Aquatica Orlando details 2026 parkwide upgrades and revamped event calendar, including Polar Plunge and AquaGlow nights

Multi-million-dollar upgrades focus on arrival flow, shade, dining capacity, and mobile ordering

Aquatica Orlando is rolling out a new round of parkwide enhancements in 2026, with projects aimed at reducing bottlenecks at arrival, improving guest comfort in high-traffic areas, and expanding food-and-beverage capacity. The plan includes adding a fourth toll booth to improve vehicle throughput into the park ahead of the summer season.

Across the property, the park has cited extensive refresh work such as fresh paint, resurfaced areas, cleaned exteriors, updated landscaping, and refurbished guest spaces. Additional comfort features planned for queues and dining zones include new fans, upgraded shade structures, and more umbrellas. Aquatica also continues to offer heated waterways as a comfort feature during cooler periods.

Dining changes emphasize speed and more seating, with chairside delivery via QR ordering

Food service is a major part of the 2026 operational update, with refreshed and expanded dining venues listed among the season’s upgrades. Park offerings highlighted for 2026 include Papa’s Pizza as a grab-and-go option, a Coffee & Funnel Cake Shop for sweets and coffee, and a reimagined Ke-re’s Bar designed for increased capacity and added amenities.

Operationally, the park is expanding mobile food ordering. The system includes QR-code ordering with delivery directly to guest seating areas, including cabanas and premium loungers, with the stated goal of shortening time spent in lines.

Reimagined seasonal events anchor the 2026 calendar

Aquatica’s 2026 schedule includes a mix of daytime and after-hours programming, with several recurring events returning with updates.

• Aloha to Summer: March 7 to May 3, 2026.
• AquaGlow: May 15 to September 26, 2026, billed as a nighttime swim party concept transforming the park with neon lighting.
• The Ultimate Playdate: Select dates April 6 to August 24, 2026, designed around early access to Turi’s Kid Cove before the park opens to the general public.
• Pass Member Slide Nights: March 13 to September 11, 2026, offering select after-hours access windows and event-specific food options.

Events are subject to change.

Polar Plunge set for Feb. 14, 2026, marking 16th anniversary supporting Special Olympics Florida

Among the season’s community-facing events, Polar Plunge is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026. The event marks its 16th anniversary at Aquatica Orlando and is organized to raise funds in support of Special Olympics Florida, with participation options for individuals and teams.

The 2026 event description includes on-site entertainment elements such as live music, food and beverages, costume contests, fundraising incentives, and a VIP experience tier for top fundraising teams.

Additional improvements target repeat visitation and smoother on-site circulation

Beyond the event calendar, the 2026 plan emphasizes operational efficiency and guest circulation, including arrival improvements and multiple comfort upgrades in the park’s busiest zones. The park has also outlined a slate of pass-focused access windows and perks tied to certain event dates, alongside continued updates to guest spaces intended to keep facilities and high-use areas refreshed throughout the season.