Honu will be a fun multi-passenger raft ride for the whole family to enjoy

It’s a huge month for Universal Orlando.  Just days before the Orlando theme park unveils its newest attraction, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, it has offered a sneak peek into another project it has been working on – the water park Volcano Bay.

When Universal decided to create a water park they knew they wanted it to be a one-of-a-kind experience with hassle-free fun, no lines, dining throughout, and all with a world-class resort feel. Trips to Bali, the Middle East, Europe and across the United States have helped shape the idea and today we bring you more details on the water paradise that will be Volcano Bay. 

Spanning 28 acres, Volcano Bay will whisk guests away to a tropical oasis 

Spanning 28 acres, Volcano Bay will whisk guests away to a tropical oasis inspired by the Pacific isles. The park will be made up of four themed areas with Polynesian influences ranging from Easter Island, Hawaii, New Zealand and more. Here’s what to expect from each:

Krakatau is the centerpiece of Volcano Bay, a 200-foot-tall fire and water volcano with waterfalls during the day and lava effects at night. Guests will be able to feel the explosion of the volcano with three distinctive body slides including:

• Ko’okiri Body Plunge – a 125-foot-long waterslide that starts with a 70-degree fall through a drop door 

• Kala and Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides – two intertwining slides where guests fall along 124 feet. 

• Punga Racers – a high-speed race through four different enclosed slides

Wave Village is located at the base of Krakatau and is where all the relaxation will happen. Waturi Beach is a multi-directional wave pool perfect for lying out in the sun and The Reef is an adjacent leisure pool with calmer waters and views of the Ko’okiri Body Plunge. 

Volcano Bay will have stunning cabanas where you can enjoy views of the park 

River Village offers several family-friendly attractions and experiences including the Kopiki Wai Winding River that passes through the volcano’s hidden caves, the Tot Tiki Reef, a whimsical toddler play area with spraying Maori fountains, slides and a kid-size volcano; Runamukka Reef, a three-story water playground; Honu, a multi-passenger raft ride and Ika Moana, a twisting multi-passenger raft ride that glides across bubbling geysers. 

The Ohno drop slide will plunge you into a pool after the thrills of the slide 

Rainforest Village lures in thrill seekers with such rides as the Maku, North America’s first “saucer ride;” Puihi, a multi-passenger raft ride that plunges you into darkness; Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides, two twisting slides that launch at four- or six-feet above the water; TeAwa The Fearless River, a racing torrent river ride; Taniwha Tubes, four unique Easter Island-inspired slides and Puka Uli Lagoon, a tranquil pool. 

Volcano Bay is currently being constructed on 53 acres near the theme park’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. It is expected to open in 2017.

Stay tuned for more details about Volcano Bay. In the meantime keep an ear out for the opening of Skull Island: Reign of Kong, and visit the park with discount tickets from BestofOrlando.com!

Orlando, FL – 6/22/16

By: Jena Pugh