Volcano Bay is Universal Orlando Resort’s massive onsite themed water park that serves as a nice respite from hot Central Florida days. Located right next door to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, this park features a new level of theming as well as an innovative wristband-based virtual queue system, the TapuTapu wearable. Volcano Bay has a South Seas theme with sandy beaches, tropical foliage and a gigantic water-spouting volcano as the centerpiece. Universal has strived to create a new type of immersive water park, combining the theming and attention to detail that can be found at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure with the refreshing nature of a water park. The result is an impressive and intricate park offering a full day of fun.

TapuTapu

The biggest difference in Volcano Bay versus other water parks is the use of a new wearable reservation system: TapuTapu. TapuTapus are wristbands guests wear throughout their visit to the park that are used to reserve spaces in lines, open rental lockers, store payment information and activate interactive play areas. Each guest is given a free band when they enter the park and return them to a Universal Team Member when exiting. Guests can scan their band at rides to enter a virtual queue that will allow them to experience other attractions while waiting. A small screen on the band will let you know when it’s time to return to ride. Guests can also store payment information to their account and use the bands to purchase food or merchandise. Special play areas are set up around the park where guests can scan their TapuTapu to activate fun items like water cannons and sprinklers. The bands are waterproof and meant to be worn at all times making it easier to enjoy your day without worrying about carrying items with you. You can check out the Professor’s full guide to TapuTapu here.

Waterslides

Ko’okiri Body Plunge – Guests drop 125 feet down the center of the volcano on a near-vertical, speed slide. This is the tallest drop capsule slide in the world and is not for the faint of heart. Guests must be 48” or taller to ride.

Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides – This duo of twisting and turning body slides also take guests through the volcano after dropping from trap-door launches atop the Krakatau. Guests must be 48” or taller to ride

Punga Racers – Grab a toboggan style mat and choose from one of four racing lanes to see if you’ve got what it takes to be the fastest racer at the volcano. Guests must be 42” or taller to ride.

Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides – These twin body slides send guests on a fast-paced, twisting ride that ends with a drop into a splash pool. There are some differences in the slides though. Ohyah is slightly more calm, with riders ascending a rocky cliffside to reach their launch point and a 4-foot drop point at the end. Ohno is more intense, with riders crossing a rope bridge to get to their launch point and a 6-foot drop ending. Both slides require strong swimming ability as the drop pool is roughly 10-feet deep, and lifeguards will ask you if you can swim before being allowed to ride. Guests must be 48” or taller to ride.

Inner Tube Rides

Honu – Guests ride on 5-person, turtle-shaped inner tubes as they speed up two massive walls with a plunge into the splash pool. Guests must be 48” or taller to ride.

Taniwha Tubes – Guests can ride one 4 slides with two levels of intensity. The two sides to this attraction are Tong and Raki, with Raki’s slides being a bit more intense. Single-person inner tubes slide down colorful chutes while being sprayed by amusing tiki statues as they go. Guests must be 42” or taller to ride. Guests between 42” and 48” are not allowed to ride alone, and must ride with a supervising companion.

Ika Moana – The sister slide to Honu, this ride features 5-person, whale-shaped inner tubes and more peaceful ride than Honu. Guests must be 42” or taller to ride.

Krakatau Aqua Coaster – This water coaster takes guests on a ride full of dips and hills in and out of the Krakatau volcano. Four-person canoes are propelled by induction motors to add extra speed and excitement to the ride. The coaster ends with a ride down a steep drop into the splash pool. Guests must be 42” or taller to ride. Guests between 42” and 48” are not allowed alone, and must ride with a supervising companion.

Maku – This 6-person raft ride takes guests through a few hills and turns to start. The real excitement comes when the raft is dropped into a gigantic bowl that spins and turns the raft before ending with massive water sprays and one more drop in the center. Guests must be 42” or taller to ride.

Puihi – This is the sister ride to Maku and features the same 6-person rafts. Puihi is different from Maku in that it’s slightly more intense, featuring dark plunges and a giant funnel that sends guests vertically up its sides. Guests must be 42” or taller to ride.

Wave Pool

Waturi Beach – Guests can splash and relax in this massive multi-directional wave pool at the base of the Krakatau volcano. The area has a white sand shore with ample seating placed in a lagoon-style setting. This spot is great for picturesque views of the multiple waterfalls pouring from the towering volcano. Guests under 48” must wear a life jacket.

Pools and Rivers

The Reef – Guests can relax in a peaceful pool with a waterfall located next to the volcano. This pool also offers a unique view of the Ko’okiri Body Plunge as the rides tubes travel through the pool itself. Guests under 48” must wear a life jacket.

Puka Uli Lagoon – This leisure pool features a relaxing atmosphere allowing guests a place to relax in between thrilling rides. There are also a few interactive features like water sprays to play with as well. Guests under 48” must wear a life jacket.

TeAwa The Fearless River – If The Reef doesn’t sound exciting enough for you, then you should take a spin on the fast-paced TeAwa. This river ride winds through the park similar to The Reef, except this attraction, moves at a much faster rate featuring a few small rapids. Guests must be 42” or taller to ride. Guests between 42” and 48” must rice with a supervising companion and wear a life jacket.

Kopiko Winding River – Guests can relax on a lazy river as it winds in and out of the volcano and the lush tropical landscape. Guests under 48” must wear a life jacket.

Splash Areas

Runamukka Reef – This three-story tall water play area is a fun section built specifically for smaller guests. Kids can explore and enjoy interactive water elements as well as some small slides. This area is intended for guests 54” and under.

Tot Tiki Reef – This play area is similar to Runamukka Reef, but very young guests. It features interactive elements as well as splash pools and small slides. This area is intended for guests 48” and under.