News Summary
Aquatica Orlando is set to debut ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Festival on select nights from November 8, 2025, to January 31, 2026. The event will offer a mesmerizing experience with five themed realms featuring stunning illuminated lanterns and interactive displays. Guests can also indulge in seasonal culinary offerings and participate in engaging activities, including crafts and rides. Tickets start at $29.99, making it an affordable attraction for families seeking magical evening experiences.
Orlando will welcome a new evening experience as Aquatica Orlando announces the debut of ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Festival, set to launch on November 8, 2025, and run on select nights until January 31, 2026. This immersive event will change the park’s atmosphere with spectacular glowing light displays that invite guests to wander through enchanting realms.
The festival will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with regular water attractions temporarily paused to make way for the stunning lantern exhibits. Visitors can anticipate five uniquely themed realms, each featuring a variety of illuminated animal lanterns, interactive lighting effects, and special festive food and beverage options.
Festival Highlights
The five themed areas include:
- AquaLuma: Featuring five animal guardians illuminating the waters.
- Candy Cascade Falls: A candy-inspired landscape showcasing giant gummy bear guardians and bright peppermint paths.
- Enchanted Lagoon: Home to a radiant mermaid and a sea unicorn, brought to life by imagery inspired by a pearl that fell from the moon.
- Myst Wood Waters: A mystical forest where a Great Tree of Light radiates energy and offers interactive light displays.
- Rivers of Discovery: A lantern-lit safari focused on different animals and parks, promoting themes of conservation.
Engaging Activities
Guests will also have the opportunity to meet “Kiwi Santa,” a character inspired by New Zealand culture. For younger visitors, the Kiddie Alley Express train will provide a delightful ride through a miniature lantern safari. There will be a Lantern Craft Zone where attendees can write down their wishes and set them afloat in the water with the lanterns.
Culinary Offerings
Seasonal food options will enrich the festival experience, including brisket mac and cheese, apple cider churros, pork belly tacos, s’mores pizza, and themed beverages like the Cotton Candy Margarita and non-alcoholic Christmas Tree Punch.
Ticket Information
Introductory tickets for ILLUMINATE will be priced at $29.99, with food and drink packages accessible through special “Lantern Lanyards.” Additionally, pass members will be able to enjoy discounted admission rates along with lanyard pricing.
About Aquatica Orlando
Aquatica Orlando holds the title of the nation’s top outdoor water park as recognized by USA Today’s 10 Best readers. The park boasts over 50 water slides, rivers, and play areas spread across 84,000 square feet, all designed with a South Seas theme to create a lively, family-friendly environment.
As ILLUMINATE makes its arrival, it aims to build on previous seasonal offerings, like AquaGlow, delivering new levels of creativity and sensory experiences for families and visitors of all ages.
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Additional Resources
- Amusement Today: Aquatica Orlando Unveils Illuminate
- Wikipedia: Aquatica (Water Park)
- WFTV: Aquatica Orlando Launches First Nighttime Lantern Festival
- Google Search: Aquatica Orlando lantern festival
- Attractions Magazine: Aquatica Illuminate Orlando Lantern Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orlando
- InPark Magazine: Aquatica Orlando Illuminate Debut
- Google News: Aquatica Orlando lantern festival
- Laughing Place: Aquatica Orlando Illuminate
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
