Universal Orlando Resort’s Volcano Bay has been turning heads and acting as the ultimate Instagram backdrop ever since it first opened to guests back in 2017.

However, despite boasting a number of thrilling and unique experiences, Volcano Bay can often be overlooked when it comes to planning those much-needed water park days during an Orlando vacation. Here are four reasons as to why you should prioritize a visit to Universal’s blissful island paradise on your next trip.

1. Lines? What Lines?

If one of your biggest pet peeves when it comes to water parks (or theme parks in general) is the seemingly endless waiting that stands between you and your favorite attraction, Volcano Bay has got you well and truly covered. The park offers their very own ‘Tapu Tapu’ system, which comes in the form of a wrist band, included in the cost of admission, that enables guests to join ride queues virtually, ultimately eliminating the need to wait in any physical lines.

The Tapu Tapu means that your relaxation time blends seamlessly into your play time, as you’re then able to continue enjoying the park and then simply receive a notification when it’s ‘Time to Ride’, creating a near walk-on experience almost every time. Not to mention there are also a number of fun elements dotted throughout the park that interact with your Tapu Tapu, that are just waiting to be discovered.  

2. A photo opportunity like no other…

Theme Park icons are key to creating that very first “woah” moment upon entering the park, as well as helping capture that perfect family photo and Volcano Bay’s Krakatau Volcano certainly has its competitors beat in that department. Nothing quite compares to rounding that very first corner after scanning your ticket and seeing a highly realistic, 200ft volcano inviting you in.

As well as being home to the Ko’okiri Body Plunge, which is one of the park's more intense rides that sends guests plummeting 125 feet at a 70-degree angle, Krakatau also ‘erupts’ throughout the day and into the evening, making for a truly unique spectacle once the sun sets.

3. Come on in, the water’s fine!

As Universal Orlando’s 'third-gate', Volcano Bay was always going to be about the thrills. While Ko’okiri may be perfect for the adrenaline-junkies out there, the park also offers a number of unique and innovative (and considerably less intense) attractions that will truly change the way you think when you imagine a water park.

For example, the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, which weaves in and around the exterior of the volcano, shooting your canoe through a number of heart-pounding launches and turns via a water-jet powered ‘track’ that mimics the layout of an actual coaster. Or perhaps the TeAwa river, which combines the idea of a river rapids ride (sans raft) with your conventional winding lazy river. Grab a life vest and enter the fearless waters but be warned, there is nothing ‘lazy’ about this attraction. 

4. Discover the secrets of the Waturi…

Universal’s ability to weave the backstory behind Volcano Bay’s creation throughout almost every element of the park is beyond impressive. Guests can learn about the Waturi and their discovery of the island of Volcano Bay as their tale is told through intricate detailing, even down to menu items in the quick service dining spots.

If you’re looking for some shade, guests can take a wander to visit Vol, the volcano God, hidden in the heart of Krakatau. In amongst the number of thrills that Krakatau hosts, this is one of Volcano Bay’s best interactive elements and is certainly not one to be missed. The park’s immersive backstory and hidden secrets mean that even if rides aren’t exactly your thing, there is still so much for you to see and do to make the most of your fun-filled day at Volcano Bay.

Would you consider Volcano Bay your favorite water park? Will you be paying it a visit on your next trip to Orlando?