Universal Orlando has one water park called Volcano Bay with a slew of attractions for both kids and adults.
If you need a break from theme parks, or simply want to have a fun day in the sun and water, Volcano Bay might be your best bet. There’s even a massive Volcano, aka “Vol: The Spirit of Krakatau,” that obviously lends to the water park’s name.
Below is a list of Volcano Bay attractions that you’ll find during your visit, along with important details like height requirements and how to use the TapuTapu virtual queue system.
Locker Rentals
Like Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay has lockers available for rent. However, they operate a bit differently than the two theme parks.
First, there are three sizes to choose from:
- Mini — $9
- Regular — $13
- Family — $16
You can find lockers outside of the park entrance, in Rainforest Village (between Maku Puihi and Bambu), in River Village (next to Whakawaiwai Eats), and in Wave Village (East: behind Waturi Marketplace; West: near Dancing Dragons Boat Bar).
Tip: Rent a locker inside the park rather than outside the entrance. This way, you don’t have to exit and reenter each time you need something out of your locker.
There are three different ways to pay:
- Cash (you’ll need to see an attendant to pay)
- TapuTapu or hotel-room cards (you’ll have to see an attendant to pay)
- Credit Card (you don’t have to see an attendant; go directly to your locker and pay there)
When it comes to reopening the locker, you’ll swipe your TapuTapu. You can also open and close the locker as many times as you want throughout the day. If you’re with a group, you can even link multiple TapuTapus to the same locker.
Extras
If you’d like, there are a few extras you can purchase during your visit. They are listed as follows.
Cabana Rentals
You can rent private cabanas at Volcano Bay. There are both one-story and two-story retreats located throughout Volcano Bay.
Each rental includes padded lounge chairs, a small refrigerator with bottled water, a complimentary fruit and snack basket, towel and locker service, plus concierge service with an exclusive menu of food and drink that’s delivered directly to the cabana.
Guests can also book and modify their virtual line reservations in the cabanas without having to physically visit each attraction. More on virtual lines below.
If you want to book a private cabana, you can call 1-877-801-9720.
You can also pick from the following:
- Single Cabana Units: These units hold up to 6 people. You can choose from upper-level cabanas that offer great views or you can rent ground-level cabanas that provide convenience and accessibility. There are also stand-alone cabanas for privacy.
- Family Suite Cabanas: These private stand-alone cabanas can hold up to 16 people.
Stand-alone and ground-level cabanas range in price starting at $159.99 to $449.99 per day. Upper-level cabanas range in price starting at $199.99 to $549.99. Family Suite Cabanas pricing starts at $299.99 to at least $599.99.
Premium Seating
If you don’t want to rent a cabana, you can purchase Premium Seating, which provides you with reserved seating for the entire day. Pricing ranges from $29.99 to $139.99 per day.
You can book by calling 1-877-489-8068.
Tip: You can’t check Cabana Rentals or Premium Seating availability online. If there is a long wait time via phone, there is a number you can text to chat with a Team Member about availability and pricing, along with any other questions (you cannot book this way). The chat number is: 32281.
Lockers
Both Premium Seating and Cabana Rentals come with lockers. Cabanas have one family-sized locker and each set of Premium Seating lounge chairs has one locker shared between two seats.
You’ll lock and unlock the lockers with one person’s TapuTapu. You cannot link multiple TapuTapus to these lockers.
Virtual Lines & TapuTapu
Before diving into each attraction, it’s important to discuss virtual lines and TapuTapus.
What is TapuTapu?
If you’ve been to Walt Disney World before, then TapuTapus are similar to MagicBands in the sense that they offer a contactless way to scan into a virtual line, activate interactive surprises, open rental lockers, and pay for food, drinks, and merchandise.
Where do I get a TapuTapu & how much does it cost?
TapuTapu is included in your Volcano Bay admission. You simply borrow the waterproof wristband for the day when you pick it up at the water park entrance and return when finished.
How does TapTu Ride work?
All of the attractions queues at Volcano Bay are virtual. You simply tap your TapuTapu at the designated attraction to enter the virtual line. You’re able to eat, lounge, shop, or whatever while you wait.
Your TapuTapu will vibrate alerting you that it’s time to return to that attraction.
However, you can only enter one virtual line at a time. And if you’re already scanned into a virtual line, but tap your TapuTapu at another attraction, the second virtual line will replace the first.
That said, there may be times that the sign outside of the entrance will read “ride now,” meaning you can hop on without having to enter a virtual line. This also won’t affect a virtual line you may have already joined.
And if a ride goes down or comes back up, you’ll be notified via your Tapu Tapu, along with any return times that are adjusted.
Keep in mind that when you enter the physical queue, you may have to wait for a few minutes before actually getting on the ride. Usually, it’s no more than 10 minutes.
How do I use TapTu Pay?
When it comes to paying for items with your TapuTapu, aka TapTu Pay, you should set up your payment in the Universal Orlando app before you get to the parks.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Make sure you have the Universal Orlando app downloaded and that you’ve created an account.
2. Once that’s done, in the app you’ll tap the wallet icon in the bottom right-hand corner to link a credit card to your account.
3. You’ll tap on the “Add a Payment Method” button.
4. Simply enter all of the necessary information to set up payment.
5. You’ll then go back to the main wallet screen and tap “Scan Tickets & Add Ons”.
6. You’ll need to scan or type in the barcodes on your Volcano Bay tickets in order to link your tickets to your account.
7. Finally, once all of the tickets are added, you can create a pin for you and your group to use that will be needed when paying for items.
Guests can also use their TapuTapu for TapTu Play and interact with different spots around the park, like setting off water jets.
There is also the TapTu Snap, which allows guests to take interactive photos and selfies across the park.
Photos are automatically uploaded to your Universal account, where you can then view, purchase, and share them, if you’d like.
Volcano Bay Attractions
All right, now let’s talk attractions! They are organized by land, along with other important information you need to know about each one.
Important: Child swap isn’t available at any Volcano Bay attractions. There also aren’t any single rider lines.
Wheelchair accessibility is available at Maku and Puihi Round Raft Rides and Krakatau Aqua Coaster via elevator access.
Guests using wheelchairs may also transfer from their wheelchair to the following attractions: Kopiko Wai Winding River, TeAwa Fearless River, Puka Uli Leisure Pool, The Reef Leisure Pool, and Waturi Beach Wave Pool.
For further assistance and other accessibility information, you can always ask an attractions attendant.
Also know that there are a range of complimentary life jacket sizes available for anyone who needs them.
Now, it’s time to get to the rides at Volcano Bay!
Rainforest Village
Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
Height requirement: 48 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
Universal Express Pass PLUS available: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: Varies, but usually (schedule available online)
When to visit: Within the first 2 hours or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Teens and adults
Disney World comparison: Similar to Downhill Double Dipper, which are also racing slides
Tips: These are dueling slides and are a bit more intense
Maku of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
Height requirement: 42 inches (supervising companion required for children 42″ to 48″)
Universal Express Pass available: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First 2 hours or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone, including families
Disney World comparison: Like Teamboat Springs at Blizzard Beach
Tips: A fun ride for a big group or family
▶ Watch video
Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
Height requirement: 42 inches (supervising companion required for children 42″ to 48″)
Universal Express Pass available: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First 2 hours or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone, including families
Disney World comparison: Like Teamboat Springs at Blizzard Beach
Tips: A fun ride for a big group or family
▶ Watch video
Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
Height requirement: 48 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
Universal Express Pass PLUS available: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: Varies, but usually (schedule available online)
When to visit: First 2 hours or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone
Disney World comparison: Somewhat similar to Snow Stormers at Blizzard Beach
Tips: Be warned that these slides end 6 feet above the pool of water you fall into, so you will catch air
▶ Watch video
Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
Height requirement: 48 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
Universal Express Pass PLUS available: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: Varies, but usually (schedule available online)
When to visit: First 2 hours or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone
Disney World comparison: Somewhat similar to Snow Stormers at Blizzard Beach
Tips: Just like the Ohno drop slides, these slides end 6 feet above the pool of water you fall into and you will catch air
▶ Watch video
Puka Uli Lagoon
Height requirement: None
Universal Express Pass available: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: Everyone, including families with little ones
Disney World comparison: Similar to Melt-Away Bay at Blizzard Beach
Tips: A good place to stay cool in a relaxing way and watch the Ohyah and Ohno Body Slides
Punga Racers
Height requirement: 42 inches (supervising companion required for children 42″ to 48″)
Universal Express Pass available: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First 2 hours or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone
Disney World comparison: Like Toboggan Racers at Blizzard Beach due to the racing aspect
Tips: These are somewhat intense and fast, so be prepared
▶ Watch video
Raki of Taniwha Tubes
Height requirement: 42 inches (supervising companion required for children 42″ to 48″)
Universal Express Pass available: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First 2 hours or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone
Disney World comparison: Similar to Crush ‘n’ Gusher at Typhoon Lagoon
Tips: This is just one track of the Taniwha Tubes, so you may want to try both
▶ Watch video
Tonga of Taniwha Tubes
Height requirement: 42 inches (supervising companion required for children 42″ to 48″)
Universal Express Pass available: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: First 2 hours or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone
Disney World comparison: Similar to Crush ‘n’ Gusher at Typhoon Lagoon
Tips: This is only one track of the Taniwha Tubes and you may want to try both for the full experience
▶ Watch video
TeAwa the Fearless River
Height requirement: 42 inches (supervising companion required for children 42″ to 48″)
Universal Express Pass available: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Within first 2 hours or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: This is far from a lazy river; You must wear a life vest and there are a lot of surprises along the way
▶ Watch video
River Village
Honu of Honu ika Moana
Height requirement: 48 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
Universal Express Pass available: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: Varies, but usually (schedule available online)
When to visit: Within first 2 hours or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone
Disney World comparison: Similar to Miss Adventure Falls at Typhoon Lagoon
Tips: The Honu slide is a family attraction, but is much more of a thrill compared to the ika Moana slide; the two offer a different experience; this is more popular than the ika Moana
▶ Watch video
ika Moana of Honu ika Moana
Height requirement: 42 inches (supervising companion required for children 42″ to 48″)
Universal Express Pass available: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: Varies, but usually (schedule available online)
When to visit: Within first 2 hours or last 2 hours
Recommended for: Anyone
Disney World comparison: Similar to Miss Adventure Falls at Typhoon Lagoon
Tips: The ika Moana slide isn’t as intense as the Honu and is a family raft ride; the two offer a different experience
▶ Watch video
Kopiko Wai Winding River
Height requirement: None
Universal Express Pass available: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: Everyone, including little ones
Disney World comparison: Like Castaway Creek at Typhoon Lagoon and Cross Country Creek at Blizzard Beach
Tips: This is a much calmer attraction than most and one to ride if you’re looking for a more relaxing water ride (like a lazy river)
▶ Watch video
Krakatau Aqua Coaster
Height requirement: 42 inches (supervising companion required for children 42″ to 48″)
Universal Express Pass available: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: Varies, but usually (schedule available online)
When to visit: At opening or within first hour
Recommended for: Anyone
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: One of the most popular attractions at Volcano Bay; like a roller coaster, but with water
▶ Watch video
Runamukka Reef
Height requirement: None (designed for children under 54″)
Universal Express Pass available: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: Little ones
Disney World comparison: Like Tike’s Peak at Blizzard Beach and Ketchakiddee Creek at Typhoon Lagoon
Tips: A great spot for little ones to play and have fun, especially if adults or older kids want to ride the bigger water rides
▶ Watch video
Tot Tiki Reef
Height requirement: None (designed for children under 48″)
Universal Express Pass available: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: Little ones
Disney World comparison: Like Tike’s Peak at Blizzard Beach and Ketchakiddee Creek at Typhoon Lagoon
Tips: A great spot for little ones to play and have fun, especially if adults or older kids want to ride the bigger water rides
▶ Watch video
Wave Village
Ko’okiri Body Plunge
Height requirement: 48 inches (all guests must meet height requirement to ride)
Universal Express Pass PLUS available: Yes
Open for Early Park Admission: Varies, but usually (schedule available online)
When to visit: At opening or within first hour
Recommended for: Teens and Adults
Disney World comparison: Similar to Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach
Tips: This is not for the faint of heart or if you’re scared of heights; a popular slide that literally plunges you at a 70-degree angle
▶ Watch video
The Reef
Height requirement: None (children under 48″ must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest)
Universal Express Pass available: No
Open for Early Park Admission: No
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: Everyone, including families with little ones
Disney World comparison: Similar to Melt-Away Bay at Blizzard Beach
Tips: A nice spot for families to hang and have fun; a good spot to watch those riding the Ko’okiri Body Plunge
Waturi Beach
Height requirement: None (children under 48″ must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest)
Universal Express Pass available: No
Open for Early Park Admission: Varies, but usually (schedule available online)
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: Anyone
Disney World comparison: Like Typhoon Lagoon’s Surf Pool
Tips: In addition to a beach filled with lounge chairs, this is also a wave pool
▶ Watch video
And that’s all of the Volcano Bay attractions! We’ll keep this guide updated with the latest information.