ORLANDO, Fla. – Aquatica Orlando is introducing a new nighttime holiday attraction this year with the debut of Illuminations – Aquatica’s Lantern Festival. This seasonal event transforms the popular water park into a series of glowing walk-through light displays starting November 8th and continuing on select nights until January 31st, 2026.
During Illuminations, visitors can explore five themed areas filled with illuminated animal lanterns, interactive lighting features, and festive food and drink. The event will run from 6pm to 10pm, with regular water attractions suspended for the evening hours in preparation for the exhibit.
Aquatica Orlando Park President Bradley Gilmore said the new festival expands on the park’s previous nighttime events, such as Aquaglow, but with a whole new level of creativity and sensory detail. “From sparkling mermaids and candy-colored forests to a lantern safari brought to life on the Serengeti Express, this festival will light up the night in a completely new and uniquely Aquatica way,” Gilmore said.
immersive light realm
The festival features five different themed areas:
AquaLuma – A shimmering environment with glowing wildlife and illuminated arches, inspired by Aquatica’s animal mascots. Candy Cascade Falls – A candy-themed forest where visitors walk among giant gummy bears and trails of glowing peppermints. Enchanted Lagoon – A moonlit cove decorated with mermaid and sea unicorn lanterns. Mist Wood Waters – A forest scene centered around an interactive “tree of light” that responds to guests’ movements. Rivers of Discovery – An homage to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Discovery Cove with lanterns in the shapes of dolphins, giraffes, flamingos, and lions.
Additional attractions and activities
Families can meet Kiwi Santa, the New Zealand-inspired Santa character, and ride the Kiddie Alley Express Train through a miniature lantern safari. Guests can also participate in a lantern craft zone where they write a wish, seal it in a vial and float it in the water along with a small lantern.
Seasonal treats will be available during the event, including brisket macaroni and cheese, apple cider churros, pork belly tacos, s’mores pizza, and themed drinks like cotton candy margaritas and non-alcoholic Christmas tree punch.
Admission fees and benefits
ILLUMINATE introductory tickets start at $29.99, with food and beverage packages available through special “lantern lanyards.” Pass members receive discounted admission and lanyard fees, and standard parking rules apply.
About Aquatica Orlando
Voted America’s Top 10 Outdoor Water Park by USA Today’s Top 10 Readers, Aquatica Orlando features 84,000 square feet of beach and pools with more than 50 water slides, rivers, and playgrounds. The park is part of the SeaWorld family of attractions and is known for its Southern Ocean-inspired design and family-friendly atmosphere.
