Universal’s Volcano Bay: Why This Place Will Blow Your Mind!
Do you or your family enjoy water parks? Looking for an immersive experience that has something for everyone? You need to check out the sparking waters of Universal’s Volcano Bay! This beautiful park will transport you to the South Pacific and is themed after the mythical Waturi Islanders whose entire existence is water. Their motto: water is life, and life is joy! Sounds good to me, so let’s go!
Before You Go:
If you stay onsite at one of the six different Universal hotels, you get to enter the park one-hour earlier than regular admission tickets. You’ll go through security and then be given a TapuTapu wristband (more on this later). From here, I’d recommend heading over to rent a locker. They offer three different sizes to store your valuables. There are several attractions that you cannot wear your sunglasses or bring your phone, so I’d recommend paying to do this.
Wondering about wearing shoes on your journey throughout Volcano Bay? You can wear them on some attractions, and on those you can’t, they have shoe stands shelves nearby so you can leave and then retrieve after you ride. Need a life jacket? They have several complimentary stands located throughout the park with every required size.
Shoe shelves 
Variety of life jackets
Alright, so you’re all checked in and have valuables stored in your locker and are ready to hit the slides! If you arrive before official general park opening, you’ll need to show your room ticket to access attractions. Take advantage of that extra hour as you’ll be able to get a lot done before the crowds begin to arrive. (pro-tip: hit the KraKatua Aqua Coaster first as this is a very popular attraction).
Worried about standing in long lines? Not an issue at Volcano Bay with their exclusive and innovative TapuTapu wrist band. This wristband is similar to Walt Disney Companies Magic Band in that you can link a payment method through your Universal Studio account, rent and open a locker and use it to link photos from ride attractions and photo spots. You can also use it to interact with different kiosks throughout the park. The biggest benefit of TapuTapu is its ability to secure your place in line. Simply walk to the attraction you’d like to enjoy and “tap in”. The associated monitor screen will give you a return time. While you are in the virtual line, you can enjoy a tropical beverage, grab something to eat, float in the wave pool or grab a tube and enjoy the current of lazy river.
And by lazy, I mean swift! This river boasts a strong current and winds you throughout the park (even through the volcano!) and is lined with a beautiful assortment of tropical plants and flowers.
Looking for some extra privacy? How about renting a cabana! These offer their own exclusive menu, concierge service, lockers, stocked mini-frig and padded seating. Done.
Now about all those slides! The waterslides at Volcano Bay range from body slides, tube slides and a literal aqua coaster. And what about the little ones not yet tall enough to brave the thrill rides?
Over at Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef, you’ll find the little slides for kids under 48” tall and a whimsical play area filled with bubbling geysers, water guns and colorful sea creatures. There really is something for everyone here.
Volcano Bay ‘blew’ my mind and I can’t wait to return to the island of the Waturi to experience the joys of this waterpark once again.
I love to help families plan their next adventure and I’m a certified travel planner for Key to the World Travel. Check out these other great family friendly destinations: Jamaica, Aulani , Disneyland and more. Contact me @: [email protected] for FREE assistance in booking and planning your next trip.
