Volcano Bay Water Park at Universal Orlando

Did you know that there’s a Universal waterpark now? Volcano Bay is one of the best water-based theme parks we’ve been to because it’s jam-packed with all kinds of water slides.

Have you heard about Universal Orlando‘s water park, Volcano Bay?

I finally had the chance to visit Volcano Bay and I was totally blown away. Last year I saw them building it, at that time it was just a month or so from opening. I knew then that it looked pretty great, but from the street, there is no way to fully see how awesome it is. I got to visit Universal recently to cover the opening of the new Fast and Furious ride and the day before I got to spend some time at Volcano Bay. I was a little worried it would not be warm enough, but the water is heated. I didn’t have a towel, but you can rent one inside the park for $5 a day.

Volcano Bay Rides

When you walk in you are greeted as expected by a phenomenal volcano named Krakatau. The pool in front of the volcano is a wave pool named Waturi Beach part of Wave Village.

What I didn’t expect was the backside of the volcano to be jam-packed with rides. I was stunned when I finally walked back there. The entire water park is much larger than it looks when you drive by.

Coming out of the volcano are three drop capsule slides, including Ko’okiri Body Plunge, the tallest body slide in America ranging at 125 feet tall! It is also the first slide to travel through a pool full of guests. I don’t hate this ride, but I don’t really enjoy rides where the floor pulls out from under you. It feels disturbing to me.

Other rides in the volcano:

Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides: These body slides travel through the volcano winding around the Krakatau Aqua Coaster. They also start with trap-door starts. Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides are also the tallest drop capsule slides in the world at 125 ft.

Krakatau Aqua Coaster: This is a fantastic ride. It is a water coaster that takes riders into the volcano, before plunging through a shimmering waterfall. My friend and I stood around looking at it trying to figure out how it works. I looked it up, it uses linear induction motors to propel riders uphill.

Punga Racers: A four-lane racing slide using mats. I have mixed feelings about this ride. The end was a little too rough for me and at the beginning, I banged my knee up pretty badly.

The various sections of the park are split into areas. The kiddie area is in River Village and Rainforest Village has body slides and raft slides.

River Village 

• Kopiko Wai Winding River: This is a traditional lazy river that passes through the Krakatau volcano. It has caves and various special effects. You can ride around it with or without an inner tube.
• Tot Tiki Reef: A super cute play area designed for toddlers with fun things to do like run through the splash pad, ride small water slides and shoot water guns. 
• Runamukka Reef: Three stories tall, a water fortress for kids with its own small slides.

Rainforest Village

Taniwa Tubes at Volcano Bay

• Maku: Another multi-passenger raft slide aka family raft ride.
• Puihi: Multi-passenger rafts drop down into multiple tunnels, then two funnels and a final drop.
• Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides: Body slides with tall drops into the splash pools.
• TeAwa The Fearless River: This is kind of like a lazy river, but more intense. Everyone has to wear a life jacket to go in and you will be happy they require this!
• Taniwha Tubes: Four raft slides and they are super fun.
• Puka Uli Lagoon: A pool.

How the TapuTapu wristband system works:

Volcano Bay uses a wearable wristband system called the TapuTapu experience. When you enter they will give you one, then as you leave you return it. The wristband can be used to hold your place in a virtual line instead of standing in long lines for an attraction. While it holds your place on one ride you can go ride other rides that are not experiencing a wait. If all the ride’s wait times are too long just jump into one of the rivers.

You can link a credit card to your band through the Universal Orlando app, which allows you to pay for merchandise, food, and drinks (alcoholic drinks require a government-issued ID) inside the park. This system is referred to as TapTuPay.

The wristbands can also be used to interact with environmental features, set off water springs, or illuminate lights around the park.

Cabanas

The cabanas are not cheap. They start at $159 and go all the way up to $599 depending on what you get. Inside the cabanas is a little electronic thing called a Guest Experience Transformation Tablet that lets you make a reservation for a line for a ride or order food. I had some of their BBQ, the PuPu Platter, with pulled pork, ribs, rice, and pineapple. It was amazing! As a Texas girl, I get a little moody if the BBQ isn’t good! The cabanas also offer:

• Towel service – You do not have to bring a towel or rent a towel because they are included. (Otherwise, a towel rental is $5 for the day.)
• Padded lounge chairs
• Complimentary fruit and snack basket
• Small fridge with bottled water
• Concierge service

Safety

I felt safe on all rides and appreciated that they make people ride in life vests in the intense river. I noticed up at the top of the rides was special equipment that would help get someone down all those stairs if there was a medical emergency. One of the things I worry about is how I would get my son down from a ride if he had a seizure. I cannot tell you how pleased I was to see this equipment at the park. I also noticed that there were lifeguards everywhere.

The benefits of staying on property:

If you are staying at one of the Universal Orlando hotel resorts you are likely within walking distance of Volcano Bay. I walked over from Cabana Bay Beach Resort and it took no time at all. I went through an entrance just for hotel guests. Cabana Bay is the closest Universal hotel to the water park.

The biggest benefit is being able to access the park an hour earlier than everyone else!

Can’t wait to go back!

Unfortunately, I only had half a day here, it was wonderful, but I didn’t get to ride everything. Hopefully, I can take the kids soon and get their take on it! I feel confident that the entire family including older children will have a wonderful time. As someone that LOVES water parks, I highly recommend this one!

Volcano Bay Tickets

One-day tickets to Volcano Bay start out at $80. It’s a much better deal to buy a multi-day ticket that includes the water park. I find the website painful to use. I recommend checking Viator for lower-priced tickets. It doesn’t cost you any extra. She knows the system, so what would take you hours to figure out, she can figure out in minutes.

Universal Express Pass is available on participating rides and attractions at Universal’s Volcano Bay for $19.99.

Florida Residents: If you are a Florida resident, you by far get the best discount on tickets.

Military discount tickets: Not all military tickets will get you admission to Volcano Bay, so you need to look for the tickets that include it. I recommend the 3-Park, 4-Day Park-to-Park Ticket. These tickets cost: Adult – $239.00 Child (3-9) – $234.00

Volcano Bay Hours

Due to the nature of a water park hours will change seasonally, but for a most part these are the hours.

Volcano Bay Parking

Parking isn’t cheap, it’s $20-$22 for regular or $30 for VIP. It can be a bit difficult to find the parking area. Use 6000 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819 to get you close, but once you get close follow the signs instead of your gps. Once you are parked you will need to take a bus to the park.

RV parking is available for slightly more and there’s a kennel located here.

FYI – if you need tickets you can buy them at parking, instead of waiting in line at the water park entrance!

FAQs About Volcano Bay

Can I bring food inside?

You can bring in a soft-sided cooler with snacks like prepackaged food. In fact, all food brought in has to be prepackaged according to the Volcano Bay food policy. You cannot bring in alcohol.

If I leave can I get back in?

Yes, you can leave and come back.

Do I need to bring life jackets?

There is no need to bring a life jacket. They provide life jackets free of charge inside the park and can accommodate all sizes.

Are water shoes/aqua socks allowed?

Yes.

Where is Universal’s Volcano Bay located?

Universal’s Volcano Bay is located in Orlando, Florida, within the Universal Orlando Resort complex. The address and directions can be found on the official Universal Orlando Resort website.

What makes Volcano Bay unique among water parks?

Volcano Bay is known for its innovative design and theme, featuring a massive 200-foot volcano, various thrilling water attractions, and a virtual queue system that reduces wait times for rides.

How many water attractions are there at Volcano Bay?

Volcano Bay offers a variety of water attractions, including slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a multi-level play area. The park provides options for both thrill-seekers and those looking for a more relaxed experience.

Do I need a separate ticket for Volcano Bay, or is it included with my Universal Orlando Resort ticket?

Volcano Bay requires a separate admission ticket. It is not included in the standard Universal Orlando Resort ticket and must be purchased separately. There are packages that include admission to Volcano Bay.

Is there an age or height requirement for certain attractions at Volcano Bay?

Yes, some attractions at Volcano Bay have height and age requirements for safety reasons. Check the park’s official website or inquire at the entrance for specific details on each ride.

Is there a rental service for cabanas or premium seating at Volcano Bay?

Yes, Volcano Bay offers rental services for cabanas and premium seating. These amenities provide a comfortable and shaded space for guests to relax between water adventures.

Is sunscreen provided at Volcano Bay?

Volcano Bay does not provide complimentary sunscreen. It’s advisable to bring your own sunscreen and apply it regularly, especially if you plan to spend an extended amount of time in the sun.

Is there a dress code at Volcano Bay?

Volcano Bay has a dress code that prohibits certain types of clothing, including swimwear with buckles, rivets, or zippers. Review the park’s dress code policy on its official website before visiting.

Hotels Near Volcano Bay Water Park

All in all, Volcano Bay Waterpark is a great place for the whole family. Visitors can catch a guaranteed breathtaking view of one of Universal’s iconic volcano structures while their kids take advantage of everything that the waterpark has to offer—from memorable slides to relaxing Jacuzzis. This attraction is truly something you have to experience for yourself; you won’t be disappointed!

That being said, don’t forget to bring your sunscreen and beach towels! While there are definitely other great waterparks both locally and around the world, Volcano Bay stands out from the pack with its unique vision and powerful themes. So why not head over to Universal Studio’s Volcano Bay today? After all, what’s better than experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with those that mean the most? And don’t forget to tell us: What’s your favorite ride at Volcano Bay?

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