Volcano Bay and Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort: A Comprehensive Guide

Universal Orlando Resort hosted our stay at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and our trip to Volcano Bay. All opinions are my own.

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Did you know Universal Orlando Resort has its own waterpark? I didn’t know about Volcano Bay until we started planning our trip to the other parks. As part of Universal Orlando Resort, Volcano Bay is a tropical paradise. The minute we entered the park, I felt like I was back in Maui. In this comprehensive blog post, I’ll dive into everything you need to know about Volcano Bay, from securing tickets to exploring the map, capturing breathtaking photos, and making the most of your visit. I’ll also share the best lodging option and talk about why I think staying at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a great choice. 

Securing Volcano Bay Tickets

To kickstart your Volcano Bay adventure, it’s crucial to secure the right tickets. Universal Orlando Resort offers a variety of ticket options, allowing you to tailor your visit to suit your needs. From one-day passes to multi-park tickets that include Volcano Bay, there’s a ticket option for everyone. Remember to check for any special offers or packages to maximize your value and enjoyment. You can learn more about tickets here.

Navigating Volcano Bay with the Interactive Map

Before setting foot in the waterpark, take a moment to explore the Volcano Bay map. This interactive guide will be your trusty companion throughout the day, helping you navigate the park’s attractions, dining spots, restrooms, and more. Familiarize yourself with the map to plan your route and ensure you don’t miss any of the must-visit locations. You can check out the map here or download the Universal Orlando Resort app.

Universal Volcano Bay Rides and Attractions

There are so many fun things to do at Volcano Bay. Here are some of the ride and attraction highlights:

  • Krakatau Aqua Coaster: This was our first time on an aqua coaster – it is a water coaster ride through the heart of a volcano. It’s fast and a ton of fun! I’ve never been on a ride like this before and I’d highly recommend it. The staff said the lines can be very long, so make sure to tap in with your wristband early so you can secure a spot.
  • Waturi Beach: Kick back and relax on a pristine sandy beach surrounded by crystal-clear waters.
  • Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides: this is a multi-passenger raft that twists and turns through dark tunnels.
  • Punga Racers: these are four high-speed slides that you can race with your first. 
  • Ohno Drop Slide: this is a 6-foot vertical drop slide for those who like more adventure.

Practical Information for a Seamless Visit

To make the most of your Volcano Bay adventure, you’ll want to know the hours. If you’re staying at a resort hotel, you’ll get ot enter early. We were able to enter the park at 8 am during our stay. The great thing about staying at Cabana Bay Beach resort (more on that later) was that we were able to enter early and walk right from our hotel into a special guest entrance just for hotel guests. It meant there were no lines and we got to enter right away through security. 

Stay at the Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort


For an all-encompassing tropical getaway, consider staying at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, which is right next to Volcano Bay. This resort offers a convenient location within walking distance of the waterpark, ensuring easy access and more time for fun. The Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s mid-century modern design evokes a sense of nostalgia while providing all the modern comforts you need. The vivid colors, playful patterns, and retro furnishings create a delightful ambiance that will transport you back to a time of carefree relaxation.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Rooms

Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers a variety of room options to suit every traveler’s needs. From standard rooms to family suites, there is ample space for everyone to unwind and recharge. The family suites are particularly ideal for larger groups, providing separate sleeping and living areas, a kitchenette, and additional amenities for a truly comfortable stay.

Recreation and Entertainment

At Cabana Bay Beach Resort, the fun never ends. There are two large swimming pools, complete with water slides, a lazy river, and a splash pad for the little ones. The pool areas are expansive and provided a lot of daytime and evening fun. One really surprising thing about the pool was that they played music underwater! My kids told me this and I didn’t believe them at first, but then I heard it for myself. You can also rent a tube so you can float around the lazy river.


There is also an on-site Galaxy Bowling alley and full-service arcade. We had so much fun bowling and playing in the arcade. The entire retro vibe of the hotel was so fun and they played retro music while we were bowling which just added to the throw-back vibes.

Cabana Bay Dining Options

The Bayliner Diner offers a casual cafeteria-style experience, serving up a variety of cuisines to please every palate. For a taste of classic American fare, head to the Swizzle Lounge, where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail and delicious snacks. They also offer Delizioso Pizza & Gelato where you can get in-room pizza delivery. Honestly, the pizza was really delicious and we had it delivered right to the room several times during our stay.

Other Benefits of Staying at Cabana Bay Universal Orlando

Staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort comes with its own set of perks. As a resort guest, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits such as Early Park Admission to select attractions at Universal Orlando, giving you a head start on the day’s adventures. Additionally, the resort provides convenient transportation to the theme parks and CityWalk, making it effortless to explore all that Universal Orlando has to offer.

Overall, we had the most amazing stay at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort and we absolutely loved our day at Volcano Bay Waterpark. If you get the chance to visit, I’d highly recommend it. If you’re looking for other travel stories, click here.

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