The limited-time nighttime experience ILLUMINATE continues at Aquatica Orlando through January 30

Light up the night with New Year savings as tickets start at $20 with an Any Night four-pack through Jan.30.

The new year is all about fresh starts and ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Festival at Aquatica is giving families a brighter way to begin 2026 through January 30.

Reimagined for the new year, the limited-time nighttime experience invites guests to kick

off their resolutions through immersive lantern displays, interactive wish-casting moments,

festive bites, and playful post-holiday fun.

ILLUMINATE invites guests to explore five glowing realms, each telling a unique story through

larger-than-life lanterns, immersive scenery and interactive moments. From luminous animal

guardians and candy-colored dreamscapes to mystical lagoons, enchanted forests and lantern-

lit safaris, every pathway sparks wonder, discovery and imagination for all ages.

Dance Into 2026 with Kiwi Santa

Santa is surfing into the new year and he’s not coming alone. Kiwi Santa hosts a festive “wrap

party” celebrating the elves’ hard work, inviting guests to kick off 2026 with music, movement

and playful fun. Families can join in on the dance floor, take part in Elf Games, and stop by the

2026 Resolution Area before capturing a reimagined New Year photo with Kiwi Santa, all set

against a tropical, lantern-lit backdrop.

Write Your 2026 Resolution

Guests can pause, reflect, and put pen to paper at Aquatica’s interactive craft stations, creating

personalized resolution cards! Whether the goal is more adventure, new experiences, or simply

more time together, Aquatica invites guests to turn their wishes into meaningful moments.

Cast a Wish for 2026

Along the softly lit waters of Enchanted Lagoon, guests are invited to stop by the Wish Masters

station and take part in a symbolic wish-casting ritual, guided by a mystical guardian. Each wish

becomes a keepsake, a glowing reminder of hopes and goals for the year ahead.

Keep up to date with the latest theme park news and updates from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Indulge in Festive Flavors

Guests can dig into crave-worthy offerings like the “Glow’d-Up” Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

and Midnight Street Beef Empanadas, both paired perfectly with specialty sips such as the

Candy Cane Kiss Martini. Together, these bold flavors add a festive bite and a celebratory toast

to the ILLUMINATE experience.

The scenery of ILLUMINATE’s lantern lights offers guests an immersive interaction experience

perfect to start the new year. Cozy s’more stations add a sweet treat to the night, while the

Kiddie Alley Express invites young and young-at-heart guests on a whimsical lantern safari

featuring lions, zebras and giraffes. ILLUMINATE not only creates a peaceful ambiance but

creates the opportunity to capture the memory and hope of the year ahead.

Shine Brighter with Special Savings

For a limited time, guests can experience ILLUMINATE for as low as $20 per ticket with an Any

Night Ticket four-Pack.

Food-and-beverage lanyards are also available in five- or 10-punch options as ILLUMINATE offers more than 25 festive menu items. Pass Members can also take advantage of exclusive discounts on admission and food lanyards. Standard Pass Member parking rules apply.

Get details and tickets now! https://aquatica.com/orlando/events/illuminate/

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