Universal's Volcano Bay: A Thrilling Water Park Adventure

Looking for thrills and aquatic adventures? Universal's Volcano Bay, located at Universal Orlando Resort, offers a unique water park experience inspired by Polynesian mythology. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the park's must-try rides and attractions, ensuring a memorable visit for all ages.

Introduction to Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay opened its doors in May 2017, spanning approximately 53 acres. It replaced Wet 'n Wild as Universal Orlando Resort's only water park, becoming the third theme park overall and the first water park constructed by Universal Creative. The park's centerpiece is "Krakatau," a magnificent 200-foot-tall volcano. The park is designed with a tribute to Polynesian mythology. Many of the rides and attractions have backstories that involve the arrival of the Waturi people and their enchanting encounters with deities and heroes.

Navigating Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay is designed to be easily navigable, divided into sections catering to different interests and age groups. Most of the thrill-seeking rides are located in the Rainforest Village, the park's largest village.

Must-Try Thrill Rides

Here are some of the most exhilarating rides at Volcano Bay:

1. Krakatau Aqua Coaster

The Krakatau Aqua Coaster is a definite highlight, often considered a favorite ride at Volcano Bay and perhaps even all of Universal Orlando Resort. This innovative ride combines the elements of a raft ride and a coaster. Up to four riders sit in canoes that look like an inflatable banana/hotdog shaped tube thing and travel down steep drops and up steep hills through the magnificent volcano, Krakatau. What sets this water coaster apart is its use of magnets to propel the raft uphill, creating a smooth and thrilling experience. The water roller coaster goes higher than its starting point. The magnets make the ride smooth, and the raft floats even in the uphills. Due to its popularity, it's recommended to head straight for this ride when the park opens to avoid long wait times, which can reach between 150 and 200 minutes midday.

Read also: Tropical Thrills at Volcano Bay

2. Ko’okiri Body Plunge

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Ko’okiri Body Plunge is a must. Located at the top of the volcano, this near-vertical speed slide features a trap-door start. Riders enter a capsule and wait for the floor to drop out from under them, sending them plummeting 125 feet through one of the pool attractions at the base of the volcano. With a 70-degree drop, it is the second tallest body slide in America. The ride is over in about 5 seconds. It’s thrilling fun. I’d recommend doing that one first.

3. Honu ika Moana

Honu and ika Moana are two distinct, multi-person slides that share the same platform. It’s important to note that you have to get in virtual line for each ride separately, so you want to know which one you want.

Honu: This blue-colored tube ride (despite "Honu" meaning turtle, which would typically be associated with the color green) offers pure exhilaration, sending riders up two massive walls in a raft that can accommodate up to five people. The Turtle goes fast and hits 2 major half pipes for you. You will go high and then drop back into the chute, TWICE. It’s beyond stomach dropping. You don’t really get very wet while on this ride.
ika Moana: The green slide is ika Moana. It’s great for kids and people looking for moderate thrills. Just sit down, enjoy the twists and turns, and get wet!

4. Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides

Ohyah and Ohno offer a unique twist on the traditional water slide experience. Instead of a graceful exit into a shallow pool, Ohyah drops riders four feet above the pool, while Ohno plunges them from a height of six feet. Ohno (purple slide) was the bigger drop at 6 feet. Make sure you are a strong swimmer because you get pushed to the bottom of the pool.

5. Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides

Located near Ohyah and Ohno, the Kala and Tai Nui Body Slides offer a similar experience to the Ko’okiri Body Plunge but with added twists and turns. Riders walk to the top of the slides, stand over a trap door, and listen as the drums intensify before dropping and twisting all the way down.

6. Maku Puihi

Technically this isn’t a group family ride, but you can all go down simultaneously. This is a mat slide, that means you pick up a foam mat (thankfully at the top of the slide)to ride on. Now like I said you aren’t all on the same raft, this is a single person slide. But the lifeguards are great about letting people race each other down in groups (hence the name Punga Racers). And just so you get my tips to beating the family down (a) get in the start position and let the lifeguard tell you all when to go (b) start farther a head than you think you should, the mats stick to the start area and it’s not so easy to jump out of the chute.

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Other Attractions and Amenities

Beyond the thrill rides, Volcano Bay offers a variety of other attractions and amenities for a complete water park experience:

Waturi Beach: Enjoy the wave pool at Waturi Beach.
Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef: These areas are perfect for younger children to play and explore.
Fearless River: Fearless River goes behind the volcano, not through it. Again this isn’t technically a family ride since everyone has to be in their own tubes. But the fearless river isn’t your average lazy river. First off it goes faster. When I dropped out of my tube I almost got ran over by the people behind me, it’s harder to keep up than you think. Second it has rapids. Ok these aren’t class IV on the Colorado or anything, But still there are bumps and waves and you can link together creating a family island to navigate it.
TapuTapu: Upon entering the park, guests receive a complimentary TapuTapu wearable, which allows them to virtually wait in line for rides and make purchases throughout the park. You can only ride other rides that say ride now while you are waiting for your reserved ride. Don’t forget to return your TapuTapu when you leave the park.
Cabanas and Premium Seating: For a more luxurious experience, guests can rent cabanas or premium seating. You can rent cabanas at Volcano Bay starting at $159 per day. There are also premium seating to rent starting at $29.99.
Dining: Volcano Bay offers four restaurants with a Hawaiian Pacific island vibe: Whakawaiwai Eats, Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club, Bambu, and The Feasting Frog. You can also find pizza, burgers, fried chicken, tacos, and nachos and some of your traditional fried favorites. Be sure to have an ice cream. They are epic and unique to Universal’s water park. I had the Waturi Fusion. Also you can get a topping, I got whipped cream. Mum loved the elderberry cider. It tasted just like a snake bite!
Cabana Bay Beach Resort: Consider staying at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, which offers a retro 50's vibe and early access to the park. This means first dibs on lounge chairs in a GOOD spot, and you can ride all of the slides before the park gets busy (same with other parks). They also have outdoor movies and indoor bowling lanes, Orlando Sentinel newspapers, gift shop, cafeteria and different restaurants.

Tips for Visiting Volcano Bay

Arrive Early: Take advantage of staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort or other Universal properties to gain early access to the park.
Utilize TapuTapu: Use the TapuTapu wearable to reserve ride times and avoid long lines.
Stay Hydrated: Bring water, buy water, or ask for free water and ice in a cup at any of the quick-service restaurants and eateries. There are places to fill them up inside Volcano Bay.
Consider a Multi-Day Ticket: If you plan on visiting all three parks (Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay), opt for a 3-Park Multi-Day ticket. Options available from 2 to 5 days in duration Starting at $92 per day (3-day ticket) If you plan on visiting all three parks, get this pass.
Prepare for Weather: Be prepared for Florida's weather, which can include rain.
Check Height Requirements: Steer your kids away from experiences where you know they will not meet the height requirements, even if it is just half an inch.
Use Rider Switch: Let a team member know about your need to ride switch to accommodate small children or guests with special needs. One guest will wait at a designated area with the non-rider while a second guest rides.
Lockers: You can hire lockers for your bags to keep your valuables in if no one is going to stay and watch your things.

Read also: Renting a Cabana at Volcano Bay

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