Is Volcano Bay Worth it

Universal’s Volcano Bay is an immersive water park experience that allows guests to enter a tropical paradise in the middle of Orlando, Florida, but it Volcano Bay worth it? In this post I share my thoughts on Universal Volcano Bay, attractions at Volcano Bay, and if you should visit during your Universal Orlando trip.

Universal’s Volcano Bay is a water park located at the Universal Orlando Resort. It is the most beautiful water park I have every visited and guests will feel immersed in a tropical oasis as soon as they enter the park.

Volcano Bay has slides and water attractions for guests of all ages as well as for thrill seekers. It is located within walking distance to Cabana Bay Beach Resort and complimentary transportation to the water park is offered for guests that stay at a Universal hotel.

We suggest purchasing tickets before you arrive. If you are planning on visiting all of the Universal theme parks consider purchasing a ticket that includes all parks.

Insider Tip: Purchase tickets before you arrive to get the best deal and save time!

Is Volcano Bay Worth It

Volcano Bay is worth including in your visit to Universal. It is really an oasis within Orlando. Kids will love all the slides, wave pool, and (not so) lazy river.

I suggest arriving early to secure some chairs with a view of the Volcano along Waturi Beach. It is centrally located if your group wants to go in different directions.

Volcano Bay has some really unique attractions making it a great water park to visit during your time at Universal.

Krakatau Aqua Coaster takes guests up and down through a slide that is part coaster. It is so much fun and one of the most popular attractions at the park.

TeAwa The Fearless River is a “lazy river” that is anything but. All guests must wear a life jacket for this thrilling water ride. Guests will encounter rough churning waves and rapids as they float along the river.

Both of those attractions were so much fun for our family. We really enjoyed the entire vibe of Volcano Bay. One thing I love is you can spend the day relaxing and feel like you are miles away from a theme park.

Those looking for thrills can also enjoy the day with some intense rides. Thrill seekers will want to include Ko’okiri Body Plunge on their list.

Ko’okiri Body Plunge drops guests 125 feet down with a 70-degree fall through a drop door. I did not ride this one but if you are looking for an adrenaline fueled slide this one is it.

Update: As of October 1, 2025 guests will no longer receive Tapu Tapu to save their place in line. Tapu Tapu was a wearable device that allowed guests to scan into attractions, go ride another attraction, and return when it was their time.

A really important tip I want to share early in this post is become familiar with the layout of the park before you arrive. This will help you decide the best place to set up a chair and meeting spot as you explore the park.

Attractions at Volcano Bay

Below is a list of the attractions at Volcano Bay and the ride heights to help plan your visit.

• Honu of Honu ika Moana (48″ to ride)
• Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides (48″ to ride)
• Ko’okiri Body Plunge (48″ to ride)
• Kopiko Wai Winding River (No Height Requirement, Children under 48″ must wear life vest)
• Krakatau’ Aqua Coaster (42″ to ride)
• Maku of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides (42″ to ride)
• Ohno of the Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides (48″ to ride)
• Ohyah of the Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides (48 to ride)
• Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides (42″ to ride)
• Puka Uli Lagoon (Pool with interactive elements, No Height Requirement)
• Punga Racers (42″ to ride)
• Raki of Taniwha Tubes (42″ to ride)
• Runamukka Reef (Kids splash area for small children, Max Height 54″)
• TeAwa The Fearless River (42″ to ride, All guests must wear life vest)
• The Reef (Children under 48″ must wear life vest)
• Tonga of Taniwha Tubes (42″ ride height)
• Tot Tiki Reef (Splash Pad, 36″ height requirement)
• Waturi Beach (Wave pool at the Volcano, 36″ height requirement)
• ika Moana of Honu ika Moana (42″ height)

Tips for Visiting Volcano Bay

After our first visit there were a few things I wish I would have known before we arrived. I hope these tips help you have a successful day at Volcano Bay.

• Research the attractions and prioritize the ones that are a good fit for your family.
• Purchase tickets before you arrive.
• Pack smart: Only bring what you need and take advantage of the lockers while you explore the park.
• Wear water shoes to walk around the park. The ground gets very hot! There is a shoe rack for guests to use around the entrance to slides or wear water shoes that can stay on while your ride.
• Look over the park map and layout of the park to plan your day.
• Know the height requirements of slides to skip the ones that don’t work for your family.
• Towels are not provided. Bring your own or be prepared to let the Florida sun dry you.
• Allow time to explore the grounds of the park. There are a lot of things to see around the park.
• Check park opening dates and times before you purchase tickets. Volcano Bay will be closed October 26, 2026, to March 24, 2027.

Overall I suggest including Volcano Bay into your Universal trip if you have the time and if you enjoy water parks. If you have a short visit I would prioritize the other parks over a water park, but that is a personal decision.

If I was planning a week long vacation at Universal I would consider including Volcano Bay to our trip.

Insider Tip: Purchase tickets before you arrive to get the best deal and save time!

If you are overwhelmed with planning or just want someone to make all the reservations for you consider using a travel agent. Our friend Nikki at Royal Treatment Travel is amazing and has helped us plan and book many of our trips. She finds the best deals and her service is complimentary for most theme park vacations! It is a win-win. Learn more here.

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