Universal unveils Orlando water park Volcano Bay

Promising no queues, no carrying of inflatable tubes, Universal have unveiled details of the Volcano Bay water park, the third theme park for their Orlando resort.

Comprising 18 water-based attractions, Volcano Bay adds a third gate to the growing Universal Orlando Resort, joining the original Universal Studios Florida that opened in 1990 and Islands of Adventure that opened in 1999.

The park's mythical Waturi islanders form the basis of the park's theme, which cherry-picks the most vibrant and exciting visuals of Pacific cultures and together with the latest in water park attraction technology, brings to life the mantra Water is Life. Life is Joy.

The water park will be split into four sections: The Volcano, Wave Village, River Village and Rainforest Village.

The Volcano

This fiery landmark towers over the landscape, beckoning guests to the center of this lush, tropical island. 

Krakatau™
At the heart of the island, Krakatau™, the mighty Fire and Water Volcano, towers 200 feet above the tropical landscape, streaming waterfalls during the day and fiery lava effects at night. Inside the cavernous volcano, the Waturi people dare you to brave a variety of pulse-pounding water slides. 

Ko’okiri Body Plunge
Join in the centuries-old tradition of honoring the volcano god, Vol, by braving the incredible Ko’okiri Body Plunge. Featuring a 70-degree fall through a drop door and 125 feet of screaming, white-knuckle fun, this dizzying descent ends with a watery tribute from Vol himself. 

Kala & Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides
Join Kala and Ta Nui where sea and sky meet and take a leap of faith from high atop the volcano. Twin trap doors simultaneously drop two guests down clear, intertwining tubes before sending them joyfully splashing into the turquoise waters below. 

Punga Racers
A favorite among Waturi children of all ages, Punga Races send single riders on their manta ray mats sliding down four lanes through underwater sea caves.

Wave Village

This peaceful escape overlooks the sparkling waters of Waturi Beach at the base of the volcano. 

Waturi Beach
Locals know — the surf’s always up at Waturi Beach. Swim, splash and relax right along with them in the sparkling waters and warm waves of this sparkling lagoon at the foot of mighty Krakatau™.

River Village

The scenic River Village has fun for people of all ages, including the very youngest Waturi. 

Honu ika Moana
Just like the ancient Waturi people who rode the ocean waves on friendly sea turtles and whales, guests can enjoy these two twisting, turning, multi-person slides. Honu sweeps up two massive walls, while Ika Moana sprays water on riders from the center of the raft. 

Tot Tiki Reef + Runamukka Reef
The little ones can frolic among the splashy slides and fountains of the Tot Tiki Reef toddler play area, while Runamukka Reef delights older children with its bubbling geysers, water guns, slides and dump cups. 

Kopiko Wai Winding River
Take a slow ride on the Kopiko Wai Winding River. Sprays of water surprise along the way, and beneath the lava rocks, Stargazer’s Cavern reveals the magical night sky above.

Rainforest Village

Rainforest Village stretches along the shores of an action-packed river and features the perfect mix of relaxation and exhilaration. 

Ohyah + Ohno Drop Slides
Test your mettle and get into the Waturi spirit. Ascend cliff side and plummet down the twisting waters of Ohyah before dropping out four feet above the pool below. To achieve even greater bragging rights, brave the rope bridge and plunge down Ohno, a serpentine adventure that ends six feet above the pool below. Be sure to yell your battle cry on the way down. 

Maku Puihi Raft Rides
Ready for the high adventure of the Maku Puihi lava tubes? This six-person rafting adventure is a favorite of Waturi families, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Choose one of two paths or try them both—just be ready for a thrilling ride. Puihi careens through a dark, winding tunnel before the stomach-flipping thrill of zero gravity hang time. Maku slides you through a deep volcanic gorge before spinning wildly around bowl-like formations. 

TeAwa, The Fearless River
Up for an adventure? Take a thrilling whitewater ride along TeAwa, The Fearless River. Race along a roaring, watery onslaught of churning rapids and choppy waves hanging tight to your inner tube. 

Taniwha Tubes
There’s a place where the puka trees grow abnormally tall. Inspired by their twisting roots, the Waturi built four twisting water slides called the Taniwha Tubes. Riders can try all four twisting tracks, but beware — mischievous Moai statues spray jets of water when you least expect it.

Further information are expected over coming months, including details about promises of no long lines or waits.

The water park is schedule to open in Orlando, Florida on June 1, 2017.

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