(Review + tips) AquaGlow has found its rhythm at Aquatica Orlando
After attending Aquatica Orlando’s AquaGlow for the second year in a row, including seeing the event evolve from its earliest media previews and announcements, this year’s version feels the most polished yet.
The separately ticketed nighttime event has gradually added more lighting, stronger themed zones, and smarter guest flow throughout the park. Those upgrades become especially noticeable once the sun goes down.
One of the biggest improvements this year is how much more immersive Roa’s Rapids feels after dark. Additional glowing archways, lighting effects, and neon accents help the attraction feel more complete compared to earlier years of the event.
Another noticeable addition is the atmosphere around the new Riptide Ravers area. The themed bar turns that section into more of a neon party space instead of simply another slide complex operating at night. Drinks are available both with and without alcohol, which worked well for the mix of families and adults attending the event.
Our best tips after three years of AquaGlow
For us, AquaGlow worked best when approached as a slower-paced evening instead of trying to rush from slide to slide.
- Do the kids’ areas early before they close after dark
- Ride Roa’s Rapids at dusk for shorter waits
- Prioritize the AquaGlow-exclusive overlays
- Bring dry clothes, towels and a waterproof phone pouch
All photos by Dani Meyering
Tip 1: Experience the kids’ areas early
We started the evening by grabbing snacks, claiming seats near the children’s area, and spending time on the smaller wave slides. The attractions that allow kids and adults to ride together on dual floats were especially fun without feeling overly intense for younger guests.
One important thing to know: the two kids’ play areas close once it becomes fully dark. Families with younger children may want to prioritize those areas earlier in the evening.
After sunset, we moved to the wave pool to enjoy the laser effects and admire the glowing party cabanas before the park became busier later in the night.
Tip 2: Prioritize the AquaGlow-exclusive experiences
To get the most out of your event ticket, focus first on the attractions and entertainment exclusive to AquaGlow. The event-specific overlays are what make the experience feel different after dark.
That includes Roa’s Rapids Amped Up, the glowing version of Loggerhead Lane known as Luminous Lane, and the two slide experiences with nighttime lighting and music effects: Tassie’s Neon Twist and Riptide Ravers. Plus, Electric Tides brings a revamped laser light experience at the Walkabout Waters beach.
Riptide Ravers is new this year! An exclusive rave-style song with lyrics that highlight the feeling of rushing through the glowing waves of AquaGlow blasts over the air in the area. Adding to the cache of this section of the park is the new Ke’Rave Bar. This decorated bar adds even more glowing touches and extends the rave-themed music and decorations in this corner of Aquatica.
Important note: The height requirement for Riptide Ravers is 48 inches.
We also spent time at the Glow Beach Party near the wave pool, which combines lasers, music, lighting effects, and glowing cabanas into one of the most visually impressive parts of the event.
Tip 3: Ride Roa’s Rapids at dusk, not dark
Our best decision of the night was heading to Roa’s Rapids right at dusk.
While life jackets are not required, we always find the rough river much more enjoyable with them. Roa’s Rapids is among my son’s favorite attractions, and during AquaGlow the additional lighting effects are dazzling. Once it became fully dark, available life jackets became harder to find as more guests grabbed them throughout the evening.
Going during that sunset-to-dusk window gave us shorter waits, available life jackets, and enough natural light to appreciate all the added lighting effects still. In fact, this year’s lighting effects are the best yet, with light archways and adornments than in the previous years. We ended up riding the attraction three times.
Later in the evening, we floated through Loggerhead Lane, which transforms into “Luminous Lane” during AquaGlow with added lighting and atmosphere. Meanwhile, my husband broke off several times to tackle the park’s larger thrill slides and ended the night with Reef Plunge (the waterslide that starts with special lights and ends with a speedy plunge through a pool with Comerson’s Dolphins).
WATCH: Our video below highlights some of the impressive visuals as well as the music of AquaGlow. View clips from our firsthand experience.
One underrated tip: bring dry clothes and towels
Since there’s no daytime sun to naturally dry swimsuits during AquaGlow, changing into dry clothes before leaving made the drive home significantly more comfortable. Aquatica’s changing stations inside most regular restrooms ended up being one of the most appreciated conveniences of the night.
There are no towels provided at Aquatica Orlando, nor are they available to rent. So bring some with you, or budget to spend about $15 – $20 per towel to purchase one.
One downside guests should plan for is locker pricing. During our visit, standard lockers were listed at $32, while large lockers were $40.
Still, this year’s AquaGlow felt more cohesive and more atmospheric than previous visits. After several years of updates and additions, the event now feels like a fully developed nighttime experience and a must-do during this summer in Orlando.
AquaGlow Ticket Prices
AquaGlow tickets cost $49-$54, depending on the date. Aquatica pass members receive a discount.
Daytime admission to Aquatica is not included, nor is it required to attend AquaGlow. Guests can enter Aquatica beginning at 6 p.m. with just their AquaGlow admission.
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