Universal is celebrating the launch of its long-awaited Volcano Bay waterpark, which the operator has said would be a pioneer for the next generation of attractions.

The waterpark, which replaces Wet N’ Wild Orlando following its closure on 31 December, will

“‘redefine the waterpark experience”, with everything from virtual queueing to immersive theming.

Featuring 18 attractions across four themed areas, the 28-acre (113,000sq m) park is anchored by a 200ft-high (61m) volcano structure. The park’s signature ride – the Krakatau Aqua Coaster – encased within the volcano.

Offering a fully immersive experience, the park features a multi-directional wave pool, sand beaches, a lazy river travelling through the volcano’s hidden caves, a family raft ride and slides coming from the top of the volcano.

“It’s been a six-year journey for us,” said Dale Mason, vice president and executive art director of Universal Creative speaking at the launch. “We set out to create something unique – a water theme park bigger and better than anything else in the world.

“We’re taking the level of immersion that we’ve done for many of our other attractions at Universal such as Harry Potter, and we’ve translated it here into a waterpark experience.”

The waterpark has utilised cutting-edge technology, with one of its key features being the introduction of Tapu Tapu – a wireless device designed to interact with different elements of the attraction and to introduce virtual queuing. With a simple tap at the entrance to a ride, guests will receive a return time for that attraction, meaning they can spend more time enjoying the rest of the park instead of waiting in lines.

“One of the biggest complaints people have about waterparks is standing in line,” said Mason. “We set about to eliminate that with Tapu Tapu and decided to take it even further. We asked ‘why can’t this thing control some things in the park?’ So as you wander around, guests can control water and other devices within Volcano Bay.”

The new waterpark sits alongside Universal’s existing Cabana Bay Beach Resort, with visitors able to visit the Volcano Bay as a single experience or as part of a three-park ticket in conjunction with the operator’s other two Orlando theme parks.

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FEATURE: Waterparks – Volcanic Activity