Hannah & Adam are travel writers & photographers who have called the road home since 2013. Their passion for adventurous travel has brought them to 60 countries and counting. They blog about their adventures on their travel blog GettingStamped.com. Show
You are invited to “live the carefree island life” at this water theme park adding thrills and chills to your Universal Orlando vacation. Here, excitement and relaxation flow together in perfect harmony. This tropical paradise is just steps away from all Universal Orlando Resort™ has to offer. Universal's Volcano Bay Water Theme Park, or Volcano Bay, is a tropical-themed water park at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. Owned and operated by Universal Parks & Resorts, Volcano Bay replaced Wet 'n Wild as Universal Orlando Resort's water park, and it was the first water park constructed by Universal itself. The park, themed around a 200-foot-tall (61 m) volcano named "Krakatau", opened on May 25, 2017. Krakatau is a 200 feet (61 m) tall artificial volcano[3] and is the park's main icon that is displayed on the logo. The volcano houses three drop-capsule slides, Ko'okiri Body Plunge, the tallest body slide in America ranging at 125 feet tall,[4] and also the first to travel through a pool full of guests.[5] Krakatau also holds the Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides which travel throughout the midst of the volcano, winding around the Krakatau Aqua Coaster. The park uses a wearable under the name TapuTapu for payments and line queues.[6] The wearable is distributed at the entrance at the park, which can be used to hold one's place in line. TapuTapu allows for payment by linking a credit card through the Universal Orlando app to the wearable, allowing users to pay throughout the park for merchandise, food, and drinks. The wristbands can be used to interact with environmental features, set off water springs, or illuminate lights.[7] History[edit]In February 2015, Universal Orlando Resort officials submitted plans for a new water park attraction to be located on their property near the Cabana Bay Beach Resort.[8] Construction was already underway when Universal Orlando Resort officially announced the project, and its name, on May 28, 2015.[8] In June 2015, it was revealed that the park would replace the Universal-owned Wet 'n Wild water park, which closed on December 31, 2016.[9] Volcano Bay was constructed on approximately 53 acres (21 ha) of the resort complex's overall property, and took an estimated US$600 million to build.[8][10] Artist's concepts showed a thrill slide coming from the park's central volcano, as well as a wave pool and other water slides.[8] A lazy river and rapids slide are also shown on the plans, although park officials stated they will reveal all of the park's planned attractions at a later date.[8][11] On June 21, 2016, Universal Orlando Resort officials revealed additional details on Volcano Bay, including its debut attractions and its planned opening date of June 1, 2017.[12] On January 25, 2017, Universal Orlando Resort revealed that the Grand Opening ceremony would be on May 25, 2017.[2] On May 25, 2017, Volcano Bay officially opened to the public.[13][14] Attractions[edit]Volcano Bay's attractions are located in four themed areas, each inspired by various Polynesian islands and cultures.[15] The centerpiece of the park is "Krakatau", a 200-foot-tall (61 m) volcano that will have waterfalls during the day and lava flows at night created by the French company Aquatique Show.[12][15] Krakatau[edit]The area located in the park's signature volcano also includes a first-of-its-kind slide attraction.[12][15]
Wave Village[edit]Wave Village is designed for sunbathing and relaxation and includes one and two-story cabanas that can be rented by visitors.[15]
River Village[edit]The River Village area contains attractions for families and for younger visitors.[15]
Rainforest Village[edit]Ohyah and Ohno water slides The final section of the park contains a large number of thrill slides, including raft slides ridden with multiple riders.[15]
Reception[edit]Volcano Bay's first few months of operation were met with mixed reviews on social media sites such as Yelp and TripAdvisor, with visitors praising the park's appearance and theming, while criticizing the lines and the TapuTapu ride reservation system.[16] Visitors complained about the long lines for the slides that could be reserved, which they say resulted in overcrowding in attractions that could not be reserved.[16] However, other visitors noted that they had better experiences arriving well before opening or later in the day.[16] A park spokesperson claimed that their internal surveys indicated guests were generally happy with the park, but that they were continuously improving the product.[16] In popular culture[edit]The park appeared in season 6, episode 23 of the truTV television show Impractical Jokers, “Take Me Out at the Ballgame”. Additionally, the park has also appeared in season 14 of Food Network's show Food Network Star,[17] as well as Top Chef Junior season 1, episode 13. What is the scariest ride at Volcano Bay?Ko'okiri Body Plunge is a drop-door body slide that pitches riders down a 70-degree-angle descent for 125 feet of high-speed fun. For the ending, expect one massive splash into the pool at the foot of Krakatau.
How many slides are in the volcano at Volcano Bay?The volcano houses three drop-capsule slides, Ko'okiri Body Plunge, the tallest body slide in America ranging at 125 feet tall, and also the first to travel through a pool full of guests.
How long does it take to go around Volcano Bay?If you're a fan of swimming and waterslides then we recommend spending a full day (from 9am until roughly 3pm) or two half days at Volcano Bay. If you're travelling with younger children (under 10) and / or aren't interested in water slides then half a day (9am until 1pm) will likely suit you best. What is this?
What is the busiest day at Volcano Bay?Best Day of the Week to Visit Volcano Bay 2023. Wednesday (best day to go to Volcano Bay). Tuesday.. Thursday.. Monday.. Sunday.. Friday.. Saturday (busiest day at Volcano Bay). |