The Ultimate Insider's Guide to Universal's Volcano Bay

Universal's Volcano Bay Overview and Theming

Kia'Ora! Welcome.

We couldn't help but be drawn into the story behind this water theme park with a huge volcano at its center. It begins with the native islanders who discovered Volcano Bay, the Waturi. As the legend goes, the Waturi traveled the ocean, searching for the Kunuku. This mythical fish guided the Waturi to Volcano Bay. Upon finding this island paradise, the Waturi made it their home — adding in all kinds of slides and experiences that used and celebrated water.

If the backstory is any indication, this isn't your typical water park. Universal calls Volcano Bay its "third gate," a water theme park. The powers that be have poured in the same level of detail, storytelling and immersion for Volcano Bay as they did with Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Universal wants you to feel as though you've just discovered this island paradise and won't ever want to leave. There are thoughtful details that transcend the typical water park experience.

Families will especially appreciate the conveniences of family restrooms scattered around the park that include private, roll-in showers. There is also ample seating and umbrellas in the sand at most rides' end, multiple bathrooms and multiple life jacket locations. These seemingly little details make for a much more relaxing theme and water park experience. There is also TapuTapu. This free, wearable device allows guests to virtually queue and more (but you do have to give it back before you leave!).

Universal's Volcano Bay Parking and Transportation

Guests not staying on-site at an official hotel will park in the regular Universal Orlando Resort parking structure located at Universal CityWalk. While parking at Universal CityWalk is only free after 6 p.m., there are free shuttles from the Universal CityWalk parking garage to the Volcano Bay entrance. On-site hotel guests will have free bus transportation to Volcano Bay. Universal Orlando Resort hotel guests also have their own dedicated entrance to Volcano Bay at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort and can walk from Universal's Aventura Hotel. To access the dedicated entrance from Cabana Bay, you will need to show your room key. All guests will go through security.

Universal's Volcano Bay Tickets and On-Site Hotel Benefits

If you've got your swim trunks, we've got your discount tickets! Really. We're selling Universal's Volcano Bay tickets along with Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. If you're not sure which ones to get, don't fret. We've put together a post on which Universal Orlando ticket is best for your family to take the guesswork out of your planning.

Aside from the amazing perk of being just a hop, skip and a jump away from the excitement, it makes a lot of sense to stay at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel. All on-site hotel guests will receive Early Park Admission to Volcano Bay, which is half an hour early admission before the park opens for the day. While guests staying at select Universal Orlando Resort hotels receive free Universal Express Unlimited passes for Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, this benefit is not extended to Universal's Volcano Bay.

If you want to stay at one of the hotels closest to Universal's Volcano Bay, check out Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal's Aventura Hotel or Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, although all of Universal's hotels are convenient distances from the parks and have free shuttles. You can opt to stay in one of the two towers at Cabana Bay, as they are closer to the water park. The Beachside Tower is the closest, and some of the rooms and family suites offer terrific views of the park. Speaking of family suites, these two towers have a limited number of two-bedroom, two-bathroom suites — perfect for the whole fam! (Save by booking your Universal Orlando hotel room with us!)

Universal's Volcano Bay Rides and Entertainment

Krakatau Volcano

The centerpiece of Volcano Bay, Krakatau (kra-kuh-TAU), stands 200 feet above the park. It's the largest peak in Florida — when you climb all the way to the top, you may actually believe it! Frogs can joke too ;) Krakatau Volcano really is the most amazing element of the park. From the front, it is absolutely spectacular, with streaming waterfalls and a glimpse of the clear tube of its most death-defying slide, Ko'okiri Body Plunge. At night, it offers fiery lava effects.

The backside is open, with a series of stairs to its highest rides and a mass of tubes. The park's icon serves as the base for four different slides.

• Krakatau Aqua Coaster: This first-of-its-kind-in-Florida family slide is the park's signature ride and a must-do! Krakatau Aqua Coaster will send your four-person canoe UPHILL and racing through dark twists and turns within the volcano. For a grand finale, you'll be sent plunging through a waterfall! This aqua coaster uses linear induction motor technology — magnets "pull" your canoe up the slide.

• Ko'okiri Body Plunge: For those of you brave enough to take the plunge, you'll take a 70-degree fall through a drop door and down 125 feet of slide. Your reward will be sliding through a pool filled with guests!
• Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides: Join Kala and Tai Nui, where sea and sky meet, and take a leap of faith from high atop the volcano. Twin drop doors simultaneously plunge two guests down clear, intertwining tubes before sending them joyfully splashing into the turquoise waters below.
• Punga Racers: A favorite among Waturi children of all ages, Punga Racers send single riders down four lanes through underwater sea caves. The first racer to cross the finish line receives a watery salute from Punga himself.

Wave Village

Wave Village is located at the base of Krakatau Volcano.

• Waturi Beach: This is a sparkling, multi-directional wave pool where guests can swim and relax on the sand. There is abundant seating on the beach, or you have the option to upgrade to premium seating (two padded loungers with a canopy, lockbox and food and drink attendant) or indulge in private, one- or two-story cabanas.

• The Reef: This adjacent leisure pool provides guests with calmer waters and exciting views of riders speeding through the clear tube of Ko’okiri Body Plunge.

Rainforest Village

Nestled along the shores of a river, Rainforest Village offers guests spots for relaxation and exhilaration.

• Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides: North America’s first "saucer ride" sends multi-passenger rafts speeding around three saucer-shaped curves.

• Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides: These two twisting slides launch guests from the tubes 4- and 6-feet above the water for an adrenaline-pumping plunge into this 10-foot deep pool. We really only recommend it for strong swimmers.
• TeAwa The Fearless River: Strap on a life vest and let the waves take you away. This swift-moving river has multiple places to get on and off. For parents of younger tadpoles who don't want to participate, there is a fabulous beach with covered seating between Maku Puihi and the Taniwha Tubes.

• Taniwha Tubes: These are four separate Easter Island-inspired slides with rafts for single or double riders.
• Puka Uli Lagoon: This tranquil, zero-entry pool with sandy beach is the perfect spot for the younger tadpoles to just chill out while the more fearless ones tackle Ohyah and Ohno right next to it.

River Village

The colorful River Village offers fun for all ages, including the very youngest tadpoles.

• Kopiko Wai Winding River: The picturesque lazy river passes through the volcano’s hidden caves, featuring spontaneous water effects and special nighttime lighting.
• Tot Tiki Reef: This whimsical toddler play area has spraying Maori fountains, slides and a kid-size volcano.

• Runamukka Reef: Next to Tot Tiki Reef, this sprawling water play area is inspired by the coral reef. It is overflowing with twisting slides, sprinklers and more. For parents with younger tadpoles, this is probably the spot to rent a cabana (although there aren't many). Lily loves this area. We dare you to try to get your little one to leave!
• Honu Ika Moana: It's one name, but two distinct multi-passenger raft slides. The daring among you will want to try Honu, with its two massive walls that make for some stomach-dropping moments. Ride the waves of Ika Moana just like the ancient Waturi on this long, twisting journey.

Universal's Volcano Bay TapuTapu Wearable

Two common hassles found within water parks are carrying tubes and waiting in long lines —usually holding said tubes. Volcano Bay is trying to tackle those inconveniences by eliminating them. Its solution is TapuTapu — an interactive bracelet that you'll be given when you enter the park. TapuTapu is free and required to ride the slides. You'll give it back when you leave at the end of the day.

How does TapuTapu work on rides?

When you arrive at a ride, you'll see the current wait time. If you want to "get in line," just touch your TapuTapu on the totem pole. Then, head to the wave pool or lazy river, or grab a cocktail and a bite to eat. Your TapuTapu will alert you when it's time to ride. You can only reserve one ride at a time. If you find a shorter wait time at another ride, you can reserve it instead, but you'll lose your other virtual spot in line. Look out for rides that say “Ride Now.” You can hop right onto those rides without losing your spot in a virtual line for another attraction.

What else does TapuTapu do?

TapuTapu lets guests unlock interactive features in the park — shooting water cannons on riders or revealing images inside Krakatau's hidden caves. You can use TapuTapu at special photo spots around the park to automatically link your photos to your My Universal Photo account.

Guests also have the option to add a credit card to their TapuTapu for the ultimate, hands-free park experience. (Universal calls this TapTu Pay.) It's not required, but you can use it to pay for your locker, souvenirs or merchandise, food and drinks. I can't tell you how nice it is to be able to store your wallet safely in the locker and not have to retrieve it each time you need to make a purchase!

How to set up TapTu Pay

You can do this any time, but we recommend you do it before you head to the park.

1. Create a Universal Orlando account online or use the official app on your phone.
2. Go to the Profile tab on the bottom and tap the Wallet icon.
3. Enter your credit card information.
4. Link your party's Universal Volcano Bay tickets. You can key the numbers in manually, but scanning the bar code is easiest. Don't worry! You can set spending limits for each party member.
5. Create a pin that your whole party will use for purchases.

If you set up an account, your card will be linked to your TapuTapu when you enter the park. At the end of the day, all of your personal information will be unlinked from it. If you happen to lose your TapuTapu, go to Guest Services. While you can have some peace of mind that someone would be unable to make purchases without your pin number, a team member can take extra precautions and disconnect the lost wristband from your account.

Our Top Universal's Volcano Bay Tips

We've gathered our top tips and advice over the years that you can use to have a relaxing day at Volcano Bay!

• Stay on-site at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, preferably at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Universal's Aventura Hotel. While all Universal Orlando Resort hotel guests can use the official Volcano Bay dedicated entrance at Cabana Bay, it is easier to get to if you're staying at Cabana Bay. You have to show your room key. You also get half an hour early entry, which is the best way to experience the most popular Volcano Bay rides with the lowest waits of the day.
• Purchase a multi-day Universal park-to-park ticket that includes Volcano Bay, or consider purchasing a Volcano Bay Express Pass if you only have one day. We really think the best way to experience Volcano Bay is to do it over a couple of days. Park hopping is easy at Universal, especially if you're staying at an on-site hotel and have older children. With longer summer hours, it's not a stretch to visit all three parks in one day. During a three-day visit, we'd plan for one dedicated day at Volcano Bay. We'd spend two days hopping between Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure, and then might hop over to the water park for a few hours in the evening.
• Create your Universal account and connect your credit card if you're going to use the tap-to-pay functionality of TapuTapu before you get to the park. You'll find it super easy to eat, drink and be merry — and also to rent a locker — when your credit card is already tied to your account.
• Arrive ahead of park opening, especially if you want to ride the rides. I cannot stress this enough. If the water rides, particularly the thrill rides, are a priority, then hit them first thing. We would ride Krakatau Aqua Coaster first, then ride Ko’kiri Body Plunge and Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides.

• Have only one person go to the locker area. This is one of our theme park pet peeves. The entire family doesn't need to hover around the locker. Make it easier on everyone (yourself included) and designate one party member to manage the locker.
• Pick a locker away from the entrance. If you want to avoid most of the congestion, keep walking once you enter the park to one of the further locker locations.
• Pick your spot. If you aren't planning on renting premium seating or a cabana, there's another great benefit to arriving early — you can pick a prime spot with your chairs. Volcano Bay has great seating around the rides and attractions. If you have younger children, you might want to park it at the tadpole-friendly, smaller Puka Uli Lagoon pool. For older children or adults, you can't go wrong with Waturi Beach.
• If a volcano view or getting a tan isn't a priority, park your party under one of the shaded structures. They keep you sheltered from bad weather, play relaxing island music and even have lights and fans. Best of all, they're free and don't require a reservation! You can find them scattered around the park but the most secluded ones are on the back-right corner of Waturi Beach (facing the entrance). The easiest way to get there is to pass through Waturi Marketplace and make your first right down toward the beach.

• Plan on a hike to Ko’okiri Body Plunge and the Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides. These three rides are at the very top of the 200-foot Krakatau Volcano. I didn't count my hops, but it feels like it's at least double the number of steps of the other park rides. It's a shame TapuTapu won't count your steps!
• Beware if you have a fear of heights AND claustrophobia. We mentioned the height, but those of you with a fear of confined spaces may want to skip the capsule drop slides with trapdoors (and there are clear panes so you can see what's below)!
• Make sure you've got strong swimmers if you plan to do the Ohno and Ohyah drop slides. These two body slides plunge into a 10-foot deep pool!
• Volcano Bay does not provide any free towels, so be sure to bring your own if you do not want to rent them (it costs $4.99).

• We suggest walking around with your flip-flops on because the sidewalks can get quite hot! At the entrance of the water slides, there is a place to put your shoes, hats, sunglasses or other belongings while you ride. That being said, there are plenty of sprinklers constantly squirting along the walkways to cool down hot feet or just to help get the sand off.

Universal's Volcano Bay Restaurants and Dining

The Waturi people must have really enjoyed the cuisine of the many islands they visited before landing at Volcano Bay! Their culinary discoveries serve as the inspiration for the tempting food and beverages available in the park. There are several locations serving island-inspired meals for the entire family. There is the usual theme park food fare, but there are also more unique options. Mobile ordering is also available at certain dining locations through the official Universal Orlando Resort app.

• Kohola Reef Restaurant: Located at the base of Krakatau volcano and closest to the entrance of the park, this restaurant serves fresh island favorites, including tangy Mango BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Island Bacon Cheeseburgers or crunchy Coconut Crusted Fried Chicken.
• Dancing Dragons Boat Bar: Shaped as an ancient outrigger canoe, this bar will refresh you with tropical cocktails and frozen drinks. Sit a spell and take in the volcano views. We highly recommend Vol's Fire Punch — a heady concoction featuring Mt. Gay Rum, fresh pineapple juice, agave, Sprite and grenadine.
• Bambu: This shaded hideaway on the backside of the park offers quick and easy eats such as the Bambu Burger, Mahi Sandwich or Island Chicken Salad.

• Whakawaiwai Eats: Munch on dishes such as Island BBQ Chicken Pizza, Tropical Baby Greens and Pretzel Dog. This is also where you can find the hearty Jerk Shrimp Mac & Cheese. We like the shaded seating across the way that looks out to the backside of Runamukka Reef.
• Kunuku Boat Bar: Also on the backside of the park, this is your stop for frozen drinks, specialty cocktails, fountain sodas and draft beers. It's named after the mythical fish that guided the Waturi islanders to Volcano Bay.
• The Feasting Frog: This snack shop — SHAPED LIKE A TROPICAL FROG — serves drinks and snacks such as the Poke Poke Bowl, Carne Asada Taco or Loaded Nachos.

• Koka Poroka Ice Cream: Along with traditional chocolate and vanilla soft serve, it's here that you'll find the famous Waturi Fusion, an Insta-worthy combination of banana, blue raspberry, orange and strawberry soft serve that you can purchase in a cup or cone.
• Volcano Bay Pavilion Kiosk: This kiosk right next to Dancing Dragons Boat Bar serves up healthy snacks like wraps, California rolls and fruit salad.

Universal's Volcano Bay Cabanas, Premium Seating, Universal Express & More

Premium Seating and Cabanas

For those of us more into shaded lounging than swimming, Volcano Bay has upgrades that offer more convenience and relaxation.

There is premium seating near the regular seating at the rides, lazy river and wave pool beaches. Premium seating includes a pair of padded loungers with an adjustable shade canopy and a built-in storage lockbox. You can enjoy the services of an area attendant who'll see to your food and drink orders. "We'll have another round of Vol's Fire Punch, please! Mommy Frog has found her happy place." They can also book your TapuTapu times without you having to reserve at the rides. The pricing for Volcano Bay premium seating fluctuates depending on the season. Call 1-877-489-8068 for reservations.

Go cabana or go home. Around the park, you can choose from one- or two-story cabanas that come with padded lounge chairs, a small refrigerator stocked with bottled water, complimentary fruit and snack basket, towel and locker service, plus concierge service with an exclusive food and drink menu delivered directly to the cabana and TapuTapu ride booking. Prices fluctuate depending on the season for single cabana units, which hold up to six people. They are available as upper-level cabanas with great views, ground-level cabanas for easy access or stand-alone cabanas with more privacy. Family suite cabanas, which hold up to 16 people, are large, private stand-alone cabanas. Call 1-877-801-9720 for pricing and reservations.

If you have tadpoles, you may want to consider the cabanas near Runamukka Reef or Puka Uli Lagoon. If you want a prime spot near Waturi Beach for all-day waves, we like the cabanas closest to the Waturi Marketplace.

Volcano Bay Universal Express 

Water park visitors also have the option of purchasing Universal Express, which will be added to your TapuTapu. With the Express ticket, you can skip the virtual line at select attractions. You'll be directed to proceed to the boarding area rather than given a return time.

Lockers

Continuing in the quest to improve the water park experience, Universal is making it easier to store and get to your stuff. Lockers are located in different areas around the park, so you never have to be too far away.

Shopping

There are several shops that offer sunscreen, swimsuits, hats, sunglasses, swim diapers and cool Universal's Volcano Bay merch.

Universal's Volcano Bay FAQs

What are the Volcano Bay ride height and weight restrictions?

Height restrictions vary for each attraction, but here are the basics:

• If you are over 48 inches tall, then you can go on everything, except the kiddie areas.
• Some slides require those between 42 inches and 48 inches tall to ride with a supervising companion.
• The Kopiko Wai Winding River, pools and beaches have no height restrictions, but tadpoles between 42 inches to 48 inches (107 cm to 122 cm) must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest.

As for Volcano Bay weight restrictions, some rides — including the multiple-rider raft rides — have a weight limit. Most notably, Punga Racers has a 300-pound maximum limit. When you arrive at the top of the ride, a team member will have your party step into a square that discreetly weighs your group.

You can see height restrictions, plus a ton more information about each ride on our Universal's Volcano Bay rides page.

What are the Volcano Bay multiple-rider rides?

• Ika Moana: 2-5 riders
• Honu: 2-5 riders
• Krakatoa: 1-4 riders
• Maku Puihi: 2-6 riders
• Taniwha Tubes: 1-2 riders

What are the depths of the pools and slides?

Depths vary according to attractions. Riders should assess their own ability to swim prior to boarding any slide or attraction. Riders can also review warning signs posted at the entrance to each ride prior to making a decision to ride. Strong swimming ability is required at both Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides (pool depth is 10 feet), as well as the TeAwa Fearless River, which requires life jackets.

Is Volcano Bay accessible for guests with disabilities? 

Wheelchair accessibility is available at Maku and Puihi Round Raft Rides, as well as Krakatau Aqua Coaster via elevator access. Guests using wheelchairs may also transfer from their wheelchair to Kopiko Wai Winding River, TeAwa Fearless River, Puka Uli Leisure Pool, The Reef Leisure Pool and Waturi Beach Wave Pool. Guests must meet all ridership requirements, which means maintaining a proper riding experience throughout the attraction experience (here is more accessibility information from Universal's site).

Are there showers at Volcano Bay?

Guests will find restrooms, showers and lockers scattered around the park for their convenience. Additionally, there are family restrooms around the park that offer more privacy, roll-in access and a shower.

Can I wear shoes on the slides? 

Flip flops, sandals and water shoes are allowed on some of the slides. We removed them before riding Maku Puihi, Ohno and Ika Moana. Slides that do not allow shoes have places to store them near the ride's entrance before you head up to the slide.

Are GoPros allowed on the rides? 

No. Unfortunately, Tad has not been able to bring his GoPro onto the rides since the park's opening. However, GoPros are allowed in the wave pool and the lazy rivers.

Is Universal's Volcano Bay open year-round?

Typically, yes! You can experience it during the hot summer months and the cool winter days. Virtually all of the pools and Orlando water parks are heated during cooler times. Occasionally, the Orlando water parks close because of exceptionally cold days in the winter months, but they are few and far between.

Should I see Volcano Bay over another Orlando area water park?

If you're already planning a trip to Universal Orlando, we think it's definitely worth adding an additional day to experience Volcano Bay. It's also easy to add in a few hours here or there to your existing trip with the park-to-park tickets.

We hope you've learned everything you need to know before you head to Universal's Volcano Bay! If you still have questions, drop us a line in the comments below!

Related: Why Stay at a Universal Orlando Hotel

Keep hopping!