I was invited out to get a private, first look at Illuminate, a brand new, family-friendly lantern event coming to Aquatica Orlando, the SeaWorld Orlando water park. Debuting for the first time on November 8, this new nighttime event invites families to leisurely explore a park filled with oversized, glowing lanterns, themed food and drink items, kid experience areas, Kiwi Santa, a mini train ride and more. Even during my daytime tour, I could tell this is going to be a very vibrant, nighttime experience.
Starting at $30, this Illuminate event is not a water park experience, so no need to bring sunscreen or a bathing suit. Instead, get in your tropical, Christmas-inspired outfits, because this offering will have a lot of photo moments, including a Kiwi Santa meet and greet. The event will last from 6pm-10pm, with staged entry times letting visitors go at their own pace. While the event will have a general path to follow, you will not be forced to go a certain speed or exit when you get to the end. You are encouraged to explore the five realms again and again.
Kid focused experience are included
While a nighttime lantern event already leans itself to be kid-friendly, the Aquatica Orlando team really wanted to focus on making sure it was more than just looking at pretty lights. Alongside meeting some characters, kids will also be able to write letters to Santa and make wishes that will glow and illuminate as they are placed onto the water.
Meeting Santa is included with the experience. Santa’s area is about halfway through the lantern trail and he has his own beach-inspired setup. Work is still being done on the inside in prep for “the big man” but I can tell you that the inside of this structure, picture above, is filled with tropical flair. The team researched the Kiwi Santa traditions from New Zealand to prep for this experience. So, Santa and his energized elves at this spot may not look like your traditional Santa.
Food, drinks and a S’mores spot
Around the park there will be themed bars, some food spots and a s’mores area. You are welcome to enjoy these items throughout your walk around the lanterns. The s’mores area will have real fires burning, so it is not just a dessert pickup. If you are a foodie like myself, you may want to enjoy a special treat to share. If you think you want a few drinks and some desserts, there is the money-saving sample lanyard, a 5 or 10 pack for $35 or $65.
These lanyards work for food, drinks and even the s’mores package (I was happy to hear that). Some bars and foodie areas are next to experiences, such as the Santa meet and greet or the upcharge mini Serengeti Express train ride. So, you can stop, grab a seat, get a snack, do an experience and then continue on.
Illuminate has a general path, but you are not required to complete the loop and leave. You can explore around first then take a second lap to grab that dessert you missed. I recommend at least coming back to the Enchanted Lagoon area, especially if you get there right at opening, as you will see the glowing wishes begin to fill up the wave pool area.
Photo-ops, twinkling lights and a unicorn
If you love a good Instagram photo-shoot, you will find spots here. Some of the lanterns have photo backgrounds setup or even areas to pose like the couch seen in the image above. There are five realms to explore, each with their own lanterns, theme, speciality lighting and music:
- AquaLuma: Legend tells of five animal 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 glowing footprints, laughter, and starlight guide explorers through arches of shimmer and radiant wildlife that still shine today.
- Candy Cascade Falls: A sugary dreamscape where giant gummy bear guardians awaken the forest of sweets, sparking lollipops to sprout and peppermint paths to glow. Every laugh makes the candy sparkle, every step makes the falls flow sweeter, creating a world where joy itself lights the way.
- Enchanted Lagoon: Said to be born of a pearl that fell from the moon, this mystical cove is home to a luminous mermaid who keeps watch over the dreams and wishes cast into her waters. Guests may even catch a glimpse of her sea unicorn companion under a crescent moon.
- Myst Wood Waters: Deep in a forest where dragonflies taught the light to dance and macaws painted the skies, a Great Tree of Light pulses with energy. Visitors can feel its heartbeat glow as they step on an interactive mat beneath the tree, activating a dazzling light display while lantern birds, bubbles, and color-shifting chameleons bring the forest alive.
- Rivers of Discovery: A glowing tribute to the animals that inspire and the parks that protect like SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Discovery Cove — this lantern-lit safari celebrates connection, care, and curiosity. From dolphins and flamingos to giraffes and lions, each lantern tells a story of wonder and discovery, a journey illuminated by those who care.
Make sure to look up at Illuminate
Not everything is at eye level for this experience. Some lanterns are on top of buildings, hanging from trees or hidden among the bushes. During my visit I missed some lanterns that gave me a surprise during my second walk around. There will also be over-sized ground stickers, adding to the themed walkways in each area.
Some of the larger lanterns have names with their own signage displayed. For real-world animals, this can be a learning experience for kids. Do you know what the animal above is called? (that is Roa the Kiwi bird, a species native to New Zealand)
Tickets on sale now, Passholder discounts apply
You can purchase tickets, starting at $30, on the Aquatica Orlando website. This link will also offer the Sampler Lanyards and the ability for Passholders to get their discount.
While I have not yet seen this event at night, I can already assure you that it is quite colorful. More details will be released in the days to come, but you can expect:
- 5 Realms to explore
- Interactive kid experiences
- A mini Serengeti Express train ride (for an upcharge)
- Themed food and drink items for sale
- Kiwi Santa meet and greet
- A s’mores area where you cook your own treats
You can checkout our previous article for additional details and what to expect. This event begins November 8 and happens on select nights through January 31, 2026.
