Special thanks to Universal Orlando Resort for hosting me to explore their parks. This in no way shapes my opinions in this post. 

Water parks don’t really impress me. There’s something about standing in line, on the stairs, for an hour in the heat that does not scream “relaxing” to me at all. Generally speaking, there’s not much to look at and there are no fandoms to spectate, so basically it’s just a lot of waiting around, or lounging. And I can lounge at the beach for free. But, just like the next mom, I’ve been to many of them. And the older I get, the less interest I’ve had. That is until Universal Orlando Resort opened Volcano Bay in May. So what set the park from the rest? For starters, it’s themed after an ancient legend (well a pretend one anyway), it’s absolutely stunning to look at and they’ve solved the waiting problem. Sound like paradise? It might just be.

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Why Universal Orlando Resort’s Volcano Bay is Not Your Typical Water Park

If you’re like me and you’re bored with the run-of-the-mill water park then you’re going to love Volcano Bay. It may very well be the only water park you’ll ever want to visit.

The Scene – Paradise

The “Hassle-free Park” is just steps away from Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk. It’s surrounded by all the park hotels along with loads of restaurants and stores giving you one more reason to make Universal Orlando Resort your Florida destination.

Inside Volcano Bay, you’ll find lush landscape and breathtaking views that wrap around 18 attractions giving guests comfort and excitement all in one place. Themed after the South Pacific, you’ll find folklore at every turn.

Here are the rides at Volcano Bay

You can get a better look at them on the Universal Orlando Resort website.

• Kopiko Wai Winding River
• ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana
• Ko’okiri Body Plunge
• Krakatau™ Aqua Coaster
• Honu of the Honu ika Moana
• Maku of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
• Tot Tiki Reef
• Puka Uli Lagoon
• Punga Racers
• Puihi of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
• The Reef
• Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
• Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
• Runamukka Reef
• TeAwa The Fearless River
• Taniwha Tubes
• Waturi Beach

There is even a nighttime experience where guests can enjoy the Kopiko Wai Winding River – a gentle, winding river that will pass through the volcano’s hidden caves (Stargazer’s Cavern), featuring spontaneous water effects and special nighttime lighting.

The Story – South Pacific Legend

The park designers of Volcano at Volcano Bay came up with a legend concept inspired by the ancient mythology of the South Pacific to serve as the backstory to the island. The legend, based on the Waturi islanders who have lived on the island for centuries, tells the story of their arrival. As the story goes, they journeyed across the South Pacific in search of a mythical golden fish named Kunuku to show them their new home. That’s what brought them to Volcano Bay where they quickly fell in love with the enchanted island’s crystalline pools, sandy shores, and a towering volcano.

The legend of the fabled Waturi people is shared throughout the park where the island’s mantra is, Water is Life. Life is Joy. And with this mantra, the Islanders created a place where people could relax and play.

The Innovation – Stress-Free and Wait-Free

Volcano Bay offers an incredible and innovative line and payment system called the TapuTapu. It’s a waterproof wearable that allows you to hold your place in a virtual line and pay for things in the park. While you’re waiting in your virtual line you can relax by the Lagoon, take the lazy river or enjoy other things in the park. And with TapuTapu you can enjoy the fun and convenience of activating interactive surprises, opening lockers, making cash-free payments and more.

There’s nothing I love more than a place shrouded in myth and legend. I’ve finally found a water park that I can vibe to. A place to escape the city for paradise and submerge in the stress-free island life where thrills and relaxation coexist. A family vacation shouldn’t be about waiting in lines, it should be about taking in the moments, making memories, relaxing and recharging. Finally, there’s a water park that gives all that and more.

Looking for more stress-free experiences? Why not go to Universal Orlando Resort VIP?

Visit the Universal Orlando Resort Volcano Bay webpage for complete information and trip planning tools.

Are you ready for paradise? What are you planning to do to escape your city this year?