After a four-year hiatus, The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor makes its spine-tingling return to Long Beach, and it’s bigger and more terrifying than ever.
A staple of Southern California’s Halloween scene for over a decade, Dark Harbor has been missed by thrill-seekers. This year, as the mist settles over the ship and the harbor, it brings with it a wave of horror and excitement that fans have eagerly awaited.
From its debut in 2010 through 2019, Dark Harbor became a must-visit Halloween attraction, drawing locals and visitors alike with its unique combination of ghostly thrills and immersive storytelling. Now, after its long absence, the haunted ship awakens once more, offering those brave enough the chance to explore its eerie decks and sinister surroundings. The 2023 event promises to continue Dark Harbor’s legacy while infusing it with fresh twists, courtesy of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, a renowned leader in creating top-notch haunted attractions.
The Haunting Returns: What to Expect
This year’s Dark Harbor presents a perfect blend of fan-favorite attractions alongside several all-new features that are sure to leave guests screaming for more. A central focus, as always, is the ship itself. Three terrifying mazes are located on board, each one carefully crafted to transport visitors into the ship’s dark history and supernatural lore.
First up is Lullaby, a chilling reimagining of a previous maze that now offers an entirely fresh path and brand-new sets. This year’s version takes thrill-seekers over a bridge above the boiler room and offers a rare glimpse into the Queen Mary’s historic first-class pool. The experience ends with a finale that promises to be unlike anything fans have seen before.
Next, Feast returns with a gruesome twist—a prequel that reveals the origins of The Butcher, a fearsome character who has long haunted Dark Harbor. This revamped maze includes new scenes that show how The Butcher rose to power in the ship’s kitchen, culminating in a horrifying new finale that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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The third onboard maze, Infirmary, introduces an entirely new storyline featuring a brand-new character: The Surgeon. This terrifying figure brings an unnerving medical theme to the maze, and the introduction of Graceful Gale, an iconic Dark Harbor character, adds another layer of horror. It’s the first time Gale has had her own maze since 2017, and this year, her presence is more frightening than ever.
The Harbor Expands: New Terrors Await
Beyond the ship, the horrors continue in the harbor itself. The twisted carnival overseen by The Ringmaster is back, offering a brand-new maze that draws from past fan favorites. The circus-themed attraction includes funhouse features such as ball pits, but don’t let the playful elements fool you—this maze will leave visitors on edge from start to finish.
Another fresh addition is Breakout, a maze that continues the terrifying saga of Samuel the Savage. After being dragged from stateroom B340 to a seaside jail, Samuel has escaped, and now guests are thrust into a heart-pounding chase through a seaside village. The elaborate set design seamlessly integrates massive, towering structures with the English village already in place, making for an intense and immersive experience. Without giving away too much, let’s just say the ending of Breakout will surprise even the most seasoned Dark Harbor visitors.
Hidden Horrors: The Return of Speakeasies
A fan-favorite element of past Dark Harbor events has been its hidden bars, and this year, they’re back with a twist. Now known as Speakeasies, these secret bars are scattered throughout the event’s various attractions, and their locations are shrouded in mystery. The enigmatic Lady Mabel, a new character introduced this year, may help guide lucky guests to these hidden gems if they consult her for an astrology reading. Rumors suggest that the Speakeasies will shift and evolve over the course of the Halloween season, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled, as these clandestine spots won’t appear on any map.
A Perfect Blend of Old and New
The 2023 edition of Dark Harbor masterfully balances the best aspects of its storied past with cutting-edge updates and new attractions that will leave horror fans breathless. Whether you’re returning for the nostalgia or coming for the first time, Dark Harbor promises an experience that won’t disappoint.
Running select nights through November 2nd at the historic, and infamously haunted, Queen Mary in Long Beach, Dark Harbor is a must-see event this Halloween season. With tickets already on sale, be sure to secure yours soon as dates and times tend to sell out quickly. Visit www.darkharborhalloween.com for tickets and more information. Don’t miss out on this horrifying, one-of-a-kind event—your nightmares are waiting.
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