Ultimate Guide to Volcano Bay Water Park at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort has three different theme parks, including Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. 

Universal’s Volcano Bay is unlike any other water park. From the stunning Waturi Beach to thrilling water slides and one-of-a-kind kids play area, there is truly something for everyone.

Come along with The Jones family as we experience Volcano Bay for the very 1st time. I just love the kid reactions! 😉

We are excited to share all of the insider tips and tricks to this amazing water park in Orlando, Florida.

Getting to Universal Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay water theme park can only be accessed by shuttle or walking, there is no parking lot at the park. You simply take a shuttle direct from your Universal Resort. If you are a guest at Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Aventura Hotel you can walk, literally across the street. If you are not staying at Universal Orlando Resort you will park in the garage at City Walk and then make your way to the Volcano Bay shuttle stop.

When you arrive at the turnstiles you are given your Tapu Tapu. This is your wearable band that will hold access to everything you need. To save time set up an account in the Universal Orlando App. This allows you to link a credit card for charges, set spending limits and assign a pin number for your Tapu Tapu. You can also make sure the kids don’t have charging privileges, as each guest will link their park tickets to the Tapu Tapu.

What’s a TAPU TAPU?

Do you hate waiting in long lines at the water parks? We all do, because our time is valuable. Universal heard our cries and the Waturi people, blessed us with the Tapu Tapu. This magical wearable wristband is given to you when you enter the park. 

• Virtual Line Access:  You can virtually hold your place in line for popular attractions, and you are alerted when it’s time to ride. No more waiting two hours holding rafts, go play and come back when it’s your turn. Simply visit the attraction you want to ride, click your Tapu and reserve your spot.
• TapTu Play: You can can take part in play experiences throughout the park. Such as controlling streams of water spurting from whales in Tot Tiki Reef, shooting water cannons at guests snaking down Kopiko Wai Winding River (lazy river), illuminating images in the volcano’s hidden caves and more. It really is a magical bracelet.
• TapTu Pay: No need to keep going to the locker for money, pay with the Tapu for food, drinks and merchandise! You can link your credit card in the Universal Orlando app.
• Photo Access: Find fun and interactive photo opportunities along with selfie spots throughout the park as well as attraction photos.  Your Tapu Tapu will automatically link those photos and you can view them at your leisure.
• Locker Access: After renting your locker, you can access it all day with the touch of your TapuTapu.

Rentals for the Day

Universal Volcano Bay have several rental opportunities for the day. This includes cabanas, preferred seating, and towels.

Cabanas

Each cabana offers 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 menu of food and drink delivered directly to the cabana. One-story and two-story retreats are located throughout the park.

Universal’s Volcano Bay Cabanas do sell out well in advance. Be sure to call (877) 489-8068 or your travel agent to reserve yours before your visit.

Additional Rental Details

• Towels can be rented and must be returned upon departure. They are nothing fancy, so you won’t want to keep it anyway. I say save the money and bring your own towels.
• Premium Seating is also available. This includes a pair of padded loungers with an adjustable shade canopy and a built-in storage locker. Plus, you can enjoy the services of an area attendant who’ll see to your food and drink orders.
• Single Family Cabanas will accommodate up to six people. Choose from upper level cabanas for spectacular views, ground level cabanas for convenience and accessibility, or stand-alone cabanas that offer a bit more privacy.
• Family Suite Cabanas are the Big Kahuna and can accommodate up to 16 people! You can split this among friends and have the ultimate in relaxation.
• Life-jackets are free for use all day, from kids to adult sizes you can feel safe if you aren’t the best swimmer.

Attractions at Universal Volcano Bay

Universal’s Volcano Bay is made up of four immersive areas, and there is something for everyone. From experiencing attractions as a family, to letting the little ones play in Runamuka Reef you will never run out of fun and will close the park down!

The Volcano Rides

• Island Centerpiece: At the heart of the island stands Krakatau, the mighty Volcano, towering 200 feet above the tropical landscape and wave pool. Inside the cavernous volcano, the Waturi people dare you to brave a variety of heart-pounding water slides. 
• Krakatau Aqua Coaster: Four-person canoes slide upward through the mists and into the dark twists and turns within the volcano before emerging with a plunge through a shimmering waterfall.
• Ko’okiri Body Plunge: Features a 70-degree fall through a drop door and 125 feet to the bottom in SEVEN seconds.
• Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides: Twin drop doors simultaneously plunge you down clear, intertwining tubes before splashing into the pool below.
• Punga Racers: Punga Racers send single riders on manta ray mats sliding down four lanes through underwater sea caves.

Wave Village Attractions

• Waturi Beach: Is the perfect place to relax and watch the mighty Krakatau in all it’s glory. When it gets too hot for the sand head into the lagoon, it’s best with waves!
• The Reef: A gorgeous pool meant for relaxing just over the lagoon.

River Village Rides

• Honu ika Moana: This is home to the  most frightening slide I have ever ridden, Honu. You were warned-and I am not exaggerating. ika Moana is much more calm and better suited for smaller kids who want to ride with the family. These rafts hold up to five guests, perfect for family fun.
• Tot Tiki Reef: Kids will play among slides, a water volcano and a family of friendly tikis with spraying fountains. Plus, adorable whales spray and sing as kids raise and lower their hands.
• Runamukka Reef: Is home to bubbling geysers, water guns, slides and dump cups.
• Kopiko Wai Winding River: Take a slow ride on the Kopiko Wai Winding River through the tropical landscape of Volcano Bay, a land full of surprises. Sprays of water surprise along the way, and beneath the lava rocks, Stargazer’s Cavern reveals the magical night sky above.

Rainforest Village Rides

• Taniwha Tubes: Try all four twisting tracks, but beware—mischievous tiki statues spray jets of water when you least expect it. You can ride single or double tubes on this attraction.
• Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides: This six-person rafting adventure isn’t for the faint of heart. Choose one of two lava-tube paths or try them both. Maku slides through a deep volcanic gorge before spinning wildly around bowl-like formations. Then, test your bravery on Puihi, where you’ll feel the stomach-flipping thrill of a zero-gravity hang time before splashing your way to safety at the bottom.
• Puka Uli Lagoon: Another great pool, it features elements for kids like bongo drums and spraying water.
• TeAwa The Fearless River: Race along a roaring, watery stream of churning rapids and choppy waves while hanging tight to your inner tube on this thrilling whitewater ride. Everyone must wear a life-jacket on this attraction.
• Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slide: Ascend the side of a cliff before plummeting down the twisting waters of the Ohyah Slide and dropping out four feet above the pool below. Then, brave the rope bridge and take the plunge down the Ohno Slide, a serpentine adventure that ends six feet above the awaiting pool. If you are not a strong swimmer this may not be best for you, you drop into a 10 foot pool below with a strong current.

Dining and Beverage Options at Universal Volcano Bay

The dining options at Volcano Bay are unlike any I have found in a theme park, let alone a water theme park. From a taco stand, to sushi you can literally eat your way around Volcano Bay. The group of girls I was with decided that we should do a food crawl to sample everything in the parks, who was I to disagree. With 60, yes 60 unique dining offerings you are sure to enjoy a few things.

• Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club is close to Waturi Beach and has the most dining options in the park. This airy escape at the base of the Krakatau volcano, and delights diners with fresh island flavors.  If you want something on the lighter side both the Cobb Salad and Arugula were refreshing and offered large portions. Looking for a meal to share-try the coconut crusted fried chicken, served with fresh slaw, plantains and potatoes.
• Whakawaiwai Eats is towards the back side of the park near the kids area. Here you will savor Island BBQ Chicken Pizza, Tropical Baby Greens salad, Hawaiian Pizza and so much more. 
• The Feasting Frog is a taco hut and I could eat here three times a day! During my visit, we shared the sampler platter, which has a Carne Asada Taco, Chipotle Firecracker Shrimp Taco and a Pulled Chicken Mole Taco. They were made to order and came with a side of plantain chips and fresh salsa. I also enjoyed the Poke Poke Bowl, which is simple and delicious Ahi Tuna Tossed in soy honey viniagrette.
• Bambu has been crafted by island builders, and offers a shady escape when it’s time to eat.  Choose from creative island fare such as the Reka Burger, Pretzel Dog or the Tropical Fruit Salad. I suggest the Bambu Burger with cheddar cheese, fresh slaw, fried onion crisps and avocado mayo on a Hawaiian style bun.

If you are looking for snacks during the day you can find churros, pretzels, ice cream and more at various kiosks throughout the park. You surely will not go hungry at Volcano Bay-that is certain.

If you need a place to sit your weary bones after a morning of play, head to the Dancing Dragons Boat Bar or the Kunuku Boat Bar. Both offer great views and cool drinks. If you are a beer drinker I highly suggest the Volcano Blossom, exclusive brew. It is a light beer with a hint of honey and fresh fruit. I couldn’t place the flavors completely.

Epic Volcano Bay Souvenirs

After an amazing day on the sandy beaches at Volcano Bay you certainly want something to remember it by.  Stop by Krakatoa Katy’s for all of your Volcano Bay merchandise. From hats, to t-shirts and beach towels you will find many things to take home. If you need a new bathing suit you can find that along with cute resort casual wear at Waturi Marketplace.

Water is Life. Life is Joy. That is the mantra by which the fabled Waturi islanders have lived on their Pacific isle for centuries. Discover the legends of the Waturi and share their joy and carefree lifestyle at Universal’s Volcano Bay.