Volcano Bay Water Park at Universal Orlando
SPRING BREAK, SUMMER TIME , or really ANYTIME in Florida is perfect for enjoying Universal Orlando’s 3rd Theme Park!
Volcano Bay is the newest park at Universal Studios Orlando. This water park opened on May 25, 2017, and is very near to the Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. In fact, if you are staying at Cabana Bay Resort, the view of Volcano Bay Water Park is worth the splurge!
There is a walking path to Volcano Bay from the Cabana Bay resort. If you are staying at one of the other Universal Orlando resorts (Loews Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel , Loews Royal Pacific, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort or Universal’s Endless Summer / Dockside Resorts) then you will take a complimentary shuttle bus from your resort to Volcano Bay.
Off-property guests driving to the parks will enter the centrally located parking garage and look for Volcano Bay signs. There’s a special motorcoach bus from the parking area to Volcano Bay.
Tickets
- The first thing to know is you will need a 3 Park Ticket if you want to include Volcano Bay on your next visit to Universal Studios Orlando. The 2 Park Ticket is valid for Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
- The Park 2 Park option allows you to visit Volcano Bay and then hop to one of the other parks for the afternoon/evening.
- Express Pass: extremely limited, currently available in tiers based on ride type, available for purchase online or at the Concierge Huts in the parks
Hours and Early Morning Park Admission
- Open all year round, Volcano Bay’s operating hours fluctuant seasonally. A typical day is 10am-5pm, while the height of summer hours may be 9am-9pm. Volcano Bay will close on particularly cold or stormy days.
- Early Morning Park Admission is available daily for guests staying in an on-property resort or with tickets purchased through Travel Agencies – like Embrace The Magic Travel.
Areas of the Park
There are four areas in Volcano Bay.
- River Village
- Wave Village
- Rainforest Village
- The Volcano
The volcano is the large in the middle of the park that you will see upon entering. It really is a site to see!
Keep an eye out around the park for maps of Volcano Bay and be sure to check your Official Universal Orlando Resort app for the map as well.
Most Popular Attractions
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster is the most popular ride in the park. This is a definite “must-do”! This attraction offers 4 person canoes that send you on a water roller coaster through the volcano.
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge is not for the faint of heart! This is one of the three drop rides at Volcano Bay. This attraction plunges you 125 feet from the top of the volcano!
- Maku and Puihi Round Raft Rides are very similar attractions. Both offer a 5 person raft that takes you on spins and funnels.
- TeAwa The Fearless River is a lazy river on steroids! No need to swim at all, as the current takes you on a thrilling ride!
TapuTapu
- This is the newest way to avoid waiting in long lines on your favorite attractions. When you enter the park, everyone will be given a TapuTapu band. It looks like a watch or a FitBit, and is completely waterproof.
- Virtual Queue System: Just head to your favorite attraction and tap your TapuTapu band at the stand right outside the attraction entrance. Your TapuTapu will tell you what time to head back to that attraction to ride. No more waiting in huge lines!
- TapuTapu also let’s you “TapTu Pay” for food, drinks and merchandise throughout the park, if you set it up as a cashless wallet on The Official Universal Orlando Resort App.
- TapTu Play: Keep an eye out for spots throughout the park where you can use your TapuTapu to splash other guests!
- Selfie Stations: There are also plenty of spots where you can tap your TapuTapu, snap a pose, and get a unique shot of you in picturesque locations throughout Volcano Bay. (Pro Tip: Add on the Photo Package!)
Extras and Upgrades
Lockers
There are multiple sizes of lockers available for rent in five different locations throughout Volcano Bay. Each one has a kiosk that will walk you through how to pay for your locker and get it synced up with your TapuTapu for ease throughout the day. There are also private lockers when you book a private cabana or premium seating option.
Premium Seating
Relax, with the comfort and convenience of reserved seating for the day.
Cabanas
Relax, unwind and enjoy the charms of your own private cabana in paradise with extra-comfy seating, concierge service and more. Each retreat offers padded lounge chairs, a small refrigerator stocked with bottled water, complimentary fruit and snack basket, towel and locker service, plus concierge service with an exclusive menu of food and drink delivered directly to the cabana. One-story and two-story retreats are located throughout the park.
What to Bring
When it comes to a park that’s all about water and relaxing in the sunshine, there are a few consistent FAQs that pop up on what to bring.
– Towel? Yes. I recommend bringing your own towel (not from your hotel room) for ease, however, there are towels you can rent. (Pro Tip: Cabanas come supplied with enough towels for your whole family – easy peasy!)
– Water shoes? Yes. I’m a huge fan of water shoes, so I recommend bringing a pair. You can wear them throughout the park and on the majority of the slides.
– Cooler? Sure. You can bring in a small soft-sided cooler for snacks and bottled water.
– Tubes? – No need to bring in your own tube. They’ve got you covered.
– Hotel room key? – Yes, you’ll still need to bring this with you in order to take advantage of the perks we listed above (Early Park Admission, etc.).
TIP: Leave your wallet dry at the hotel by setting up a virtual wallet through the Universal Orlando Resort App. Then, all you’ll need is your TapuTapu wearable when you arrive at the park to pay for your food, drinks, or merch with just a simple tap. I would still recommend bringing your photo ID, especially if you’re looking to purchase one of the adult umbrella drinks.
