Orlando is hosting an unexpected Nintendo experience this week at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium in ICON Park, running from Friday through April 30. The “Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour” offers character appearances, photo opportunities, and themed experiences included with admission.
Located on International Drive, ICON Park is conveniently situated between Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, making it an easy addition to families’ spring vacation plans.
What You Get with Admission to this Orlando Experience
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium tickets start at $29 for adults and $24 for kids, with Florida resident discounts available. The Animal Crossing tour is included in the price, featuring character meet and greets with Isabelle, Tom Nook, and K.K. Slider on select weekends: February 13-15, March 20-22, and April 3-5.
When characters aren’t present, guests can still enjoy Animal Crossing elements, including character standees for photos and Blathers’ exhibit descriptions. An Animal Crossing stamp rally offers a scavenger hunt experience, and visitors can earn 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points at a kiosk. The gift shop also features Animal Crossing merchandise during the tour.
Why ICON Park in Orlando Works for This
ICON Park occupies an interesting position in Orlando’s tourism landscape. It’s not a full-blown theme park requiring an entire day and high admission costs, but it offers more than typical shopping and dining. The location on International Drive puts it in the natural flow of tourist traffic moving between major resort areas.
For families spending a week hitting Disney and Universal parks, ICON Park represents an easy evening activity or lighter day between intensive park visits. SEA LIFE provides air-conditioned relief when Florida heat becomes overwhelming. The Orlando Eye offers city views. Madame Tussauds delivers wax figure photo ops. None require the planning intensity of theme park days.
Adding Animal Crossing to SEA LIFE creates a timely reason for Nintendo fans to visit who might otherwise skip ICON Park entirely. With SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal EPIC Universe still drawing crowds, Nintendo awareness among Orlando tourists has increased significantly. This aquarium tour capitalizes on that momentum.
Limited Time in Orlando Creates Urgency
The tour only runs through April 30, creating pressure for families who want the experience. Character weekends are even more limited with just three across the entire run. That scarcity matters for fans who specifically want photos with Isabelle, Tom Nook, or K.K. Slider rather than just cardboard cutouts.
After Orlando, the tour travels to other U.S. aquariums throughout 2026, confirming this is temporary rather than permanent. That fits ICON Park’s model of rotating special events and limited offerings that keep locals returning and give tourists reasons to visit beyond permanent attractions.
Fitting Into Vacation Plans
For families planning Orlando trips around Disney and Universal, the Animal Crossing tour is an easy add-on. Located near both resorts, ICON Park doesn’t require significant travel time. An evening visit to SEA LIFE after a day at a theme park is convenient, especially for those staying on International Drive.
The aquarium offers a refreshing change of pace that’s perfect for tired families. With Universal’s EPIC Universe and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD drawing visitors in spring 2026, the Animal Crossing tour complements the experience without needing another full theme park day.
Planning Around Characters
The limited character schedule means families wanting those experiences need careful planning. February 13-15 represents the first opportunity just days after opening. March 20-22 falls during spring break for many schools. April 3-5 offers the final weekend before the April 30 closing.
Families should consider booking advance tickets for character weekends, as those dates will likely see higher attendance. The inclusion in standard admission means no upcharge, but capacity limitations could apply during peak times.
Visitors who can’t make character weekends or don’t prioritize costumed characters still get Animal Crossing theming, photo opportunities, and the stamp rally throughout the entire February 13 to April 30 window.
The Broader Picture
ICON Park’s position between Disney and Universal creates natural synergy while maintaining separate identity as a more casual entertainment district. The Animal Crossing tour shows how the venue capitalizes on trends that complement but don’t compete with what major theme parks offer.
The tour adds another layer to Orlando’s tourism ecosystem, giving families with Nintendo fans a reason to explore International Drive beyond just traveling between the big parks.
