Aquatica Orlando is launching ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Festival at Aquatica, a new nighttime event featuring large-scale lanterns, interactive light displays, and themed food offerings. The festival runs select nights from November 8, 2025, through January 31, 2026.
Event Details
Dates: November 8, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (select nights)
Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Ticket Price: Starting at $29.99
Location: Aquatica Orlando water park
Important Note: Water slides and pools are closed during ILLUMINATE. This is a walking event focused on lantern displays and entertainment.
Five Themed Realms
ILLUMINATE features five distinct areas, each with unique lantern installations and interactive elements:
AquaLuma
The opening area features animal guardian lanterns including a kiwi, spoonbill, takahe, kookaburra, and gecko. Glowing wildlife displays and illuminated archways set the tone for the festival.
Candy Cascade Falls
A candy-themed environment with oversized gummy bear lanterns, lollipop displays, and peppermint pathways. The area is designed to resemble a glowing confectionery forest.
Enchanted Lagoon
A mermaid-themed realm featuring aquatic lanterns and a sea unicorn display under a crescent moon installation. The area centers around a luminous lagoon setting.
Myst Wood Waters
An interactive forest area with a Great Tree of Light as the centerpiece. Guests can step on pressure-sensitive mats beneath the tree to activate light displays. The realm includes dragonfly, macaw, and chameleon lanterns.
Rivers of Discovery
A safari-themed section celebrating animals from SeaWorld parks including dolphins, flamingos, giraffes, and lions. The displays highlight conservation and wildlife education themes.
Activities and Entertainment
Kiddie Alley Express: A mini train ride through a lantern safari featuring lion, zebra, and giraffe displays.
Kiwi Santa Meet & Greet: Photo opportunity with a New Zealand-inspired summer Santa character.
Lantern Craft Zone: Guests write wishes on scrolls, place them in decorative vials, and receive a small lantern to release into the water as part of a “wishing tree” experience.
S’mores Stations: Classic s’mores available for purchase or redeemable with event lanyards.
Santa Letter Writing Station: Craft area for children to write letters to Santa (included with admission).
Food and Beverage Options
ILLUMINATE offers exclusive menu items available only during the event:
Food Items:
- Brisket Mac & Cheese
- Apple Cider Churros
- Pork Belly Tacos
- S’mores Pizza
Beverages:
- Cotton Candy Margarita (alcoholic)
- Christmas Tree Punch (non-alcoholic)
Lantern Lanyards: Available in 5-punch or 10-punch options, offering savings on food and beverage purchases throughout the event.
Ticket Information and Pass Member Benefits
General admission tickets start at $29.99 during the introductory pricing period. Tickets are available through Aquatica Orlando’s website.
Pass Member Perks:
- Discounted admission tickets
- Discounts on Lantern Lanyards
- Standard Pass Member parking applies
Planning Your Visit to Aquatica Orlando Illuminate
Best For: Families with children, couples seeking festive activities, lantern festival enthusiasts, and guests looking for holiday-themed entertainment outside the theme parks.
Duration: Plan for 2-3 hours to explore all five realms and participate in activities.
What to Bring: Camera or smartphone for photos, comfortable walking shoes, and light layers (Florida evenings can be cool in winter months).
Parking: Standard Aquatica Orlando parking applies. Pass Members follow regular parking rules.
Accessibility: As a walking event with no water attractions operating, the festival is accessible to guests who typically avoid water parks.
Stay tuned to Aquatica’s website to purchase tickets.