Volcano Bay is the best water park in Orlando, with a few Universal-isms that hold it back
From the gigantic beach full of thousands of chairs for you to sit on (and power boxes for you to step on); to the lazy and not so lazy river that floats throughout the park, relaxation is key here.
At least, that’s how I felt when I walked through Volcano Bay, Universal is going the extra mile to ensure that your day is care free.
On my first visit (certainly not the last, ‘m a three park pass owner, what what!) I did just about every slide and ate a couple of the food items that were available...Here’s what I thought
Rides/Attractions:
I mean, I haven’t been to a water park recently that I have enjoyed the slides this much, every ride felt very different to me than anything I had experienced at the other water parks in Orlando.
A couple of standouts for me:
Honu - Holy crap, I didn’t expect the drop to be that intense, or the speed (especially for a turtle themed slide)..I must say this one surprised me
Aqua Coaster - This is clearly the highlight for many, and it doesn't disappoint, I expected some ‘show-ish’ scenes, but more on that later, this is so much fun..The magnetic launches are quite thrilling in an of themselves
Punga Racers - You wouldn’t think, but these things fly! I did miss the massive drop that is featured at Aquatica’s version, but what you miss in a thrilling drop you make up for in speed.
OhNo - Short, but sweet, I also enjoy the little tucked away beach that is right where the ride exits. The drop out here is super fun
Food/More Food:
When it comes to water parks food is normally standard, of course Universal has been upping their food game and VB is no different. I love the fact that I can have sushi at a water park.
I also tried some crazy burger that I don’t remember the name of (consistent theme at this park), but it was delicious. Please understand how close I was to getting that giant dog with all the craziness on it.
Tapu Tapu:
With the constant complaining and gnashing of teeth about the system, you would have thought they were pulling a Samsung Note and bursting into flames for some.
I loved the idea of tapping and running off to the lazy river while I waited. I also loved the idea of paying with it so I didn’t have to use my card.
My only grip is that your pass discount is not automatically applied through it. Also, the time would be nice to see on it
Overall:
The park is lush and beautiful, the rides deliver on mild to wild, and there is enough to do for a full day.
Now back to my opening statement.
While I think this is the best water park in Orlando, there are a couple of things that Universal continues to do that I’d like to see change.
- Exposed unthemed areas
- Carry story throughout
- Give the shouting staff a dang microphone
I understand many were ticked at the open back of the volcano, I was surprised as well. I can honestly say it’s not as big a deal once you are in the park
As far as the Fearless River goes, it appears as if they are not completely done with landscaping yet, and also - the volcano steps don’t appear complete either.
I would have liked to have seen more integration with the a volcano and say, the Aqua Coaster, perhaps some projection effects or some things you see inside the volcano with Vol and whatnot
I don’t particularly understand Universal’s obsession with exposing things to the audience, perhaps they want us to marvel at their engineering? Either way, it’s not flattering, rather it works against everything they’ve worked to build
Also, if you’re going in the next couple of weeks, know that there are some areas still under construction around the park. Most of them are off on peripheral edges of the park so they won't even matter to your day
Last thing, some of the landscaping isn’t done either, therefore you may see some of I-4 and some traffic lights inside the park...I feel this is only temporary
All in all, I love Volcano Bay and was impressed with it. It is not Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach or Aquatica - It’s Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay