School breaks are coming soon, and perhaps you're headed to Orlando - or maybe you're considering a trip in the near future. Whatever the case may be, you definitely should add a visit to Universal's newest theme park - Volcano Bay™ to your must-do list.
When you enter Volcano Bay, you'll feel as if you were instantly transported to a South Pacific island. Grab a chair and umbrella on the beautiful Waturi Beach and enjoy the view of the Krakatau Volcano. Cool off in the gentle waves of the lagoon while sipping on a fruity drink (or enjoying a cup of coffee - as we did arrive at the park at 7:30am!).
The relaxing element of Volcano Bay was something I've never experienced at a water park. I could have been perfectly content to lounge by the wave pool all day (and for a large part of it I did). But for thrill seekers, like my 10 and 12-year-old boys, there are awesome, truly unique rides to experience.
Unlike at other water parks, here you won’t waste any of your time standing in lines. On arrival, every park guest receives their own TapuTapu “watch”. Head to the totem poles next to each attraction, and simply tap your device against the pole to receive a time to return. You can only get in the virtual line for one ride at a time, but don’t fret: while you wait, there are many park attractions to keep you busy: enjoy sandy Waturi Beach, along with its lagoon (a gentle, huge wave pool); float on the Kopiko Wai Winding River™. Or, for a bigger thrill, grab a tube and enjoy the rapids on the much faster TeAwa The Fearless River™. Some of the smaller slides are likely to have a "ride now" options too.
Families with younger children may choose to spend their day at Tot Tiki Reef™ leisure pool, or Runamukka Reef™ play area specifically for children under 48" tall. Make sure to walk through the volcano too - many mysteries await even the youngest guests. I won't spoil the fun.
Favorite Rides/ Slides
My adventurous children picked the following rides as their favorites:
1. Ko'okiri Body Plunge™.
This is the big one. Climb ALL THE WAY to the top of the volcano, and step into a capsule, from which you'll fall through a drop door at a 70-degree angle, twisting and turning towards the sparkling pool 125 feet below. Sound fun? My youngest rode this 10 times. In honor of his tenth birthday. He also lived to tell the tale. One tip: hold your nose!
2. Aqua Coaster™
This ride is truly like nothing you've seen before. Part roller coaster, part waterslide - completely fun! Four-person canoes race upward through the mist and into the dark volcano before plungingthrough a waterfall. Expect cheers andscreams of delight! (It's not nearly as scary as it might sound.)
3. Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides™
Rapid twists and turns take you quickly down to the awaiting pool below - but first you'll drop four to six feet (depending which you choose) before plunging into the water!
Here are some tips for your first visit to Volcano Bay:
1. Get there early
The park is new and extremely popular, and as result often reaches capacity first thing in the morning. One of the benefits of staying at a Universal Resort is that you get early access to the park. For us that meant 7:30am!
2. Make sure to write your names on the back of your tickets and keep them in a safe place
I recommend keeping your paper tickets in a plastic pouch or lanyard. If you lose your Tapu Tapu bracelet (it happens) you’ll need your personal ticket to replace it. Plus, your ticket is required for in and out privileges to the park.
3. Head to the Aqua Coaster first.
It's the most popular park attraction, so take advantage of that early access. And if you're still half asleep, you won't be when you're finished with this ride!
4. Bring snacks!
We loved the lunch (tacos!) that we purchased on-site, but for a long day, being able to pack some snacks (especially breakfast bars) was a welcome perk. The following items ARE permitted: bottled water; small snacks that don't require heating; food required for medical purposes/ special dietary needs; baby food, and soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5" wide x 6" high x 6.
5. Relax and have fun.
My family was at the park from 7:30am until 7:00pm! There was plenty of time to ride the thrill rides, but also to just enjoy the atmosphere. Fruity drinks are available. The sandy beach is great fun for the kids too. Mine dug himself into quite a large hole!
We had an amazing time at Volcano Bay - both of my kids said it was the highlight of their Orlando trip. Staying at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort right next door made the experience even better! Stay tuned for more info next week on Cabana Bay, as well as our visits to Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.
For more information on Volcano Bay and Universal Resorts, visit universalorlando.com
PS: If you're thinking you might have to wait until next summer to visit...think again. Volcano Bay is open year-round! The water temperature is always kept at 85 degrees. So, if you want to visit in January, go for it. Just pack a blanket in that beach bag....
* My family received complimentary admission to Volcano Bay in exchange for this review. All opinions, however, are entirely my own.
