After four long years, the highly anticipated return of The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor is finally here, and the revival of this beloved event does not disappoint. For over a decade, Dark Harbor delivered the scares. This year, as the fog rolls in over Long Beach, the spirits rise and give horror enthusiasts in Southern California exactly what they’ve been waiting for.
From 2010-2019, Dark Harbor captivated the residents of Long Beach and beyond, offering an immersive Halloween experience like no other. Now, the haunted ship creaks to life once more, welcoming the bravest of souls to enjoy a spooky night both on board the ship and in the surrounding harbor. This year’s event seamlessly blends the legacy of Dark Harbor with the high caliber production that we consistently see from Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group. Event organizers have announced the return of fan favorite mazes, iconic characters, show-stopping entertainment, as well as many new surprises that will make their debut this Halloween season.
Three mazes will be on board the ship this year, and they do not hold back on the scares. This year’s rendition of Lullaby brings an entirely new path with all new sets. This maze gives us a walk on the bridge over the boiler room and a rare view into the historic first class pool, and ends with a finale that has never been seen before in a Dark Harbor maze.
Feast is back! But this year, we get a reimagined prequel that shows us the story of The Butcher and how he rose his way up the ranks to become Head Chef. This maze includes new scenes and a new finale.
The last maze on board is Infirmary, which introduces us to a brand new character, The Surgeon. This unexpected storyline has never been explored before, and he’s not working alone. His accomplice is none other than Graceful Gale, who now has her own maze for the first time since 2017.
In the harbor, The Ringmaster is back with their twisted circus. This maze is entirely new, but includes fan favorites from the past like the ball pits. Also in the harbor is another new maze, Breakout. This maze continues the story of Samuel The Savage who has been dragged from stateroom B340 to a seaside jail. But he has escaped and now you’re on the run too. This massive maze seamlessly blends towering new sets within the existing English village to create the urgency and intensity of escaping through a real seaside village. No spoilers, but the finale of this maze is a new take on a fan favorite experience that is sure to terrify and delight fans.
Secret bars are also back, but with a new take. Now called Speakeasies, these secret bars are hidden in and around Dark Harbor’s attractions. Their location is a secret, but the mysterious Lady Mabel, another new character at DH, might point you in the right direction if you see her for an astrology reading. Rumor has it that the Speakeasies will change throughout the season, but no one knows for sure as these hidden bars do not appear on any map.
This year’s event delivers on the promise to bring back the best elements of the past while adding new and cutting edge experiences and attractions. Dark Harbor will run select nights from September through November 2nd at the historic and notoriously haunted Queen Mary, located at 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802. Tickets are available now at www.darkharborhalloween.com. Dates and times sell out quickly so get yours before they’re gone!