This winter has been brutal. It was 12 degrees - only 12 degrees! - during the morning commute yesterday. This past weekend it snowed, and the week before school was closed for an “ice day.” We are sooooo over it. We’re ready for warmer temps and sunshine, which has us thinking about a place where it’s always summertime - Volcano Bay. If you’re ready to leave winter behind like us, check out today’s blog where we’re sharing reasons why you should consider a visit to Universal Orlando Resort’s tropical oasis.
Celebrating its two-year anniversary this coming May, Volcano Bay has revolutionized and redefined the water park. In fact, Universal Orlando calls it a water theme park, rather than a water park. The landscaping is lush and verdant; trust us, you are not walking into a slab of concrete with waterslides. Rather, you feel as if you’ve stepped into a tropical paradise. The thoughtful details like the wood carvings you’ll see throughout the park reflect the immersive storytelling of the Waturi people who traveled the oceans looking for a home until they found Volcano Bay.
Fun and relaxation awaits you at Volcano Bay.
Paradise is no place to stress or feel anxious about doing it all. Volcano Bay’s innovative virtual line system makes it easy to relax while experiencing the park’s attractions. When you enter Volcano Bay, you’ll receive a digital wristband called a Tapu Tapu. The waterproof wearable offers many cool functions, including holding your place in line. Simply tap your Tapu Tapu at an attraction entrance, and you’ll receive a return time. In the meantime, grab a cold drink; shop; or relax on the beach. When it’s your turn in the virtual line, your Tapu Tapu will vibrate to remind you. How neat is that?
Time to ride! Thanks for alerting us, Tapu Tapu.
You can only reserve one spot in the virtual line, but immediately after you enjoy an attraction using Tapu Tapu, you’re free to use it at another attraction. As you’re waiting for a return time, keep an eye out for “Ride Now” attractions, meaning you can immediately tap into that line without losing your place in the virtual line for another attraction.
Your Tapu Tapu also unlocks other features, like locker rentals, cashless purchases on merchandise and food/drink (just link a credit card to your account before your visit using the Universal Orlando Resort mobile app), capture memories at select photo stations, and interactive surprises - nothing is more fun than squirting an unsuspecting friend with a blast of water!
Scan your Tapu Tapu at these stations to unlock interactive surprises at Volcano Bay!
Don’t forget to turn in your Tapu Tapu at the end of your day. When you return for a second time during your Universal vacation, you’ll receive another Tapu Tapu to launch the fun all over again. If you want to bypass the virtual lines altogether, you can add Universal’s Express Pass which gives you front-of-line access. Per day, you can only redeem one use per participating attraction.
By now, you know that sampling food is a huge part of our vacation experience. Unlike at other water parks, you won’t find standard, bland theme park food at Volcano Bay. Rather, you’ll find an eclectic menu of fresh salads, poke bowls, sushi, grilled Mahi Mahi and quinoa edamame burgers. Yum. And we haven’t mentioned the tropical cocktails, frozen concoctions and cold beers ;) You can utilize Universal’s Quick-Service Dining Plan for meals and snacks at the kiosks and eateries at Volcano Bay, not on alcoholic beverages unfortunately.
What’s a vacation in Florida without a tropical drink? Check out the drink menu at Dancing Dragons Boat Bar at Volcano Bay.
Of course, the real star of Volcano Bay is the assortment of water attractions. There is something for everyone. Thrill seekers will be drawn to the Ko’okiri Body Plunge which features a 70-degree fall through a drop door with a descent along a 125-foot slide. Or try the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, a group ride where four adventures board a canoe which travels uphill, traverses through the dark volcano and ends with riders emerging through a waterfall.
Although many of the attractions have height requirements or are best tackled by the brave of heart, there is plenty to do for the risk-averse. Little ones will adore Tot Tiki Reef, a family-friendly play area with splash fountains, slides and a kid-sized volcano. Everyone will enjoy drifting astray in a tube along the Kopiko Wai Winding River. And of course, we could spend all day lounging at Waturi Beach with tropical drink in hand, savoring the view of Krakatau - the volcanic centerpiece of the entire park. Be sure to stay until the evening when the volcano spews “lava.”
Cruising the Kopiko Wai Winding River
If Volcano Bay is the focus of your Universal Orlando Resort trip, we recommend staying at neighboring Cabana Bay. The two-bedroom Family Suites in the newer Tower Building feature floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of the water park, while guests in any room at the hotel benefit from a private entrance into Volcano Bay. Guests at Cabana Bay and any of the on-property Universal Orlando hotels receive a major benefit - one-hour early admission to Volcano Bay.
An amazing view of Volcano Bay from Cabana Bay’s Two-Bedroom Family Suites
For guests looking to elevate their Volcano Bay experience, you may want to consider renting a private one- or two-story cabana. You’ll receive padded lounge chairs, a small refrigerator stocked with bottled water, a complimentary fruit and snack basket, towel and locker service, plus concierge service with an exclusive menu of food and drink delivered directly to your cabana. Single cabanas accommodate up to six people for $199.99 plus tax per day, while family suite, stand-alone cabanas hold up to 16 people for $599.99 plus tax per day. If there are only two in your party, you might prefer Premium Seating which includes a pair of padded loungers with an adjustable shade canopy, a built-in storage lockbox, and an attendant who will take care of your food and drink orders.
There’s no need to wait until the official summer season to explore Volcano Bay. The water in the colder months reaches a delightful 85 degrees. Sure beats 12 degrees!