When Universal Orlando Resort unveils its third theme park on May 25, there’ll be no immersive Harry Potter land or face-to-face encounter with King Kong.
That’s because Volcano Bay, the latest addition to Universal Studios Orlando and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, tests the limits of what it even means to be a theme park: At its core, it’s a water park — but this hybrid is shaping up to be much more than your standard collection of slides, wave pools and flavored slushies.
Expect a “first of its kind” aqua coaster that uses the same technology behind Universal Orlando rides (like Revenge Of The Mummy), slides with 70 degree drops, and at the park’s center: Krakatau, a volcano that spews waterfalls throughout the day and explodes with lava at night.
The ability to take heart-plummeting trap-door water slides through the belly of a 200-foot man-made mountain is nothing short of thrilling, and what’s more: Volcano Bay won’t have any lines. Guests will receive a TapuTapu wristband and can virtually hold their place in line for water slides while enjoying sandy beaches and expansive pools.
No standing in queues, no waiting, no hassle.
The backstory for Volcano Bay involves an ancient Waturi islander population who discovered the site by way of a “mystical fish.” It’s a palm tree-packed, hidden cave-bestowing water wonderland.
Expect ultimate vacation vibes throughout, from family-sized rentable cabanas and an array of fruity cocktails to automated rafts delivered to the top of each slide. The wide array of food — including coconut shrimp, poke bowls and Jerk-spiced fish — is similarly island-inspired, drawing on flavors from the Caribbean and Hawaii.