Last Updated on April 2, 2025
If you’ve ever stayed at a Gaylord Resort, like me, you’ll totally get that these properties, in the Marriott International family of luxury resorts, are completely unique.
Each of Gaylord’s five U.S. properties in Florida, Maryland, Tennessee, Texas and Colorado feature themed atriums, gardens, waterfalls and immersive experiences that are almost “over the top.” But the resorts are fun, they are fascinating, and they’re great for families.
Gaylord Texan Resort located in Grapevine (in the middle of Dallas Fort Worth) offers 1,814 guest rooms and 4.5-acres of Texas vistas under signature atriums. Amenities include award-winning restaurants and bars, Paradise Springs waterpark (open seasonally) featuring a 600-foot lazy river, Relâche Spa & Salon, retail shops and more.
Ideally situated on the majestic shores of beautiful Lake Grapevine, Gaylord Texan is conveniently located only six minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Gaylord Texan Resort and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) announced plans to produce an out-of-this-world summer entertainment experience celebrating DC’s legendary stories and characters, the first-ever DC Super Hero themed lantern show in the U.S. And those of us who grew up with DC super heroes and villains like me, are so excited about this upcoming event.
The all-new, walkthrough attraction, Universe of Light, running from May 23 to September 1, 2025 will feature multiple worlds and 40 iconic DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains in more than 1,000 glowing lanterns constructed by master artisans from Zigong, China. Universe of Light joins Gaylord Resort’s lineup of original leisure experiences, including Lone Star Christmas, ICE!, Paradise Springs Water Park, and SummerFest.
Spanning an impressive 17,500 square feet, visitors of the attraction will enter the DC Universe and discover 1,000 brilliantly crafted lanterns (up to 24 feet tall) bringing iconic DC locations and beloved characters from the comic book pages to Gaylord Texan Resort on a larger-than-life scale.
From Batman’s Gotham City and Wonder Woman’s home of Themyscira to Superman’s Metropolis, each vibrant display captures the action and artistry of DC’s world-renowned storytelling. The attraction will include unique photo moments for fans, including a chance to sit inside the Batmobile, an aerial confrontation between Superman and Lex Luthor high above Metropolis, interactive experiences such as exploring Themyscira, an epic battle between the Justice League and an intergalactic foe, and meet-and-greet opportunities with real-life DC Super Heroes.
Universe of Light
Hailing from Zigong, China, widely known as the “Lantern Capital of the World,” the artistry behind Universe of Light is rooted in a 1,000-year-old tradition of breathtaking craftsmanship. Dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties, Zigong artisans have perfected the intricate process of lantern-making, blending heritage with innovation.
From concept to creation, each impressive superhero lantern is a masterpiece of design and engineering. Skilled artisans begin with meticulous sketches before building hand-shaped frames, draping them in colorful silk, and illuminating them with thousands of LED lights. Every cape, emblem and expression has been carefully crafted to create a truly immersive experience unlike any other.
The scale of this dazzling attraction is nothing short of extraordinary and includes these fun facts that include the use of:
- 30 miles of silk – the amount of fabric used to bring the superhero characters and scenes to life.
- 160 artisans – the number of highly skilled Chinese craftsmen who created the immersive display.
- 1,000 glowing lanterns – the number of DC Super Heroes, Super-Villains, and props created.
- 7,911 miles – the distance the master artisans traveled to Gaylord Texan from Zigong, China to build this display.
- 17,500 square feet – the size of the Universe of Light walkthrough superhero attraction including state-of-the-art insulation.
The event will be available to overnight resort guests and local daytime visitors. Universe of Light tickets are currently on sale at the Gaylord Texan website.
