During Volcano Bay Nights at Universal Volcano Bay, the fun doesn’t end when the sun sets! At this limited-capacity nighttime event, you can swim, splash, and dine while enjoying access to the water theme park’s attractions. Here is what you need to know:
- This year, Volcano Bay Nights runs on select nights from May 3 to August 21. With admission, you can enter the park as early as 4 p.m and get exclusive, limited-capacity access from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Due to popular demand, 11 additional event dates have been added for this summer — click here to book your tickets!
- There’s so much to do throughout the evening at Volcano Bay Nights! You can access all attractions with shorter wait times, meet and greet DreamWorks characters, and dance and play at a nightly Beach Bash.
- Make sure you come hungry because there’s plenty of delectable food at Volcano Bay Nights, including complimentary Blue Raspberry Churro Bites and Garlic Parmesan Flavored Popcorn, as well as exclusive items available for purchase like Mac & Cheese Cones and specialty cocktails.
So, let’s dive into this guide on everything you need to know about Volcano Bay Nights at Volcano Bay!
WHAT TO DO | WHAT TO EAT | KNOW BEFORE YOU GO | WHAT TO PACK | WHERE TO STAY
What to Do at Volcano Bay Nights

What’s cooler than riding a water slide in the dark? Pretty much nothing. Whether you want to test your group’s bravery on the thrilling Krakatau Aqua Coaster or relax on the Kopiko Wai Winding River, you can enjoy lower wait times on all Volcano Bay attractions throughout the night!
They say to never meet your heroes, but I can tell you from personal experience that the saying never applies to my personal heroes at Volcano Bay Nights: DreamWorks characters! All throughout the night, guests have the opportunity to meet and greet characters from “Shrek,” “Madagascar,” and “Trolls.”
Then, for a break from the water and merrymaking, head to the Beach Bash where you can have a blast with the entire family. At this festive party, you can dance the night away with a live DJ and play games and other activities!
What to Eat at Volcano Bay Nights

If you asked me for my number-one tip to maximize your time at Volcano Bay Nights, I would tell you that it’s absolutely vital that you come hungry.
Included with your event admission, you can savor complimentary event snacks like Garlic Parmesan Flavored Popcorn and Blue Raspberry Churro Bites and enjoy soft drinks all night long with a free Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup!


Guests can purchase food and drinks at the following locations throughout the night:
- Kohola Reef Restaurant and Social Club
- Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona
- Dancing Dragons Boat Bar
- Whakawaiwai Eats
- Kunuku Boat Bar
- The Feasting Frog
Along with the regular menu at these locations, there are also menu items exclusive to Volcano Bay Nights available for purchase!

Look for the Waturi Sunset cocktail at the Dancing Dragons Boat Bar and the Kunuku Boat Bar. This tequila and soda drink features blue curaçao, lychee boba, fruit juices, and whipped cream for a delightfully tropical sip.
PRO TIP: The Waturi Sunset is just as delicious when ordered as a mocktail!
At Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club, you’ll find some Universal fan favorites: Mac & Cheese bread cones! These ones are special because they’re exclusive to Volcano Bay Nights.

The Ropa Vieja Bread Cone pulls together delicious spiced braised beef, white cheddar mac & cheese, crispy potato sticks and sliced scallions for an absolutely mouthwatering experience.
Fancy something sweet and spicy? The Thai Chili Chicken Bread Cone is glazed in Thai chili sauce and features crispy chicken, white cheddar mac & cheese, sesame seeds, and sliced scallions.
What to Know Before You Go to Volcano Bay Nights
A separate event ticket is required for admission into Volcano Bay Nights. You can purchase tickets here and get ready to splash, party, and have all the fun with none of the sun!
With admission, you receive:
- Entry to Volcano Bay as early as 4 p.m. before the event
- Exclusive access to all attractions from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. during the event
- Complimentary snacks and a Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup
What to Pack for Volcano Bay Nights
Packing for Volcano Bay is even easier at nighttime! The sun is set, so there’s no need for sun protection, and your souvenir cup is already covered, so I’d recommend traveling light and showing up with your swimsuit, a cover-up for dancing at the Beach Bash, and a towel (you can even skip that if you’d like — there are some available to rent for an additional fee).
While packing, just remember whatever you bring needs to easily fit into a locker or be left behind at your beach chair when you ride the rides!
Want more packing tips for your vacation? Read our complete guide to packing for a Universal Orlando Resort vacation here.
Where to Stay for Volcano Bay Nights

There are countless amenities at Universal Orlando hotels, but my favorite is complimentary transportation to all four of Universal’s jaw-dropping theme parks. There’s no wrong choice when it comes to our hotels, but if you’re planning a trip to Volcano Bay Nights specifically, here are my thoughts on the best-choice hotels for your stay.
Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
I can’t build you a time machine to transport you to a 1950s beachside resort, but I can show you Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, which is pretty much the same thing. This retro-themed taste of paradise is super close to Volcano Bay. If you want to stay in the island mindset all vacation long, make sure you book a two-bedroom suite with a Volcano Bay view. This hotel even has a scenic walking path that leads straight to the water theme park!
For more information on Cabana Bay Beach Resort, check out our complete guide to the hotel here.
Universal Aventura Hotel
With its sleek, modern design and elevated dining, Universal Aventura Hotel is the cool place to stay for your Universal vacation. Just like Cabana Bay, Aventura Hotel has access to the walking path to Volcano Bay and room options for a Volcano Bay view. My favorite part about Aventura Hotel? You can watch the volcano light up and erupt at night from the rooftop bar, Bar 17 Bistro!
For more information on Universal Aventura Hotel, check out our complete guide to the hotel here.
What are you most excited to experience at Volcano Bay Nights? Let us know in the comments below!
Must be 21 or older with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.

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