HOLIDAY SPECIAL! Aquatica Orlando’s Illuminate Festival Tickets — Dazzling Lantern Magic Awaits through January 31!

Aquatica Orlando
4.7
Select Option:
Liv
6 days ago
FANTASTIC! Even got $10 and used it on drinks.

Amenities

Good for KidsGood for Kids

Step into a world of pure enchantment at Aquatica Orlando's ILLUMINATE, a captivating nighttime lantern festival transforming the park into a radiant wonderland for all ages, featuring glowing realms, majestic animal lanterns, and sensory delights.

aquatic orlando illuminate

Highlights

  • Discover five immersive realms of light, each brimming with vibrant storytelling and interactive surprises.

  • Stroll through glowing walkways and marvel at majestic animal lanterns that transform Aquatica into a radiant wonderland.

  • Indulge in exclusive, limited-time festive bites and sips, crafting a multi-sensory culinary journey.

  • Capture unforgettable moments with photo-ready opportunities throughout the festival, creating glowing holiday memories.

  • A perfect gift for families and friends to experience a completely new and uniquely Aquatica nighttime spectacle.

What To Expect

Aquatica Orlando transforms into a breathtaking spectacle with ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Festival, an all-new nighttime experience that invites you to step into a radiant realm of light and imagination. From November 8th through January 31st on select nights, you'll wander through glowing walkways, discover majestic animal lanterns, and explore five immersive realms of light. Each realm is a vibrant tapestry of storytelling, interactive surprises, and stunning photo opportunities, promising an enchanting evening that feels worlds away.
What to expect media
Engage all five senses as you journey through this luminous festival. Witness the glow of towering lanterns, from shimmering arches in AquaLuma to giant gummy bear guardians in Candy Cascade Falls. Let the soundscapes woven into each realm transport you, and follow the tempting scent of cotton candy drifting through Candy Cascade Falls or the warm campfire aroma in S’mores Alley. Feel the pulse of the Great Tree of Light at Myst Wood Waters as you activate dazzling light displays, and release glowing wishes across the mystical Enchanted Lagoon, where a luminous mermaid watches over dreams.
What to expect image

And the magic continues! ILLUMINATE brings festive fun for all ages, with dazzling realms and thrilling attractions to delight the whole family.

Illuminate Edition - Fun Attractions

+
  • 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 can take part in “Wishes by the Water,” a glowing new lantern activity where families can release their own illuminated wishes across the lagoon.
  • 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.

Plan Your Visit

  • Operating HoursHours may vary. Please check the merchant's website before your visit.
  • DurationApproximately 4 hours
  • Ticket ValidityThe event occurs 6 PM - 10 PM on dates: December 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 31; January 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, & 31.
  • AccessibilityAquatica Orlando is wheelchair accessible and welcomes service animals.

How It Works

1. Plan Your Visit

Purchase your voucher and arrive on your preferred date.

2. Grab the Deal

Proceed to checkout to buy & book your Groupon!

3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket

Scan your Groupon upon arrival.

4. Enjoy the Experience!

FAQs

What is ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Festival at Aquatica Orlando?

ILLUMINATE is Aquatica Orlando's first-ever nighttime lantern festival, transforming the water park into a radiant realm of light and imagination with larger-than-life lanterns, immersive realms, and festive culinary offerings.

When does ILLUMINATE run?

The festival opens on November 8th and runs on select nights through January 31st, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

What kind of experiences can I expect within the five realms of light?

Each realm offers vibrant storytelling, interactive surprises, and unique lantern creations. You might discover glowing mermaids, candy-colored forests, or participate in "Wishes by the Water" at the Enchanted Lagoon, all designed for sensory engagement and photo opportunities.

Will the water slides and pools be open during ILLUMINATE?

No, during this nighttime event, pools and water slides will pause operations to ensure guests can fully immerse themselves in and enjoy the lantern festival experience.

Are there special food and beverage options available during the festival?

Yes, ILLUMINATE features exclusive, limited-time culinary creations such as Brisket Mac & Cheese, Apple Cider Churros, S’mores Pizza, Pork Belly Tacos, and festive sips like the Cotton Candy Margarita or a non-alcoholic Christmas Tree Punch.

What makes ILLUMINATE a unique experience?

ILLUMINATE is designed to engage all five senses with its towering lanterns, themed soundscapes, delicious aromas, and interactive elements, blending artistry with innovation to create glowing holiday memories in a setting that feels both completely new and uniquely Aquatica.

Need To Know Info

Promotional value expires Jan 31, 2026.
  • All Sales Final.
  • Valid for admission to the Aquatica Orlando Illuminate Festival.
  • The event occurs 6 PM - 10 PM on select dates November 8 - January 31.
  • Ticket valid for ages 3+.
  • Parking not included.
  • Voucher is valid until expiration date.
  • Can't be combined with any other special offers or discounts.
  • In order to ensure our guests' comfort and safety, Aquatica Orlando capacity is limited.
  • Admission into the park may be suspended during the day due to periods of high attendance.
  • Notwithstanding anything to contrary in voucher or elsewhere, Groupon is seller of voucher and merchant shall have no responsibility other than honoring voucher for stated admission purpose and only during stated promotional period.
  • If impacted by weather, please visit the park's weather guarantee page.
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

About Aquatica Orlando

Customer Reviews

4.7
based on Groupon 1,339 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
Reviewed on
Liv
1 rating|1 review
FANTASTIC! Even got $10 and used it on drinks.
Helena
2 ratings|2 reviews
Everyone is great there the staff had so much fun
Guest
1 rating|1 review
We had such a fun day and got to ride everything in the park!
Alex
1 rating|1 review
Awesome place
Melissa
6 ratings|2 reviews
Awesome park! One of the best water parks we've been to. Highly recommend!

Explore more