QUEEN MARY’S DARK HARBOR PREVIEW

The little “show” as we entered. Photo by Karen Salkin.

I had been to the Halloween event at the Queen Mary before, but it was about ten years ago, and I don’t remember much about it. So, when I was invited it the private press preview of Dark Harbor last week, I painted my nails black and orange, threw on one of my many Halloween shirts, and topped it all off with glow-in-the-dark ghost and skeleton earrings. I love Halloween! (Can you tell?)

Since this was a private event, we did get some perks which are not afforded to the public. (Yay, us!) We began with being offered vodka shots as we entered, but I just happy with my bottled water. The “monsters,” (or whatever they’re officially called,) did a little greeting show for us, and then we moved on to a taco bar, right on the walkway above the ship.

The view from the walkway in front of the Queen Mary. Photo by Karen Salkin.

In case you haven’t read about my little mishap there yet, (it’s been on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram,) here’s what happened: my pal, Roz, and I were sitting in big comfy chairs to eat. There were no tables, so I was holding a little “boat” with my chicken taco, and another with the guacamole and pico de gallo, on my lap. All of a sudden, one of the monsters snuck up beside me, and scared the bejesus out of me! (I had thought we were safe during this meal portion of the event. I should have known better.) Needless to say, my entire dinner went flying! It landed a bit on the floor, but most of it was on my newly-cleaned skirt, my arm, and the chair. I was a mess! One monster said she wanted to help me clean it all up, but I didn’t trust any of them at that point. I’m just praying that no one has put a video of it on-line yet, although, I do have to admit, I’m sure it looked pretty funny. Roz could not stop laughing.

Inside a spooky cabana. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The rest of the night, I walked around brandishing the plastic knife from dinner, to deter any of them from repeating the offense. I’m sure I looked like quite the lunatic. [Note: I do not suggest that you do the same. Mine was more or less a joke. And besides, for normal visitors, getting frightened there is half the fun!]

Roz and I really loved walking the grounds, though, and seeing all the fun mazes and sights. We even spent some time on the Queen Mary herself. What a vessel! (But the body of the attractions is on land, in front of the ship, which was just fine with me.) Everyone appeared to be having a blast.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

We ended the evening in a private cabana, which people can rent for the night. We were brought a tray containing lots of fun confections, including caramel corn, sprinkle-covered Oreos, marshmallow-decorated pretzels, and my fave—delicious brownies!!! What a treat all that was! (I believe you can order it while there, as well.)

We left early-ish, just as the attraction was opening to the public for the first night. And we were flabbergasted by the long line to get in! I’ve rarely had friends who are fun enough to care about Halloween, but here were tons of strangers who clearly do! (Care about Halloween—I have no idea if they have any friends.) It looks like I may have to move down to Long Beach for the month!

So, if you’re a fun-lover, who also reveres this month of scary entertainment, hie yourself to the Queen Mary Dark Harbor. Just don’t be holding onto anything you don’t want to drop on the ground when the monsters inevitably get you!