It is not often that you can sit in a waterpark, listen to gentle island music, watch the palm fronds sway above, and listen to the splash of a waterfall and actually relax. Yet somehow, Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay has created an island oasis smack dab next to a highway and nestled up against a mega-resort hotel and theme park. However, there are still some hiccups that guests have to overcome in order to get to the oasis. Make no mistake there are still long lines and crowds that come with any popular attractions. Here are some ways to make sure your vacation is a memorable one. Understand these 7 Universal Orlando Volcano Bay strategies might help your day more enjoyable.
7 Universal Orlando Volcano Bay Strategies
1.Get there early!!
This may not be earth-shattering but it is the most important tip to remember. Volcano Bay is new, so it is really popular. From what I’ve seen, it has often reached full capacity by early afternoon. That means that even if you’ve bought a ticket in advance if you aren’t at the park by the time they reach capacity, you aren’t getting in.
2. Stay at Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
This “value” resort now has one huge advantage over the other properties and that is it’s easy access to Volcano Bay, located just behind the resort. This is the ONLY resort where you can get to Volcano Bay without getting on a bus (see more below). Check rates and reviews.
3. Book your cabana or premium seating at least two weeks in advance.
If you want to be guaranteed a prime seat with an umbrella, two chairs, and chair service; you can pay an upcharge of $29.99 to reserve them. But don’t be like many guests and wait until 10 days before your trip to call, only to find them sold out. And definitely, don’t expect to be able to do it onsite (at least not anytime soon.) you will need to call to make the reservation (just check the “add-ons” options.)
4. Bring your own towels & food.
Towels are available for rent but Volcano Bay isn’t like a hotel pool that offers towels to use for free. An easy way to save is simply by bringing your own. 7 Universal Orlando Volcano Bay strategies would not include carrying coolers in, but security seems to let guests through with bags of food and snacks.
Final 7 Universal Orlando Volcano Bay Strategies
5. Getting there is complicated, so be ready before you go.
If you are staying on-site at one of the Universal Orlando hotels, you will need to take a shuttle bus directly to Volcano Bay. From Cabana Bay, you can walk through the parking lot to a special entrance offered only for Cabana Bay guests. Those of you staying off-site but driving, follow the signs to Volcano Bay, but be prepared that you need to then take a shuttle bus from the parking lot to Volcano Bay. Staying off the property and taking a taxi or Uber, there is NOT a guest drop off/pick up area at Volcano Bay. You need to get dropped off at City Walk, and then take a shuttle bus to Volcano Bay.
Make sure you build in this extra transit time. When you arrive, you will need to go through security and have your bags scanned before reaching the main entrance.
6. First stop: secure your chairs.
When you first arrive, the first thing you want to do is find some open chairs. The prime spot would be Waturi Beach in the giant wave pool that fronts the volcano. However, if you don’t see something there, don’t panic. There are actually plenty of chairs around in different areas. One of the other good options would be back by the entrance to the TeAwa Fearless River (the slightly less lazy river.) There is a mix of adjustable lounge chairs and smaller upright, low beach chairs.
7. Understand the TapuTapu Technology
Each guest is given a wristband that serves as a sort of “FastPass.” You tap the wristband to the icon at the waterslide you want to ride and it assigns you a time to return for your ride. The clock on the wristband counts down and buzzes when it is time to return to your selection. In between, you can drift on the lazy river (or fearless river, which isn’t really too different), swim in the giant wave pool (more of a lagoon really), or relax on the beach.
The reason this is one of 7 Universal Orlando Volcano Bay strategies is that you don’t need to wait in line the whole time. The downside is that there might still be an hour or more wait between rides and you can only tap one at a time, so you need to be smart about how you use it. After all, would you rather wait an hour for the Krakatau Aqua Coaster or do three slides with 15 minute waits for each? Also, when you return to your slide, don’t expect to walk right on. There might still be a wait, especially at the park continues to work out its kinks. TapuTapu also opens lockers and can be linked to a credit card for cashless payments if you are staying in a Universal Orlando resort.
All of this has made Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay extremely popular! Orlando Ticket Connection is offering a great ticket for a great price so guest can enjoy not only Volcano Bay but Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Buy discounted Universal Park Ticket and Save!