The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Delivers All the Frights

One of my favorite Halloween events to attend in SoCal is Dark Harbor at The Queen Mary. After a three-year hiatus due to Covid, the event returned for the first time in 2024 much to my delight. It came back more thrilling and terrifying this year, so I wanted to share some highlights. 

Dark Harbor is part of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, which is a production company that develops a variety of haunted attractions in the U.S. When it comes to Southern California, Thirteenth Floor is also behind Delusion, Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, and Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns. What makes Dark Harbor so unique is that it takes place on the grounds of a historic ship that’s considered to be one of the most haunted places in the world!

For 2025, Dark Harbor introduced some new experiences as well as revived some classics from the previous year. I noticed that half of the mazes took place on the ship, which was exciting. Lullaby, Infirmary, and Feast: The Final Cut were all set up in the bowels of the vessel. The lower levels are usually closed off to the public, so it was amazing getting to walk through these areas. The energy is quite eerie down there and amplifies the fright factor of the grotesque props, displays, and scare actors. 

If you recall, The Queen Mary hosted a special summer haunt event a few months ago where they debuted Feast. It was just as spooky as I remembered, except this time they did away with the blackout element. The maze was dimly lit throughout, most likely to lower the risk of people tripping or falling. Lullaby is one of Dark Harbor’s iconic mazes and tells the story of the sinister ghost Scary Mary who drowned in the first-class swimming pool. This attraction had a really neat room that gave the illusion we were underwater. You could see floating bodies and in one corner stood Scary Mary.

Breakout: Maximum Security was reimagined for the 2025 Halloween season and was intense on the senses. From loud banging to flashing lights that totally blinded you, it was disorienting and gripping. Big Top Terror is another one of Dark Harbor’s classic attractions and features The Ringmaster who presides over the festivities. The maze also has a gigantic pumpkin you walk through, which I loved. Voodoo: The Queen’s Curse was a new maze. It centered on a powerful priestess who wants to take over The Queen Mary. There were potion shops, coffin factories, and zombies. I hope this is a maze they decide to resurrect in the future.

Besides the haunts, Dark Harbor is also a devilish carnival, offering a variety of high-octane rides, including The Zipper, Sinister Swings, Scary Mary’s Ghost Rider, and Zero Gravity. There were also hidden speakeasies, fire shows, themed lounges, a ton of food vendors, and a DJ spinning macabre tracks all night. Since I no longer imbibe in alcohol, I was glad to see there was a Virgin Voyage Mocktails booth. Their drinks were refreshingly delicious. Needless to say, there was so much to explore across this haunted playground.

Dark Harbor was extra special for me this year because I attended on my actual birth date: October 17th. What a way to celebrate! My only complaint is that the evening flies by. It’s an amazing experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who’s in the area during spooky season. This year, I purchased Evil Express tickets so I didn’t have to wait in lines. Plus, it granted early entry. It’s worth it because the waits were long for general admission and I got to explore the grounds before the crowds rushed in. I think one of these years, I also want to book a stay on The Queen Mary when I go to Dark Harbor. I think it would be so much fun to get a room and know that I have the perfect view of and ideal access to the night’s festivities.

Dark Harbor continues through November 2nd, and tickets start at $59.99. Even if you can’t make it to the event, The Queen Mary does offer various paranormal tours year-round.

Where to Stalk

Dark Harbor

The Queen Mary