Universal already planning expansion of Volcano Bay ahead of grand opening
Universal already has plans to expand its yet-to-open Volcano Bay waterpark, with the first phase of the development set to debut on 25 May.
Speaking in an interview with CNN, Dale Mason, vice president and executive art director of Universal Creative, revealed plans for a 5-acre (20,000sq m) expansion of the upcoming attraction, though details of what that will contain are being kept under wraps.
"We have a pretty darn good idea of what we'll do," said Mason. "It could happen quicker than we think: it could start in three weeks."
Now just over a week away from its grand opening, Volcano Bay, which replaces Wet N’ Wild Orlando following its closure on 31 December, has been touted as the “next generation”, with Universal promising to redefine the waterpark experience with everything from virtual queueing to immersive theming.
The park will open with 18 attractions, including slides within the giant faux volcano at the heart of the park, a winding lazy river going through its bottom and a multi-directional wave pool.
Universal sees the waterpark as key for growth in Orlando, with the addition being used to drive additional hotel stays at its theme park resort. Volcano Bay has been built near the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, with guests able to visit the waterpark as a single experience or as part of a three-gate ticket in conjunction with the operator’s other two Orlando theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
For more from Dale Mason on Volcano Bay, see the latest issue of Attractions Management, available now.
Volcano Bay Universal Orlando visitor attractions waterpark Orlando Dale Mason Universal CreativeUniversal theme parks continue to impress for Comcast in Q1 earnings report
Universal Japan records third record-breaking year in a row
Merlin could pull plug on Shrek’s Adventure roll out
Comcast to buy rest of Universal Japan for US$2.3bn
Mark Woodbury named vice chair of Universal's parks and resorts division
Universal's Volcano Bay set to blow on 25 May for grand opening
'Data chocolate', dreams made real and artworks shaped by visitors’ emotions: Refik Anadol’s AI art museum launches in Los Angeles
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
























