Everlasting happiness is the theme at Universals themed water park, the incredible Volcano Bay.
Volcano Bay is an expansive 28 acre water park brimming with 18 exciting attractions. Whether you are an adrenaline-fueled thrill seeker or a mellow master of relaxation, Volcano Bay has something for you.
Once you step into this innovative water park you’ll find yourself immersed in the Waturi way. “Water is Life. Life is Joy.” That’s the fundamental philosophy of the Waturi islanders of Volcano Bay. You’ll be transported to this fantastical Pacific island paradise filled with wonder and beauty.
TapuTapu Wearable
When you enter Volcano Bay, you’ll be welcomed into the Waturi family and presented with the powers of the TapuTapu wearable.
The TapuTapu is a waterproof, wearable “watch” of sorts. Wear it onto your wrist and unlock an new and innovative park experience.
- No Need to Wait in Line: The Waturi people are really serious about all that everlasting happiness stuff. Use the TapuTapu to hold your place in a line by touching it to the ride entry totem. The TapuTapu will alert you when it is time to return to the ride. Simply touch the totem again to gain access to the ride.
- No Need for Cash: You can link your credit card to your TapuTapu and use it to pay for food, drink and merchandise throughout the park.
- Replace Locker Bands: You don’t need an additional band or key to access your locker. TapuTapy will open it up just like magic.
- It’s a Magical Play Thing: There are interactive experiences throughout Volcano Bay. Your TapuTapu will initiate shooting water spouts and illuminate images in the cave inside the Volcano.
- Keepsake Memories: There are interactive photo ops throughout Volcano Bay and your TapuTapu will keep track of your photos.
The 4 Unique Areas of Volcano Bay:
THE VOLCANO
Krakatau is the monumental heart of this intriguing island, soaring 200 feet into the sunny sky. Vast waterfalls tumble from the volcano by day and as the sun sets, the waters transforms into red lava.
At Krakatau, you’ll enter the volcano to find a unique array of thrilling water slides:
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster: This four-person canoe travels through the dark and misty interior of the volcano, leading to a stunning exit through a magnificent waterfall
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge: This traditional tribute to Vol, the Volcano God, will have your adrenaline kicked into high gear. The 70-degree drop through 125 feet of slide will end in a phenomenal splash. You’ll plunge to the bottom in 7 seconds.
- Punga Racers: Kids will go crazy for this four-way race. Riders hop aboard manta ray mats and speed toward a watery finish.
- Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides: Grab a brave friend and experience a thrilling jump from the volcano as drop doors simultaneously open into intertwining tubs. The best part? The tubes are clear so you can see the pure joy (or terror!) on your friend’s face as they take their own exhilarating fall.
WAVE VILLAGE
The serene Wave Village is where you’ll find Waturi Beach and The Reef.
Waturi Beach: This large lagoon is a multi-directional wave pool at the base of the towering volcano complete with sandy beach. Sit back, relax and enjoy a beach break in the middle of Orlando.
The Reef: Hang out in The Reef and relax in the calm waters and waterfall. Watch daring riders of the Ko’okiri Body Plunge – the clear tube leads right through The Reef’s pool.
RIVER VILLAGE
The River Village is a welcoming spot for all guests. Here you’ll find activities suitable for even the youngest members of your family.
- Honu Ika Moana: This two-in-one attraction takes multiple riders on two twisty slides that resemble the Waturi tradition of riding underwater on sea turtles or riding the waves on whales.
- Runamukka Reef: This adorable 3 story coral reef boasts shooting geysers, water guns, slick slides and playful dump cups. Whimsical sea creatures create a pleasant border around this kiddie paradise.
- Tot Tiki Reef: This charming play area will be a hit with the pint-sized members of your crew. Smaller slides, a kid-sized replica of the volcano and lots of spraying fountains provide big fun for little guests.
- Kopiko Wai Winding River: This mammoth lazy river covers a lot of ground, connecting nearly all of the water slides in the park. That means you won’t ever have to leave the water – just float on down the Kopi Wai to your next destination! Relax as you glide beneath the lava rocks and Stargazer’s Cavern where you can see the magical night sky above.
RAINFOREST VILLAGE
This exciting rainforest is a perfect spot for those seeking thrilling adventure. In the Rainforest Village you’ll find some of the most exciting attractions in Volcano Bay:
- Taniwha Tubes: These twisting and turning slides are inspired by the native puka trees. The slides twist like gnarled roots and take guests on a crazy ride. All we can say is beware of the cheeky tikis!
- Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides: Daring, gutsy, heroic, these are traits you’ll need to make it through this sensational six-person raft ride. Spin and slide your way through a volcanic gorge and hang onto your hats (actually, you definitely should NOT wear a hat on this ride) during a moment of zero gravity.
- Puka Uli Lagoon: A hideaway, complete with bongo drums and spraying water, for little visitors who need a relaxing moment.
- TeAwa the Fearless River: A whitewater rafting experience complete with wild waves and swiftly speeding water.
- Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slide: Aptly named for some of the phrases riders might utter, this pair of water slides are unlike any others. Start at the top of a cliff on the Ohyah slide, which will end in a four-foot drop into the first pool. Next, pass over the swaying rope bridge and hop onto the Ohno slide, which plunges you into a pool from a six-foot drop.
Chow Down at Volcano Bay
With over 60 dishes to choose from in several dining locations and watering holes, Volcano Bay is taking theme park dining to a whole new level.
Wave Village:
- Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club: Located at the base of the volcano, you can enjoy dining and relaxing while being lulled by the pleasant sound of lagoon waves. Delicious island flavors abound in dishes like Coconut Crusted Fried Chicken and Mango BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches.
A grab-n-go menu is available for those looking for a quick bite – salads, sandwiches, sushi, and fruit make for a delicious and fast meal option. - Kunuku Boat Bar: A beached canoe named for mythical fish is the perfect spot to grab a refreshing drink. Frozen drinks, cocktails, draft beer and soda can all be found at the Kunuku.
Rainforest Village
- Bambu: This shady retreat built with bamboo is a great place to grab your favorite dishes, with an island twist. Burgers on King’s Hawaiian rolls, pretzel dogs with pineapple salsa, and pineapple upside-down cake are just a few of the gems you’ll find at Bambu.
- The Feasting Frog: Grab a seat on the patio and enjoy gazing at the adorable frog-shaped restaurant. This taco spot offers quick and delicious tacos topped with unique signature ingredients like pineapple salsa and Jicama slaw.
- Dancing Dragons Boat Bar: Another boat-shaped stand where you can grab a tropical drink to help you unwind.
River Village
- Whakawaiwai Eats: Located on the banks of the river, Whakawaiwai offers diners some truly spectacular dishes like signature pizzas, tropical salads, and plenty of tempting treats for the little ones.
Upgrades at Volcano Bay
Cabana Rentals
Rent a private cabana to relax and unwind during your time at Volcano Bay. Padded lounge chairs, complimentary fruit and snacks, refrigerator with bottled water, towel and locker service, and concierge service with an exclusive menu are just some of the amenities you will enjoy in your cabana. Single story and two story retreats are offered.
1 and 2 story cabana rentals at Volcano Bay
Single Cabanas hold up to 6 guests and start at $159.99 per unit, per day plus tax. For elevated views choose an upper deck, or for easy access choose the lower deck.
Family Cabanas are available for up to 16 people and start at $299 per unit, per day plus tax.
See details of Volcano Bay Cabanas: Cabanas
Premium Seating
You’ll no doubt be spending the whole day at Volcano Bay so you’ll need some space to flake out. If you don’t want the hassle of finding a place to sit when you are ready to relax, then Reserved Seating is the answer.
This upgrade includes two padded loungers, an adjustable canopy, a storage lockbox and an area attendant to take food orders.
Prices are $29.99 per lounger, per day plus tax. You can also rent towels if you don’t want to take your own.
See Volcano Bay Premium Seating details: Premium Seating
Universal Express
Although the TapuTapu is super helpful, eliminating the need to stop by a ride in the first place takes it one step further. The Universal Express Pass allows you to ride the rides when you’re ready. It will be loaded onto your TapuTapu wearable, so you won’t need to carry anything around. There are several options for Volcano Bay Express Passes, which start at $19.99 for the regular pass, and from $39.99 for the Unlimited Express Pass. Krakatau Aqua Coaster is not included in Express Passes.
See Volcano Bay Express Pass Details: Express Pass
So How Much is Volcano Bay?
A one day ticket starts at $80 for adults and $75 for children aged 3-9, but with annual pass upgrades, pass blockout dates, multi day values and limitations on Florida Resident Passes, we’ll let our friends over at Orlando Informer explain all that to you. They’ve done a terrific job of breaking down all the options and prices.
Take a look here: Complete Guide Ticket Guide
With a variety of thrilling attractions, fantastic dining, entertaining areas for little ones, and a friendly, relaxing atmosphere, a visit to Volcano Bay is sure to be an awesome experience for the whole family.