Read Time: 14 mins.
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’re heading to Orlando and looking for the best water park experience, then Volcano Bay is a must. As part of Universal Studios, it’s like the cherry on top of all the fun you’ll already have.
I mean, Universal has everything – rides, shows, shopping, food, and, on top of that, this incredible water park. That’s like the ultimate summer day rolled into one.
And while I might be a little team Universal over Disney (sorry, not sorry), there’s something special about this place.
If you’re thinking of taking the plunge and checking out Volcano Bay, welcome to my guide. I’ve been to Volcano Bay so many times. From carefree days before kids to now with three in tow, I’ve got all the tips you need for an epic day. So, grab your swimsuit, and let’s get started.
Talking the basics at first…
What is Volcano Bay?
If you haven’t been before, let me set the stage. Volcano Bay is Universal Orlando’s third theme park, and it opened on May 25, 2017.
You might remember its predecessor, Wet ‘n Wild, Orlando’s original water park. I fondly remember visiting Wet ‘n Wild with my family before it closed in 2016.
Universal replaced it with this stunning tropical-themed water park. The park’s design is inspired by the mythical Waturi people, who discovered this paradise while voyaging across the ocean.
With over 27 acres of attractions, food, and relaxation areas, the park comfortably hosts more than 6,000 guests. But trust me, thanks to its thoughtful design, the park feels spacious even on a busy day.
One of the best things about Volcano Bay is how relaxed you can be. Sure, there are many rides, but unlike the typical Orlando theme park experience, you don’t need to over-plan your day. The vibe is about taking it easy, letting the kids splash around, and enjoying the tropical atmosphere.
Getting to Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay Location
Located right on Universal Orlando Resort’s campus, Volcano Bay is super easy to get to, especially if you’re staying at one of Universal’s nearby hotels. We love staying at Cabana Bay because of the direct walking path to the park. It’s such a perk to avoid waiting for shuttles.
The exact address is 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819.
Transportation Options
Apart from walking, if you’re coming from a home or a hotel off-property like Disney World Resorts, no worries. There are plenty of ways to get to Volcano Bay:
- By Car: Easily accessible from I-4. Parking is in the main Universal Orlando Resort garages, with shuttle buses running frequently to the park’s entrance.
- Shuttle Service: Free shuttles are available if you’re staying at a Universal Orlando hotel like Sapphire Falls or Aventura.
- Public Transportation: Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, taxis, and the I-Ride Trolley offer affordable options for reaching Volcano Bay.
Parking Costs at Volcano Bay
Parking costs at Universal can add up, so plan. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Prime Parking: $50–$60
- Regular Parking: $32
- RV/Bus Parking: $42
Volcano Bay Guide To Tickets, Packages, and Hours
Tickets: What to Expect
Volcano Bay’s ticket prices can be tricky, but I’ll break it down. The Volcano Bay 2024 tickets are priced at:
- One-day ticket: $80 for adults and $75 for kids.
- Multi-day ticket: $213 for adults and $149 for kids. If you plan on visiting multiple Universal parks, I suggest considering this option.
- Express Pass: For an even better experience, get the Volcano Bay Express Pass. It costs $19.99-$16.99 and allows you to skip the lines on most rides.
However, remember all these prices are exclusive tax and can be $5 more per ticket. Plus, it can vary depending on the day and the crowd levels.
Volcano Bay Timings
Since it’s a popular spot, I always recommend arriving early, especially in the summer. The park’s hours fluctuate depending on the season, usually opening around 9 a.m. and closing at 5 p.m. on regular days and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. during peak times. But keep an eye on the Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar for updated hours, especially in the winter when the park may not operate daily.
Navigating the Park: Where to Start?
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into Volcano Bay is the 200-foot-tall Krakatau Volcano – the park’s heart. You really can’t miss it; it’s towering and majestic. I always tell friends, “Just look for the volcano.” It’s visible from just about anywhere in the park.
And don’t take it just as a decoration. The waterfalls flow from it during the day, and fiery lava appears at night. Yes, that’s true. The park forms a circle around it, with three main areas:
- Wave Village – The area you’ll enter first, home to the main beach and the giant wave pool, Waturi Beach.
- River Village – To the right, this area has family-friendly rides, the lazy river, and kids’ splash areas.
- Rainforest Village – Towards the back, this area has the more thrilling rides for the adrenaline junkies in your family.
All these 4 have immersive rides, which I will discuss in the section below.
TapuTapu: Your Virtual Wait Assistant
One of the things I love about Volcano Bay is that you don’t spend the whole day in those dreaded long lines, which is a dream come true for any parent. Enter TapuTapu, Universal’s magic wristband that makes life at the water park much easier.
So, what exactly is TapuTapu? Well, you get one as soon as you enter the park. It’s a cute little wristband that you’ll probably forget you’re even wearing—until it saves your day, again and again.
As a mom, I couldn’t recommend it enough. I love the convenience of being able to pay for things without needing to haul around a bag of stuff, along with no more waiting in long lines, especially for popular rides like the Krakatau Aqua Coaster and Ko’okiri Body Plunge with restless kids. Honestly, it’s like Universal designed it with moms in mind.
TapuTapu helps you:
- Join virtual ride queues – so you don’t have to stand in line. Tap your wristband at the ride’s kiosk, and your TapuTapu will tell you when to ride. In the meantime, you’re free to explore the park, swim, or relax.
- Pay cashlessly for food and souvenirs – You can link your TapuTapu to a credit card and let it get all handled with one wrist flick.
- Unlock interactive elements: TapuTapu also unlocks fun surprises around the park. You can spray water at unsuspecting guests, reveal hidden images, and even activate special effects on rides.
- Locker Access: Another brilliant feature is using it to access universal lockers. I’m always the one holding the bag (literally), so being able to tap my way into a locker without keeping track of yet another key is a win.
Water Attractions & Rides at Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay has some of Universal Studios Orlando’s best rides. There are over 15 rides, including slides, lazy rivers, and an aqua coaster. Below, I have listed the must-tries in categories so you know which are for adults, kids, or all.
Adults Rides
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster: This is one of the top attractions at Volcano Bay. It’s a multi-person water coaster that shoots you up and down through the volcano, with plenty of twists and turns. My family loves it, and it’s always our first stop.
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge: If you’re a daredevil, this one’s for you. It’s a near-vertical 125-foot drop from the top of Krakatau. The trap door opens beneath you, and you plummet into the pool below. I tried it once, which was enough for me – but my teenage son insists it’s the best ride in the park.
- Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides: These side-by-side slides are among Volcano Bay’s top rides. Ohyah has a smaller drop, while Ohno plunges from higher up. Just a heads up, the pool is 10 feet deep, so strong swimming skills are a must.
- Honu ika Moana: Two twisting raft rides inspired by sea creatures. Honu is intense with sharp turns, while ika Moana offers a gentler thrill.
Wave Pools & Rivers
- Waturi Beach: As I mentioned, this massive wave pool is located right at the base of Krakatau. It’s a great spot to cool off, splash, and catch some waves.
- Kopiko Wai Winding River: This relaxing lazy river winds through lush landscapes, waterfalls, and caves, making it a lovely place to float while the kids tackle the bigger rides.
- TeAwa The Fearless River: If you want more excitement, hop into this fast-paced river. It has rapids, waves, and a strong current that keeps things interesting.
Kid-Friendly Areas
- Tot Tiki Reef is a fantastic area for toddlers with mini slides, spraying tikis, and mini fountains. My youngest loves splashing around here.
- Runamukka Reef: This interactive water playground is the best thing to do with kids in Orlando. It is geared towards slightly older kids and has a multi-level fortress with slides, geysers, and water cannons.
- Puka Uli Lagoon: This shallow pool, 3- 4 feet deep, is ideal for more minor children and provides a quiet spot for some low-key splashing near the volcano’s base.
Check out the height requirements for each Volcano Bay ride here.
Dining at Volcano Bay
Over the years, I’ve learned that theme park food can be hit or miss. But at Volcano Bay, Universal stepped up its game. The food here is fresh, flavorful, and packed with tropical-inspired dishes that are a welcome break from the typical theme park fare.
Many dining options at Volcano Bay accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegan and gluten-free meals. Ask the staff for recommendations.
Here are some of the best places to grab a bite:
Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club
This is the park’s main restaurant, located near the wave pool. It offers a variety of island-inspired dishes like mango BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, coconut-crusted chicken, and Hawaiian pizza. I highly recommend trying the coconut-crusted chicken – it’s crispy, flavorful, and comes with a side of fresh fruit.
If you’re looking for a quick snack, head to this fun little spot shaped like a giant frog. They serve tacos, nachos, and poke bowls. My personal favorite is the fish tacos. They’re light, fresh, and packed with flavor.
Bambu is another great spot for quick eats. It offers sandwiches, burgers, and salads. I usually stop here for a chicken sandwich or a salad when I’m in the mood for something light and fast.
No trip to a water park is complete without ice cream. Koka Poroka falling among the best ice-creams of Orlando offers soft-serve ice cream in a variety of flavors, including the park’s signature Waturi Fusion – a swirl of banana, blue raspberry, orange, and strawberry that’s as refreshing as it is colorful.
Drinks and Bars
If you’re in the mood for something tropical, several bars throughout the park serve up frozen cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. Dancing Dragons Boat Bar and Kunuku Boat Bar are my go-to spots for a refreshing frozen piña colada or a mai tai.
Tip for Parents: There are plenty of snack and kiosks scattered around the park, so it’s easy to grab a quick treat for the kids in between rides.
Suggested Reading → What To Eat At Universal Studios.
Lockers, Towels, Cabana Rentals and More
If you’re like me and want to enjoy your day with a little extra comfort, consider availing the further offered by Volcano Bay:
- Lockers: Rent small, regular amenities or family-sized lockers for $14.
- Towels: Available to rent, though I recommend bringing your own to save on fees.
- Cabanas: For a luxurious experience, rent a private cabana, starting at $199 for the day. These include concierge service and shaded seating.
- Premium Seating: Reserve padded lounge chairs with adjustable umbrellas starting at $49.99 daily, complete with wait service.
- Shopping: Volcano Bay also offers an outstanding shopping experience where you can grab some souvenirs to take home. In Wave Village, you’ll find multiple shops like Krakatoa Katy’s, Swamp Snacks, and Waturi Marketplace, offering a variety of items, including sunscreen, swimsuits, fun novelties, sunglasses, and food items.
What to Pack for Your Day at Volcano Bay
To ensure you have an enjoyable day at Volcano Bay, it’s essential to dress perfectly and pack the right items. Here’s a checklist of essentials that I must carry:
- Swimsuits
- Quick dry Towels
- Water Shoes or Flip Flops
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof Phone Case
- Change of Clothes
- Waterproof bag
- Sun hat and glasses
Suggested Reading → What To Pack For Orlando, Fl
Tips for Maximizing Your Experience
Now that you know all about the park, here are some of my tips to ensure you have the best day possible:
- Order food via the Universal app to skip long lines.
- Ensure kids can enjoy rides by reviewing height restrictions beforehand.
- Choose a locker away from the entrance.
- Arrive Early.
- Reserve cabanas or premium seating in advance for comfort and shade.
- Enjoy shorter lines and a magical atmosphere as the park empties.
- Identify your top rides and use Tapu Tapu for reservations.
- Create a Universal Account.
- Simplify transactions with Tapu Tapu for payments and rentals.
- Consider staying at Orlando hotels like the Hilton Orlando or the DoubleTree by Hilton for easy access to Volcano Bay and other things to know about Universal.
- Florida’s heat can be intense, especially during the summer months. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Most importantly, have fun! You never know when you will head back to Orlando again.
Conclusion
That’s my take on Volcano Bay. This tropical oasis offers an incredible escape for Orlando locals and visitors alike. If you’re eager to explore more of what Orlando offers, check out my blog, “Uncovering Orlando.” There, you’ll find detailed guides on must-visit attractions to include in your Orlando itinerary.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Volcano Bay?
The best time to visit is during weekdays, especially in the off-peak seasons (late winter or early fall), when the park tends to be less crowded.
Is there an age limit for the TapuTapu?
There is no age limit for using the TapuTapu, but children will need an adult to help them navigate and utilize the device effectively.
What is the most popular ride at Volcano Bay?
The most popular ride tends to be the Ko’okiri Body Plunge, known for its thrilling drop and stunning views. It’s best to experience it early in the day to avoid long waits.
Can I get a refund on my Volcano Bay ticket?
Tickets are generally non-refundable. However, policies may vary, so checking with the official website or customer service is best.
