Guides and Tips

10 Insider Tips to Know Before You Go to Universal Volcano Bay

June 9, 2017
Universal's Volcano Bay Honu Raft Slide

In case you are not aware, summer is here and I have the perfect way to beat the heat – Universal Volcano Bay.

The new water theme park is the perfect way to cool off with over 30 experiences including 18 water attractions such as winding and action rivers, two children play areas, an aqua coaster unlike any other, and plenty of pools and sandy beaches. And you can’t forget delicious food and refreshing beverages.

Since this may be your first time visiting Volcano Bay, you may be looking for some tips and tricks to experiencing the park. Look no further – here are 10 ways to maximize your visit.

1. Hop or Skip to Volcano Bay by Staying at a Universal Hotel

By staying at one of our hotels, you can get to Volcano Bay quicker. From Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Universal’s Aventura Hotel you can walk right over on the walking path that takes you directly to the park entrance. Hop aboard our complimentary shuttles from our four other hotels Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. An added bonus to staying with us is Early Park Admission. This gives you exclusive access to Volcano Bay one hour before the park opens to day guests.

HINT: If you stay at Cabana Bay, try to grab a Volcano Side room at the new towers where you’ll get a beautiful view of the mighty Krakatau.

Experience a water park unlike any other at Universal's Volcano Bay.

2. The Early Bird Gets the Best Beach Chair

This may be a no brainer, but the earlier you get to Volcano Bay the more you can jump on rides quicker. Plus, you can claim a prime spot on the beach of your choice as your home base for the day. #Winning

HINT: Want an even more epic spot on the beach? You can book a Private Cabana or Premium Seating. These options are very popular, so I recommend reserving them before you arrive by calling (877) 489-8068.

3. Head Towards the Back

It’s a known fact that people will naturally drift towards the first attractions they see. We recommend grabbing a spot in the back of the park when you first arrive. You’ll avoid the initial crowds near the front and get to the fun faster. Attractions near the back tend to have shorter wait times at the beginning of the day too!

HINT: As you’re making your way to the back to claim your spot, tap to save your ride time at one of the attractions along the way. That way, after you’ve grabbed your beach chair and applied the sunscreen, you can ride.

Universal's Volcano Bay Sign

4. Items For Rent at Volcano Bay

If you have a large family and find yourself hauling a lot of gear into the park, have no fear! There are lockers for rent for cash or credit card throughout the entire park with three different sizes to store your things. I bet you already have a beach towel, but just in case you forget, there are towels available for rent. Your TapuTapu is technically rented for free, too, since you have to return it at the end of the day. 🙂

HINT: You can link up to four TapuTapus to your locker so the whole family can access it whenever they want.

5. Turn Your TapuTapu Into Your Wallet

If you would like to be able to take advantage of TapTu Pay at Volcano Bay, you can start setting up your account before you arrive through The Official Universal Orlando Resort App or online. You can link all of your party’s Volcano Bay tickets to the same account, and you can set up TapTu Pay by linking your credit card. Next step is to set up a pin number and boom – you’re all set to begin your adventure in Volcano Bay. You’ll receive your TapuTapu wearable at the park entrance when you arrive. Click here to learn more about TapuTapu.

HINT: TapTu Pay allows you to purchase merchandise, food and drinks with a simple tap of your wearable. An awesome benefit is the ability to set spending limits on your account. I know I’ll be taking advantage of this since I tend to get carried away with the shopping.

Universal's Volcano Bay Action River

6. Thrills & Chills to Check Out While in the Virtual Line Experience

Here’s a quick snapshot to everything you can do while waiting in the virtual line experience after you tapped into an attraction.

  • Ride the waves in the Waturi Beach wave pool
  • Discover all the TapTu Play effects throughout the park
  • Grab a tube and relax on the Kopiko Wai Winding River or take on the waves of TeAwa the Fearless River
  • Enjoy lunch or unique snacks such as a POG (a blend of Pineapple, Orange and Guava juices) or Waturi Fusion ice cream (made up of four different flavors!)
  • Play among the slides and water guns of the two kids areas Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef
  • Cool off in The Reef or Puka Uli Lagoon pools
  • Explore the gift shops for a fun souvenir to take home
  • If you’re 21+, try one of the Volcano Bay signature drinks at the two boat bars, Dancing Dragons and Kunuku

HINT: You’re in an island paradise when visiting Volcano Bay. Remember this is your time to relax and let the stress of everyday life drift away.

7. You Don’t Have to Ride Immediately…

 …When your TapuTapu alerts you that your ride time has arrived. You can head over at your leisure. So, if it catches you in the middle of enjoying an Island Chicken Salad, you don’t have to wolf it down. Enjoy your meal!

HINT: You do have to ride that attraction before you tap into another attraction, unless you want to replace it. But why wouldn’t you want to ride?!

Universal's Volcano Bay Tanuwha Tubes Sign Ride Now

8. Keep a Look Out for “Ride Now!”

Your TapuTapu wearable allows you to virtually wait in line for one attraction at a time. As you’re exploring the park, keep an eye out for slides that say “Ride Now!” You’ll be able to jump right onto the ride without getting out of your virtual line. As I mentioned before, you can replace your ride time  with another ride if you’d like. All it takes is a simple tap.

HINT: More attractions will show “Ride Now!” if you arrive early in the morning or if you stay later near closing time.

9. Eat Early or Later

Restaurants are busier in the noon – 2pm hours… on second thought, you may already know that. If you can, try eating earlier or later to avoid crowds of hungry people. There are four dining locations and other food carts throughout the park and two bars to grab a refreshing beverage.

HINT: One of my favorite food finds in Volcano Bay is The Feasting Frog. Look for a frog-shaped structure in the Rainforest Village, where you can enjoy snacks like the Poke Poke Bowl or a Taco Sampler.

Enjoy a refreshing signature drink from Universal's Volcano Bay.

10. Ride Out the Rain

If you’re not a local, you may not know: it rains in Florida during the summer. So, when you see the clouds gathering, don’t pack up your things and leave. Just ride out the weather until it passes, which in Florida can be pretty quick. You’ll find wait times for attractions will shorten as people who aren’t as savvy as you leave. I would recommend taking cover and enjoying a drink, a bite to eat or doing some shopping.

HINT: You’re already in a water park. You’re already wet. Roll with it and enjoy a beverage.

If you’ve visited Universal Volcano Bay, you’re an honorary insider. Share your tips on enjoying the park in the comments below.

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23 Comments

  • Reply Stella watson June 9, 2017 at 1:46 pm

    Will be there in 12 weeks can’t wait staying at the cabana bay we stayed there last year and it was amazing

  • Reply Tim T June 9, 2017 at 5:11 pm

    Be advised – you & your party will be weighed on a scale prior to almost every ride – at least one ride is only for people less than 200 lbs – some rides don’t post the maximum weight you can be for your party & they will split you up & make you ride with strangers – not something they advertise at this so called “paradise”.

    • Reply marcia August 21, 2018 at 1:58 pm

      Hi there!
      DO you mean they weight you in front of other people?

  • Reply Cp🍪 June 9, 2017 at 6:47 pm

    hey can you but more photos please

  • Reply trudy rodriuqez June 10, 2017 at 11:54 am

    I have lg family 12 gr kids and 4 gr grand kids need cheap thanks for the help

    • Reply Audra June 15, 2017 at 3:07 pm

      Staying won’t be cheap, but the best & least expensive option is to stay at Cabana Bay in family suites & couple your park tickets with your hotel. Make sure to stay at least 3 nights for the best value.

  • Reply Linda June 16, 2017 at 12:28 am

    is any of this handicapp assessable. I am in a wheelchair and need to get around. I would only use the lazy river or wave pool f there is a way to get into it. I cannot do stairs so the other rides are out of the question

    • Avatar photo
      Reply Denielle Ricci June 16, 2017 at 9:55 am

      Hi Linda!

      Yes, you will be able to access both the Waturi Wave Pool, any of the leisure pools and the two rivers. There are main access points where you will be able to bring your wheelchair to. There are also two rides with elevator access – Maku Puihi Raft Slides and Krakatau Aqua Coaster. Please feel free to ask any of our Team Members in park if you have any questions and they will be happy to assist you.

      • Reply Sara McHale August 19, 2017 at 12:01 am

        Thank you so much! I use a wheelchair, so was concerned about going to Volcano Bay for the first time. Now I don’t need to worry. I can’t wait to get there. Less than 3 weeks!!

    • Reply CPC July 14, 2017 at 1:27 pm

      There’s stairs to everything the only thing that i recall not having stairs is the beach section and part of the lazy river

  • Reply Kathleen June 28, 2017 at 11:51 am

    Can you bring snacks and lunch with you?

  • Reply Kathy July 9, 2017 at 1:24 am

    There are PLENTY of lockers. Unfortunately the first day we arrived at Volcano Bay the attendant told us disappointedly that the lockers were full, so I had to wait behind on the beach watching our stuff. I did not find out until a few hours later that there are MORE locker huts. Luckily I have annual passes so we went again two days later, and again the front lockers were unavailable. But this time the attendant told me about the other locker huts, so we parked on a beach near an available locker and I had a fabulous time with no stuff going on all the rides I wanted to go on! :o)

  • Reply Suzanne July 15, 2017 at 1:51 pm

    How early do the premium seats or cabanas sale out? Is reserving the day before soon enough?

    • Reply Ryan July 18, 2017 at 4:26 pm

      We are staying there this weekend and we reserved a cabana yesterday for Saturday.

  • Reply Tonya July 17, 2017 at 5:14 pm

    Are the universal express tickets that we bought for volcano bay still the plastic cards just like you use at the other parks? Just wondering if you have to buy plastic sleeves to keep them in when riding rides.

  • Reply Rachel July 20, 2017 at 10:19 am

    Is volcano bay opened year round

  • Reply Suzette July 29, 2017 at 1:00 am

    Should you bring your own beach towels ? How much do they rent for ? Where are the cabanas located in the park ? What’s the fee to rent one by phone ?

  • Reply Eileen Ingenito August 19, 2017 at 8:53 pm

    I will be visiting Volcano Park on 9/6/17 with my children and grandchildren age 4,8 and 9. Where are the best shaded lounge chair areas to sit that may be near an area that the younger members of my family would also enjoy? We will be staying at the Cabana Bay resort in the 2 bedroom suites and plan on arriving early to get our chairs. We are also looking forward to enjoying the view of the Volcano from our room.

  • Reply J Mom October 4, 2017 at 9:02 pm

    My family and I are staying in Mid-October… I see the weather is low 80s/mid 60s… is the water heated?

  • Reply Joseph and Marcia July 30, 2018 at 8:43 am

    Thanks for all this info. We will be there in 6 weeks. Looking forward to it. We were at Islands of Adventure back in Feb and loved it. We are doing all 3 parks this time.

  • Reply RnD September 8, 2018 at 5:53 pm

    Looking to drive down to Volcano Bay early morning and return home same day (Florida residents). I know there are lockers to store dry clothes. What kind of clothes changing facilities are there? Just basic restrooms? Locker rooms? Private changing areas?

    Just trying to avoid riding home in wet suits.

    • Avatar photo
      Reply Social Media Team September 8, 2018 at 6:23 pm

      Hi! There are changing rooms with showers next to all the lockers that you would be able to use.

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