SeaWorld is expanding its Halloween portfolio with a new licensed attraction based on the 1997 horror film I Know What You Did Last Summer. The haunted houses, titled “I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch,” will debut at Howl-O-Scream events in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio starting September 11.
This marks the first time the Sony Pictures franchise has been adapted for a major theme park Halloween event. The experience will immerse guests in the story of a group of friends whose deadly secret resurfaces, with scenes recreating the infamous Southport massacre and encounters with the vengeful Fisherman.
Immersive horror as a growth driver
Marc Swanson, CEO of United Parks & Resorts, said the company is “always looking for new ways to raise the bar on immersive entertainment.” He added that the franchise “has captivated horror fans for years with its suspense and terror.”
The addition underscores a broader trend in the attractions industry: leveraging established intellectual property to drive seasonal visitation. Theme parks and destination resorts are increasingly using film and pop-culture tie-ins to differentiate their Halloween events and attract repeat guests.
Howl-O-Scream already features elaborate haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, themed bars, and thrill rides. The new houses will be integrated into those existing offerings, giving operators a fresh hook for marketing campaigns.
For travel professionals, the launch is relevant beyond the parks themselves. SeaWorld’s Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio properties are significant tourism anchors in their regions, and seasonal events like Howl-O-Scream can influence hotel bookings, package deals, and local visitor spending. The company is also offering a limited-time Killer Summer Sale with up to 65% off tickets at the Orlando and San Diego parks, while the event is included with park admission in San Antonio.
This move follows other recent examples of horror IP being used to boost travel-related experiences. For instance, Hong Kong Disneyland’s infrastructure investments show how parks are adapting to seasonal challenges, while Yas SeaWorld Research Centre’s recent screening highlights the broader SeaWorld brand’s focus on edutainment.
For tour operators and travel agents, the new haunted houses offer a potential selling point for autumn packages to Florida, California, and Texas. The event runs through the Halloween season, providing a window for group bookings and corporate events.
SeaWorld’s parent company, United Parks & Resorts, has been investing in seasonal events to drive attendance outside peak summer months. The company’s portfolio includes Busch Gardens and other theme parks, and its Halloween offerings have become a key revenue stream.
Industry analysts note that licensed horror attractions can be particularly effective at drawing younger demographics, who are often heavy users of social media and share their experiences online. That word-of-mouth can amplify the reach of a park’s marketing budget.
For more details on event dates, tickets, and promotions, travel professionals can check the SeaWorld websites for Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio.
