Volcano Bay

Universal's Volcano Bay Water Theme Park, or Volcano Bay, is a themed water park at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. Owned and operated by Universal Parks and Resorts, Volcano Bay replaced Wet 'n Wild as Universal Orlando Resort's water park, and it was the first constructed by Universal itself. The park, themed around a 200-foot-tall (61 m) volcano named "Krakatau," opened on May 25, 2017.

Krakatau is a 200 feet (61 m) tall artificial volcano,^[3] the park's main representative and is displayed on the logo. The volcano houses three drop slides, Ko'okiri Body Plunge, the tallest body slide in America ranging at 125 feet tall,^[4] and also the first to travel through a pool full of guests.^[5] Krakatau also holds the Kala & Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides which travel throughout the midst of the volcano winding around the Krakatau Aqua Coaster.

The park utilizes the TapuTapu experience.^[6] TapuTapu is a wristband wearable distributed at the entrance at the park, which can be used to hold one's place in line instead of standing in long queues for attractions. TapuTapu comes with other features including TapTuPay, which will connect to a credit card through the Universal Orlando app and can be used to pay for drinks and merchandise from the park. Another TapuTapu technology at Volcano Bay is TapTuPlay, using the wristbands to interact with environmental features, set off water springs, or illuminate lights.^[7]

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.^[8] Construction was already underway when Universal Orlando Resort officially announced the project, and its name, on May 28, 2015.^[8] 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.^[9]

Volcano Bay was constructed on approximately 53 acres (21 ha) of the resort complex's overall property, and took an estimated 600 million USD to build.^[10][8] Artist's concepts showed a thrill slide coming from the park's central volcano, as well as a wave pool and other water slides.^[8] A lazy river and rapids slide are also shown on the plans, although park officials stated they will reveal all of the park's planned attractions at a later date.^[8][11]

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.^[12] On January 25, 2017, Universal Orlando Resort revealed that the Grand Opening ceremony would be on May 25, 2017.^[2]

On May 25, 2017, Volcano Bay officially opened to the public.^[13][14]

Attractions

Volcano Bay's attractions are located in four themed areas, each inspired by various Polynesian islands and cultures.^[15] The centerpiece of the park is "Krakatau", a 200-foot-tall (61 m) volcano that will have waterfalls during the day and lava flows at night.^[12][15] Most water slides at the park were manufactured by Proslide.

Krakatau

The area located in the park's signature volcano also includes a first-of-its-kind slide attraction.^[12][15]

• 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 125 feet (38 m). 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.^[12]
• Kala and Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides: A pair of body slides with trap-door starts.
• Punga Racers: A four-lane racing slide using mats resembling manta rays.

Wave Village

Wave Village is designed for sunbathing and relaxation and includes one- and two-story cabanas that can be rented by visitors.^[15]

• Waturi Beach: The park's main wave pool.
• The Reef: A calmer pool with fewer waves.

River Village

Kopiko Wai Winding River

The River Village area contains attractions for families and for younger visitors.^[15]

• Kopiko Wai Winding River: A lazy river that passes through Krakatau, with decorated caves and random special effects.
• Tot Tiki Reef: A play area designed for toddlers.
• Runamukka Reef: Three stories tall, a water fortress with its own small slides.
• Honu: One of two slides with multi-passenger rafts which sweeps riders up two massive walls.
• Ika Moana: A second multi-passenger raft slide.

Rainforest Village

Ohyah and Ohno water slides

The final section of the park contains a large number of thrill slides, including body slides and raft slides ridden with multiple riders.^[15]

• Maku: Another multi-passenger raft slide, described as the first of its kind in North America with three high-banked curves.^[12]
• Puihi: Multi-passenger rafts drop into pitch-dark chambers, then a funnel and a final drop.
• Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides: Body slides with tall drops into the splash pools.
• TeAwa The Fearless River: A raft ride simulating white-water rafting.
• Taniwha Tubes: Four raft slides ridden solo or in pairs.
• Puka Uli Lagoon: A pool intended for relaxation.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Volcano Bay.

External Links

Official website

Coordinates: 28°27′41″N 81°28′23″W / 28.4614°N 81.4731°W / 28.4614; -81.4731