It’s a huge park and can take a couple of days to see it all, and there are some ways you can skip the queues and make the most of your experience. To help you make the most of your visit, I’ve shared my favorite rides at Universal Volcano Bay, and I’ve shared my tips for visiting!
Volcano Bay opened in May 2017 and spans approximately 53 acres. It’s a huge theme park that was estimated to have cost around US$600 million to build.
The idea behind Volcano Bay is a tribute to Polynesian mythology, and many of the rides and attractions have a backstory that involves the arrival of the Waturi people and their enchanting encounters with deities and heroes.
The park used to be called Wet ‘n Wild, before it was turned into Universal Orlando Resort’s premier water theme park.
I recommend this water park for all ages, even the little kids.
The good news is that Volcano Bay is easy to get around and navigate since it’s divided into sections to suit different interests. Each section is targeted at specific ages and has particular water slides to match the area. The sections in Universal’s Volcano Bay are:
- Krakatau Volcano
- Wave Village
- River Village
- Rainforest Village
Most of the thrill-seeking rides are in the Rainforest Village, which is the largest village in the park. River Village is more relaxing with pools for toddlers and babies and a lazy river, whereas Wave Village has more dining areas and some relaxing pools.
How many days do you need at Universal Volcano Bay?
We visited Volcano Bay water park on day one of our three days at Universal Orlando Resort. It was the day with the best weather, so make sure you check that before you plan your schedule, because you know water parks! Get your tickets here with Undercover Tourist.
If you are spending a few days at Universal Studios in Orlando, I recommend you visit Volcano Bay as a day of rest in between the other parks, or on the last day, so you can relax more.
Although Mum did say she thought it was good to go on the first day to gently ease into the craziness of intense theme park days. I thought it was epic fun, not intense!
We visited all three parks, Universal Studios, Volcano Bay, and Islands of Adventure, with our 3 day park-to-park ticket, which allows you to visit all three parks throughout the duration of your ticket length.
I recommend you spend one full day at Volcano Bay at least, but if you have time to spend two days there, then you’ll find plenty of things to do.
The Best Volcano Bay Rides
Pack your swimmers, and a fun attitude, because there are a lot of rides to experience! I recommend you get there as early as you can to make the most of your day.
Krakatau is the focal point of Universal Studios Volcano Bay. Beautiful waterfalls stream down its sides (with slides hidden within and at night it lights up in a fiery glow), and the different sections of the park encircle the volcano.
It is the starting point for four different water slides – the most thrilling of this water park. Let’s look at the rides and different areas at Universal’s Volcano Bay.
Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef
Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef are awesome sections for the little kids with slides that go on for ages, water squirters, and lots of fun.
But if they are too scared to do the slides, they also have smaller slides, which are great for babies. I have to admit, the slides looked fun, so I tried to go on them, but you have to be under 48”.
There are two rivers called: Kopiko Wai, winding river, and the not so lazy TeAwa the Fearless River.
Big waves = Big fun! Get ready for the massive wave at the end! Another fun attraction is the Waturi Beach, which is the wave pool next to the Volcano.
I recommend wearing a life vest like Savannah did, even if you’re an adult. Then you can relax while you swim to the back, where the big waves are.
