Orlando, Fla. – Aquatica Orlando will introduce a brand new nighttime vacation attraction this yr with the debut of ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Competition at Aquatica. The seasonal occasion will remodel the favored water park right into a collection of glowing, walk-through mild shows starting November 8 and persevering with on choose nights by way of January 31, 2026.
Throughout ILLUMINATE, guests can discover 5 themed realms stuffed with illuminated animal lanterns, interactive mild options, and festive meals and beverage choices. The occasion runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with common water sights paused throughout night hours to accommodate the show.
Aquatica Orlando Park President Bradley Gilmour stated the brand new pageant expands on the park’s earlier nighttime choices, reminiscent of AquaGlow, however with a completely new degree of creativity and sensory element. “From glowing mermaids and candy-colored forests to a lantern safari dropped at life on our Serengeti Specific prepare, this pageant will mild up the evening in a approach that’s each utterly new and uniquely Aquatica,” Gilmour stated.
Immersive Realms of Gentle
The pageant will function 5 distinct themed areas:
- AquaLuma – A shimmering atmosphere impressed by Aquatica’s animal mascots, with glowing wildlife and illuminated arches.
- Sweet Cascade Falls – A candy-themed forest the place guests stroll amongst large gummy bears and glowing peppermint paths.
- Enchanted Lagoon – A moonlit cove that includes a mermaid and sea unicorn lantern show.
- Myst Wooden Waters – A forest scene centered round an interactive “Tree of Gentle” that responds to visitor motion.
- Rivers of Discovery – A tribute to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Discovery Cove with lanterns formed like dolphins, giraffes, flamingos, and lions.
Further Sights and Actions
Households can meet “Kiwi Santa,” a New Zealand-inspired Santa character, or trip the Kiddie Alley Specific prepare by way of a miniature lantern safari. Company can even take part within the Lantern Craft Zone, the place they will write needs, seal them in vials, and launch them with small lanterns into the water.
Seasonal treats can be accessible all through the occasion, together with brisket mac and cheese, apple cider churros, pork stomach tacos, s’mores pizza, and themed drinks just like the Cotton Sweet Margarita and non-alcoholic Christmas Tree Punch.
Admission and Particular Gives
Introductory tickets for ILLUMINATE begin at $29.99, with foods and drinks packages accessible by way of particular “Lantern Lanyards.” Move members can entry discounted admission and lanyard pricing, and commonplace parking guidelines apply.
About Aquatica Orlando
Voted the nation’s high out of doors water park by USA At this time’s 10 Finest readers, Aquatica Orlando options greater than 50 water slides, rivers, and play areas unfold throughout 84,000 sq. toes of seashores and swimming pools. The park is a part of the SeaWorld household of sights and is understood for its South Seas-inspired design and family-friendly ambiance.
