Universal Volcano Bay
| File:VolcanoBayArtistConcept.jpg Artist's concept for Volcano Bay | |
| Location | Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida, United States |
|---|---|
| Opened | June 1, 2017 |
| Owner | NBCUniversal[1] |
| Operated by | Universal Parks & Resorts |
Volcano Bay is an upcoming water park currently being constructed as part of Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. Volcano Bay will replace Wet 'n Wild as Universal Orlando's water park, and it will be the first constructed by Universal Orlando itself. The park, themed around a 200-foot-tall (61 m) volcano named "Krakatau", is scheduled to open on June 1, 2017.
History
In February 2015, Universal Orlando Resort officials submitted plans for a new water park attraction to be located on their property near the Cabana Bay Beach Resort.[2] Construction was already underway when Universal Orlando officially announced the project, and its name, on May 28, 2015.[2] In June 2015, it was revealed that the park would replace the Universal-owned Wet 'n Wild water park, which is set to close on December 31st, 2016.[3]
Volcano Bay is being constructed on approximately 53 acres (21 ha) of the resort complex's overall property.[2] Artist's concepts show a thrill slide coming from the park's central volcano, as well as a wave pool and other water slides.[2] A lazy river and rapids slide are also shown on the plans, although park officials have stated they will reveal all of the park's planned attractions at a later date.[2][4]
On June 21, 2016, Universal Orlando officials revealed additional details on Volcano Bay, including its debut attractions and its planned opening date of June 1, 2017.[5]
Attractions
Volcano Bay's attractions are located in four themed areas, each inspired by various Polynesian islands and cultures.[6] The centerpiece of the park is "Krakatau", a 200-foot-tall (61 m) volcano that will appear to have waterfalls during the day and lava flows at night.[5][6]
Krakatau
The area located in the park's signature volcano will also include a first-of-its-kind slide attraction, with details to be revealed at a later date.[5][6]
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge: A near-vertical (70-degree drop) speed slide with a trap-door start that passes through the Krakatau volcano, falling 125 feet (38 m). The slide will also pass through one of the pool attractions at the base of the volcano, described by the park as a "world's-first" feature.[5]
- Kala and Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides: A pair of body slides with trap-door starts.
- Punga Racers: A four-lane racing slide using mats resembling manta rays.
Wave Village
Wave Village is designed for sunbathing and relaxation and includes one- and two-story cabanas that can be rented by visitors.[6]
- Waturi Beach: The park's main wave pool.
- The Reef: A calmer pool with fewer waves.
River Village
The River Village area contains attractions for families and for younger visitors.[6]
- Kopiko Wai Winding River: A lazy river that passes through Krakatau, with decorated caves and random special effects.
- Tot Tiki Reef: A play area designed for toddlers.
- Runamukka Reef: Three stories tall, a water fortress with its own small slides.
- Honu: One of two slides with multi-passenger rafts.
- Ika Moana: A second multi-passenger raft slide.
Rainforest Village
The final section of the park contains a large number of thrill slides, including body slides and raft slides ridden with multiple riders.[6]
- Maku: Another multi-passenger raft slide, described as the first of its kind in North America with three high-banked curves.[5]
- Puihi: Multi-passenger rafts drop into pitch-dark chambers, then a funnel and a final drop.
- Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides: Body slides with tall drops into the splash pools.
- TeAwa The Fearless River: A raft ride simulating white-water rafting.
- Taniwha Tubes: Four raft slides ridden solo or in pairs.
- Puka Uli Lagoon: A pool intended for relaxation.
References
- ^ "NBCUniversal completes takeover of Universal Orlando theme parks". Los Angeles Times. 2011-07-01. Retrieved 2011-07-11.
- ^ a b c d e Caitlin Dineen (May 28, 2015). "Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay to open in 2017". orlandosentinel.com. Tribune Newspapers. Retrieved May 28, 2015.
- ^ "THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FANS FOR DECADES OF WET 'N WILD ORLANDO". Universal Orlando Blog. 17 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- ^ Mark Woodbury (May 28, 2015). "ANNOUNCING UNIVERSAL'S VOLCANO BAY – A WATER THEME PARK UNLIKE ANY YOU'VE EVER EXPERIENCED". universalorlando.com. NBCUniversal. Retrieved May 28, 2015.
- ^ a b c d e Caitlinn Dineen (21 June 2016). "Universal: Plan on Volcano Bay opening by June 1". orlandosentinel.com. Tribune Newspapers. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f Dale Mason (21 June 2016). "BREAKING NEWS: FIRST-EVER DETAILS REVEALED FOR UNIVERSAL'S VOLCANO BAY". blog.universalorlando.com. Universal Parks & Resorts. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
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