As night falls on SeaWorld Orlando, the flames ignite the sky, and the lagoon takes on an eerie glow. Screams pierce the night. Guests brace themselves and prepare to face their fears, which can extend to the table this year. The 2026 Howl-O-Scream Orlando menu has some unexpected choices. Do you dare pick up a fork?
Time and again, Orlando theme park Halloween events are as much about the food and beverages as they are about the haunted houses and scare zones. Whether it is the screams that create a thirst or the elevated heartrate that makes people hungry, everyone plans their menus as much as they pick the first house choice.
SeaWorld Orlando’s culinary team continually raises its food and beverage offerings. From the Seven Seas Food Festival to this summer’s Red, White, and BBQ, the chefs find ways to balance innovative offerings with guests’ favorites. It ensures that every flavor satisfies.
On National Roller Coaster Day, I spoke with Jerrol Duncan, a member of SeaWorld Orlando’s culinary team. New menu items pull from food trends and unlikely ingredients. Returning favorites, like the popular cheesesteak and hibachi fried rice, are featured to guests’ delight. The 2026 Howl-O-Scream menu will have everyone hungry and shocked. It is a perfect combination for the Halloween event.
During our long conversation, Jerrol dropped quite a few new food items, explained the inspiration for nostalgic 90s bites, and shared the curious protein added to one dessert. This year’s event will surprise and delight everyone.
2026 Howl-O-Scream Menu Is Inspired by New Experiences
The 2026 event represents major changes for the Howl-O-Scream team. It is the first time that a favorite IP, I Know What You Did Last Summer, will be featured. Additionally, several new haunted houses and bars will join the line-up.
One haunted house and a scarezone are not for the faint hearted, The Crawl Space dares guests to slither through abandoned tunnels. Terrifying things grow in those dark, damp spaces. Also, Extermination Order seeks to rid the park of insects, swarms, and other crawling pests. Luckily, the culinary team had a tasty solution.
According to Jerrol, a new Tres Leches dessert will features crickets as an ingredient. The crunchy protein will be served both in and on the dessert. Jerrod said that the dessert is meant to be fun, not gory. Still, there is a dare element or fear factor. Will people be willing to dig into a cricket dessert?
This food item will get people talking. Truthfully, the first bite is mind over matter. And, for people who want more protein, the culinary team delivers on that food trend. This dessert should not be missed.
90s Food Nostalgia Takes Over the Plate and the Glass
Howl-O-Scream is known for its interactive bars. This year, all five bars are new. The Rewind plays into the 90s nostalgia trend.
According to Jerrol, The Rewind will feature several fun cocktails and mocktails with Gushers. The beloved fruit snack with a hidden center will inspire flavors and garnishes.
While beverages flow freely throughout the evening, food is equally important. Jerrod shared that pizza rolls will be on the menu. These “blasted” flavor options are just like the iconic brand that were part of after school snacks. The garlic parmesan flavor will be a must try.
90s nostalgia is huge right now and the SeaWorld Orlando culinary team is smart to play into that trend. Infusing popular brands and flavors into adult experiences makes it fun. In a way, it is every food experience people wanted just with a more grown-up twist.
Desserts Take Center Stage at Howl-O-Scream
During my conversation with Jerrol Duncan, he emphasized that the culinary team constantly looks at guest feedback and trends for its Howl-O-Scream menus. Listening to last year’s guests, they wanted more desserts on the menu.
Although all the offerings have yet to be released, Jerrol said that the majority of food booths will have a dessert offering. Some items will be more traditional and others will be a little more challenging, like the tres leches cake.
He anticipates that a Toaster Pastry Sundae will be a huge hit with fans. With two different flavor options, people will want to dig into that ice cream and pastry combination.
Again, this idea plays into people’s hunger to have fun with food. Who doesn’t want to have two sweet treats in one bowl.
Also, Jerrol revealed his favorite sweet treat on the menu, a strawberry filled cinnamon roll. As social media watchers know, cinnamon rolls are having a moment. This Howl-O-Scream version has a strawberry jam center. The idea is to mimic some ooey, gooey guts. Even if that analogy might be a little creepy, the first bite will make everyone overlook it.
Come Hungry to 2026 Howl-O-Scream Orlando
This 2026 Howl-O-Scream menu sneak peek shares just a few of the many food and beverages. From returning favorites to new innovations, guests will have a bounty of options.
Jerrol Duncan and the culinary team will impress everyone this year. Food trends, unusual ingredients, and a heaping helping of fun is on the plate. Once again, SeaWorld Orlando raised the bar.
Howl-O-Scream Orlando opens on September 11 and runs through October 31. The event includes five haunted houses, six scare zones, two roaming hordes, five all-new themed bars, live shows, and select rides. Tickets are on sale now.
Leave a Reply