Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park, or Volcano Bay, is a tropical-themed water theme park at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. Owned and operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences, Volcano Bay replaced Wet 'n Wild as Universal Orlando Resort's only water park, and it was the first water park constructed by Universal itself. The park, themed around a artificial volcano named "Krakatau", opened on May 25, 2017.
Krakatau is a tall artificial volcano and is the park's main icon that is displayed on the logo. The volcano houses three drop-capsule slides, Ko'okiri Body Plunge, the tallest body slide in America ranging at 125 feet tall, and also the first to travel through a pool full of guests. Krakatau also holds the Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides which travel throughout the midst of the volcano, winding around the Krakatau Aqua Coaster.
The park uses a wearable under the name TapuTapu for payments and line queues. The wearable, which can be used to hold one's place is line, is distributed at the entrance to the park. TapuTapu allows for payment by linking a credit card through the Universal Orlando app to the wearable, allowing users to pay throughout the park for merchandise, food, and drinks. The wristbands can be used to interact with environmental features, set off water springs, or illuminate lights.
History
In February 2015, Universal Orlando Resort officials submitted plans for a new water park attraction to be located on their property near the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Construction was already underway when Universal Orlando Resort officially announced the project, and its name, on May 28, 2015. In June 2015, it was revealed that the park would replace the Universal-owned Wet 'n Wild water park, which closed on December 31, 2016.
Volcano Bay was constructed on approximately of the resort complex's overall property, and took an estimated US$600 million to build. Artist's concepts included a wave pool, a thrill slide coming from the park's central volcano, and other water slides. A lazy river and rapids slide were also shown on the plans, although park officials stated they would reveal all of the park's planned attractions at a later date.
On June 21, 2016, Universal Orlando Resort officials revealed additional details on Volcano Bay, including its debut attractions and its planned opening date of June 1, 2017. On January 25, 2017, Universal Orlando Resort revealed that the Grand Opening ceremony would be on May 25, 2017.
On May 25, 2017, Volcano Bay officially opened to the public.
Attractions
Volcano Bay's attractions are located in four themed areas, each inspired by various Polynesian islands and cultures. The centerpiece of the park is "Krakatau", a volcano that will have waterfalls during the day and lava flows at night created by the French company Aquatique Show.
Krakatau
The area located in the park's signature volcano also includes a first-of-its-kind slide attraction. Krakatau Aqua Coaster: A water coaster taking riders inside the heart of the Krakatau volcano, before plunging through a shimmering waterfall. It features linear induction motors to propel riders uphill. Ko’okiri Body Plunge: A near-vertical (70-degree drop) speed slide with a trap-door start that passes through the Krakatau volcano, falling . The slide will also pass through one of the pool attractions at the base of the volcano, described by the park as a "world's-first" feature. Along with the Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides, Ko'okiri Body Plunge is the tallest drop capsule slide in the world. It is also the tallest body slide in the world to send riders out of a drop capsule the entire height of the slide in one continuous descent. Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides: A pair of high-speed twisting body slides with trap-door starts. Along with the Ko'okiri Body Plunge, Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides are the tallest drop capsule slides in the world at 125 ft. Punga Racers: A four-lane racing body slides (formerly the attraction used mats).
Wave Village
Wave Village is designed for sunbathing and relaxation and includes one and two-story cabanas that can be rented by visitors. Waturi Beach: The park's main wave pool. The Reef: A calmer pool with fewer waves. Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides: Body slides with tall drops into the splash pools. Puka Uli Lagoon: A pool intended for relaxation.