ORLANDO, Fla. – Universal’s Volcano Bay water park will feature new technology and fiery lava effects, the company said Thursday in revealing the first look at Orlando’s coming attraction.
The park, slated to open in 2017, will include four Pacific island-themed areas: the Volcano, Wave Village, River Village and Rainforest Village.
Universal said guests will receive new TapuTapu wearable technology when they enter the park. The TapuTapu wristband will allow guests “to virtually wait in line while they play in other areas of the park,” Universal said. The technology will alert them when it’s time to ride.
Using TapuTapu guests can find “tap-to-play” experiences around Volcano Bay. The technology can trigger special effects “like controlling streams of water spurting from whales in Tot Tiki Reef, shooting water cannons at guests snaking down Kopiko Wai Winding River and illuminating images in the volcano’s hidden caves,” according to Universal.
The star of the water park will be the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Universal said. The thrill ride will feature canoes traveling through the peaks and valleys of the 200-foot Krakatau volcano.
The coaster will use linear induction motor technology. But what is that?
“This technology launches the canoe uphill before it immediately sends riders into a downhill plunge,” Universal said.
The technology is used at other Universal attractions, including Revenge of the Mummy and the Incredible Hulk Coaster. It will be the first time it is used on a water ride at Universal.
Tickets to Volcano Bay go on presale Nov. 15 at universalorlando.com/volcanobay.
Get a sneak peak at the Volcano Bay water park in the video below: