Billed as Universal Orlando Resort’s third park, Volcano Bay is a water park like no other we’ve experienced. Walking into the park is like walking on to an exotic (albeit crowded) island, with lush foliage (so lush it looks fake), trickling waterfalls, pretty beaches, private huts and cabanas, and, at the center, Krakatau, the famous volcano for which the water park is named (and in which there are actual waterslides!).
Universal’s Volcano Bay offers rides and attractions for all ages, from spraygrounds for young kids to aqua coasters for big kids — plus all-ages rides your whole family can enjoy together. Here is your official family guide to Universal’s Volcano Bay.
Attractions
1. Krakatau Aqua Coaster
The centerpiece of Volcano Bay, Krakatau Aqua Coaster is a waterslide inside of the giant “volcano” you’ve seen in every picture of the water park. Four-person canoes take thrill seekers through dark twists and turns before shooting them out like lava.
Height Requirement
42 inches; those under 48 inches need a companion rider
Universal Express Pass Available?
Yes
2. Waturi Beach
Relax in/at Waturi Beach, a multi-directional wave pool and man-made beach at the bottom of the Krakatau Aqua Coaster. Seashell-shaped rinsing stations surround the pool, as do tons of lounge chairs — some with umbrellas/shade.
Height Requirement
Children under 48 inches are required to wear a life jacket; life jackets are readily available by the beach. They come in various sizes and are available to rent free of charge.
Universal Express Pass Available?
No
3. Punga Racers
Youngsters love this ride in which they slide and glide on manta ray mats. Four riders race down four lanes at a time, with the winner receiving an extra spray (or five) of water on the way out!
Height Requirement
42 inches; those under 48 inches need a companion rider
Universal Express Pass Available?
Yes
4. Maku of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
This is a traditional family raft ride, with space for up to six riders in each inner tube. Twist and turn your way down an enclosed waterslide before making a big splash at the bottom.
Height Requirement
42 inches; those under 48 inches need a companion rider
Universal Express Pass Available?
Yes
5. Ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana
Like the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides, Ika Moana is also a family raft ride, this one for four people at a time. This group ride features an open waterslide with some serious twists and turns; it’s a bit more adventurous than the Maku Puihi and is therefore better for families with teens.
Height Requirement
48 inches
Universal Express Pass Available?
Yes
6. Puka Uli Lagoon
Looking to simply relax in a swimming pool? Puka Uli Lagoon is just the place! The pool features fun features your kids will love, such as bongo drums and spray jets.
Height Requirement
None, but non-swimmers need adult supervision and/or life vests.
Universal Express Pass Available?
No
7. Ko’okiri Body Plunge
This enclosed ride takes place inside the park’s iconic volcano, plummeting riders in a 70-degree fall after they go through a drop door. Whoa!
Height Requirement
48 inches
Universal Express Pass Available?
No
8. Tot Tiki Reef
Let your little ones run around in this kids-only section of the park, where spray jets and mini-slides abound. There’s even a mini-version of the Volcano Bay volcano here!
Height Requirement
None, but non-swimmers need adult supervision and/or life vests.
Universal Express Pass Available?
No
9. The Reef
Relax at The Reef, a standard swimming pool from which you can watch riders take the Ko’okiri Body Plunge. The ride’s enclosed, clear tunnel actually goes right through the waters of this pool! The Reef is perfect for those with kids of multiple ages; let your youngsters swim in the pool while you wait for your teens to experience the ride.
Height Requirement
None, but non-swimmers need adult supervision and/or life vests.
Universal Express Pass Available?
No
10. Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides
These dual, enclosed waterslides — one bright green and the other purple — carry raftless riders down crazy twists and turns before literally shooting them out! Riders are required to swim in a deep pool to the ledge (before doing it all over again, of course).
Height Requirement
48 inches
Universal Express Pass Available?
Yes
11. Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
Two riders sit before two trap doors… when suddenly the trap doors open and send both riders down intertwining tubes! Both riders land in a big pool at the bottom of this thrilling ride.
Height Requirement
48 inches
Universal Express Pass Available?
No
12. Runamukka Reef
Runamukka Reef is a classic sprayground with water guns, slides, dump buckets and the like. Your little ones could easily spend a whole day here!
Height Requirement
None
Universal Express Pass Available?
No
13. TeAwa The Fearless River
Nothing beats a lazy river — especially TeAwa The Fearless River! Hop into an inner tube at Hammerhead Beach and be on your way! You’ll ride through the water park’s gigantic volcano and into Rainforest Village.
Height Requirement
42 inches; those under 48 inches need a supervising companion.
Universal Express Pass Available?
No
14. Taniwha Tubes
Grab the family and hop in a giant inner tube on Taniwha Tubes! This ride features two enclosed slides, with alternating groups twisting and turning their way to the bottom.
Height Requirement
42 inches; those under 48 inches need a supervising companion.
Universal Express Pass Available?
No
Hotels
Universal Studios Orlando, FL Family Resorts and Kid-Friendly Hotels
Restaurants
1. Whakawaiwai Eats
Whakawaiwai Eats specializes in quick-service dining, with pizzas and salads available. It also serves alcoholic beverages. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
2. The Feasting Frog
In the mood for some chips and guac? Head to The Feasting Frog. Tacos and Poke Poke Bowls (burrito bowls) are also served here, along with alcoholic beverages. The Feasting Frog is open for lunch and dinner daily.
3. Bambu
Burgers, hot dogs, pizzas and salads are on the menu at Bambu, making it an easy choice for all groups. Bambu is a full-service restaurant that’s open for lunch and dinner daily. Beer, wine and cocktails are served here.
4. Dancing Dragons Boat Bar
Looking for a spot to enjoy a cocktail with your toes in the sand? We know just the place! The Dancing Dragons Boat Bar serves pretty, refreshing drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
5. Kunuku Boat Bar
Stop in for a draft beer, or try a themed cocktail. This covered tiki bar provides shade in a cool, open-air atmosphere that’s completely family-friendly.
6. Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club
Located at the base of Krakatau — the giant volcano in the center of the park — Kohola Reef Restaurant offers quick-service dining for lunch and dinner daily. Options include burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizzas and salads.
Travel Tips
Tapu Tapu Bracelets
All guests receive a Tapu Tapu Bracelet upon entering Volcano Bay. The blue, electronic bracelets can be used to reserve your place in virtual lines for rides. They also activate special effects throughout the park! All bracelets must be returned upon departure.
Life Jackets
Complimentary life jackets are available at multiple locations throughout the park; they are available in various sizes.
Swim Diapers
Swim diapers must be worn on any child who regularly wears diapers. Bring your own or purchase them at the park.
Family Services
There’s a family restroom, as well as a nursing facility, at the First Aid Station near the park’s entrance.
Premium Seating and Cabana Rentals
Cabana rentals are available for families who want to escape the crowds and secure a quiet space in which to convene. Rentals start at $160 for a single, ground-floor cabana that holds six people; most cabanas are situated in two-story units, with the upper units offering the best views and highest rates. Family Suite Cabanas, sized for up to 16 people, start around $300 per day. Premium Seating guarantees covered lounge seating at stations throughout the park.
While these add-ons are a fun option, plenty of seating/lounge areas can be found throughout the park, at no additional cost to visitors.
What to Pack/Lockers
While you can buy most water park supplies within the park, it’s obviously best – and cheaper — to bring your own. In addition to sun protection and bug spray, bring your own towels. Lockers are available.
The Art of Smart Timing
Universal’s Volcano Bay is busy year-round, but obviously even busier when school’s out during the summer months, winter holidays and spring break. Go in September if you can.
Getting There
From Orlando International Airport (MCO), all three Universal Orlando Resort parks are about 30 minutes away, with traffic factored in.
Tip: Stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort to be closest to the park — a private entrance is available right next to the hotel. Guests of other Universal Orlando resort hotels can get in via the private entrance, as well, by showing their key card.
Getting Around
There’s no transportation within the park, but you can easily get anywhere on foot. And even though the park is big, you never feel like you need to walk far. Plus, with water spray features located almost everywhere, you’ll easily keep cool from one attraction to the next!
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