(All images provided by Universal Orlando Resort)
You may have heard: Universal Orlando™ Resort is making a huge splash with its newest attraction! Opened on May 25, 2017, Volcano Bay combines the thrills of a waterpark with the studio magic guests know and love! So what can you expect?
Universal Studios-Worthy Storytelling
Universal’s Volcano Bay™ is being called a “water theme park.” Its detailed staging borrows from South Pacific cultures with a fictional-yet-intricate backstory about the forbidden love between Tai Nui (daughter of the god Krakatau) and Kala (a native youth). After being separated, the two are later reunited as the volcano centerpiece of the land — and celebrated by the Waturi people for eternity. Your whole adventure takes place in this setting!
Upgrades for Annual Passes
Is Volcano Bay included in an annual pass for Universal Orlando™ Resort? The short answer: It can be. Annual passes purchased before the park opened now have the option to upgrade the remainder of their year to include the new park for a fee. New three-park annual passes comprise the most economical option for guests wishing to visit all the parks year-round. One-day and multi-day tickets can be purchased at the official Universal Orlando™ Resort website for the best value (and an online discount)!
Unique Water Rides
Sure, the names of the rides might be a little difficult to pronounce, but what matters here is substance. Must-try attractions include the magnetically-powered Krakatau™ Aqua Coaster, which actually accelerates faster on climbs than drops; the daring Ko’oriki Body Plunge™, the world’s tallest and fastest trap door slide; and TeAwa The Fearless River™, a whitewater inner tube experience. But the mat racers, tube rides, sandy beaches, lazy rivers, and even the tropical food and drinks all create an unforgettable experience!
Cool Wrist Bands
One key feature of the bay is its TapuTapu™ wristbands. These waterproof, wearable bands allow you to hold your place in line without actually being in line! Just scan your band outside one ride at a time to start a countdown which ends with a beeping “RIDE NOW” notification. This allows you to maximize time checking out the other attractions. As a bonus, the wristbands can be tethered to your credit card, allowing you to leave all your dry stuff and valuables in a locker all day.
Height Requirements
Guests taller than 48″ can ride all of the adult rides, while those between 42” and 48” may need to be accompanied by what the park calls “a supervising companion.” The large bodies of mostly-standing water, including the beaches and lazy rivers, don’t have height requirements, but children under 48” may be asked to wear a life vest. Several attractions are designed specifically for children. Read the official list.
Off-Site Parking
One thing that’s not well advertised is the parking situation. Unfortunately, the 30-acre park does not offer on-site parking. Instead, you’ll need to leave your vehicle at Universal CityWalk™ and ride a shuttle over to Volcano Bay. It’s a short distance, but one you’ll want to expect before showing up.
When the famous Wet ‘n Wild™ Orlando waterpark closed at the end of 2016, everyone wondered what the next chapter of Central Florida waterparks would bring — and so far, we haven’t been disappointed! Come see Universal’s Volcano Bay™ for yourself. Learn about our complimentary shuttle services to Disney World & Universal Orlando™ Resort and more!
