• Pic via Universal Orlando

When it comes to Orlando's theme park scene, the city always seems to be bustling with news. Much of this news surrounds Universal Orlando Resort, which throughout the past years has made headlines with new rides, events, and innovations in theme park technology. Some may recall the recent closure of Universal's sister water park, Wet N' Wild. However, Universal is not leaving water park lovers high and dry: Get ready for Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay. 

Opening on May 25th, Volcano Bay is an entirely new water park--and the newest accompaniment to both Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure. Showcasing 18 new attractions already prepped for opening day, it looks like the park is ready to instantly earn its title at the resort. With its grand opening just around the corner, Volcano Bay is beginning to publish more and more information about its one-of-a-kind park experience: Including the all new TapuTapu wearable technology. 

With the TapuTapu, waiting lines are now completely obsolete. Instead, visitors are given the TapuTapu wristband as they enter the park, and are granted a brand new way to avoid boring lines completely: riders will simply swipe their wristbands at the front of a ride kiosk, and they are free to explore further and relax until the TapuTapu notifies them that it is time to ride. No standing in the sweltering sun, no bumbling with rafts, just smooth sailing as visitors experience all Volcano Bay has to offer. 

Once patrons receive their TapuTapu, there's something at the park for everyone, from lazy river loungers to the most daring of thrill seekers. To organize its variety, Volcano Bay is divided into four zones, including: 

-The Wave Village, a zone featuring scenic pools and lagoons at the park's Waturi Beach. -The River Village, a zone featuring slides and playgrounds for all ages, even toddlers. -The Rainforest Village, a zone featuring pulse-pounding water rapids and action rides. -The Volcano, the park's brilliant centerpiece, featuring exhilarating water slides that curl inside the volcano itself, as well as dazzling waterfalls and lava shows that can be seen throughout all of Volcano Bay. Along with its rides, the park will feature cabana rentals, delicious South Pacific dining, and Universal Express passes, where visitors can bypass the TapuTapu scan completely and just hop right on the ride! Overall, Volcano Bay seems like Orlando's big showstopper this summer, giving visitors a whole new way to plunge into the water park experience. 

And if all that wasn't enough, it seems Universal Orlando Resort has even more in store for this summer: At Universal Studios, the wild new ride, Race Through New York: Starring Jimmy Fallon, opens on April 6th. At Islands of Adventure, The Incredible Hulk ride boasts a newly refurbished ride experience, and the park's newest island, Skull Island, is still more thrilling than ever. For those looking to stay for a few days. Universal has also unveiled its newest on-site hotel, the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, which offers early admission hours to both Volcano Bay and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

Want to access it all? The resort is now offering 3-park ticket packages, so you can include Volcano Bay in your Universal experience. Whatever your vacation schedule, there are plenty of ticket options to choose from to make the most of your stay at Universal Orlando Resort. 

Volcano Bay opens to the public on May 25th, 2017. Don't miss it!