revealed details for their annual Howl-O-Scream event, beginning September 9, 2022. Fan-favorite houses “Witch of the Woods” and “KILLarney Diner” return in 2022, as well as two signature terror-tories, “Ripper Row” and “Meat Market.” The three NEW haunted houses are: “Lucifer” – Escape before the underworld’s demonic horde finds you; “Death Water Bayou” – beware of the bayou or fall victim to the horrors cast by the swamp’s sinister citizens; “Nevermore: Chapter 2” A disturbing new chapter in the Nevermore saga has been unveiled, wreaking horror and havoc for the nobility and townsmen alike; and three new terror-tories: “Dead A-Head” – beware of your surroundings– one wrong move and it could be your head on the chopping block; “Scary Tale Road” – once upon a time, these fairy tale fantasies lured you to sleep with picturesque places and harmonious heroes. 

Knott’s Scary Farm (Buena Park, CA) announced Bloodline 1842, their first new maze for 2022. Armed with ‘Bellatorian weaponry,’ guests will journey through the busy city streets of ‘Valdonia’ while hunting the bloodthirsty Valhymphri in an all-out war! In the post on social media, Knott’s challenged guests to “Bring light into the darkness and survive the vicious onslaught of vampires and bring honor to your order!” Knott’s Scary Farm returns on select nights from September 22nd – October 31st.

Six Flags Entertainment‘s revenue declined by 5% during the second quarter. In response, the company plans to implement several changes across all its parks to increase attendance, including rolling out a new dining plan, expanding its Fright Fest events through wearable technology, and launching a new Oktoberfest event. CEO Selim Bassoul described how the chain will try to shift its ideal customers from teenagers to families, explaining “It was a cheap daycare center for teenagers during breaks and the summers… We realized we had discounted too much and were filling the park with the wrong kinds of customers.”

Disney surprised analysts during their last earnings report. Revenue grew to $7.4 billion from $4.3 billion during the same period a year ago and per capita guest spending improved by 10% over last year. Total Disney+ subscriptions rose to 152.1 million (Combined, Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+ have over 221 million streaming subscribers). Disney Parks saw revenue increase 72% to $7.4 billion during the quarter.

CityWalk at Universal Orlando has implemented a 9 p.m. curfew for guests ages 17 and under on Friday and Saturday nights. Underaged guests will need a parent or guardian to accompany them in CityWalk after 9PM; it’s unclear whether this policy will remain in place during Halloween Horror Nights. A spokesperson stated, “This protocol is among the pre-pandemic operational procedures we are reinstating as part of our return to normal operation.” Underaged guests staying in a Universal Hotel or those attending a movie at CityWalk’s Cinemark theater will be allowed to enter unaccompanied.