Embark on an aquatic adventure like no other as we dive into the thrilling world of Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort. Nestled within the heart of this enchanting paradise stands the majestic Krakatau volcano, a towering icon that beckons visitors to explore its exhilarating waterslides and tranquil pools. From the moment you step foot into this tropical oasis, you’ll be swept away by the vibrant colors, immersive theming, and endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. Join us as we embark on a journey through the sights, sounds, and sensations of Volcano Bay, where every moment is filled with excitement and wonder.
If you’re a fan of amusement parks and action, then this trip is perfect for you. It’s the ideal destination for families and couples who want to enjoy the diversity in this vibrant city. Besides the numerous theme parks, there are also water parks to cool off in, and the many shopping malls are very popular in Orlando. Boredom is definitely not an option during this trip!
The magical world of Disney
Experience a magical adventure during your visit to one of Disney’s theme parks in Orlando. Walt Disney World is a city in itself, complete with its own hotels, transportation system, fire department, and medical center. Disney consists of Magic Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, two water parks, and a Downtown area called Disney Springs. These parks all offer the magical Disney experience, but each in a unique way.
Experience movie sets at Universal Studios
At Universal Studios, you’ll experience what it’s like to walk around on a real movie set! As you wander through this park, you’ll walk from one film set to another. Here, you can stroll through the sets of Hollywood, San Francisco, and New York, where the streets of these cities have been faithfully recreated. You can also experience your favorite movies up close in one of the attractions, such as Shrek 4D or Men in Black Alien Attack. The newest attraction at Universal Studios is the spectacular Transformers 3D Ride – inspired by the films of the same name.
Universal Orlando’s Waterpark: Volcano Bay
Entrance
Upon entering Volcano Bay, you’ll immediately be awestruck by the spectacular sight of the gigantic volcano, Krakatau, proudly standing in the center of the park. This volcano isn’t just a visual spectacle; it also houses some of the most thrilling water attractions in the park!
Lockers and Waterproof Watches
First and foremost, there’s a wide range of lockers available in the park. They come in different sizes – small, medium, and family – with varying prices. My friend and I found a medium locker sufficient for our needs.
Upon entry, you’ll receive a waterproof watch that allows you to ‘check-in’ for a water slide. Simply tap your watch against a totem pole at the respective attraction, and you’ll be placed in a virtual queue. This has the advantage of allowing you to skip the physical line! You can only be in the virtual queue for one slide at a time. Fortunately, there are plenty of water slides at Volcano Bay where ‘walk on’ is indicated. In such cases, you don’t need to scan your watch and can slide right in!
Water Slides
Let’s start with my favorite: the Krakatau Aqua Coaster. You might be thinking, ‘An Aqua Coaster? Is this a roller coaster?’ No, it’s not a ‘real’ roller coaster, but it’s pretty close! You’ll be seated in a kayak-like boat, without harnesses, and zoom through the course. There are no inversions, but you will be propelled by magnetic technology similar to the launches of a roller coaster.
Tip
There’s always a long queue for the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, often the longest. Therefore, it’s handy to ‘reserve’ this water slide with your watch upon arrival to ensure you get a ride on Krakatau!
Guaranteed Adrenaline Rush
For the true thrill-seekers among us, the Ko’okiri Body Plunge is the perfect water slide. At this slide, you stand upright, and the platform beneath you drops away! This is followed by an almost vertical, free fall from a height of 38 meters that sends you through the heart of the volcano. Guaranteed adrenaline rush!
Calmer Experience
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Volcano Bay also offers plenty of options. The Lazy River, called Kopiko Wai Winding River, is the ideal way to unwind and enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery.
Great for the Whole Family
What I love about Volcano Bay is that it truly offers something for all ages. For families with young children, there’s the Runamukka Reef, a water playground resembling a reef with numerous interactive play structures, small slides, and water cannons. It’s a safe and exciting place where kids can play for hours.
A Variety of Food!
After all those slides, you’re bound to get hungry. Fortunately, Volcano Bay offers an extensive selection of dining options that are as diverse as they are delicious. The choices are endless! From seafood to BBQ, there’s something for everyone! And don’t forget to try the delicious cocktails!
Legoland
At Legoland, almost everything is built from Lego. This makes it a fantastic park for younger children. Walk through a miniature land with many buildings made of Lego and marvel at them, or hop on the Duplo train specially designed for the little ones. For the older children, there are various roller coasters where they can have a blast. There are many play opportunities, and even on warm days, you can enjoy yourself here as you see floating Lego blocks in the pool. In short, there’s something for every child to do.
International Drive
Orlando’s most famous street is International Drive, flanked on both sides by Universal Studios and Sea World. This isn’t a street in European style, but rather a long strip of shops, theaters, (smaller) attractions, and restaurants. One building that will surely catch your eye is Wonder Works, which is completely upside down.
Historic Winter Park
Winter Park exudes a warm and historic atmosphere, something you immediately notice when walking on Park Avenue. This street is Winter Park’s main street and features characteristic cobblestones (very un-American) and all the historic storefronts have been restored. Here you’ll find stylish shops, art galleries, and restaurants with outdoor seating. There’s a park adjacent to the railroad, and every Saturday, just behind Park Avenue at Lyman and New York Avenue, a local market is held where you can buy fresh food and art.
The golf paradise of Championsgate
Located just a half-hour drive from Orlando, Championsgate is where you can escape the hustle and bustle of Orlando for space, tranquility, and golf. You’ll find two challenging 18-hole golf courses here. One of the courses is called ‘The International’ and bears many parallels to golf courses in Scotland and Ireland. It’s a challenging course with plenty of bunkers, difficult roughs, and fast fairways. The other is ‘The National’, a typical American course with many large bunkers and variety. When playing all the holes, you have access to a cart with GPS, and during summer play, you’ll receive cold wet towels for cooling off.
Adventure in Kissimmee
In terms of nature, Kissimmee, near Orlando, is a fantastic destination. Explore this pristine nature by kayak at Shingle Creek or search for alligators during an airboat tour through the Florida grasslands. There’s also a very large population of American bald eagles living in the Kissimmee area, something you might not expect from a destination like this.
Shopping at the Outlet Malls
For those who love shopping, Orlando will be a fantastic experience. There are several shopping centers, including the Premium Outlet Malls. Many well-known brands are located here, and prices are much lower than in the Netherlands. And for travel companions who don’t enjoy shopping, there’s a food court with plenty of food and drink options!
Optional car rental
When booking a city trip to Orlando through Doets Reizen, it’s possible to add a rental car during your stay. A rental car in Orlando can be very convenient when visiting the various attractions. Keep in mind that parking fees at the parks can be high. You can also choose to use public transportation to and from the parks.
Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando offers an unforgettable water park experience for visitors of all ages. From thrilling slides to tranquil lazy rivers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The theming, variety of attractions, and delicious dining options make Volcano Bay a must-visit destination for any Orlando itinerary. So, whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a relaxing day in the sun, Volcano Bay promises an adventure you won’t soon forget. Plan your visit today and prepare for a day filled with fun, excitement, and memories to last a lifetime!
