Overview
- Illuminate runs on select nights from November 8 through January 31, 2026, with event hours from 6 to 10 p.m.
- The water park shifts to a dry, after‑hours experience featuring five themed realms with large lantern installations, scents, music and story elements.
- Entertainment leaders say the lanterns, effects and interactive features were designed and built in‑house by Aquatica’s teams.
- Tickets vary by date at $24.99 to $29.99, with paid add‑ons including the Serengeti Express train ride at $4.99 per person, s’mores by a fire, crafts and a wishing‑tree activity; a tropical‑style Santa meet is also offered.
- United Parks and Resorts reported Q3 attendance down 3% to 6.8 million and revenue down about 6% to roughly $512 million, citing weather and weaker international tourism, and it points to holiday events and 2026 ride openings to help rebound.