A new after-hours event at Aquatica Orlando water park is designed to bring some light to the season. Illuminate features larger-than-life, lantern-inspired figures — primarily shaped as animals — that line the attraction’s pathway.

“Illuminate invites families to explore the park on foot, surrounded by glowing lanterns and shimmering realms full of light,” Bradley Gilmour, park president, said during a Wednesday evening preview.

Although a few of the lit-up displays are placed on the water’s surface, the park’s slides, wave pool and lazy rivers are not open during Illuminate. Visitors should leave swimsuits at home.

“We’ve done night events over the course of the wintertime here, like movies on the beach, and they really resonated with our [annual] pass members,” Gilmour said. Last year, the park introduced AquaGlow, an after-hours, limited-capacity party with slides available, some of which are enhanced with lighting effects.

For Illuminate, the park is divided into five distinctly themed areas, starting with one named AquaLuma, which uses five Aquatica mascots — including Roa the Kiwi and Kata the Kookaburra — to greet Illuminate-goers.

Other realms include Enchanted Lagoon, featuring an at-sea mermaid and a colorful unicorn; Rivers of Discovery, with animals such as dolphins, flamingos, lions, giraffes and rays; and Myst Wood Waters, featuring dragonflies, chameleons and birds.

Candy Cascade Falls veers from the wildlife theme into sweet territory and a lollipop-lined pathway.

Scents and music are added to the spaces for immersive touches. Brightly colored tunnels connect the areas and stops for specialty foods for purchase.

“Every glowing lantern, every scent, every sound, every unique experience was crafted from scratch through our entertainment and technical teams,” said Cindi Miller, vice president for entertainment.

“They spent months designing, building and programming these worlds for you guys to enjoy,” she said.

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Add-on experiences include s’mores by the fire, a crafting area and the Serengeti Express Train Ride, which chugs through safari scenes near the Rivers of Discovery realm.

Although there’s an opportunity to meet a Tropical Kiwi-themed Santa Claus during Illuminate, it’s not an overwhelmingly holiday-driven evening, Gilmour said.

“It’s not 100% a Christmas event. It’s an event centered around lanterns and lights and spending time with friends and family,” he said.

Admission varies with date. Ticket prices run between $24.99 and $29.99. The water park is off International Drive, adjacent to sister park SeaWorld Orlando. Illuminate is held on select nights through Jan. 31. For more information, go to aquatica.com.

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