ALL-NEW ILLUMINATE

A Festival of Lights, Lanterns & Wonder at Aquatica Orlando

Step into a nighttime festival that transforms Aquatica into a luminous world of wonder. Guests will journey through five radiant realms, each fully immersive with brilliant lantern displays, dynamic sounds, captivating scents, and themed food & beverage that bring each realm to life. From shimmering seascapes to playful candy-inspired creations, every step reveals something new to explore, taste, and share.

Please note: Illuminate features glowing lanterns and illuminated pathways that transform the park after dark. Slides, pools, and waterways will not be open during this experience.

Illuminate is a separately ticketed experience with limited capacity, so early ticket purchase is strongly recommended.

Select Nights

FREE Any Night Illuminate Ticket with Your Aquatica Annual Pass—Limited Time!

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Five Realms to Explore

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Legend tells of five glowing guardians who first brought light to the waters: Roa the Kiwi, Papa the Spoonbill, Wae Wae the Takahe, Kata the Kookaburra, and Ihu the Gecko. Their lanterns still shine across this radiant realm, waiting to be discovered. Can you spot them all? Begin your journey here among shimmering pathways, festive bites, and Midnight at Motu’s Bar, where every night feels like New Year’s Eve.

Candy Cascade Falls

Indulge your senses in a candy-colored dreamland, where giant gummy bears welcome you to follow a whimsical pathway lined with glowing lollipops and sparkling gumdrops. The air is sweet with sugary scents, and larger-than-life ice cream cones make for the perfect photo op. Along the way, discover playful moments of interaction—press the macaron buttons to make the candy trees shimmer and watch the lights dance around you in this irresistibly delightful realm.

Enchanted Lagoon

Said to born of a pearl that fell from the moon, this mystical lagoon is home to a luminous mermaid who keeps watch as guests participate in Wishes by the Water, casting their dreams into her illuminated cove. Beyond her shores, wander past mythical creatures and a tunnel of sparkling lights that capture the wonder of the night.

Myst Wood Waters

Explore a rainforest brought to life with light, sound, scent, and surprise. This tranquil realm invites you to discover radiant macaws, dragonflies, toucans, and lizards hidden among the trees. Fog-filled bubbles drift through the air, photo ops await around every turn, and gentle music sets the scene for an experience that’s both playful and serene.

Rivers of Discovery

A glowing tribute to the animals that inspire and the parks that protect! Create, explore, and connect through moments of music and crafts, or take a ride on the Serengeti Express for a lantern-lit safari. Stroll walkways illuminated with towering flamingos and dolphins and grab a themed beverage at Ke-Re’s Spirit of Safari.

Signature Experiences

Meet Kiwi Santa at Jolly Wave

Ho-ho-hang ten! Santa’s swapped snowflakes for surfboards, and his kiwi elves are ready to welcome you to his Jolly Wave workshop. Write your own letter to Santa to take home or drop into the North Pole Express mailbox, then strike a pose for a festive photo with the big guy himself. Just across the way, get festive at Trader Turi’s Tinsel Bar—bursting with over-the-top Christmas décor and featuring fun holiday drinks, including non-alcoholic eggnog.

S'mores by the Shore

Gather 'round the crackling fire as the scent of toasted marshmallows fills the air. With the warmth of a glowing ski lodge and the sparkle of the night around you, enjoy crafting your own s’mores. This nostalgic treat is included with your Food & Beverage Sampler Lanyard, making your night even sweeter.

Serengeti Express Train Ride

All aboard for a magical ride through glowing safari scenes! See illuminated lantern animals like lions, giraffes, zebras, and more. This add-on experience is perfect for the young, and the young at heart.

Wishes by the Water

On the moonlit shores of the Enchanted Lagoon, dreams and light come together in a moment unlike any other. Guided by Lumel, the lagoon’s mystical guardian, guests are invited to take part in an unforgettable experience that transforms heartfelt wishes into glowing reflections across the water. With the mermaid watching over each shimmering light, you’ll leave with a complimentary keepsake to carry the magic, (and your wish), home.

Creative Corners

All around the park, light and imagination come together in complimentary, hands-on experiences for guests of every age. Write a heartfelt letter to Santa, create your own festive keepsake, or make music with playful instruments that fill the night with rhythm and joy. Each creation adds to the glow of this unforgettable celebration.

Face Painting

Located on the shores of the Enchanted Lagoon, this add-on experience invites guests of all ages to add a touch of fantasy to their night and transform their look with dreamlike designs.

Illuminate is a separately ticketed, limited capacity event. Details and offerings subject to change and/or cancellation without prior notice.