Does Volcano Bay Have Express Passes?

Volcano Bay is Universal Orlando’s very own tropical-themed waterpark.

The 20-story (66 m) volcano at the park’s center is surrounded by rides, pools, and lazy rivers, perfect for visitors of all ages.

What sets this theme park apart from any other is the use of Virtual Lines, meaning guests never have to physically stand in line for a ride.

That said, a Virtual Line is still a line, and parkgoers will still have to wait for their turns.

The easiest way to avoid the wait at Volcano Bay is by buying an Express Pass. Volcano Bay offers two pass types – Universal Express and Universal Express PLUS. With a Universal Express Pass, parkgoers can skip the Virtual Line once at select participating rides; with Universal Express PLUS, guests can skip the queues once at all participating attractions.

Follow along to better understand the benefits of an Express Pass at Universal’s Volcano Bay, the different levels of Express Passes, and how they work.

What is Universal Orlando’s Express Pass?

An Express Pass is a ticket add-on that allows pass holders to skip the regular line at any participating ride.

Parkgoers can purchase Express Passes online for any Universal Orlando park before their visit.

Each Universal Orlando park has its own type of Express Pass or Express Pass bundle offering different perks.

Which pass you choose depends on your itinerary and budget, and Express Passes must be purchased separately from theme park admission tickets.

Does Volcano Bay Have Separate Express Passes?

Volcano Bay puts its own spin on the Universal Express Pass.

Parkgoers must purchase their Express Pass for Volcano Bay separately from the Express Passes offered for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

Volcano Bay offers two pass types – Universal Express and Universal Express PLUS.

The Universal Express Pass at Volcano Bay lets pass holders skip the line once per ride, but only on select rides.

Universal Express PLUS allows riders to skip the line on all participating rides once per attraction.

Guests can add an Express Pass to their Volcano Bay tickets by visiting the Universal Orlando website.

How Do Volcano Bay Express Passes Work?

When visiting Volcano Bay, guests receive a TapuTapu bracelet – a wearable device that allows parkgoers to reserve ride times, open lockers, and make contactless payments.

This 21st-century water park has no physical lines for rides, offering visitors a Virtual Line instead.

Instead of standing around dripping wet waiting to enjoy an attraction, guests can tap their TapuTapu and essentially make an appointment to come back and ride.

While they wait, visitors can float in the pools, swim, or wander through the park until it’s their time to ride.

When it’s their turn, the TapuTapu will vibrate, alerting the rider to return to the attraction, where it’ll be a short wait to ride.

With Volcano Bay’s Express Passes, visitors can skip the Virtual Line and almost immediately hop onto the ride of their choice.

Upon entry to the park, guests who purchase an Express Pass are given a special wristband alongside their TapuTapu.

Riders can then use their Express Pass to receive the earliest time when they go to an attraction to receive a return time.

Regardless of which Express Pass Volcano Bay parkgoers buy, they are only valid once per participating ride.

Does Volcano Bay Have Express Pass Unlimited?

Unfortunately, Volcano Bay does not offer Express Pass Unlimited.

An Express Pass Unlimited can only be purchased for Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

What Attractions Are Included With a Volcano Bay Express Pass?

With a Volcano Bay Express Pass, guests can cut to the front of the Virtual Line at up to eight (8) attractions.

Universal Express pass holders can jump the line at five (5) participating rides, whereas Universal Express PLUS holders can jump the lines for all eight (8).

The rides included with Universal Express Passes are:

• Kratatau Aqua Coaster
• Punga Racers
• Honu ika Moana
• Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
• Tonga and Raki of Taniwha Tubes

The rides included with Universal Express PLUS Passes are:

• Kratatau Aqua Coaster
• Punga Racers
• Honu ika Moana
• Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
• Tonga and Raki of Taniwha Tubes
• Ko’okiri Body Plunge
• Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
• Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides

Is an Express Pass for Volcano Bay Worth Getting?

Luckily, visiting Volcano Bay does not involve hours of standing around in long lines like at more traditional land-based theme parks.

However, it might be a good idea to add an Express Pass to your ticket on peak dates when even the Virtual Line can be rather long.

Remember, there are two options for Express Passes at Volcano Bay with two different prices, so check which rides are included before purchasing.

Conclusion

Volcano Bay packs in the fun by getting rid of traditional lines.

Parkgoers can guarantee a smooth visit to Universal’s tropical water park by adding a Universal Express Pass to their park admission ticket.

Express Passes can be purchased online and in advance.

There are two levels of Express Pass for Volcano Bay, each allowing guests to skip the regular (virtual) lines at some of the most popular rides.

Whether it’s a peak day at the park or you just feel like treating yourself to a little extra luxury, an Express Pass for Volcano Bay is a great addition to a wonderful visit.