Guides and Tips

Passholder Tips for Universal Volcano Bay

January 17, 2018
Ice Cream at Universal's Volcano Bay

One of the great things about being a Universal Orlando Resort Annual Passholder (UOAP) is that you get to go to the parks as often as you like. We live fairly close, so it’s just a short trip to start having fun. And as soon as we could, we added Universal Volcano Bay water theme park to our passes — and haven’t regretted it once.

With two little boys ready to take on anything, Volcano Bay is a non-stop day of fun for us. With all that time spent as a Waturi, here are some of my tips for you.

Stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Universal's Volcano Bay Views from Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Even though we’re locals, we love to occasionally stay on-site at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. On top of being just a few steps away from a private entrance to Volcano Bay, you get to enter the park an hour before the gates open. This gives you a chance to get set up and enjoy a more casual morning start. And the stunning view of the Krakatau volcano from a tower room is just icing on the cake!

Bonus: UOAPs also get discounts at the  hotels plus special rates (seasonally).

Get There Early

Passholder Tips to Universal's Volcano Bay

Even if you don’t stay on-site, just getting to the park early is very helpful. It’s a newer park, and during peak tourist seasons it’s very popular. Getting there early will ensure you have time to park in the garage, hop on the shuttle, and make your way through the ticket gates. You’ll even find a lot of the rides have “Ride Now”, allowing you to hop on instantly.

Pick Your Spot First

Relaxing on Waturi Beach at Universal's Volcano Bay

Claim your spot in the sand for the day first thing upon entering. Head to the back area of the park to grab chairs that are less trafficked and fill up slower.

Sync With TapuTapu

One of the things the boys were most excited about was TapuTapu, the cool new wearable devices that are only for Volcano Bay. The main use is to hold your place in the virtual line experience — so you can go play instead of standing around. But they also let you leave your cards and cash behind. With the Official Universal Orlando Resort App, you can add a credit card to your (free) account that syncs with your TapuTapu. This allows purchases throughout the park with just a tap of your wrist.

Enjoying Waturi Beach at Universal's Volcano Bay

Dine Like a Native

There are all kinds of dishes at the three restaurants spread throughout the park. The Waturi Fusion rainbow ice cream will cool you off on a hot day — and it matches the color atmosphere all around you. Even the bars go above and beyond. Grab a specialty drink in a souvenir cup and get discounted refills. There are also non-alcoholic frozen treats for all to enjoy.

Bonus: If you’re a UOAP, you also get discounts on food at Volcano Bay.

Ohno Drop Slide at Universal's Volcano Bay

All said and done, Universal Volcano Bay has become our new favorite place to spend time. And as much as we love the rides, you don’t even have to ride one to have a fun-filled day. Just lay back in the sand, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Waturi.

If you’re ready to become a UOAP, grab a pass or upgrade your current one to add Volcano Bay.

Got your own tips? Share them with us in the comments below!

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1 Comment

  • Reply Mama K January 22, 2018 at 9:07 pm

    Awesome review, now I want to go to Volcano Bay!

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