Universal Volcano Bay
Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park, or Volcano Bay, is a tropical-themed water park at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. Owned and operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences, Volcano Bay replaced Wet 'n Wild as Universal Orlando Resort's only water park, and it was the first water park constructed by Universal Creative.
Volcano Bay
Water is life. Life is joy.
May 25, 2017[2]
Open all year (water heated in winter)
Operating
27 acres (11 ha)
At the center of the park is "Krakatau", a 200-foot-tall (61 m) volcano. Its slides include (but are not limited to) water coasters and capsule plunge slides. [3] As the park's main icon, Krakatau is featured in the logo.
At the entry, guests receive a wearable known as TapuTapu.[4] As received, the TapuTapu can be used to hold one's place in line, to capture on-ride photos, and to interact with environmental features throughout the park. To use the wearable for purchases, guests must use the Universal Orlando app to link their park ticket and credit card to their profile, and create a PIN.[5]
History[edit]
In February 2015, Universal Orlando Resort officials submitted plans for a new water park attraction to be located on their property near the Cabana Bay Beach Resort.[6] Construction was already underway when Universal Orlando Resort officially announced the project, and its name, on May 28, 2015.[6] In June 2015, it was revealed that the park would replace the Universal-owned Wet 'n Wild water park, which closed on December 31, 2016.[7]
Volcano Bay was constructed on approximately 53 acres (21 ha) of the resort complex's overall property, and took an estimated US$600 million to build.[6][8] Artist's concepts included a wave pool, a thrill slide coming from the park's central volcano, and other water slides.[6] A lazy river and rapids slide were also shown on the plans, although park officials stated they would reveal all of the park's planned attractions at a later date.[6][9]
On June 21, 2016, Universal Orlando Resort officials revealed additional details on Volcano Bay, including its debut attractions and its planned opening date of June 1, 2017.[10] On January 25, 2017, Universal Orlando Resort revealed that the Grand Opening ceremony would be on May 25, 2017.[2]
On May 25, 2017, Volcano Bay officially opened to the public.[11][12]
Reception[edit]
Volcano Bay's first few months of operation were met with mixed reviews on social media sites such as Yelp and TripAdvisor, with visitors praising the park's appearance and theming, while criticizing the lines and the TapuTapu ride reservation system.[20] Visitors complained about the long lines for the slides that could be reserved, which they say resulted in overcrowding in attractions that could not be reserved.[20] However, other visitors noted that they had better experiences arriving well before opening or later in the day.[20] A park spokesperson claimed that their internal surveys indicated guests were generally happy with the park.[20]
In popular culture[edit]
The park appeared in season 6, episode 23 of the truTV television show Impractical Jokers, “Take Me Out at the Ballgame”. Additionally, the park has also appeared in season 14 of Food Network's show Food Network Star,[21] as well as Top Chef Junior season 1, episode 13.