Volcano Bay, an incredible water park at Universal Studios, offers thrills, spills and plenty of relaxation. Our guide has all the info you need to plan the perfect day out at Volcano Bay.
What is Volcano Bay?
Volcano Bay is a thrilling water park at Universal Studios in Orlando. The 27-acre water park enjoys a laid-back Polynesian vibe, with rides. slides and lazy rivers centering around a 200-ft tall artifical volcano named Krakatau. Towering above the splash pools, this iconic focal point offers a captivating backdrop to experiencing the rides, slides and tropical lazy rivers.
Volcano Bay is divided into four different ‘villages’, each jam-packed with rides, attractions and restaurants. There’s The Volcano, Wave Village, River Village and Rainforest Village. As you move through the park you’ll have the chance to slide down steep water slides, ride a canoe, or take a swim in the sparkling waters at Waturi Beach.
Thanks to the wearable ticket system called TapuTapu, there’s no need to wait in long lines or carry rafts around the park. The device allows you to grab a place in line virtually with a wave of your wrist and sends alerts when it’s your turn to ride. You can also open lockers and make payments with the same device.
Image courtesy of Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando
Why should you visit Volcano Bay water park?
The awesome Volcano Bay Ride
At the heart of the water park, Krakatau features streaming waterfalls by day and exciting lava-like lighting effects by night. Jaw-dropping water slides twist and turn within the volcano itself, while elsewhere you’ll be able to explore underwater sea caves, float along lazy rivers, paddle along with your raft or take a swim in the lagoon.
Family-friendly Water Rides
Volcano Bay is an ideal family destination with something for everyone, from toddlers to older kids. Toddlers and preschoolers will love the gentle fun at Tot Tiki Reef, where they can explore mini slides, spray jets, and shallow pools in a safe, supervised area. For even more water play, Runamukka Reef is a fully optimized water playground for younger children, inviting the whole family to enjoy Volcano Bay.
Image courtesy of Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando
For older kids and teens, Volcano Bay has thrilling rides like the Krakatau Aqua Coaster and Honu ika Moana, where families can race through the park’s iconic volcano or enjoy exciting raft rides. The Ko’okiri Body Plunge offers a heart-pounding drop, sure to excite those seeking adventure.
The park also provides plenty of opportunities to relax, with Waturi Beach, a sandy lagoon-style pool with gentle waves perfect for families to unwind together, and the TeAwa The Fearless River, a fast-flowing lazy river that’s great for older kids (42 inches and taller).
For added peace of mind, lifeguards are stationed throughout the park, ensuring safety at all pools and attractions, so parents can relax while their children enjoy the water. With family-friendly rides, plenty of play areas, and a focus on safety, Volcano Bay is the perfect place for a fun-filled family day.
Fantastic Beverage and Dining facilities
With all the excitement of Volcano Bay’s new rides, it would be easy to forget about all of the great food outlets. There’s a variety of restaurants in each area serving up classics burgers and tropical cocktails. Wave Village features the Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club, which serves sandwiches and the Dancing Dragons Boat Bar, where you can unwind with a frozen drink or two.
River Village has the unique Whakawaiwai Eats, which serves up delicious pizzas and tropical salads and offers views over the sparkling lazy river. The Feasting Frog and Kunuku Boat Bar are all located in the Rainforest Village. With so many great places to quench the thirst or satisfy the tastebuds, Volcano Bay is a great destination for whiling away a day or two during your Orlando stay.
Image courtesy of Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando
Volcano Bay ticket prices
A 1 day ticket to Volcano Bay costs $80 for an adult, which is consider from age 10 upwards. For a child, the cost is $75.00. To be considered as a child to purchase the child ticket, they must be between the ages of 3 and 9.
If you are a Florida resident, there is a small discount on the price of the tickets, with the adult ticket dropping to $70.00, and the child ticket dropping to $65.00.
It is also possible to obtain tickets to Volcano Bay on the gate, the day you are visiting. However these tickets are extremely limited and likely to be more expensive then booking in advance, so we highly recommend getting your tickets purchased ahead of time.
There is also the option to buy multi-day, multi-park tickets, which involves paying one price to be able to gain access to several of Orlando’s fantastic parks, over the course of a few days. To see what multi-tickets are on offer and their prices, be sure to visit the official ticketing website by clicking the button below.
How to get to Volcano Bay
- By Car: Take I-4 and exit at Universal Blvd or Kirkman Road, where parking is available in the first level of the Universal Orlando parking garages. The south garages are closest. From there shuttles provide a service to Volcano Bay.
- By Bus: Use the I-Ride Trolley on International Drive or LYNX buses, which connect to Universal’s bus system.
- By Shuttle/Private Transport: A selection of our Orlando resorts offer complimentary shuttles directly to Universal Orlando Resort, including Volcano Bay.
It’s best to arrive early for convenient access to the park and for shorter wait times.
Volcano Bay Orlando Resort Map
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Orlando
Click here for a downloadable and printable PDF map for Volcano Bay.
Volcano Bay Hours
The daily opening hours at Volcano Bay vary, depending on the season and date. Typical seasonal opening times are:
- Summer: Open from 9.00 am – 9.00 pm
- Winter: Open from 10.00 am – 5.00 pm (but may close if it’s too cold)
- Other times: Hours range from 9.00 am – 8.00 pm, depending on the day
Please note these hours may vary on national holidays and for certain events. During the autumn and winter season for example Volcano Bay is closed on selected dates. It’s advisable to check the official Volcano Bay opening hours for the day(s) you’re intending to visit to ensure you enjoy the optimum park experience.
Volcano Bay Cabana Rental
Cabana rentals at Universal’s Volcano Bay in Orlando start at approximately $159.99 per day for a single cabana, which accommodates up to six guests, and approximately $299.99 per day for a family suite cabana near the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, accommodating up to 16 people. Both options offer a private retreat with loungers, bottled water, fresh fruit, towels, and concierge service.
These cabanas serve as a perfect base for exploring the park or relaxing in style, making them ideal for families and groups looking for a luxurious, laid-back experience.
What to take to Volcano Bay
For a day at Volcano Bay, pack essentials like these for a stress-free park experience:
- Swimwear + spare
- Waterpoorf sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Goggles
- Water shoes
- Towels (towels are available to hire)
- Waterproof phone cases
- Waterproof pouch for park tickets
- Water bottles
- Snacks (food is limited to snacks and special dietary needs)
It’s best to go cashless on payments to lighten your load and to keep expensive jewellery and watches back at your vacation rental, to avoid losing them on the rides.
To keep your belongings secure whilst you’re on the rides, locker rentals are available near the Volcano Bay park entrances and ride areas.
Choose between three locker sizes: small ($10), medium ($13), and large ($16) for daily rental.
Photo courtesy of Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando
