Southern Blue Traveler: Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park

On this visit to Orlando, we decided to stay at Cabana Bay again because of it's proximality to Volcano Bay. The last two visits to Orlando we spent most of our time at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. This time, we wanted to spend more time at Volcano Bay.

They added the same level of detail for Volcano Bay that they did for Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Universal wants the visitor to feel as though they have stepped onto this island paradise.

The first thing you will see once you have made your way through the entrance is the view of the volcano which stands 200 feet above the park.

Located in front of the volcano is Waturi Beach filled with seating and umbrellas. There are also two padded loungers with a canopy with a lockbox if you want to pay a fee.

There are two rivers located in the park.

Kopiko Wai Winding River is the lazy river which passes through the volcano with speical water effects and nighttime lighting.

TeAwa, the Fearless River, is a high-speed whitewater river (the opposite of a lazy river). It was a lot of fun but beware, when you get into this river, you can not just stand up and walk out. It truly is a forceful river.

There are several restrooms located throughout the park, seating and umbrellas are provided in several locations and there are life jackets stands in multiple locations.

When you arrive at the park, you will receive what is called a "TapuTapu" that allows you to get in line virtually. If you want to get in line at a ride, you just touch your TapuTapu on the totem pole and it will notify you when it is your turn.

For the little swimmers in your life, there is River Village, a lazy river, and the Tot Tiki Reef which offers a splash pad and fun slides.

Don't worry about what you will eat while in the park, There are several restaurants with a variety of food. We have tried food at several of the restaurants and it has always been good.

Volcano Bay is a photographers dream. Not only are there photo opportunities scattered throughout the park, it is a great place to get those tropical family photos and the landscaping is gorgeous. If you love landscaping and plants, you can spend hours just checking out the foliage and flowers. Or you may want to photograph the beautiful flowers.