Ready, Steady, Glow! Aquatica’s Summer Bonus

**By Simon & Susan Veness

Ah, summer. Orlando’s time of heat, humidity – and fab evening events. Events like Aquatica’s AquaGlow, when SeaWorld’s neighbouring water park adds to its blissful South Seas vibe with a party-style evening overlay that takes advantage of the ideal temperature to celebrate the full, watery outdoor experience under the stars.

It’s nothing new, of course. Both Disney and Universal have pioneered this separately-ticketed event in recent years to create a unique extra water park ambiance that goes beyond the usual rides and slides to provide a night-time extravaganza of music, food and visual splendour.

Because, while the main theme parks all feature the essential magic of their rides and attractions, they can’t quite match the sheer fun of being able to release one’s own inner party animal in a swimsuit at night. It amounts to a whole new recipe for summer entertainment, and it is now on offer at arguably the most family-friendly of Orlando’s five water parks.

What is Aquaglow?

This version of the evening water park party was introduced in 2024 and is now in the third incarnation of SeaWorld’s extra-ticketed summer event. It kicked off on May 14 and will run on select nights until September 26, which coincides nicely with the full range of UK summer holidays.

It keeps the park open until 11pm (for additionally ticketed guests) and adds live music, enhanced entertainment, light shows, updated versions of several slides, and the chance to enjoy Aquatica with only a fraction of the normal attendance numbers for three full hours. There are also unlimited soft drinks throughout the party event.

The 2026 version also adds the chance for guests to dive into the whole experience from 4pm, which makes for seven full hours to get the maximum value for their ticket. Regular park closing remains at 7.30pm, and the extra AquaGlow elements kick in from 8pm. Tickets start at $49.99 and are available now on this link.

What’s on offer in 2026?

In the park’s own words, Aquatica’s limited-capacity, family-friendly night-time event “transforms the park into a vibrant neon escape where guests can ride, slide and splash under dazzling lights, all while enjoying shorter wait times and complimentary soft drinks throughout the night.” With that earlier starting time from 4pm, it makes for terrific value for a water park day, especially as the park typically starts to empty out from 4-5pm.

This year, guests will also be able to take advantage of the following programme of new live entertainment:

• Mini Rave Party: A family-friendly dance experience with interactive elements throughout the park. • Electric Tides Laser Show: A reimagined night-time spectacular featuring new music synchronised to an updated array of vibrant laser effects. • Riptide Ravers: Celebrating five years of Riptide Racer with a night-time revamp with fresh music and lighting overlay. • Tassie’s Underwater Neon Twist: This classic flume now features an updated soundtrack for an even more energetic ride experience, while keeping the lava lamp-inspired look guests already love.

Food & Beverage highlights

Of course, no party is complete without a tempting choice of food and drink options, and AquaGlow makes sure the evening will be fully stocked for some memorable tastes as the park’s selection of food outlets all add something new:

• Kookaburra Kitchen: The featured location for event-night bites. • Glow-Exclusive Eats: Miso Bacon Cheeseburger, Mango Habanero BBQ Wings, and Fried Mac & Cheese Bites. • Sweet Treats: AquaGlow cupcakes and a colourful Rainbow Cheesecake Cone. • Ke’Rave Bar (a glow-up of KeRe’s Bar): A transformed glow bar experience with a speciality drink menu. • Plus complimentary soft drinks included with every ticket.

Signature Glow Moments

As if all that isn’t enough, the park aims to make their party nights go with an epic night-club style swing with epic foam parties, high-energy music zones across the park, glow-filled photo opportunities around every corner, and more!

Aquatica Annual Pass Members can enjoy exclusive savings on AquaGlow tickets and keep the glow going all year long with perks like free parking, complimentary guest tickets, special event access, merchandise discounts and more. For additional details, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit Aquatica.com/Orlando. Parking at Aquatica is $35.

About Aquatica

SeaWorld’s water park offers a vibrant aquatic landscape, splashed with South Seas spirit and dotted with towering, colourful slides, This one-of-a-kind park, voted the No.1 outdoor water park in America by USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Poll, is home to some of the world’s most thrilling water rides, featuring more than 50 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000sq ft of sparkling white, sandy beaches. Aquatica isn’t all about dashing and splashing, though. This lush, laid-back playground is perfect for going with the flow. Wade into lazy rivers and wave pools without waiting in line and watch cares float away. Or grab a cozy lounge chair on one of Orlando’s loveliest beaches and sip a refreshing cocktail. Two large play areas just for kids make Aquatica the perfect spot for family fun. Aquatica offers exclusive attractions that promise unlimited fun, sending guests on amazing undersea adventures.

Simon and Susan Veness are Orlando-based travel experts and guidebook authors writing exclusively for Debbie’s Villas.