Guest Stories

7 Reasons My Family Loves Universal Volcano Bay

September 16, 2017
Family making ride time reservations with TapuTapu at Universal's Volcano Bay

When you think about family fun and what kids love, it often involves water. It’s no surprise since you can do so much in it like swim, splash and slide. My daughters Gabby and Michaela are no exception. We recently had the pleasure of visiting Universal Orlando’s newest water theme park, Universal Volcano Bay. Read on to discover the many reasons why we think this Waturian utopia is a top destination your family will love.

1. It’s Themed

Theming at Universal's Volcano Bay

Kids love it when they can step into another world. In the case of Volcano Bay, they walk into the Pacific isle of the fabled Waturi islanders. The feel of the park is that of a tropical resort. It is the kind of place where you can forget your worries and just surround yourself with fun.

When the creative minds at Universal Orlando Resort decided that they were going to design their third park, they knew that it needed to continue to meet their standards when it came to themed entertainment.

You’ll see palm trees, beautiful orchids, water fountains, and tiki huts. But the most remarkable sight you’ll see is the 200-foot volcano, Krakatau. It’s in the heart of the park and invites you to venture through its hidden caverns and cascading waterfalls.

The park tells a story and, according to legend, the volcano was created when the fiery god, Krakatau, tried to prevent his daughter, Tai Nui, from seeing a boy, Kala, whom she loved very much.

Krakatau had Kala banished to the sky, where he became the moon, in hopes that his daughter would stop all her foolishness. Instead, his daughter became miserable, her tears becoming the sea.

Krakatau realized he had to find a way to make her happy again.

So he reached deep into the Earth and pulled it to the sky, connecting the sea and the sky, reunited the young lovers. This is how the Sky, Sea and Earth united to form the paradise of Volcano Bay.

The Waturi are the fabled islanders who discovered Volcano Bay, a piece of Pacific isle paradise. They traveled to the ends of the Earth before stumbling upon this spectacular destination.

Now, their goal is to make everyone who visits Volcano Bay feel welcome and loved. After all, they feel that “water is life, and life is joy”.

Our girls loved the theme and remarked that they felt they were actually in the Polynesian islands.

TIP: The origin story is why the two, intertwining trap-door slides are named Kala and Tai Nui!

2. You Can Play While You Wait in Line for Rides

Play on Waturi Beach while you wait at Universal's Volcano Bay

As a parent with kids who want to do EVERYTHING when they go to Universal, Volcano Bay was no exception. The park has innovative, waterproof TapuTapu wearables that help you do just that.

With TapuTapu, you can hold your place in a ride’s virtual line experience while you go have fun throughout the park. It also can unlock your locker, engage interactive play areas, and more.

For more information on TapuTapu, click here.

You can catch some rays on Waturi Beach or do what we did: ride the waves in the wave pool. While you float along, you can enjoy fantastic views of other guests going down the Ko’okiri Body Plunge. The kids will love to lounge in the Kopiko Wai Winding River or splash through TeAwa The Fearless River’s white waters that roar through the Rainforest Village. The littles will love the Puka Uli Lagoon that has spraying water elements and bongo drums. Check out all of Volcano Bay’s attractions here.

To note, you can only secure one ride at a time. If you find a ride with a shorter ride time, you switch rides, but you will lose your existing return time.

TIP: Head towards the back of the park, it tends to be a little less busy at first. Select a time for any ride that you really want to go on first. Keep watch for signs on rides that say RIDE NOW and enjoy that attraction without giving up your current return time for another.

3. No Need to Carry Your Wallet or Phone

Select your ride time with TapuTapu at Universal's Volcano Bay

Carrying around your wallet, when you only want to enjoy the park, is no fun. We made TapuTapu our wallet and set up our account before arriving at the park. You can set it up right through The Official Universal Orlando Resort App or do it online.

We linked all of our tickets for our whole family in the app and added our credit card. We set up a pin and then we were ready to go. We were ready to literally tap for anything we wanted, whether it’s food, drinks or souvenirs.

TIP: Go ahead and add the kids and give them charging permissions. Since you can set spending limits, you won’t have to worry about anyone getting too carried away!

Everyone wants selfies when they’re having a blast in a tropical place, right? But, enjoying a water park and carrying around a phone isn’t always optimal.

TapuTapu comes to the rescue when you find selfie stations around the park. These will snap a pic of the fam in locations that are picturesque. With this option, memories are made AND captured to share on your Instagram or social feeds later. Or you know, maybe an old-school photo album?

4. The Food is AMAZING

Get family favorites like chicken fingers at Universal's Volcano Bay

The food at Volcano Bay will not disappoint. What we loved as a family was that there are so many options and a variety to choose from. With a family that craves different things at different times, we all chose something we were satisfied with.

Since you’re in a Pacific-isle themed resort, you’ll find island-inspired food! Some of Volcano Bay’s tasty tropical dishes include: Karika Chicken Sandwich, Jerked Mahi Sandwich, and Island Chicken Salad.

We finished our meals with Chocolate Pineapple Upside Down Cake, which was so good! If that doesn’t float your boat, they have cookies, milkshakes and more that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Gabby also loved the ICEE bar with various ICEE flavors. She picked them all and mixed it up and topped it off with a churro. She did this all while waiting for the next ride. You can check out all of the food and drink options here.

5. The Rides are Worth It

Ko'okiri Body Plunge at Universal's Volcano Bay

Sometimes you can leave a water park feeling a bit underwhelmed, but not at Volcano Bay. There is something for everyone, whether it’s the person that wants to float in the winding river or the ultimate adrenaline junkie. If it’s thrills you seek, you’re going to want to ride the Krakatau Aqua Coaster as it twists and turns through the volcano. Or you can walk through all the hidden caverns and the waterfalls of Krakatau if you’re looking for a more relaxing activity.

There are also three body slides that are in the volcano. You’ll be shocked that one second you’re in the tube… and the next second a trap door opens up below you and you drop down into the volcano.

The Ko’okiri Body Plunge is for the ultimate thrill-seeker with its 70-degree drop that will plummet 125-feet down the face of Krakatau. It’s also the world’s first slide to travel through a pool filled with guests. You’ll emerge at the bottom and let me tell you—you’ll be screaming from the adrenaline rush!

The Honu 5-person raft ride offers excitement, but not as much as the twists and turns of the Ika Moana. What I love about this ride is that if you have younger children who don’t meet the height requirement for Honu, they can ride the Ika Moana. That way, they don’t miss out on the slides either! It was fun and I think I screamed more than the kids! It was a fun ride for all four of us. And that’s just two of the multi-person raft rides you’ll find here.

The Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides are two exhilarating, twisting, adrenaline-pumping slides. The look on your family’s faces will be priceless when they realize there’s a 4 to 6-foot drop at the end of the slide. By the time they realize it, they’re already free-falling and it’s simply EPIC.

6. Plenty of On-Site Accommodations

Universal's Volcano Bay view from Cabana Bay Beach Resort

You don’t need to stay at one of the hotels to enjoy Volcano Bay, but it does make it easier. Not to mention, it comes with perks! When you stay on-site, you get Early Park Admission to Volcano Bay one hour before the park opens. Click here to see the hotel options.

When you stay at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort towers, you’re pretty much staying inside Volcano Bay. The towers are located on the edge of the park. All hotel guests can walk to the park entrance.

I had the chance to tour the 2-bedroom suites in the towers that face Volcano Bay. They are gorgeous and, let me tell you, the view of Volcano Bay is breathtaking. You have the volcano right outside of your window and floor to ceiling windows to boot! We have stayed at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort before, but will be coming back to stay in the  towers soon.

7. Fun for Everyone!

Family fun in the wave pool at Universal's Volcano Bay

This water theme park caters to guests of all ages. There is something to do for everyone, no matter what level of thrills you seek. You can relax on the beach and get a tan while reading a book, lounge under a tiki hut whilst sipping on a cool drink or take on the Ko’okiri Body Plunge.

If you’re traveling with younger kids and tots, they have the Tot Tiki Reef that is a whimsical toddler play area with spraying tiki fountains, slides and a kid-size volcano. They can also explore the Runamukka Reef, which is a three-story water playground inspired by the coral reef. It’s overflowing with twisting slides, sprinklers and more. It’s like their own little water park!

Universal Orlando has created high standards for their parks and their new Volcano Bay exceeds them. Everyone who visits the park will find themselves falling in love with the water, the rides, and the Waturi that live there. Paradise doesn’t get any better than that!

For a family who loves adventure, we were incredibly thrilled and had an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to go back!

Now, the next question to answer is: when will YOU visit?

Comment below and let us know when you plan to visit and what you’re looking forward to trying the most.

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42 Comments

  • Reply Sarah Bailey September 20, 2017 at 1:42 pm

    Oh now this sounds like such a fun place, I am loving the sound of the rides and it bet sometimes it is just nice to lay down on the beach area and rest.

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 10:47 am

      You can definitely do both here! It was so much fun.

  • Reply Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh September 20, 2017 at 2:32 pm

    We live in Florida, and I’ll be the first to admit that we have been a die hard Disney family, although we’ve never been to any of their water parks. We’ve never visited when they were open. We would actually love to visit Volcano Bay!

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 10:48 am

      You’ll love Volcano Bay, the fact they have TapuTapu wearables changes everything. The experience is laid back, and you definitely enjoy the park at your own pace.

  • Reply Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle September 20, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    That looks like so much fun! The idea of a themed water park AT Universal is just awesome to me!

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:01 am

      I’m totally with you! Especially one as EPIC as Volcano Bay!

  • Reply Vera Sweeney September 20, 2017 at 2:38 pm

    AHHH! THAT’S the water park for me and my family! We absolutely love Universal, so a water park that has the Universal treatment is perfect!

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:03 am

      It is always a great time at Universal, I agree!

  • Reply Jennifer Van Huss September 20, 2017 at 8:59 pm

    That looks like a fabulous family vacation! I love the idea of having a watch that lets you access money without having to hold onto a wallet or phone. I also love the idea of letting kids play while they wait for a ride

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:04 am

      It makes things much easier, that’s for sure. Plus, the kids are never bored!

  • Reply Sapphire Kharyzma September 20, 2017 at 10:11 pm

    This looks like such an awesome getaway adventure. My kids would love this! I have to check it out. Will be adding to my bucket list!

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:04 am

      That is awesome, hope you can make it soon!

  • Reply Jacqui S September 20, 2017 at 10:31 pm

    Looks like an absolutely fabulous time! I love that you can play while you’re in line or the kids can play LOL. And having that wrist band to use in place of having to haul around your wallet and anything else is absolutely perfect and I think all Park should have that! Thanks for sharing this!

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:05 am

      Yes, that is awesome and the fact that even the kids can charge (with limits of course) is a game changer!

  • Reply Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place September 21, 2017 at 12:57 am

    There’s so much to love about this resort! It’s really fun and it’s worth going to especially for the kids! I definitely loved all the reasons you shared, it’s one of the best places! a

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:06 am

      Thanks for taking a look!

  • Reply Joely Smith September 21, 2017 at 1:42 am

    What a gorgeous place! The app is perfect! I love this idea!! We went to Universal Studios once and absolutely loved it! We do want to go back SOON and need to check out Volcano Bay!

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:07 am

      Yes, it is definitely a must when you visit. Hope you get to visit soon!

  • Reply Kelly Reci September 21, 2017 at 5:54 am

    What a great and fun adventure ! This UNIVERSAL’S VOLCANO BAY looks like a really amazing place for fun adventure.. Surely I will plan to visit there with my family!

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:07 am

      Awesome, hope you have a blast when you arrive!

  • Reply Tomi C September 21, 2017 at 6:27 am

    Looks like you and your family had a wonderful time. Can’t wait to check out this latest resort on our next trip to Orlando. Thanks for the tips

  • Reply Ron Leyba September 21, 2017 at 7:41 am

    Just wow! Would love to visit this place soon. Hope me and my family can go there the coming months.

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:09 am

      Yes! I hope you can make it soon!

  • Reply Gabby September 21, 2017 at 8:17 am

    Volcano Bay was so much fun!

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:09 am

      Glad you had fun!

  • Reply Courtney Blacher September 21, 2017 at 2:21 pm

    Wow, that place looks like so much fun! Perfect for family time. Thank you for sharing.

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:10 am

      My pleasure, hope you make it here soon!

  • Reply Reese Alvarado September 21, 2017 at 2:22 pm

    I would love to visit that place with my family! It’s absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for sharing.

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:10 am

      It really feels like a tropical destination, well, it kinda is!

  • Reply Wendy Polisi September 21, 2017 at 7:13 pm

    The MAIN thing that made it more enjoyable was not feeling like you wasted time while waiting in line. The fact you can play while waiting for your turn is amazing!

  • Reply Ruthie Ridley September 21, 2017 at 8:53 pm

    Such great pictures! I can’t wait to take the family!!!

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:11 am

      Thanks! They will love it. 🙂

  • Reply Tiffany Haywood September 22, 2017 at 8:49 am

    We literally missed the opening by 4 days during our family vacation this year! I am determined to get back so we can have all the fun of Volcano Bay because it looks absolutely amazing!

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:11 am

      Aww Tiffany, now you really have to come back!

  • Reply Our Family World September 22, 2017 at 5:17 pm

    I will have to make sure I visit Volcano Bay the next time I am at Universal. It does look like a lot of fun!

  • Reply Annemarie LeBlanc September 22, 2017 at 5:34 pm

    We may not be able to visit Universal Orlando until summer of next year, but we sure would love to be at Volcano Bay. Lots of fun offered, and I love the convenience of the TapuTapu wearables!

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:13 am

      Volcano Bay will be waiting for you. Yes, the TapuTapu wearables are awesome!

  • Reply Garf September 25, 2017 at 4:48 am

    I love theme parks and this place is just perfect. This sounds like a fun place to visit.

    • Reply Nancy Polanco November 4, 2017 at 11:13 am

      Lots of fun, indeed!

  • Reply Lorraine October 7, 2017 at 9:16 pm

    i would love to take my whole family for our 50th anniversary but our grandkids range from new born to 18 years old. We would be 8 adults and 8 kids Any Ideas?

  • Reply Tami Lorick November 1, 2017 at 12:58 pm

    We are coming to Universal in mid December. Will the weather be too cold for a water park? Will some of the rides be closed during this time of the year?

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