Volcano Bay (Universal Orlando)

But Tim, where's the picture of the volcano? How could you not take one for this post?

Funny you ask, reader, but I've decided to never bring any belongings to Volcano Bay to make sure I could just leave my stuff on a bench at the wave pool instead of paying for a locker. Totally worth it the two times we've been there so far!

We decided to get Universal passes again to take advantage of a six month extra add-on (free parking for two years of Horror Nights? Yes, please.) and while we were add it, we added Volcano Bay. We were totally lost the first time, as we went to the parks first and parked in the normal area. For anyone who hasn't done it yet, the tram bus pickup point is on the REAR of the first floor of the south garage. So try to park in the back if you can, save your steps for the actual park. You hop on the bus and on your way. They drop you off on a loop road where you go through security. A ramp takes you down under the Universal Boulevard exit off I-4 where you take an escalator up to the main entrance. Then you get your Tapu Tapu.

After initial reviews, I was hesistant about this. Now that the kinks are worked out, Tapu is the wave of the future waiting game. I can ride less popular rides while simultaneously waiting in line for something else? Awesome. As for the rides, they're super aggressive.. not exactly on Action Park level, but pretty high up there. I won't try to spell the names of them, so I'll just describe what I see.

The blue double-walled slide is insane airtime. The green double tube slide is intense Gs. Make sure you walk THROUGH the volcano to check out the stuff inside (talking spirit of Krakatau). The water coaster will obviously be the most crowded ride. Didn't think it was the best, but something to check out early. Our favorite is the aggressive lazy river. Apparently the normal lazy river lights up inside the volcano with pretty biolumiscence. Something to check out later... but the aggressive lazy river is great. Has a bubbly spring area, choppy waters, high speed and a wave generator!

Going to put Volcano Bay up above Aquatica. And highly recommend going in the late afternoon to night when the crowds die down and you're not on the verge of getting sunburn. Can only imagine going down the Body Plunge at night in the dark!