Most people have heard about Universal Studios Orlando’s two theme parks – Universal Studios Park and Islands of Adventure. But have you heard about Volcano Bay? It’s Universal Resort’s water park. But this isn’t just ANY water park. Wait until you see what it has to offer! It is truly one of the most unique and fun water park experiences you’ll ever have!
Volcano Bay is the newest theme park at Universal Orlando. There’s nothing more fun to do on a hot Florida day than head to a waterpark. Volcano Bay officially opened May 25, 2017. It is themed around a 200-foot-tall volcano named “Krakatau.” Volcano Bay’s attractions are located in four themed areas, each inspired by various Polynesian islands and cultures.
The TapuTapu
When entering the park you’ll be given a TapuTapu wearable which will transform the way you experience the waterpark. Your TapuTapu wearable will not only wait in line for you but can also make all your park purchases. No need to remember your locker number, your TapuTapu will automatically open your locker door. It activates interactive features aroung the park, as well as photo kiosks.
You can link your credit card to your TapuTapu to use for payment while at the park. When you leave, you turn in your TapuTapu, and everything is unlinked.
One of the best features of the TapuTapu is it will wait in line for you! All you have to do is tap your TapuTapu wearable at the totems marked with the Volcano Bay logo at the entrance of rides. Your TapuTapu stands in line for you and you’ll be alerted when it’s your time to ride. Once your watch says “Time to Ride” head over to the ride and tap in!
The Attractions
The stand-out attraction is the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, a unique thrill ride. Four-person canoes slide upward through the mists and into the dark twists and turns within the volcano before emerging with a plunge through a shimmering waterfall.
There are rides for every kind of adventurer.
Thrill Rides
- TeAwa The Fearless River
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge
- Kala & TaiNui serpentine body slides
- Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Honu of Honu ika Moana
Family Rides
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster
- Punga Racers
- Ika Moana of Honu Ika Moana
- Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Taniwha Tubes Waturi Beach
Kids Areas and Relaxing Indulgences
- Runamukka Reef
- Tot Tiki Reef
- Puka Uli Lagoon
- The Reef
- Kopiko Wai Winding River
At the base of the volcano is Waturi Beach complete with real sand. If you’re like me, you may think sand is nature’s glitter and have a love/hate relationship with it. But no worries! They thought of even the tiniest of details. Water squirts your legs and feet on the pathways between the rides to get the sand off of you and to keep you cool on your walk from sandy areas to rides.
Cabana Rentals
There are a ton of beach chairs and umbrellas that are first come first serve. However, for the ultimate day at the park reserve a cabana or premium seating in advance. There are two types of cabanas, single cabanas for up to 6 people $159.99 per day and family cabanas which can hold up to 16 people for $299.99 per day. Plus cabanas come with some pretty sweet bonuses:
- Refrigerator stocked with waters
- Fruit & Snack Basket
- Towel & Locker Service
- Concierge service with an exclusive menu delivered right to the cabana
Restaurants and Shopping
Krakatoa Katy’s is where you can find whatever you need from souvenirs and sunglasses to swimsuits and towels. If you forgot it, they probably have it.
When it comes to food, there are a ton of restaurants and island-inspired eats to try out with many Volcano Bay exclusive eats. A few options to choose from include mango BBQ pulled pork sandwich, longboard shaped Hawaiian pizza, coconut chicken curry, plantains, poke bowl, and much more. There are tons of drink and snack carts throughout the park as well.
Restaurants include:
- Whakawaiwai Eats
- The Feasting Frog
- Bambu
- Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club
Bars:
- Dancing Dragons Boat Bar
- Kanuku Boat Bar
Food Carts:
- The Fish Tail
- Koka Paroka
You can see there’s no shortage of choices when it comes to food and drink!
If you are just wanting to visit for the day, there is dedicated Volcano Bay parking for $20. If you’re staying at a Universal Studios Resort, it’s within walking distance from some, and transportation is provided from the resorts not within walking distance.
Volcano Bay is truly an innovative and imaginative take on a water theme park. It is the perfect way to round out your Universal Studios Resort vacation!
Learn about Universal Studios Park and Islands of Adventure, too!
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