Volcano Bay is the latest addition to the Universal Studios theme park world in Florida.

Located next door to the popular Cabana Bay Beach Resort, the water park brings new splashes, thrills, and relaxation to keep you cool during the sizzling hot days of Orlando.

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Is Volcano Bay Open All Year?

The most-asked question many have for water parks – is it open all year? Yes! Universal’s Volcano Bay is officially open year-round.

The warm Florida winter allows the water park to remain open all year except for certain circumstances. Any closure dates generally depend on the weather. The park will close entirely on days during extreme weather such as frigid temperatures, rain, or stormy weather.

Be sure to check the weather before heading out to the park, and look for any updates on the park’s hours of operation on the site or app.

What To Do at Volcano Bay

There’s plenty to do at Universal’s Volcano Bay. The water theme park offers a variety of volcano-themed fun. You can take a plunge down a slide, raft the lazy pool, sit and dine on island-themed foods, and relax in a cabana.

Whether you enjoy a day lounging by the pool or the thrill of a slide, there is something for everyone at Volcano Bay.

Ride

Experience a mix of thrill and chill on daring water slides and roller coasters, and take it easy on the calming waters of the lazy river and pools. With a variety of over 15 attractions that include waterslides, roller coasters, and rivers, everyone can enjoy an attraction of their preferred speed and height.

Dine

Feast on tasty island-themed foods at restaurants such as Whakawaiwai Eats, Kohola Reef Restaurant, Bambu, and The Feasting Frog. You can enjoy popular favorite meals such as the longboard-shaped Hawaiian pizza, mango BBQ pulled pork sandwich, and coconut chicken curry.

There are plenty of options to eat and you won’t go hungry with quick-stop locations for drinks and snacks throughout the park.

Relax

Take a break from the fun and relax in your own space with a cabana. You can rent a cabana to reserve seating while enjoying amenities such as water, fruits, snacks, towel and locker service, and concierge service. The food and drink menu is exclusive to cabana renters, and orders are delivered to the cabana.

There are units available for smaller groups of up to 6 people. Groups as large as 16 can rent suite cabanas.

Shop

Take a stroll through the Waturi Marketplace while you wait for your turn in line at the next ride. You can find a keepsake of the day with a variety of things to buy such as apparel, souvenirs, toys, and more.

What Are the Hours?

Hours vary by the time of year and weather. Volcano Bay is typically open for longer hours during the summer season. It opens as early as 9 A.M. and closes as late as 9 P.M. during the weekends.

Due to colder temperatures and darker days, the winter season generally sees shorter hours. The park opens at 10 A.M. and closes around 5 P.M.

Is the Water Heated?

Many may be hesitant to visit a water park during the winter, but the park can be fun during the colder days. Nearly every slide, pool, and river are heated to at least 80 degrees. The heated feature allows the park to remain open all year round.

Perks at Volcano Bay

There are so many perks at Volcano Bay – let’s get into just a few of them!

The TapuTapu Wearable

The greatest perk at Volcano Bay is the Virtual Lines. You do not have to wait in long lines, lugging around tubes, thanks to the TapuTapu Wearable. Guests are given a TapuTapu to wear on their wrist when they arrive at the park.

The latest initiative allows guests to roam around the park, eat, shop, or relax until it is time to ride. Riders tap in at the attraction they wish to ride and the TapuTapu begins the countdown for their return time. The wearable bracelet will vibrate to notify you when to return to your attraction. Rather than the typical, long unpleasant wait, you will only wait a short time when you arrive.

Another perk of the wearable – it will keep your wallet dry. TapuTapu wearables are versatile and can be used for other functions. With a tap of your Tapu, you can go cashless and pay for food, drinks, and merchandise. It can also be used to open rental lockers.

Waturi Beach

Anyone who prefers a calm day at the beach can dig their toes in real sand while their thrill-seeker friends take a plunge down the Ko’okiri Body Plunge.

Waturi Beach is also the perfect place to rest while you wait for your turn on an attraction.

Exclusive Food

The restaurants and food vendors at Volcano Bay are not only themed and festive but there are also unique flavors exclusively sold at the park. You can try the distinct flavors of Dippin’ Dots, a flavorful punch, and a specially brewed beer.

Berry Breeze Dippin’ Dots – this Dippin’ Dots flavor is a blend of blueberry and lime
Kunuku Kooler – the Kunuku Kooler is a sweet mixed berry punch that can only be gotten at the souvenir cup Coca-Cola dispenser
Adults can enjoy the Volcano Blossom, a specially brewed honey beer made with local blossom honey, starfruit, and papaya.

Tickets

Tickets for Volcano Bay vary. You can choose from a variety of options that best fit your needs and budget. There are single-day tickets, multi-park passes, annual passes and even prices only for Florida residents! Find out more on ticket prices in our guide to how much it costs to go to Volcano Bay.

Parking

You can find parking for Volcano Bay at the parking garage located at Universal Orlando. From the dedicated section of Volcano Bay, you will need to take a shuttle to the water theme park.

Daily parking fees per vehicle are $27 for regular parking, $60 for prime parking, $32 for a prime upgrade, and $32 for RV and bus parking.

Visit Volcano Bay

Summer, winter, fall, or spring, you can enjoy the water, beach, and much more at Volcano Bay during any day of the year.

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James Brockbank

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A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

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