Experience ILLUMINATE Aquatica Orlando, a new nighttime lantern festival with glowing realms, festive food, and family fun. Tickets start at just $29.99.
We have an answer to the social media teaser that Aquatica Orlando posted last week. Aquatica Orlando posted a cryptic clue on Instagram along with an email to pass members, hinting at a brand-new experience on the horizon. The message read:
“A NEW EXPERIENCE IS ON THE HORIZON… AND IT’S UNLIKE ANYTHING AQUATICA HAS DONE BEFORE.
We’re dropping the first hints on social—can you guess what it is?”
While speculation led to discussions of a new attraction, this social media teaser related to a brand-new after-hours event this holiday season. Aquatica Orlando is lighting up the holidays in a whole new way with ILLUMINATE: A Lantern Festival at Aquatica. This new nighttime event debuts on November 8, 2025, and runs select nights through January 31, 2026. For the first time ever, the water park will transform into a glowing wonderland filled with towering lanterns, shimmering pathways, and delicious holiday treats.
A Dazzling New Holiday Tradition
From 6 to 10 p.m., the park’s pools and slides will take a backseat as the night comes alive with color and creativity. Guests can explore five immersive realms, each bursting with light, sound, and storytelling:
- AquaLuma – Step into a glowing legend where five animal guardians bring light and laughter to Aquatica’s waters.
- Candy Cascade Falls – Enter a sweet dreamscape of candy forests, gummy bear guardians, and peppermint pathways.
- Enchanted Lagoon – Meet a radiant mermaid and her sea unicorn companion under the moon’s glow.
- Myst Wood Waters – Watch the Great Tree of Light pulse to life as you activate dazzling displays with your footsteps.
- Rivers of Discovery – Celebrate the wonders of nature in a lantern safari featuring dolphins, flamingos, lions, and more.
ILLUMINATE Aquatica Orlando: Family Fun That Shines Bright
ILLUMINATE is designed to be as interactive as it is beautiful. Families can meet Kiwi Santa, hop aboard the Kiddie Alley Express, or make a wish at the Lantern Craft Zone, where guests can float their hopes into the water on tiny glowing lanterns.
Festive Flavors for Every Palate
The event’s culinary lineup is just as vibrant as its lanterns. Enjoy limited-time dishes like Brisket Mac & Cheese, Pork Belly Tacos, and S’mores Pizza, or sip on a Cotton Candy Margarita or a Christmas Tree Punch. Guests can also grab a Lantern Lanyard for 5 or 10 food tastings to sample everything the festival offers.
ILLUMINATE Aquatica Orlando: Tickets & Savings
Tickets for ILLUMINATE at Aquatica Orlando start at just $29.99 for this limited-time event. Pass Members can enjoy exclusive discounts on admission and lanyards, making this an affordable and unforgettable way to celebrate the season.
A Radiant New Chapter for Aquatica
According to park president Bradley Gilmour, “ILLUMINATE is unlike anything we’ve ever done at Aquatica. From glowing mermaids to candy-colored forests, this festival will light up the night in a way that’s both completely new and uniquely Aquatica.” Whether you’re looking for a glowing photo op, a cozy family outing, or a taste of holiday magic under the stars, ILLUMINATE promises to be one of Orlando’s brightest new holiday experiences.
Tickets will be on sale soon. Please have a look at the official Aquatica Orlando website for the latest information about ILLUMINATE Aquatica Orlando. Also, for more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.
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