Universal Volcano Bay Water Park Guide
Water is Life. Life is Joy. That’s the philosophy celebrated at Universal Volcano Bay water theme park. It’s the carefree attitude the fabled Waturi islanders have embraced on their Pacific isle for centuries. Now you can live the Waturi way at this tropical getaway where thrills and relaxation flow in perfect harmony.
What is Volcano Bay?
Universal Volcano Bay is an innovative water theme park, unlike anything you’ve seen before. Combining refreshing relaxation experiences with ultimate thrills, there really is something for everyone. It’s a tropical paradise just a short distance away from everything Universal Orlando Resort has to offer.
Universal Orlando Resort’s newest park welcomes you into a 28-acre tropical oasis, with four themed areas inspired by the Pacific Isles:
- The Volcano - At the heart of the island stands Krakatau, the mighty Fire and Water Volcano. Towering 200 feet above the tropical landscape, Krakatau streams waterfalls during the day and fiery lava effects at night. Inside the cavernous volcano, the Waturi people dare you to brave a variety of heart-pounding water slides.
- Wave Village - Wave Village is the first of three villages guests encounter at Volcano Bay. This peaceful escape overlooks the sparkling waters of Waturi Beach at the base of the volcano.
- River Village - The second of three villages in Universal’s Volcano Bay, River Village has fun for people of all ages, including the very youngest Waturi.
- Rainforest Village - The third village you’ll discover in Universal’s Volcano Bay, Rainforest Village stretches along the shores of an action-packed river and features the perfect mix of relaxation and exhilaration.
Since it opened in 2017, Volcano Bay has been voted Orlando’s Best Water Park on multiple occasions, and it’s easy to see why. Not only are there a total of 18 attractions, offering something for all ages, but with the advanced queuing system you can make the most of your time and enjoy unparalleled convenience throughout the park - just tap your ‘TapuTapu’ wristband to join the virtual queue and then have fun exploring different areas of the park! The wearable will alert you when it’s your turn to ride, giving you enough time to get back to your chosen attraction.
With the Universal Orlando 3-Park Explorer Ticket, you can enjoy the island life for up to 14 consecutive days, all for the same price as the 2-Park Explorer Ticket!
Universal’s Volcano Bay Rides and Slides
Rides
MOST THRILLING! Krakatau Aqua Coaster
- Ride/Attraction Type - Water Coaster
- Height Requirement - 42”/107cm (guests under 48” must be accompanied by a supervising companion)
Volcano Bay's star attraction is the first attraction of its kind in Florida, taking you right through the heart of the volcano itself. Great fun for the whole family, climb aboard specially designed 4-seater canoes and get ready to twist, turn and plummet through the volcano’s interior peaks and valleys before being launched through the rushing waterfalls.
Expert Tip! This is one of the most popular rides at Volcano Bay so it can be busy at all times. We’d recommend heading to Krakatau Aqua Coaster as early as possible and either riding straight away or using your TapuTapu to get in the virtual queue - usually the earlier you do this the shorter your wait will be. Take a look at some of our other top tips for visiting Volcano Bay to make sure you make the most of your day!
Ko’okiri Body Plunge
- Ride/Attraction Type - Body Slide
- Height Requirement - 48”/122cm
Join in the centuries-old tradition of honouring the volcano god, Vol, by braving the incredible Ko’okiri Body Plunge. Featuring a 70-degree fall through a drop door and 125 feet of screaming, white-knuckle fun, this dizzying descent ends with a watery tribute from Vol himself.
Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
- Ride/Attraction Type - Body Slides
- Height Requirement - 48”/122cm
Join Kala and Tai Nui where the sea meets the sky 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.
FUN FOR KIDS! Punga Racers
- Ride/Attraction Type - Tube Slide
- Height Requirement - 42”/107cm (guests under 48” must be accompanied by a supervising companion)
A favourite among Waturi children of all ages, Punga Racers send single riders on their manta ray mats sliding down four lanes through underwater sea caves. And to this day, the first racer to cross the finish line receives a watery salute from Punga himself.
Honu of the Honu ika Moana
- Ride/Attraction Type - Multi-Person Raft Ride
- Height Requirement - 48”/122cm
Just like the ancient Waturi people who rode the ocean waves on friendly sea turtles, you can enjoy this twisting, turning, multi-person ride. On Honu, you can surf the underwater currents on a five-passenger raft, speeding through an open flume, before streaking along two massive walls.
ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana
- Ride/Attraction Type - Multi-Person Raft Ride
- Height Requirement - 42”/107cm (guests under 48” must be accompanied by a supervising companion)
Ride the waves like the ancient Waturi did, twisting and turning with three other passengers along the waterway. ika Moana the whale joyfully sprays water from his blowhole before everyone splashes down together in the waters below.
FUN FOR THE FAMILY! Puihi of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Ride/Attraction Type - Multi-Person Raft Ride
- Height Requirement - 42”/107cm (guests under 48” must be accompanied by a supervising companion)
Test your bravery as your six-person raft careens through a dark, winding tunnel before it explodes out into a massive funnel formation. You’ll feel the stomach-flipping thrill of a zero-gravity hang time before splashing your way to safety at the bottom.
Maku of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Ride/Attraction Type - Multi-Person Raft Ride
- Height Requirement - 42”/107cm (guests under 48” must be accompanied by a supervising companion)
Brave the watery twists and turns of Maku. Riders slide through a deep volcanic gorge before spinning wildly around bowl-like formations. Geysers shoot water everywhere before a watery vortex pulls riders through more wild, twisting curves.
Raki of Taniwha Tubes
- Ride/Attraction Type - Tube Slide
- Height Requirement - 42”/107cm (guests under 48” must be accompanied by a supervising companion)
There's a place where the puka trees grow abnormally tall, with strange snakelike trunks. Inspired by their twisting roots, the Waturi built these two twisting blue water slides. Riders can try both tracks, but beware—mischievous tiki statues spray jets of water when you least expect it!
Tonga of Taniwha Tubes
- Ride/Attraction Type - Tube Slide
- Height Requirement - 42”/107cm (guests under 48” must be accompanied by a supervising companion)
The serpentine trunks of the tallest puka trees seem to link earth to sky. The Waturi sought to mirror their coiling path when they built these two curving green water slides. You can take on both tracks, but watch out for the playful tiki statues that surprise you with sprays of water.
Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Ride/Attraction Type - Body Slide
- Height Requirement - 48”/122cm
Test your mettle and get into the Waturi spirit by tackling the Ohyah Drop Slide. Ascend the side of a cliff before plummeting down the twisting waters of this slide, then drop out four feet above the pool below.
MOST THRILLING! Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Ride/Attraction Type - Body Slide
- Height Requirement - 48”/122cm
To achieve even greater bragging rights, brave the rope bridge and take the plunge down the Ohno Slide, a serpentine adventure that ends six feet above the pool below. Be sure to yell your battle cry on the way down.
Waturi Beach
- Ride/Attraction Type - Wave Pool
- Height Requirement - None
Locals know that the waves are always perfect at Waturi Beach. Swim, splash and relax right along with them in the sparkling waters and warm waves of this sparkling lagoon at the foot of mighty Krakatau.
TOP TIP! If you’re wanting to get some great pictures for your social media or holiday photo album, this is the perfect place to strike a pose. You’ll get some pretty stunning views of the volcano in the background!
Kopiko Wai Winding River
- Ride/Attraction Type - Lazy River
- Height Requirement - None
Take a slow ride on the Kopiko Wai Winding River through the tropical landscape of Universal’s Volcano Bay. Sprays of water surprise along the way, and beneath the lava rocks, Stargazer’s Cavern reveals the magical night sky above. This is the perfect attraction for when you need a break from those thrilling water slides.
DID YOU KNOW? Look out for TapuTapu stations on the bridges over the Kopiko Wai Winding River - you can get your own back and spray water over other guests in the river!
TeAwa The Fearless River
- Ride/Attraction Type - White Water River
- Height Requirement - None
Up for an adventure? Put on a life vest and take a thrilling whitewater ride along TeAwa The Fearless River, racing along a roaring, watery onslaught of churning rapids and choppy waves.
FUN FOR KIDS! Runamukka Reef
- Ride/Attraction Type - Play Area
- Height Requirement - Under 48”/122cm
Once an exotic coral reef beneath the ocean, Runamukka Reef is now a favourite play place for young Waturi children, with its bubbling geysers, water guns, slides and dump cups. Shaded by fanciful bamboo sea creatures and waving seaweed, it’s the most playful spot in Universal’s Volcano Bay.
Tot Tiki Reef
- Ride/Attraction Type - Play Area
- Height Requirement - Under 48”/122cm
Even the youngest Waturi can get in on the fun in the shallows of Tot Tiki Reef. Play among splashy slides, a tot-sized water volcano and a tribe of friendly Tikis who spray water from their blowholes. Plus, adorable whales spray and sing as kids raise and lower their wrists.
Premium Seating and Cabanas at Universal’s Volcano Bay
If you thought island life couldn’t get any more relaxing, think again! There are plenty of free loungers throughout the water park, but premium seating can be booked ahead of time to ensure you have a comfortable base for the day. Or, if you fancy a touch of luxury, one or two-storey cabanas can be booked for an additional cost, offering cushioned lounge chairs, a refrigerator stocked with water and fruit, towels, lockers and a concierge service. Single cabanas can hold up to 6 people, while family cabanas are perfect for larger groups, suitable for up to 16 guests.
DID YOU KNOW?
Guests staying at a Universal Resort Hotel can benefit from early admission to Volcano Bay, an hour before the park officially opens! If you want to stay as close to the fun as possible, Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Aventura Hotel are both within walking distance of the water park, and you can even book a room with a view of the volcano!
Universal’s Volcano Bay Food and Drink
Bambu
Dine under the shade of bamboo stalks at this island shack serving up burgers, chicken tenders and fresh fish sandwiches, as well as tropical desserts including coconut cream pies and chocolate upside-down cake. What? Quick Service, Burgers How Much? $
Dancing Dragons Boat Bar
Come aboard this outrigger canoe and admire the colourful Chinese sails while sipping on a tropical cocktail with fruity flavours like coconut, pineapple and mango. What? Bar, Alcoholic Drinks How Much? $
Kohola Reef Restaurant and Social Club
Enjoy flavoursome island favourites including pulled pork sandwiches, coconut curry chicken, Hawaiian ribs and jerked Mahi sandwiches while taking in the spectacular views of the volcano. What? Quick Service, Sandwiches and Salads How Much? $
Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona
This ice cream stand serves up traditional flavours like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, as well as the tropical tastes of coconut, pineapple, mango and more. This is where you can get one of our favourites, the Waturi Fusion, a cone topped with strawberry, banana, orange and blue raspberry soft serve. What? Snacks, Ice Cream How Much? $
Kunuku Boat Bar
Named after the mythical fish that safely guided the Waturi to Volcano Bay, refreshing beers and fruity cocktails are served up at this bar operating out of a beached canoe. What? Bar, Alcoholic Drinks How Much? $
The Feasting Frog
Hop on over to this beady-eyed eatery to catch some island snacks… Don’t worry, this tropical frog isn’t serving up flies, but poke bowls, tacos and loaded nachos instead! What? Snacks, Mexican How Much? $
Volcano Bay Pavilion Kiosk
Keep hunger at bay, at Volcano Bay! Grab a light snack of a wrap, sushi roll or fruit salad to keep your energy up between adrenaline-fuelled rides and slides. What? Snacks, Light Bites How Much? $
Whakawaiwai Eats
Grab your board… no, not your surfboard, your longboard pizza! Choose from classics like cheese and pepperoni or try a Hawaiian or island BBQ for a more tropical twist. Plus with hot dogs and gooey mac and cheese on the menu too, there’s something for everyone. What? Quick Service, Pizza How Much? $
Key Information
Volcano Bay Opening Hours
Park Hours - 10am up to 7pm (closing times will vary depending on seasons and events)
Guests of Universal Orlando Resort Hotels may also enjoy early entry to Volcano Bay up to one hour before park opening.
Volcano Bay Parking
Parking for Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Park can be found on the first floor of the Universal Orlando parking garage. From here, guests will then be directed to the complimentary shuttle service that will take them directly to the water park entrance. The following parking fees apply:
- Regular Parking - $27
- RV/Bus Parking - $32
- Prime Parking - $50
Directions to Universal’s Volcano Bay
For guests of the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels, you can get to Volcano Bay by bus or on foot (from select resort hotels). If you’re driving, Volcano Bay is found to the north of International Drive - simply follow the directions for the Universal Orlando Parking Garage.
Address: 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
What should you bring to Volcano Bay?
Towels - whether it’s to dry off after splashing in Waturi Beach or simply to lie on while relaxing on your sun lounger, it goes without saying that you’ll want to have a towel with you at Volcano Bay. If you don’t have space for towels in your suitcase, you can rent a towel for $4.99 per day, but bringing your own will help you save a few dollars that can be used on snacks instead!
- Sun Cream - while there are shaded areas at Volcano Bay, the majority of your day at this water theme park will be spent outside in the Florida sun so you’ll want to have plenty of sun cream with you to top up throughout the day, especially if there are little ones with you.
- Water Bottles - you’ll definitely want to try some of the delicious cocktails, mocktails and ice creams available at Volcano Bay, but we’d recommend taking a bottle of water with you as well to make sure you stay hydrated in the heat, particularly if you are going to be drinking alcohol.
What should you wear to Volcano Bay?
Standard water park attire of swimming costumes, bikinis, rash guards and wetsuits are encouraged to be worn at Universal’s Volcano Bay. Some rides and slides will not permit you to ride with zippers or buckles due to health and safety so bear this in mind when deciding which swimming costume to wear.
We’d recommend taking hats and loose, light t-shirts or cover-ups too to wear when not on the rides, to keep sun exposure to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day. Water shoes can be worn on the walkways and in the pools and rivers at Volcano Bay, but are not permitted on some drop slides, Tot Tiki Reef and Runamukka Reef.
Infants must wear swim diapers when in the water, which should be covered by a swimming costume. Children under 48” must also wear a life jacket at all times when in the water - these can be hired for free for the day.
Buy Volcano Bay Water Park Tickets
Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer Ticket
