Universal's Volcano Bay Lives Up to the Hype

Volcano Bay is a sight to behold.

From the moment you walk in, to the views at the top of the 200-foot volcano, to even the scenes from the highway, you know this a special place.

This is no ordinary water park. In fact, it's not a water park, it's a water theme park. And after much anticipation, it's finally here!

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The grand opening ceremony for the Polynesian-themed park took place Thursday, May 25, and I had the pleasure of attending. As someone who spent nearly every summer of his childhood visiting Orlando for Wet N Wild (RIP!), trust me when I tell you that Volcano Bay exceeds all expectations. Universal has changed the water park game forever.

TapuTapu

Volcano Bay has introduced a game-changing new feature to the theme park world with TapuTapu.

Using smart technology, Universal has drastically cut down wait times for rides. The TapuTapu wristband is designed to create a better water park experience for guests. Simply tap your TapuTapu wearable to virtually wait in line while you experience other parts of the park. The small screen tells you how long until it's your time to ride, and it will also notify you with a buzz once it's your turn.

There's a strong chance your virtual wait won't even be as long as originally stated too.

Yes, you're still going to have somewhat of a wait as you climb the steps to the rides, but the new technology means you won't have to stand in a line for what feels like forever. It also means you can enjoy every ride in the park that you want to. No more debating whether or not you and your friends have time to stand in line for a particularly popular attraction.

Before you arrive, create an account through the Universal Orlando Resort app or at Universal Orlando's website, add your credit card information and you're all set. You can pay using the TapuTapu technology so there's no need to carry cash or your wallet around the park.

TapuTapu looks and feels like a watch, so make sure it's secured tightly on your wrist. Mine actually fell off while swimming in the wave pool at Waturi Beach, but thankfully I quickly found it because the water is crystal clear.

18 Attractions

Seeking thrills? Make the trek to the top of the volcano to take the Ko'okiri Body Plunge and/or ride the Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides. These are the most intense rides in the park and are not for the faint of heart. (My wife chickened out once she looked down through the clear trap door and saw how steep of a drop it is.) Be prepared to step on a scale here, as well as a few other rides, for park employees to ensure safety.

Looking for a more laid back approach? Relax in (or nearby) the pool at Waturi Beach, or cruise through the Kopiko Wai Winding River. You can also pay extra for premium seating or rent a Cabana for some privacy. Both come with locker storage.

If you plan to be up and moving all over the park, you can just rent a locker by itself, which come in three sizes: small ($8), medium ($12) and large ($15).

The rides that really stole the show for me were the Krakatau Aqua Coaster-which starts you out at the bottom and shoots you up through the sides of the volcano-along with the Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides. These serpentine slides end by launching you off a four-foot and six-foot drop, respectively, into a 10-foot-deep pool.

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Eat, Stay, Play

Upscale food is another aspect that elevates Volcano Bay to a true theme park. Branch out and try something new to get the full experience among six dining locations scattered around the park. They feature Polynesian-inspired dishes like Glazed Hawaiian Ribs, a Mango BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, a Mahi-Mahi Sandwich and a Poke Poke bowl. Additionally, there are burgers and flatbread pizzas (with a bit of an island twist).

You can also get a drink at the Dancing Dragons bar and relax on the beach. You can't go wrong with any of the signature drinks, but I'd recommend the Wai-Watermelon or the Blue Hawaiian. Pay $11.99 for the souvenir cup and then it's only $9.99 for a refill.

You will, however, need to have your ID ready if you plan to purchase any alcohol at the park. Despite entering your date of birth when you make an account, you can't use the TapuTapu to verify you're of age. At least not yet.

And if you're coming from out of town, you can't go wrong with staying at any one of Universal's five on-site resorts. That said, Cabana Bay is the place to be if the new water park is the focal point of your Orlando visit. The newly built Beachside towers offer the easiest access to Volcano Bay, and the views are simply outstanding.

Cabana Bay recently added 400 new rooms. Of that total, 380 are standard rooms while 20 are suites with floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of Volcano Bay. These suites can sleep up to eight people with rates ranging from the low $200's to $500 depending on the time of year and the choice of room.

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