Some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site.
Our Review of Universal’s Volcano Bay Nights
Universal Orlando recently dipped its toes into after-hours fun with the debut of Volcano Bay Nights, and we were thrilled to dive headfirst into the experience! As Volcano Bay newbies, the anticipation and excitement was definitely bubbling over. So, did this inaugural nighttime event live up to the hype? Here’s our take on a memorable evening under the stars.
Related-Universal Launches First Nighttime Event at Volcano Bay Water Park This Saturday!
First things first, getting there. For those unfamiliar with Volcano Bay, note that dedicated parking isn’t directly at the water park entrance. You’ll need to head to the main Universal parking garage and hop on one of the convenient shuttle buses that whisk you away to this Polynesian paradise.
Upon arrival, the excitement builds as you’re greeted and ascend an escalator to the park’s entrance, ready to embrace your inner Waturi.
Related-Tickets Now On Sale for Volcano Bay Nights at Universal Orlando
The park itself is breathtaking. The towering Krakatau volcano dominates the landscape, a majestic 200-foot structure that hints at the thrilling adventures within. We were immediately struck by the immersive Hawaiian theming – every detail, from the lush foliage to the intricate architecture, transports you to a tropical oasis.
Even with the event’s six-hour timeframe (park entry at 4 PM, event from 7 PM to 10 PM), we nearly scratched the surface of all there was to see.
A definite perk of the Volcano Bay Nights ticket is the collectible souvenir Freestyle Coca-Cola cup, offering unlimited refills (with a 10-minute refresh window) throughout the entire event. This was a fantastic way to stay hydrated and try out the hundreds of drink options.
As we ventured further, the impressive wave pool and various dining spots caught our eye. We took our time exploring, soaking in the atmosphere, before the evening truly kicked off at 7 PM. That’s when the party really got started!
The DJ kicked off the event with a lively dance party featuring the beloved DreamWorks duo, Shrek and Fiona! It was a blast to let loose and dance alongside these iconic characters.
Fueling up was next on the agenda. After our dance session, we refilled our souvenir cups and set out to explore the food offerings. We were delighted to stumble upon more character meet-and-greets! Branch and Guy Diamond from Trolls, along with the swashbuckling Puss N Boots, were all incredibly friendly and happy to pose for photos.
Our taste buds were then drawn to the North Beach Pavilion, where we sampled the complimentary island bites. The cheesy cliffside seashell pasta was comforting, and the spicy island shrimp offered a nice kick. Personally, the creamy and delicious mac and cheese was the standout – it truly hit the spot!
For a more substantial dinner, we opted for the Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club. We ordered the Island Sliders (coconut-crusted chicken on Hawaiian rolls with mango slaw and fries) and a Hawaiian pizza. While the pizza was pretty tasty, the Island Sliders unfortunately missed the mark. The chicken, described as coconut-crusted, lacked any discernible coconut flavor and along with the french fries were surprisingly VERY salty.
In hindsight, more of that delicious mac and cheese would have been a better choice! It’s worth noting that Volcano Bay boasts a diverse range of dining options, and a Shrek pretzel is definitely on our must-try list for our next visit. We did notice a lack of complimentary sweets or desserts during the event, which is something we’d love to explore next time.
Despite the dinner hiccup, the overall experience was overwhelmingly positive. The water park is undeniably impressive – beautifully themed, impeccably clean, and surprisingly uncrowded. The lack of long wait times was a major highlight. We could walk right up to characters for meet-and-greets and photo opportunities, a truly unique and enjoyable aspect.
The character lineup was fantastic, featuring DreamWorks favorites like Shrek and Fiona, Branch and Guy Diamond from Trolls, Puss N Boots, King Julien and Alex from Madagascar, and the charming Kitty Softpaws.
Be sure to check out the shops and grab Official Volcano Bay Nights merchandise. They had a lot of cute items to choose from!
The absolute highlight of Volcano Bay Nights was the breathtaking view of the illuminated Krakatau volcano after dark. It created a truly magical and calming atmosphere that was a stark contrast to the daytime energy of a water park.
So, was Volcano Bay Nights worth it? Absolutely! With incredibly low crowds, a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, fun character interactions, lively dance parties, and the stunning nighttime ambiance, it was a fantastic experience. The overall value and unique charm of the event make it a definite recommendation. We left feeling like we had truly embraced our inner Waturi and can’t wait to return for another night of tropical thrills!
To purchase tickets to Universal’s Volcano Bay Nights, click here!
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Click Here for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
