Bionic Buzz® covered Media Day for SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration, and Santa and Mrs. Claus gave us a sneak peek at all the magical moments guests can experience this holiday season!

Watch the full media presentation, along with exclusive interviews with Cindi Miller, Vice President of Entertainment at SeaWorld Orlando, and Conner Carr, Corporate Director of Rides & Engineering at SeaWorld Orlando.

Get insights into SeaWorld’s newest attractions, seasonal entertainment, and behind-the-scenes creative process straight from the leaders shaping the park’s future.

From spectacular shows like Clyde & Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas, Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale, and O Wondrous Night, to family favorites including Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen Presented by Undeniably Dairy, Winter Wonderland on Ice, the beautiful Sea of Trees, the festive Sesame Street Christmas Parade, holiday merchandise, and more — SeaWorld Orlando is bringing the holiday spirit in a big way.

We also take you inside the all-new ILLUMINATE holiday experience, transforming Aquatica Orlando into a glowing winter escape.

During the event, SeaWorld Orlando made a huge announcement for the future: a brand-new attraction coming in 2026 — SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a groundbreaking indoor family dark ride that will take guests on an epic underwater adventure.

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Bionic Buzz had the chance to experience ILLUMINATE at Aquatica Orlando, and it’s safe to say this new nighttime celebration is absolutely breathtaking. Aquatica has transformed the park into a glowing dreamscape filled with color, creativity, and pure magic — making it one of Orlando’s most visually stunning nighttime events.

What truly stands out are the incredible photo ops. Everywhere you turn, you’re surrounded by vibrant LED sculptures, glowing sea creatures, illuminated walkways, and beautifully choreographed light displays that make every snapshot feel like a postcard. Whether you’re posing under shimmering arches, next to massive glowing jellyfish, or along the neon-lit shores of the park, the entire event feels like it was designed with photographers — and Instagram — in mind.

The atmosphere is both relaxing and enchanting, offering families, couples, and friends a chance to explore Aquatica in a whole new light… literally. The combination of music, color, and immersive lighting effects brings the park to life after dark, creating a multisensory experience that feels both uplifting and unforgettable.

If you’re looking for a unique nighttime outing in Orlando, ILLUMINATE at Aquatica is a must-see. It’s magical, creative, and full of unforgettable moments — especially for those who love capturing beautiful memories. ✨

See our photos above.

Grab your crew and prepare to dive. In 2026, SeaWorld Orlando will chart a bold new course with the debut of SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a groundbreaking family indoor dark ride that invites trailblazers big and small to journey into the ocean’s most spellbinding secrets.

For the first time ever, SeaWorld Orlando is blending multi-sensory storytelling, imaginative ride technology, and the awe-inspiring experiences of the deep sea into one unforgettable voyage. Aboard state-of-the-art submersibles, guests will embark together on an expedition beneath the waves — discovering glowing worlds, exploring sunken shipwrecks, and encountering astonishing creatures that capture the exhilaration of the unknown.

“SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep redefines what a family attraction can be,” said Conner Carr, vice president of rides and engineering for the park. “By blending cutting-edge ride technology with the mystery of the deep sea, we’re creating an experience that inspires curiosity and brings explorers of all ages along for the adventure.”

SeaWorld Orlando’s First-of-Its-Kind Suspended Dark Ride

This all-new indoor suspended dark ride, in partnership with Vekoma Rides, will feature a smooth, gliding motion system that allows ride vehicles to swing and rotate through different themed environments — creating a cinematic experience. Featuring immersive audio in every vehicle, dynamic lighting, and a fully indoor setting, SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep offers an experience that lets families embark on a deep-sea expedition no matter the weather outside.

A Voyage for the Whole Family

Whether you crave the rush of discovery or want to experience the sense of awe that comes with exploring the unknown, this first-of-its-kind attraction plunges families straight into the wonders and mysteries of the deep. Guests of all ages can join the journey, taking in extraordinary ocean environments in a way that’s engaging, inspiring and unforgettable.

Launching in 2026 in a newly expanded area of the park, SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep is the latest addition to SeaWorld Orlando’s diverse lineup of attractions, giving families another unforgettable reason to return again and again, rain or shine.

The Best Way to Experience It All

SeaWorld Orlando is making spirits bright with its Black Friday Sale.  Guests can unwrap up to 60% off Tickets, Fun Cards, and Annual Passes — the perfect way to gift a full year of ocean-sized adventure. With an exciting lineup of new events and entertainment coming in late 2025 and throughout 2026, these savings are too good to miss.

The best way to be among the first to dive into SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep is with a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass. Pass Members enjoy the biggest benefits, including FREE parking (on most tiers), monthly rewards, exclusive previews, and discounts on food, merchandise, and upgrades. It’s the smartest—and most rewarding—way to enjoy a year of underwater wonder and experience everything SeaWorld Orlando has to offer, again and again.

About SeaWorld

SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life-themed rides and attractions, special events, and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 42,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent.  A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.

About Vekoma Rides

Vekoma Rides is one of the largest manufacturers in the world of roller coasters & attractions and a market leader in the industry with a presence in over 40 countries. Known for its quality and innovation as reflected in the many installed family & thrill coasters and special attractions that meet the most stringent standards for safety, quality and comfort. Our passion for the pure joy of the ride is reflected in the game changing attractions designed and built by the 300+ experts that work in this group. We have everything under one roof with the world’s largest in-house expertise centrum – from Sales, R&D, Engineering, Production, Project Management to Parts & Services.  It’s where cutting-edge engineering meets creative design and imaginative storytelling to create an experience like no other!