Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay
It might come as a surprise that when you’re at Volcano Bay, you’re not at a water park. You’re at a 25-acre water theme park. The distinction is clear when you arrive at the entrance and see detailed South Pacific theming woven into every attraction, every cabana, every locker, every restaurant, and every white-sand beach. It doesn’t take much imagination to feel as if you really are on a South Seas island, miles from civilization but somehow surrounded by more than 30 unique experiences. Some guests drop by for a few hours after visiting Universal Studios or IOA, but with the park’s multidirectional wave pool, sandy beaches, winding river, multirider raft rides, body slides, and other aquatic attractions, you can definitely make a full day of it if you have the extra time to sp...
Read MoreIt might come as a surprise that when you’re at Volcano Bay, you’re not at a water park. You’re at a 25-acre water theme park. The distinction is clear when you arrive at the entrance and see detailed South Pacific theming woven into every attraction, every cabana, every locker, every restaurant, and every white-sand beach. It doesn’t take much imagination to feel as if you really are on a South Seas island, miles from civilization but somehow surrounded by more than 30 unique experiences. Some guests drop by for a few hours after visiting Universal Studios or IOA, but with the park’s multidirectional wave pool, sandy beaches, winding river, multirider raft rides, body slides, and other aquatic attractions, you can definitely make a full day of it if you have the extra time to spend.
Built around a central, fire-spewing volcano, the park offers numerous high-energy slides and drops for adults; lots of slides and fountains where the little ones can frolic; an area for older kids with bubbling geysers, water guns, slides, and dump cups. There’s also a white-water rapids ride, a lazy-river ride, a surf pool, and some quiet, sandy beaches on which you can stretch out and get a tan.
Speaking of high energy, this is a park that requires a lot of it. A day here is often a marathon of climbing steps, sliding, swimming, and splashing, though you may not notice just how much your stamina is being drained as you scamper from slide to slide. Plan to take breaks: laze in a beach chair and eat high-protein meals and snacks to maintain your strength.
If you're not a strong swimmer, don't worry. There are plenty of low-key attractions, and all the ride entrances are marked with warnings to let you know which ones are safe for you. Plus, during peak season, there are always lifeguards on duty daily. Also note that all the pools (if not the rides) are ADA-compliant and are heated in cooler weather. This, combined with Orlando's temperate climate, means that Volcano Bay is one of the few water parks in the country to stay open year-round.
