Holidays
  • HOLIDAYS
    • View Holidays Homepage
    • Beach Holidays
      • Adults Only Holidays
      • All Inclusive
      • Beach
      • Family Holidays
      • Long-Haul Holidays
      • Luxury Holidays
      • Nightlife
      • Spa Holidays
      • Sports and Activity
      • View all beach holidays
    • Multi Destination
    • Tours
    • City Breaks
    • Ski
    • Lakes and Mountains
    • Lapland
    • Villas
    • Weddings
    • Accessible Holidays
  • Cruises
  • CRUISES
    • Marella Cruises
      • View Marella Cruises Homepage
      • Cruise Deals
      • Cruise Ships
      • Cruise Types
        • Cruise From the UK
        • Cruise Only
        • Cruise and Stay
        • Themed Cruises
        • Repositional and Transatlantic
      • Destinations
        • Caribbean
        • Western Mediterranean
        • Canary Islands and Atlantic
        • Eastern Mediterranean
        • North Africa And Middle East
        • Asia
        • Central America
        • View All Cruise Destinations
      • Useful Information
        • Cruise Calendar
        • Top Ports Of Call
        • On Board Experience
        • Why cruise with Marella Cruises?
    • TUI River Cruises
      • View TUI River Cruises Homepage
      • European River Cruises
      • River Cruise Ships
      • River Cruise Only
      • Rivers
        • Danube
        • Dutch & Belgian Waterways
        • Main
        • Moselle
        • Rhine
      • Destinations
        • Austria
        • Belgium
        • Croatia
        • Germany
        • Hungary
        • Netherlands
        • Serbia
        • Slovakia
        • Switzerland
      • Useful Information
        • Why cruise with TUI River Cruises?
  • Flights
  • FLIGHTS
    • View Flights Homepage
    • Cheap Flights
    • Our Destinations
      • Where we fly
      • Popular routes
    • Flight Timetable
    • Arrivals and Departures
    • Useful Information
      • Flying with us
      • Before you fly
      • Our fleet
      • Frequently Asked Questions
  • hotel only
  • HOTEL ONLY
  • Deals
  • DEALS
    • View Deals Homepage
    • Summer Holiday Deals
      • Summer Holidays 2021
      • Summer Holidays 2022
      • School Holiday Deals
      • View All Summer Holiday Deals
    • Winter Holiday Deals
      • Winter Holidays 2020
      • Winter Holidays 2021
      • Christmas Holiday Deals
      • Easter Holiday Deals
      • View All Winter Holiday Deals
    • Last Minute Deals
    • Free Kids Place Finder
    • Destination Deals
      • Spain Holiday Deals
      • Greece Holiday Deals
      • Mexico Holiday Deals
      • View All Destination Deals
    • Holiday Type Deals
      • All Inclusive Holiday Deals
      • Luxury Holiday Deals
      • Family Holiday Deals
      • View All Holiday Deals
    • Discount Deals
  • Destinations
  • DESTINATIONS
    • View Destinations Homepage
    • Europe
      • Albania
      • Austria
      • Bulgaria
      • Croatia
      • Cyprus
      • Czech Republic
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • Lapland
      • Malta
      • Montenegro
      • Portugal
      • Slovenia
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
      • View All Europe Destinations
    • Central America
      • Costa Rica
      • Mexico
      • View All Central America Destinations
    • Africa
      • Cape Verde
      • Egypt
      • Gambia
      • Kenya
      • Mauritius
      • Morocco
      • Seychelles
      • Tanzania
      • Tunisia
      • View All Africa Destinations
    • Caribbean
      • Antigua
      • Aruba
      • Barbados
      • Cuba
      • Dominican Republic
      • Grenada
      • Jamaica
      • St Lucia
      • Trinidad And Tobago
      • View All Caribbean Destinations
    • North America
      • United States Of America
      • View All North America Destinations
    • Asia
      • China
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Israel
      • Japan
      • Jordan
      • Malaysia
      • Maldives
      • Oman
      • Sri Lanka
      • Thailand
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Uzbekistan
      • Vietnam
      • View All Asia Destinations
    • Where’s hot when?
    • Quarantine Free Holidays
    • Popular Destinations
      • Algarve
      • Benidorm
      • Cancun
      • Crete
      • Dubai
      • Florida
      • Fuertaventura
      • Gran Canaria
      • Lanzarote
      • Madeira
      • Majorca
      • Tenerife
  • Extras
  • EXTRAS
  • TravelInformation
  • Travel Information
  • AccountAndBooking
logo
Shortlisted holidays
  • Shortlist( )
  • Travel Information
  • Account & Booking
  • HOLIDAYS
  • CRUISES
  • FLIGHTS
  • HOTEL ONLY
  • DEALS
  • DESTINATIONS
  • EXTRAS

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. To find out more, please read our Cookie Notice. Close

List
    See all destinations
    See departure airports for
    See what dates we fly to this route
    see what dates this destination is available
    Flexible by +/-3 days
    7 nights
    Clear search
    Child ages (on return date) Edit ages
    • Latest
    • Video
    • Active
    • Culture
    • Family
    • Food
    • Style
    Volcano Bay

    Play video

    “Rivers, rapids and a 200-foot volcano”

    Universal’s new park packs a tropical punch

    Meet Volcano Bay – Florida’s new water theme park

    Disney has long held the crown for Florida’s best water theme parks – but there’s a new challenger in town.


    Universal is set to unveil the Sunshine State’s latest flume-filled park – and it’s got all the credentials to have Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach looking nervously over their shoulders. Volcano Bay is right among Universal’s resort hotels, with the likes of Universal CityWalk and Islands of Adventure only a stone’s throw away.


    It’ll feature a huge volcano as the centrepiece, with chunky palms and winding rivers all around it. The slides, rapids and lagoons will mean that thrills and relaxation are both easy to come by, and the techy gadgets are set to take the theme park game to a different level.


    Here’s everything you need to know…

    What’s the theme?

    The back story of Universal's Volcano Bay is based around a group of ancient Pacific islanders, known as the Waturi. These make-believe ancestors are the inspiration for the park’s imaginative rides and statue-lined pools, which feel a million miles from the rest of Orlando.


    It’s in stark contrast to the snow-capped slopes of Blizzard Beach, which adopts a wintery theme, and the iconic volcano gives Typhoon Lagoon’s teetering tugboat a run for its money, too. Universal’s clever tropical set-up means that the park will be ideal for pulse-pounding rides and sunbathing sessions alike.


    If you’re curious about what else Orlando’s got to offer, we’ve asked the question on everyone’s lips – Can you visit four Walt Disney World parks in one day?

    What will the rides be like?

    It’s all well and good talking about the look and feel of the park, but does it have the ingredients to match its splash-mad neighbours for thrills? We’ll let you be the judge of that, but the evidence looks pretty substantial to us.


    The 200-foot volcano – dubbed Krakatau – doubles up as a hub for a bunch of the park’s best rides. Flumes twist and turn in every direction from the top, and the Krakatau Aqua Coaster will use new technology to send four-man canoes uphill as well as down. The Ko’okiri Body Plunge will see you plummet 125 feet down a near-vertical tube, while the Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides plunge you through twin trap doors.


    Elsewhere, Honu ika Mona sends you on a swirling raft ride, and tiki statues spray water on you as you hurtle down the Taniwha Tubes. Free-fall drop slides and choppy rapids, meanwhile, are tucked away in the Rainforest Village.


    Universal’s not finished here either – for a look at their other new arrivals, check out our take on Nintendo Land.

    What will there be for families?

    You already know this place has got its fair share of rides for kid-like grown-ups. Universal hasn’t forgotten about actual little’uns, though, and they’ll be spoilt for choice here. Head to Krakatau, and you can send them through sea caves on Punga Racers – a four-lane ride where you whizz along on manta ray mats.


    Tot Tiki Reef features a scaled-down version of the park’s trademark peak, plus fountains and whales that spray water in the air. Runamukka Reef’s cut from the same cloth, and reels off water guns, mini-slides and bamboo sea creatures in its repertoire.


    And if you just fancy a straightforward swim, Puka Uli Lagoon is shallow enough for children, and includes bongo drums in the water. Then there’s the park’s main sunbathing spot – Waturi Beach – which looks like it’s been stolen from an unspoiled Pacific island.


    And if you’re looking for one or two pointers on how to make the flight across the pond easier on your little ones, here are our 10 tips for flying long-haul with toddlers.

    What’s different about this park?

     

    The tropical theme alone is pretty cool, but Volcano Bay has gone even further to make itself stand out from the crowd. Step forward the TapuTapu wearable.


    This might sound like jargon at first, but bear with us – it’s seriously awesome. Everyone who visits the park gets one of these funky bracelets for the day, in a bid to make the experience more interactive. If you want to go on a ride, all you do is waggle your bracelet-clad wrist beside the TapuTapu symbol at the entrance, and the park does the rest.


    You’ll be checked into a virtual line, and sent a specific time to return for your go on the ride. That means no queuing, and more time spent exploring the park. It’ll even give you a gentle nudge when your time slot comes around, just in case you’ve forgotten. Head back to the ride, scan your bracelet again, and you’re good to go.


    You’ll also see the TapuTapu symbol dotted around different splash parks and river rides. Wave the wristband at the symbol, and it might kick a water jet into action, or make a secret message light up. Take the Kopiko Wai Winding River, for instance. This slowed-down ride features Stargazer’s Cavern – a dimly-lit grotto that glows when you use your TapuTapu bracelet.


    Volcano Bay’s making waves when it comes to theme park tech, and across the pond there’s a new face on the European thrill-seeking scene. Take a look at Ferrari Land – PortAventura’s new fast-paced friend on the Costa Dorada.

    When will it open?

    Now for the bit you’ve been waiting for – the opening date. In true X Factor style, we’ve left this important detail right to the end. All we’re lacking is Dermot O’Leary. Luckily for you flume fans out there, the big day’s not far away. Volcano Bay’s set to open its gates on Thursday 25th May 2017, which means you’ve barely got any time to wait.

    Want to take the plunge?

    Have a look at our Universal Orlando holidays, or flick through the rest of what’s on offer in Florida.


    Author: Shaun Ringwood

    Published: 05.04.2017.

    Tags: latest

    Countries: United States Of America

    Destinations: Florida

    SHARE

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    • Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

      Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

      A trio of theme parks are right on your doorstep when you stay at the retro-themed Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

    • Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando™

      Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando™

      Music memorabilia, a top-drawer steak restaurant and a lagoon-like pool are all on the cards at the Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando.

    • Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando®

      Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando

      Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando brings a taste of Polynesia to America's Sunshine State.

    • DISCOVER MORE

    Inspired? Discover more...

    Call us on: 0203 451 2688




    Some images shown throughout this website do not represent current operational guidelines or health and safety measures such as face masks and physical distancing requirements.
     
    To top

    Our top deals tailored to you, straight to your inbox Sign up for offers

    Shop Finder Ask a question? Contact us

    We're part of TUI Group - one of the world's leading travel companies. And all of our holidays are designed to help you Discover Your Smile.

    Registered address: Wigmore House, Wigmore Lane, Luton,Bedfordshire,United Kingdom, LU2 9TN

    . .
    • Holiday Types
    • Popular Destinations
    • Mid/Long haul
    • Short haul
    • Flights To
    • Cruise
    • Hotels

    Holiday Types

    Summer Holidays 2020 Summer Holidays 2021 Winter Holidays 2020 Winter Sun Holidays Cheap Holidays Luxury Holidays Family Holidays All inclusive holidays Package Holidays Beach holidays Discount Codes City Breaks Last minute Holidays Villa Holidays Short Breaks Accessible Holidays Multi-Destination Holidays Escorted Tours

    Popular Destinations

    Algarve holidaystest Benidorm holidays Canary Islands holidays Crete holidays Cyprus holidays Gran Canaria holidays Ibiza holidays Lanzarote holidays Las Vegas Holidays Majorca holidays Menorca holidays Mexico Holidays New York Holidays Tenerife holidays

    Mid/Long haul

    Aruba holidays Bali Holidays Vietnam Holidays Cape Verde holidays Caribbean Holidays Costa Rica Holidays Cuba Holidays Dubai Holidays Egypt holidays Florida holidays Jamaica Holidays Mauritius holidays Sri Lanka Holidays Thailand holidays Sharm El Sheikh Holidays Los Cabos Holidays

    Short Haul

    Benidorm Holidays Portugal holidays Spain holidays Turkey Holidays Zante holidays Morocco holidays Croatia holidays Greece holidays Malta holidays Bulgaria holidays Italy holidays Lapland holidays

    Flights To

    Cheap Flights Tenerife Flights Montego Bay Flights Mauritius Flights Thailand Flights Alicante Flights Lanzarote Flights Ibiza Flights Florida Flights Orlando Flights Spain Flights Cyprus Flights Malta Flights Portugal Flights Turkey Flights Goa Flights Cancun Flights Barbados Flights Popular Flight Routes

    Cruise

    Puerto Limon Caribbean Cruises Fjords Cruise Italian Cruises Mediterranean Cruises Canary Islands and Atlantic Central America Dubrovnik Barcelona All Inclusive Family Cruises Last Minute Cruises Cruises Cruise Deals Cruises from the UK Croatia Cruises from Southampton Summer Cruises 2020 River Cruise Deals

    Hotels

    Hotels in Tenerife Hotels in Gran Canaria Hotels in Lanzarote Hotels in Fuerteventura Hotels in Majorca Hotels in Menorca Hotels in Ibiza Hotels in Cancun Hotels in Riviera Maya Hotels in Playacar Hotels in Playa Del Carmen Hotels in Paphos Hotels in Protaras Hotels in Marmaris Hotels in Bodrum Hotels in Alanya Hotels in Kusadasi

    More from TUI

    About TUI MyTUI app Cookies Notice Manage Cookie Preferences Privacy Notice Terms & Conditions Credit card fees Media Centre Travel Jobs Affiliates Discover Lakes & Mountains Discover Weddings App Store for Ios Google Play Store Travel Money Holiday Budget Calculator TUI Group First Choice Holiday Brochures Travel After Brexit Holiday Weather

      • World of TUI

        Travel Aware – Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad

        The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.

        See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel - for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.

        See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice - for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.

        See Travel Aware page - for travel advice from TUI.

        See travelhealthpro.org.uk - for current travel health news.

        The advice can change so check regularly for updates.

    All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Some of the flights on this website are also financially protected by the ATOL scheme, but ATOL protection does not apply to all flights. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each flight before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk. ATOL protection does not apply to the other holiday and travel services listed on this website.