Are you ready for Universal’s Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort? Touted as the third theme park coming to the Florida property, the water park aims to deliver a balance of “amazing theme park experiences” and a “luxurious resort” all rolled into one.
Taking inspiration from Bali, the Middle East, Europe and points all across the United States, the new resort will span 28 acres including slides, lazy river, beaches, and cabanas.
Taking aim at the guest experience, Universal will reportedly be taking common pain-points out of visiting a water park including a new line system that minimizes your wait, a tube delivery system that doesn’t require you to lug yours around, and a decentralized approach to food that intersperses culinary experiences around the park instead of in a centralized food court.
Here’s a description of some of the features straight from Universal…
Krakatau:
At the heart of the park, you’ll see the 200-foot-tall volcano called Krakatau. By day, you’ll see its majestic waterfalls. And by night, the volcano will illuminate with blazing lava.
- Three distinctive body slides are found at the rear of the volcano, and each starts off with surprise doors that drop out from beneath you:
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge: A racing, 70-degree drop that will plummet 125-feet through the center of Krakatau. It will be the world’s first slide to travel through a pool filled with guests.
- Kala and Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides: Two intertwining slides where you’ll fall freely along 124 twisting feet.
- Punga Racers: A high-speed race through four different enclosed slides featuring manta-shaped mats.
- Secret Attraction: I can’t talk about this one yet, but it’ll be like nothing else in the park.
Wave Village:
Located at the base of Krakatau, Wave Village is a perfect place to soak in the sun and relax on the sandy shores. It includes:
- Waturi Beach: A sparkling, multi-directional wave pool where you can swim, relax on the sand or indulge in private, one- or two-story cabanas.
- The Reef: An adjacent leisure pool with calmer waters and exciting views of riders speeding through the Ko’okiri Body Plunge.
River Village:
River Village offers several family-friendly attractions and experiences and features:
- Kopiko Wai Winding River: A gentle, winding river that passes through the volcano’s hidden caves, featuring spontaneous water effects and a journey through the cave of starlight.
- Tot Tiki Reef: A whimsical toddler play area with spraying Maori fountains, slides and a kid-size volcano.
- Runamukka Reef: A three-story water playground inspired by the coral reef overflowing with twisting slides, sprinklers and more.
- Honu: An adventurous, multi-passenger raft ride that will soar across a dual wall.
- Ika Moana: A twisting, multi-passenger raft ride that will glide across bubbling geysers.
Rainforest Village:
Rainforest Village features an incredible assortment of attractions for thrill-seekers, including:
- Maku: North America’s first “saucer ride”, sending multi-passenger rafts speeding around three saucer-shaped curves.
- Puihi: A breath-taking multi-passenger raft ride that will plunge you into darkness before bursting into a funnel and launching into a zero-gravity drop.
- Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides: Two twisting, adrenaline-pumping slides that launch you four- or six-feet above the water at the end.
- TeAwa The Fearless River: An action-packed, racing torrent river where you’ll have to hang tight in your inner tube amidst roaring, whitewater rapids.
- Taniwha Tubes: Four unique Easter Island-inspired slides with rafts for single or double riders.
- Puka Uli Lagoon: A tranquil pool where you can swim and relax.