My son and I went to Volcano Bay today. I watched this video last night and so this morning made a point of setting ourselves up in the place this video recommends. This was not our first trip to Volcano Bay - we visited several times prior to 2020 - on those trips we sat in different areas in the vicinity of the wave pool. My opinion on the place that this video recommends is this: For sure the place has the advantage of being exactly where you would want to be if it's raining. (But it didn't rain when we were there - nor did it threaten to rain until after park close - so that did not end up having much value for us). Also, it's true that there are very few people there - it's probably among the most private places you could sit outside of renting a cabana. The shelter has ceiling fans - this helps to keep the air moving, which is nice. However, this place is exceptionally loud. There is music playing thoughout most (but not all) of the park - it seemed to be playing especially loud in this area. On top of that, this is right next to where a wave for the TeAwa Fearless River is generated - this is also a loud affair, not so much the wave itelf but the recorded sound effects that come with it, every minute or so. While in this place there is a lot (too much) to hear, in contrast, there is little to see. Even though this place is right next to the Fearless River, you cannot see it at all - it is hidden behind a row of bushes. All there is to see here are the chairs, some trees and bushes, and the upper portions of a few slides. In contrast, when you sit near the wave pool and many other places around the park, you can people watch, among other things. In sum, while this spot has advantages, it's not so clear that it's the best place in the park to sit. I won't feel compelled to return there the next time I visit Volcano Bay.
-have shorts with zip pockets -have a water proof phone, which you can leave in your short's pocket all day -go to the water coaster immediately upon arrival -travel light (small bag with towel, bottle of water, snack etc) -wear a shirt (something like a jogging shirt) if you're a white pale European as me -avoid buying anything in the park, its expensive as hell -get water shoes instead of flipflops, they are more comfortable and you can wear them on all except body slides
I have to say that on my first visit I arrived at 8:30 am and went straight to the area recommended and glad I did. It was empty and that day rained cats and dogs, so we were well covered. hahahah great tips!
I watched this. I bought a lockbox. I went to Volcano Bay today and had it confiscated at security. They don’t allow these boxes any longer apparently. We did however find great seats so thanks for that.
I have a lockbox like that and we’ve found so many times to use it at water parks, beaches, camping and more and it’s not only so convincing and saves so much time, but it also has paid for itself with how many times we didn’t have to buy a locker.
Great tips!!! I bought a phone case like that before my shark diving trip to South Africa. It worked out great! Love that lock box, though. Will have to get one of those!
I have that same lockbox! I bought it so I can go to the six flags water park by myself without having to spend money on a locker for such small items, well worth the money it is fantastic!!
Thanks for the seat suggestion, We went today and an interesting tidbit, if you’re a guest at the hotel you get in an hour before opening, 9am, however the seat suggestion area they do not open until 10am. Yes I waited an hour to get the good seats and a lot of people have seen this video because it quickly became a crowd of people waiting to get to this area! So keep that in mind if you want to make an attempt.
@Diann J Yes there was a significant amount of people waiting but not necessarily in a line just more so gathered there. I felt sorry for the worker who had to man the area because other people kept attempting to walk by as if they didn’t see a large group of people waiting
My family visited VB about a month ago and loved it so much that we're going again in the coming weeks. I sure wish I wudv known abt these things then, especially the phone protector bc I paid $30 for one at the park, and got the same one on Amazon 2 for $8.
i went to volcano bay last year and it was so fun!! i also stayed at there hotel that is right next to the park, cabana bay. it was awesome and i’m going again in like a month i’m so excited lmao
Portable lock box - haven't seen that suggestion before, but we're planning on doing quite a few days, as we've got two weeks at Cabana Bay - and the lock box would save us a fair bit on locker fees. Awesome video, thank you!
@@DiannJ I did, it was a little difficult because it was so many people. It was 4 of us so we could find on 2 seats together under the cabana. This was fine because my husband was the only one who wanted to lounge more so we were able to leave towels and shoes to hold the chairs which is a must.
@@DiannJ I sat there yesterday. Accurate directions, and I found seating around 3 PM with a large majority of the seats open. It was a holiday weekend for schools as well. Note: the views have a lot of green coloring.
Great helpful video Quick question, perhaps you covered it & I missed it, but if you take a back pack with your snacks, waters etc.... where then do you store your back pack if you don't want to rent a locker?
@@ThemeParkTravelTips never been there so sorry if my question is weird but the chairs do you reserve them? Or if you put your lock box there it means it’s yours for the day and nobody can take them? What if someone cut your lock box and steal it all together?
@@georgezhou1415 No problem, I believe the odds of someone bringing lock cutting equipment through security are very low. All the chairs are free for all, so if you leave your stuff on the chair, it's essentially yours. Cabanas, however, need to be rented through the park.
Wow that was awesome. I have a few questions: what did you do with your camera when got on the Aqua Rollercoaster? Do you have to go put it back in your locker? Can I bring my cell phone... in case.. on a cord around my neck on the rides? Does everyone get a watch when you pay for express pass?
This may be a silly question. I'm terrified of heights but really want to experience Volcano Bay. What's the stairs like to the slides? Aqua Coaster and tube slides mainly
The Aqua Coaster is about two flights of stairs and the tube slides are (if memory serves me right) about 4 or 5 flights. Tallest being in the volcano 200ft, the slide on the volcano is 125ft.
Hi Yasmin! You may leave your bag and towels on any chair you find and 'claim' for the day. I would recommend leaving your valuables in a lockbox tied to the chair. Hope this helps!
Hey man I’m curious about the waterproof phone case, I bought the one in the video and IM wondering if I sneak the case onto a raft slide or I just walk onto it with it around my neck, will they let me bring it on?
Hi Alejandro! As long as the rules haven't changed from 8 months ago (when the video was filmed) you are allowed to wear your phone around your neck on raft slides only (please do not sneak anything into anywhere!)
Hey there, if you are driving to the park, you park your vehicle at the Universal Resort parking garage where you have to pay for parking. I think it's around $25 now. The shuttle to Volcano Bay from the main Universal garage is free. Hope this helps!
as for the Lock Box i hightly suggest against it someone can simply break that cheap plastic chair and take the locker in 1 second or better yet, move the chair to somewhere else... with the locker and take hies time breaking the chair somewhere far from where you sat. it's very bad idea...
Just because you bring your phone in a lanyard like ones they sell in park, doesn't mean you should be filming on any of the rides. In fact, its prohibited in the park and if you're seen doing it, you may be asked to leave.
What’s the big deal filming yourself on a slide? If it’s not allowed that’s one thing, but if they don’t mind (like the guy in the video said) why should you?
@@bish_puddin because it's worth mentioning what the rules are so people don't build the incorrect expectation that they can do this. One person incorrectly enforcing the rules (not enforcing them) is different than the rules changing.
@@BrachioInGen true. I was just under the impression that it was allowed since I’ve seen many vloggers state that it was. I don’t mean an employee bending the rules, I mean that it’s actually allowed to have the phone on you whilst going down the slide. The only problem I could see is the device hitting someone, but other than that, why do they care? I’m seriously asking
@@bish_puddin yea, I can understand that totally. I guess that's kinda why I commented. And UO actually doesn’t really allow filming on any of its rides but is only enforced in areas of safety generally. As for VB, if you’re holding your phone to film, you’re not holding the raft and thus are at risk of not properly absorbing changes in motion and are more likely to get hurt. On slides (no rafts) your arms must remain crossed over your chest. Again, if you’re holding your phone to film, you’re more likely to get hurt. Further, if your lanyard breaks off and falls into the catch pool, you then want to dive and get it. But the lifeguard will yell at you to exit the pool for your safety. But if you don’t listen, that means pausing dispatch and slowing down operations. The long and the short is the park has the right to make any rules it wants. And its learned through experience that these are the best rules to have and to enforce them across the board evenly. As for bloggers, its important to note that only UO sanctioned ones were allowed to film. Any others have done so secretly-literally can point out a few I know were told not to and did it anyway-or because a team member improperly instructed them. Its important that its consistent because people go there with expectations and then fight team members over it. And those who do it risk bodily damage, broken cameras, or expulsion from the park
The Tapu system is awful. Why only one ride a time? You MIGHT get on three rides in 3 hours. Lame af and not worth the money. I won’t go back for this very reason
Great secret spot! I'll save you a spot next time I go.
I came in looking for the sitting info I got more that what i expected it, lol thank you so much for the tips and secret area 🤫🤫🤫
My son and I went to Volcano Bay today. I watched this video last night and so this morning made a point of setting ourselves up in the place this video recommends. This was not our first trip to Volcano Bay - we visited several times prior to 2020 - on those trips we sat in different areas in the vicinity of the wave pool.
My opinion on the place that this video recommends is this:
For sure the place has the advantage of being exactly where you would want to be if it's raining. (But it didn't rain when we were there - nor did it threaten to rain until after park close - so that did not end up having much value for us). Also, it's true that there are very few people there - it's probably among the most private places you could sit outside of renting a cabana. The shelter has ceiling fans - this helps to keep the air moving, which is nice.
However, this place is exceptionally loud. There is music playing thoughout most (but not all) of the park - it seemed to be playing especially loud in this area. On top of that, this is right next to where a wave for the TeAwa Fearless River is generated - this is also a loud affair, not so much the wave itelf but the recorded sound effects that come with it, every minute or so.
While in this place there is a lot (too much) to hear, in contrast, there is little to see. Even though this place is right next to the Fearless River, you cannot see it at all - it is hidden behind a row of bushes. All there is to see here are the chairs, some trees and bushes, and the upper portions of a few slides. In contrast, when you sit near the wave pool and many other places around the park, you can people watch, among other things.
In sum, while this spot has advantages, it's not so clear that it's the best place in the park to sit. I won't feel compelled to return there the next time I visit Volcano Bay.
Hey Laura, thank you for your in-depth analysis of the secret spot! 😀 Maybe I'll make a part 2. Hope you had a great day at the park!
That was a very deep dive, Laura! And I thank you
-have shorts with zip pockets
-have a water proof phone, which you can leave in your short's pocket all day
-go to the water coaster immediately upon arrival
-travel light (small bag with towel, bottle of water, snack etc)
-wear a shirt (something like a jogging shirt) if you're a white pale European as me
-avoid buying anything in the park, its expensive as hell
-get water shoes instead of flipflops, they are more comfortable and you can wear them on all except body slides
WOW that tip for the lock box is awesome! I didnt even know you could buy something like that. Thank you!
I’ve been searching for a legit video on tips for Volcano Bay. This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for, thank you!
I have to say that on my first visit I arrived at 8:30 am and went straight to the area recommended and glad I did. It was empty and that day rained cats and dogs, so we were well covered. hahahah great tips!
I watched this. I bought a lockbox. I went to Volcano Bay today and had it confiscated at security. They don’t allow these boxes any longer apparently. We did however find great seats so thanks for that.
Shoooot thx for the update! Hope you had a fun time :)
I have a lockbox like that and we’ve found so many times to use it at water parks, beaches, camping and more and it’s not only so convincing and saves so much time, but it also has paid for itself with how many times we didn’t have to buy a locker.
That's what I'm talking about! 😀
Yes
Thank you!!! My family is going for the first time. These are awesome tips for prep and the park!
Thanks for the lock box trick - really cool tip!
Great tips!!! I bought a phone case like that before my shark diving trip to South Africa. It worked out great! Love that lock box, though. Will have to get one of those!
I have that same lockbox! I bought it so I can go to the six flags water park by myself without having to spend money on a locker for such small items, well worth the money it is fantastic!!
Yes! One of the best purchases for water parks or beaches! 😀
These are great tips!! Thank you😊
Can you bring coolers?
That was great!!!!! Especially the place to sit! I will save you a seat
Awesome tips Thank you! 🎉
Saved you a spot today and yesterday bro!!! Thanks for the tips, absolute BEST SPOT in the park!
Thanks for the seat suggestion, We went today and an interesting tidbit, if you’re a guest at the hotel you get in an hour before opening, 9am, however the seat suggestion area they do not open until 10am. Yes I waited an hour to get the good seats and a lot of people have seen this video because it quickly became a crowd of people waiting to get to this area! So keep that in mind if you want to make an attempt.
Wow that's crazy! Guess I gotta find a new secret spot 😂
Were there lots of people waiting in line to sit in that area? Did you go on slides before getting your seats?
@Diann J Yes there was a significant amount of people waiting but not necessarily in a line just more so gathered there. I felt sorry for the worker who had to man the area because other people kept attempting to walk by as if they didn’t see a large group of people waiting
@@teringaffney646 Thank you for letting me know. :-)
What’s your view in this area?
My family visited VB about a month ago and loved it so much that we're going again in the coming weeks. I sure wish I wudv known abt these things then, especially the phone protector bc I paid $30 for one at the park, and got the same one on Amazon 2 for $8.
Thank you guy. This was awesome
I got you on the secret spot lol and thank you so much for the lock box I need this for all my daughter’s diabetes supplies.
Excellent video! Subscribed! Can you please update the link for your water proof phone case or post brand?. Link didn’t work
A lot of people are going to find that secret spot and take it now 😂😂but thank you so much for these tips!! 💜
Well done and promise to save you a place at the spot that shall not be named - LOL. I am going for the first time soon and this was super helpful
i went to volcano bay last year and it was so fun!! i also stayed at there hotel that is right next to the park, cabana bay. it was awesome and i’m going again in like a month i’m so excited lmao
Can you bring coolers?
Will be there in 3 weeks, I’ll make sure your secret spot is well taken care of while I’m there 😉
Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for sharing. I’m going headed on a family trip next month to universal. Hopefully we can make it to Volcano Bay as well.
Portable lock box - haven't seen that suggestion before, but we're planning on doing quite a few days, as we've got two weeks at Cabana Bay - and the lock box would save us a fair bit on locker fees. Awesome video, thank you!
Thanks for the tips, going there this week will put to good use 🤗🤗
Did you sit in that area? Was it hard to get a seat there?
@@DiannJ I did, it was a little difficult because it was so many people. It was 4 of us so we could find on 2 seats together under the cabana. This was fine because my husband was the only one who wanted to lounge more so we were able to leave towels and shoes to hold the chairs which is a must.
Awesome advices! Enjoyed your video!
Family will definitely be hitting up that "secret" spot on the 24th being that all the cabanas are already sold out
Did you sit there? Was getting to that area exactly as described in the video?
@@DiannJ I sat there yesterday. Accurate directions, and I found seating around 3 PM with a large majority of the seats open. It was a holiday weekend for schools as well. Note: the views have a lot of green coloring.
@@wantingblob Thank you for the update!😃 I am heading back to Universal very soon! 😃
Great tips!
Great helpful video
Quick question, perhaps you covered it & I missed it, but if you take a back pack with your snacks, waters etc.... where then do you store your back pack if you don't want to rent a locker?
great tips
Mucha gracias
Nice this helps me plan my trip
can you wear your water shows on tube rides?
What if we want to all ride on one ride? Where should people leave their bag? Thank you. 😊
I think the portable lock box solves the problem - leave your valuables in there, attach it to a chair, and then you're good to go :)
@@ThemeParkTravelTips never been there so sorry if my question is weird but the chairs do you reserve them? Or if you put your lock box there it means it’s yours for the day and nobody can take them? What if someone cut your lock box and steal it all together?
@@georgezhou1415 No problem, I believe the odds of someone bringing lock cutting equipment through security are very low. All the chairs are free for all, so if you leave your stuff on the chair, it's essentially yours. Cabanas, however, need to be rented through the park.
Wow! Thank you!
Where did you get the lockbox from please
@Theme Park Travel Tips Great tips! Our family is headed to Universal Orlando next month. Thanks for the fun, informative video.
It's my pleasure. Thank YOU for being a great fan!
How do I find link for that lockbox
Wow that was awesome. I have a few questions: what did you do with your camera when got on the Aqua Rollercoaster? Do you have to go put it back in your locker? Can I bring my cell phone... in case.. on a cord around my neck on the rides? Does everyone get a watch when you pay for express pass?
This may be a silly question. I'm terrified of heights but really want to experience Volcano Bay. What's the stairs like to the slides? Aqua Coaster and tube slides mainly
The Aqua Coaster is about two flights of stairs and the tube slides are (if memory serves me right) about 4 or 5 flights. Tallest being in the volcano 200ft, the slide on the volcano is 125ft.
You are going to be highly disappointed but have your own experience. Best of luck.
Headed to the secret spot in 2 weeks, I’ll come back and let you know
I just went to volcano bay
Where do you leave your bag/ towels while ridding the rides?
Hi Yasmin! You may leave your bag and towels on any chair you find and 'claim' for the day. I would recommend leaving your valuables in a lockbox tied to the chair. Hope this helps!
Hey man I’m curious about the waterproof phone case, I bought the one in the video and IM wondering if I sneak the case onto a raft slide or I just walk onto it with it around my neck, will they let me bring it on?
Hi Alejandro! As long as the rules haven't changed from 8 months ago (when the video was filmed) you are allowed to wear your phone around your neck on raft slides only (please do not sneak anything into anywhere!)
Question... When you tap in for a ride does it remind you after your wait time has finished or do you have to keep track of that on your own?
Tapu Tapu will alert you when your virtual wait is complete 🙂
i’m going next week and this randomly popped up on my recommendation list 😭😭
Are we allowed to bring any sort of camera or recording device on body slides?
My understanding is no. To be sure I would ask an operator/lifeguard.
@@ThemeParkTravelTips thanks yeah I have seen a lot of videos on body slides but they probably snuck cameras on sneaky ways
I'm going in April this year, so is it going to rain 😐🤨
Hi Jessica! It looks like on average it rains for only 4 days in April, so you may be in luck!
Might be going next month in October. Is it worth it to get an Express Pass?
There's no Express Pass at Volcano Bay. Have a great trip!
I have a question is bus shuttle free because I’m going next Friday and I need to know ?
Hey there, if you are driving to the park, you park your vehicle at the Universal Resort parking garage where you have to pay for parking. I think it's around $25 now. The shuttle to Volcano Bay from the main Universal garage is free. Hope this helps!
Arg Ari! That’s my spot too.
Does anyone know where is the lost and found for volcanoe bay
Nice I did it too
Where’s that place at 3:30?
Inside the volcano! 🌋
@@ThemeParkTravelTips thank u!
Do you think getting an express pass for Volcano Bay is worth it?
heyy we have the same secret spot that's the best !!!
Secret spot….what view do u have? Is that the fearless river?
Omg thats where i went guys it's florida
lit video
as for the Lock Box
i hightly suggest against it
someone can simply break that cheap plastic chair and take the locker in 1 second
or better yet, move the chair to somewhere else... with the locker
and take hies time breaking the chair somewhere far from where you sat.
it's very bad idea...
I went 2 days ago really why did I not get it
Me working here 👀👀
I GOT STUCK IN THE WAVE CREATOR IN THE RIVER
💀
Is it necessary to use the tapu tapu to get on rides with a wait time? Or can you just hop in the line and wait?
Hi Jessica! If the ride does not say 'Ride Now' at the entrance then Tapu Tapu must be used. Hope this helps!
Those lockbox are not allowed anymore..
Hi Edmarie, thanks for the comment. Are they actively denying them at security?
When I was taking to my son about volcano bay, I said tapu tapu my son said I was racist. I had to explain to him that’s what they called.
Wow...
Sounds Critical
Just because you bring your phone in a lanyard like ones they sell in park, doesn't mean you should be filming on any of the rides. In fact, its prohibited in the park and if you're seen doing it, you may be asked to leave.
What’s the big deal filming yourself on a slide? If it’s not allowed that’s one thing, but if they don’t mind (like the guy in the video said) why should you?
@@bish_puddin because it's worth mentioning what the rules are so people don't build the incorrect expectation that they can do this. One person incorrectly enforcing the rules (not enforcing them) is different than the rules changing.
@@BrachioInGen true. I was just under the impression that it was allowed since I’ve seen many vloggers state that it was. I don’t mean an employee bending the rules, I mean that it’s actually allowed to have the phone on you whilst going down the slide. The only problem I could see is the device hitting someone, but other than that, why do they care? I’m seriously asking
@@bish_puddin yea, I can understand that totally. I guess that's kinda why I commented. And UO actually doesn’t really allow filming on any of its rides but is only enforced in areas of safety generally.
As for VB, if you’re holding your phone to film, you’re not holding the raft and thus are at risk of not properly absorbing changes in motion and are more likely to get hurt.
On slides (no rafts) your arms must remain crossed over your chest. Again, if you’re holding your phone to film, you’re more likely to get hurt.
Further, if your lanyard breaks off and falls into the catch pool, you then want to dive and get it. But the lifeguard will yell at you to exit the pool for your safety. But if you don’t listen, that means pausing dispatch and slowing down operations.
The long and the short is the park has the right to make any rules it wants. And its learned through experience that these are the best rules to have and to enforce them across the board evenly.
As for bloggers, its important to note that only UO sanctioned ones were allowed to film. Any others have done so secretly-literally can point out a few I know were told not to and did it anyway-or because a team member improperly instructed them.
Its important that its consistent because people go there with expectations and then fight team members over it. And those who do it risk bodily damage, broken cameras, or expulsion from the park
The tips was making me think I had a message 😭😭😭😭
I don't like the Big blue one😂
lol limit exposure to team members. You'll be fine. You're not elderly and obese.
You don't know me! 😜
The Tapu system is awful. Why only one ride a time? You MIGHT get on three rides in 3 hours. Lame af and not worth the money. I won’t go back for this very reason
Great tips!