When Volcano Bay opened I wrote up a blog post on visiting Volcano Bay, the 3rd theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. I tried to make it as complete as possible, but then I started getting emails asking what people can and cannot take into Volcano Bay, and what people should wear to Volcano Bay. So here you go!
What You Can Take into Volcano Bay Orlando
- Store-bought water bottles and your own refillable water bottles (non-glass)
- The refillable cups from other Universal Orlando parks
- Pre-packaged food
- Cameras (but you can’t take them on rides/slides other than the lazy river)
- Beach bags
- Towels
- Strollers
- Party decorations (if you rented a cabana)
What You Cannot Take into Volcano Bay Orlando
- Non-pre-packaged food, unless you have a food allergy
- Alcohol
- Coolers, unless you are packing food because of a food allergy, in which case soft-sided coolers are allowed
- Inflatable rafts or tubes, pool noodles, etc…
- Glass anything
- Water guns
- Life vests – no need, since they’re provided throughout the park
- Party decorations (unless you rented a cabana)
- Portable speakers
- Your own beach umbrella or beach chair
- Things made of hard plastic
What You Should Wear for Volcano Bay Orlando (the Volcano Bay Dress Code)
- Flip-flops – you need to remove your shoes for all rides.
- Proper swim attire – it’s required for all rides at Volcano Bay Orlando.
- Water shirts/rash guards to protect you from the sun, although you’ll need to remove them for the trap door slides.
- Glasses and sunglasses – as long as they’re not considered loose items, you can wear them on rides. You may need to remove them for the trap door slides.
- A hat if you want it. You may want to hold onto it on rides/slides though.
What Else You Should Bring to Volcano Bay Orlando
- A book – most rides have waits, so bring a book and relax at the beach while you’re waiting (after getting in the virtual queues with your TapuTapu)
- Towels – if you want to avoid renting them for $6 (2023 price)
- Sunscreen
And make sure you have a family travel insurance policy in place, even for “easy” trips like Universal Orlando. That’s where things can easily go wrong. Our major, expensive incident wasn’t in Africa or far away but in Colorado. And we’ve ended up at Urgent Care in Orlando multiple times.
Do you have questions about something that’s not on this list? Please ask below! I’ll go back to Universal Orlando for an official answer and then update this post accordingly.
Specifics
To Book the Closest Hotels to Volcano Bay: Aventura Hotel | Cabana Bay | Loews Sapphire Falls | Loews Royal Pacific
I personally like Sapphire Falls the best, as it has a ferry to the other parks and is easily walkable to Volcano Bay, and my kids love the pool.
To Look for Flights: Kayak
AriMed says
Really like this. It was exactly what I wanted to know before I go. Thanks for the tips!
Kelly says
Can you bring goggles
Eric Stoen says
Yes. Those shouldn’t be considered a loose item.
Rhonda says
If you don’t have reserve seating, do you bring your own beach chairs?
Eric Stoen says
You can’t bring your own beach chairs. I’ll add that to the above list. There are a lot of beach chairs, on the main beach and around Volcano Bay. Arrive earlyish and grab a couple. I’ve never seen every single beach chair taken.
Brandon says
When you say you need to remove your shoes for all the rides, do you know if you can just hold onto them during the slide? Or do you have to leave them in a locker beforehand? Thanks and can’t wait to go in October!
Eric Stoen says
You can’t hold onto them on slides. There are racks near the entrance to all rides/slides where you can leave your shoes. A lot of people were also leaving them near the splash/exit pools so that they could quickly grab them after the slides.
Angie says
Hey! Can you wear a water proof fanny pack on the rides?
Eric Stoen says
I’m 99% sure that ride operators would consider that a loose item. I’ve never seen anyone with one on a ride. Standard ride attire is swimwear, no shoes, no items.
Philip says
I’ve heard that apparently the floor there really scratches your feet so you have to wear sandals or crocs is this true
Eric Stoen says
The sidewalks are a little rough – on purpose, so they’re not slippery. I always see people walking around barefoot, but I prefer flip-flops. It’s easy to leave them at every ride.
Kim says
Are watershoes also not allowed?
Eric Stoen says
Universal’s official stance: “If the shoes could qualify as swimwear – water shoes, etc., they should be permitted as long as they don’t interfere with the proper functioning of the ride experience.”
Hunter says
If I am carrying a beach bag around the park (to hold my towel, phone etc.), are there lockers at each ride that I can store it in? If not, what do I do with it during rides?
Eric Stoen says
No, there aren’t locker stations at each ride like in the other Universal parks. There are a couple of locker stations where you can rent a locker for the day. There are also lockers if you’re renting a cabana or shaded chair. Otherwise people seem to leave their things on a chair or with friends. For the most part I don’t see people carrying anything around. You dry off fast enough without a towel. And when I wanted to keep my phone with me, I put it in a waterproof bag and slipped it into the pocket on my swimsuit.
Paula says
Can you wear snorkel type googles on rides?
Eric Stoen says
That should be fine, as long as they’re secure and can’t fall off.
Megan says
Life vests for toddlers coast guard approved accepted?
And do I need proof of food allergy?
Eric Stoen says
They don’t want you to bring your own life vest in. They have plenty there.
No, you don’t need proof of a food allergy.
Luis Diaz says
Hello Eric, your blog is very helpful. Although i do have one question, baby stroller? Is it allowed in the park?
Eric Stoen says
Yes, no problem. I’ll add that to the post.
Carmen N Hinostroza says
Can we bring water shoes
Eric Stoen says
The official response from Universal: “If the shoes could qualify as swimwear – water shoes, etc., they should be permitted as long as they don’t interfere with the proper functioning of the ride experience.”
chris says
Are wet suits allowed on the slides I’m going in December.
Eric Stoen says
Wetsuits are not allowed on the surprise door slides.
James Durnford says
Can you wear swim leggings to the park?
Eric Stoen says
As long as they’re considered swimwear, absolutely.
David says
So you have to take off your shirt for the rides ? Or can I have it on
Eric Stoen says
This has been asked and answered several times in the comments. The only rides at Volcano Bay that t-shirts are not permitted on are the three trapdoor drop slides that start at the top of the Krakatau Volcano: Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides and the Ko’okiri Body Plunge. T-shirts and shorts should be fine otherwise. Avoid wearing any attire with buckles, rivets, or any sharp adornments.
Jenna Egerton says
I have some ear piercings that can’t be removed. Will this be a problem on the slides?
Eric Stoen says
I didn’t see them asking anyone to remove earrings. They definitely wouldn’t be considered “loose items”. But I’ve gone back to Universal to make 100% sure. Will post again as soon as they get back to me – probably after the holidays.
Eric Stoen says
Sorry, looks like my follow-up response disappeared. I confirmed that ear piercings and earrings are allowed. The exact response: “We won’t ask any guest to remove ear piercings.”
Brandi D’Lima says
Can we bring water guns into the water park? Disney doesn’t allow them. Will Universal Studios?
Eric Stoen says
Nope. Water guns and toy guns are prohibited at all three Universal parks. Would guess Disney has the exact same policy.
Jeanette Hardy says
My daughters are very body conscious, and wont wear flimsy swimwear, can they wear t shirt and shorts over their swimsuits?
Eric Stoen says
Official response from Universal: The only rides at Volcano Bay that t-shirts are not permitted on are the three trapdoor drop slides that start at the top of the Krakatau Volcano: Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides and the Ko’okiri Body Plunge. T-shirts and shorts should be fine otherwise. Avoid wearing any attire with buckles, rivets, or any sharp adornments.
EMMIE SUTHERLAND says
Are you allowed to wear a sarong dress over a swimsuit? I won’t walk around 9n just a swimsuit
Eric Stoen says
You can walk around in anything. But for slides/rides they require swimwear.
Helen says
My daughter don’t like bathing suit but she likes to wear like a tank top and boy water shorts is that fine?
Eric Stoen says
I’m not the final judge, but as long as it can be considered swimwear she should be fine.
Kaili says
Thanks! Can I assume board shorts are ok? Maybe as long S they are tied. Are there lockers at each ride to put your stuff in? Are they easy to get back to?
Thanks
Eric Stoen says
Board shorts are fine. That’s what I wore on all rides.
There are lockers in the park, but not near every ride. There are flip-flop stations at every ride. Drop your stuff in a locker, or in a lock box at reserved seating, and enjoy the park. You don’t want to be carrying a cell phone or anything else around during the day, since you can’t take anything on rides.
Whittney says
So can you bring a small cooler in with water bottles and sandwiches?
Eric Stoen says
Only if the sandwiches are necessary because of a food allergy. Otherwise leave the cooler at home, bring in a couple water bottles, and buy food at the park.
James says
How can they verify that I have a food allergy?
Eric Stoen says
They can’t.
Heather says
Is reentry into the park the same day allowed if we leave for a break and then want to return for the evening?
Eric Stoen says
To the best of my knowledge, every Universal ticket allows reentry. We always leave and come back – sometimes a few times a day – and never have issues.
Natalie says
Hi can you wear a waterproof aqua pac on the rides to keep park tickets and money in?
Eric Stoen says
Not if it can be considered a loose item. That’s the point of the Tapu Tapu – it acts as your ticket and payment device in the park. Leave everything else in a locker.
Larry says
Can you add cash money into your tapu tapu when you enter?(no credid/debit card)
Eric Stoen says
No. You can only add funds to your account with a credit or debit card. I guess you need to carry cash with you instead? I’d throw it into a ziploc bag and put it in a swimsuit pocket that zips. That’s what I do with my cell phone on the water rides.
Jennifer says
Do you know the cost of towel rentals?
Eric Stoen says
Towel rentals were $4.99 the last time I was there.
karen says
Hello. So you can’t wear water shoes on any of the rides?
Eric Stoen says
The official response from Universal when I asked them about it: “If the shoes could qualify as swimwear – water shoes, etc., they should be permitted as long as they don’t interfere with the proper functioning of the ride experience.”
Tootsie says
What is the cost of a locker for the day
Eric Stoen says
The cost of a locker at Volcano Bay is $14.99 – at least the last time I was there. I’ll go again this year and update that if it’s changed.
Heather says
Can you pay cash for the lockers and food… or do you have to pay everything through the bracket thing?
Eric Stoen says
Yep, cash is accepted throughout all Universal parks.
Kennisha 😍❤️ says
Can you wear tights short
Eric Stoen says
You should be fine wearing tight shorts into Volcano Bay. They prefer proper swim attire for all rides, but they’ve indicated before that shorts without rivets, metal, etc… are usually ok.
Sebas says
Hi. What about a go pro camera? can I take it with me or is it prohibited in most of the rides?
Eric Stoen says
You can take it into the park, but you can’t take it onto any rides. Even there as media I wasn’t allowed to take one on.
Stephanie says
Can i take Jean shorts
Eric Stoen says
Per my answer above on shorts and t-shirts: “The only rides at Volcano Bay that t-shirts are not permitted on are the three trapdoor drop slides that start at the top of the Krakatau Volcano: Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides and the Ko’okiri Body Plunge. T-shirts and shorts should be fine otherwise. Avoid wearing any attire with buckles, rivets, or any sharp adornments.” I think you’re far better off in swimwear than jean shorts on the rides, but it sounds like they’re fine to wear as long as they don’t have much metal on them.
Milene says
Hola quisiera saber si puedo llevar un bolso que es como nevera pequeña para la leche y comida de mi bebe , y si puedo llevar comoda para mi bebe
Eric Stoen says
La nevera portátil con una pequeña cantidad de comida para bebés debe ser blanda. No se permiten los plásticos duros, ni para la nevera portátil ni para la cómoda. No lleve más de lo que realmente necesite.
juli says
I have a 4 month year old infant that I would like to bring in the park with me.will he be allowed in if I am carrying him in a stroller ?
Eric Stoen says
Infants are allowed and strollers are allowed, so there are no issues with infants in strollers!
Kai says
How deep is the water, is it recommended for not good swimmers ?
Eric Stoen says
The drop slides are recommended only for those with a strong swimming ability. The other rides/slides should be fine. The Riders Guide (https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/files/Documents/volcano-bay-riders-guide.pdf) lists the water depths for every attraction there.
Nicole says
What about a small pop up tent for my 10 month old?
Eric Stoen says
Yes, I’ve confirmed that it’s fine to bring in a small pop up tent for an infant/toddler.
Michelle says
hello,
I have a really bad stomach, meaning it is very hard for me to process “bought food” “fast foods” and such. basically anything cooked by restaurants or diners in general. i only eat home made. Thats the only food my stomach can bare. And fruits of course.
I dont have a doctors validation or anything similar.
Can i still bring my own food to the park?
Eric Stoen says
I’m sure you’ve had to explain that to a lot of people over the years. So say the same thing when you arrive at Volcano Bay and you’ll probably be fine. But just take a small lunch – a sandwich and banana, or something similarly basic. Don’t bring food for the whole family. Don’t bring a huge cooler.
Nicole says
We’re you able to do so? I’m currently recovering from an ED and also have developed several intolerances to many different foods especially outside foods.
Francine Cooper says
Thanks for all of this- it’s really helpful!
Brian says
Are you allowed to bring beer into the park
Eric Stoen says
No. Is there any theme park in the world that lets you bring in alcohol?
Emma Marandola says
We have booked a cabana as it’s my husband’s 50th birthday while we’re there – can we take balloons etc to decorate it?
Eric Stoen says
Yes, balloons and other standard decorations are allowed, but not loud noisemakers, poppers, etc… And you can take in pre-packaged food for the party as well.
Tami says
Do they offer free cups of ice water at any of the Universal Parks like they do at all of the Disney Parks?
What do they consider “pre-packaged food”? A sub from Publix – would that qualify or no?
Eric Stoen says
Yes, the parks offer free cups of ice water. Guests can ask any team member working at a cart.
Yes, a sub from Publix (if it is wrapped) is considered pre-packaged.
Tami says
Thank you! That will save us a bit of money… to spend on adult beverages. 😀
Sara says
Thanks for the great post. If you rent towels, what do you do with them? Is it okay to leave them on a chair until you need them?
Eric Stoen says
Yep, that’s what I see people doing.
Lionel Castro says
I Rented a cabana I wanted to know if i can bring a wireless speaker just to listen to soft music
Eric Stoen says
Nope.
Magaly V says
Any idea on Cabana prices, chair rental cost? Do you think it’s worth it?
Eric Stoen says
Just the pricing from the website: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/volcano-bay/index.html. That shows Cabanas starting at $200/day and reserved chairs at $30/day. I’ve never gotten a cabana, but we’ve enjoyed the reserved seating with the shaded canopies and the lockboxes, meaning you don’t have to rent a locker. From that perspective they’re not all that expensive, since lockers are $15.
Sarah Yerington says
I have to tell you though that the prices for this varies on whether it is peak season or not. I tried to reserve the chairs for tomorrow (8/4/18) and was told it is peak season and with tax it would be $127.17. I politely said no thank you!
Robert Armstrong says
Are the refillable mugs from universal/IOA valid in volcano bay. Do they refill them?
Eric Stoen says
Yes. Refillable cups work the same as at the other two parks.
Frank says
Are kids allowed to wear water shoes?
Eric Stoen says
Per my response to Karen above: If the shoes could qualify as swimwear – water shoes, etc., they should be permitted as long as they don’t interfere with the proper functioning of the ride experience.
Kassandra Alvarez says
I am throwing my cousin a surprise party. Are we able to take in balloons and decorations? I don’t have a cabana rented, but for birthdays can we find a table or chairs and decorate them?
Eric Stoen says
No. Decorations are allowed in private spaces (i.e. cabanas) but not in public areas.
Sean says
Just to confirm what you said above in the “what to wear” section, you can wear sunglasses on rides (except the trap door slides) if they have a strap? I run into this problem a lot because my sunglasses are prescription, so I need them. It seems, though, that the elite waterparks recognize that a strap is more secure than you holding them (the argument to the alternative continues to baffle me), and I usually don’t have a problem at those places, so I’m assuming it should be fine.
Eric Stoen says
I was at Volcano Bay this week and wore my sunglasses most of the day without a strap. On several slides I wore them normally. I think it was on the Aqua Coaster that I was asked to take them off and hold onto them? In all cases it’s up the ride operator, but most seemed to be fine even with strapless sunglasses. If you have a strap I wouldn’t think you would need to remove them at all – except for the trap doors.
Hailey Hughes says
We are allowed to bring in water bottles but aren’t allowed a cooler. Does that mean I can’t put water bottles in a cooler if that’s the only thing in it??
Eric Stoen says
Correct – they don’t want people to bring in coolers. I always just take a water bottle in a backpack. It stays cold, or you can get free ice water from any stand.
Alex G says
Hello! I don’t see any backpack dimensions other than ‘soft coolers’. Per your response, I am correct to assume you can bring backpacks in Volcano Bay/Universal/Island Adventure? I don’t see this exact answer in any of the park FAQ’s. Thank you!
Eric Stoen says
Yes, backpacks are fine. I always take a backpack to the parks. Keep in mind that you’ll need to put it in a locker before you go on some rides, so you don’t want a huge backpack. The smaller, the better.
YD says
Can you wear hats on the rides? Thank you.
Eric Stoen says
Generally, yes. There’s no official policy on hats, and I see people wearing them throughout the day. I’d recommend holding onto your hat on rides/slides instead of keeping it on your head, since you don’t want to lose it. And a ride operator could always ask you to remove it. But you should be fine keeping it on if you want to.
Jessica Davis says
Can you wear swim pant cover ups?
Eric Stoen says
Around the park, absolutely. But the direction that the ride operators have is that riders should be in proper swim attire. It’s up to them to determine whether your outfit is acceptable for a particular ride. You’re far better off just wearing a swimsuit and not trying to wear coverups on the slides.
If you do wear a coverup for the slides, and you think of it later, can you let me know whether you had any issues? That way I can let others know in advance.
Valerie says
I’m taking my 6-month-old. Do you know if I can bring an inflatable for him? It would be one that has a a top part to it so the sun covers him.
Eric Stoen says
No. Outside inflatables are not allowed. You can bring in puddle jumpers, but nothing else. They have life vests there.
Yasmine says
Is burkini allowed ? Anyone can help with the answer . Thank you
Eric Stoen says
Yes – anything that’s considered swimwear is acceptable, including burkinis.
Mesha says
Are you allowed to smoke at volcano bay
Eric Stoen says
According to Universal’s website: “For your convenience, there are currently 7 smoking areas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure™, 6 at Universal Studios™, and 3 at Universal’s Volcano Bay™. All other areas outside of these are smoke free.”
Lourdes Horback says
Can you take swim goggles into park?
Eric Stoen says
Sure. I’ve seen a lot of kids with goggles. Not that you would need them on the slides, but they’re not considered loose items to the best of my knowledge.
chris says
We went to VB yesterday and while there are some free umbrellas, there are not nearly enough. We’ve brought our own umbrella to other water parks in the past, can we do so at VB?
Eric Stoen says
Nope, umbrellas aren’t allowed. I’ll update the post to reflect that.
Jayne says
Thanks for your tips. It’s our sons 18 and as a surprise we’d like to book a cabana. Would they be able to put up decorations/have a cake for us if we ordered them?
Eric Stoen says
Yes. The official response from Universal: “You can work with catering in advance of your visit to set this up. Please call guest services who can point you in the right direction.”
Melissa Rene says
Can you bring pool noodles with you? I see that you can’t bring your own tubes, but i was wondering about the noodles.
Eric Stoen says
Nope, noodles aren’t allowed.
Florida Mom says
Small gazebo type tents? It was extremely hot and not much shade for my family and we were huddled up around a palm tree to keep cool. I know this is a partly dumb question but doesnt hurt to ask.
Eric Stoen says
Nope. I confirmed with Universal that tents, like umbrellas, are not allowed.
El says
What is the dress code for bathing suits?? What are the regulations on swim bottoms?? Is there a thing as too cheeky? Asking for a friend. 😳
Eric Stoen says
There is no official dress code at Volcano Bay, so use your best judgment. If it’s something that you would wear to the beach or other swimming pools it’s probably fine.
Lisa says
So is thongs acceptable? I wear it at the beach.
Eric Stoen says
Again, there’s no official policy. Use your judgment. It’s a theme park with a lot of families. And you’re on waterslides. If you feel like a thong is the most appropriate swimwear for that environment, go for it.
Steph says
I’m not the best swimmer at the age of 27..lol but really want to try all the rides. Are there any that you think wouldn’t be safe for me to get on?
Eric Stoen says
I answered this recently on my other Volcano Bay post: Most slides end in shallow water and you can walk out of the pools. Much of the lagoon is shallow, or you can get a life vest and go out as far you want. Ohyah and Ohno require a strong swimming ability since they drop you into deep water, but those are the only slides that are like that (as far as I can recall).
Sio says
Can you wear those dri fit capri leggings on water slides?
Eric Stoen says
Only if they’re generally considered to be swimwear. The attendants at each slide make that call.
Whit says
Can you bring sunblock in the spray cans?
Eric Stoen says
Sure.
Mandie says
I’m getting an Uber there so I will need my phone… is there a storage facility for phones?
Eric Stoen says
Sure, there are lockers – both near the restrooms and at the rentable chairs/cabanas (if you’re renting anything).
Ash says
would you recommend the waterproof phone cases that hang around your neck on a lanyard to keep your phone and cash in ? would i still have to use a locker for it on rides?? also would it be best to just bring that ?
Eric Stoen says
No, because that’s considered a loose item. They especially wouldn’t want you to have something around your neck going down a slide. You’ll still need a locker.
Rosnna says
I wanna rent a cabana, I know you said yes to decoration but how about a birthday cake? 🙂
Eric Stoen says
I went back to Universal for an answer and was told that cakes fall into the same category as other food – in other words it has to be packaged/sealed. So a cake from a grocery store that’s boxed/sealed should be good, but a homemade cake isn’t allowed. No idea why that’s a distinction? When in doubt, call Guest Services before you arrive for an official answer.
Paul says
Can you reenter a locker throughout the day at no additional cost
Eric Stoen says
I’ll confirm, but I’m 99% sure that you can. I remember opening and closing the locker multiple times and only paying once.
Chanel says
I’m trying to find out if there is a guest drop off point at the park (not city walk). We are going tomorrow and my husband is dropping us off so he doesn’t need parking. Thanks.
Eric Stoen says
Nope, you need to use City Walk. Only Universal buses have access to the area in front of Volcano Bay. And you can’t be dropped off at one of the nearby hotels and then walk over, since you would need a room key for entrance.
Brittany says
Hello-
Do people generally wear flip flops the entire time? Or can you go barefoot? Just wondering cause we are going tomorrow and my husband doesn’t have flip flops with us.
Eric Stoen says
You can do either. I find myself walking around barefoot more often than not. Some of the paths can get hot, but there are frequent spray jets where you can cool off.
Trisha says
Are you aloud to smoke a vape?
Eric Stoen says
There are three designated smoking areas at Volcano Bay, and Universal has always considered vaping the same as smoking, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
Kay says
If we wear water shoes (not flip flops), are we required to take them off on each slide?
Eric Stoen says
There’s no official policy from Universal. In general water shoes are considered swimwear and should be allowed on the rides/slides. But it’s still up to the slide operators whether they will let you go down in them. As long as they don’t interfere with the ride/slide, they should be fine? If you think of it, I’d love to know afterward if you had any issues wearing them.
Violet says
If a person doesnt wear a bathing suit can they where a tshirt and leggings. My neice is 15 years and she doesnt wear a bathing suit.
Eric Stoen says
The official response from Universal on t-shirts and shorts: The only rides at Volcano Bay that t-shirts are not permitted on are the three trapdoor drop slides that start at the top of the Krakatau Volcano: Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides and the Ko’okiri Body Plunge. T-shirts and shorts should be fine otherwise. Avoid wearing any attire with buckles, rivets, or any sharp adornments.
As to leggings, ideally she should wear swim leggings so that they are considered swimwear. The operator of each ride will make the call on whether her clothes are appropriate for that ride. The closer she is to wearing actual swimwear of some type, the fewer issues she’ll have.
The howletts says
What’s the policy on usb portable music speakers?
Eric Stoen says
Not allowed. Would ruin the atmosphere if everyone was playing different music on the beach.
NIKKI says
Are cans of soda considered prepackaged food?
Eric Stoen says
Yes. From Universal: “Cans of soda are fine, as long as they are not glass and unopened.”
Alex says
Can we bring fruits/veggies (like apple, banana, baby carrots)?
Alex says
Also a subway sub should not be a problem correct?
Eric Stoen says
Correct, as long as it’s wrapped/”packaged”.
Eric Stoen says
The official policy is that only “prepackaged food” is allowed. I’ve never heard of someone having a problem taking in a banana, apple or small bag of baby carrots, or other things that could be considered snacks, so you should be alright. Just don’t take a full picnic lunch.
Alex says
No, I won’t:)
Thanks for the help. If I have any issues brining in certain food item, I will come here and let everyone know…
Alex says
Hi,
I visited the park today. There was no problem at all. They only checked one thing: Soda cans. I had a few small ones and the X-ray machine spotted them. The security guy wanted to see them. After seeing the soda cans, he cleared me. He didn’t even check or question any of the food items I had.
I got to the park 1 hour 15 minutes after the opening time and there was no umbrella left around the wave pool. There were some at the back of the park.
It is a great waterpark, really worth the money if you enjoy water parks…
Eric Stoen says
Thanks for the confirmation on both cans of soda and fruit/food Alex!
kelly says
Hey, I rented a cabana for my daughters first birthday. Can I bring her play pen for when she has her nap time?
Eric Stoen says
Nope, sorry. I just checked with Universal and they say that play pens aren’t allowed, even for cabana guests.
Sheryl says
Hi, I plan on travelling light to Volcano Bay, bare essentials only. My only thing of value will be my actual park ticket and room key. Universal have said that I can’t put my ticket in a waterproof lanyard pouch as it’s considered a loose item. I will absolutely not pay $8 a day just to keep my park ticket safe. I’ve seen waterproof pouches that strap to the wrist. Are these acceptable?
Thanks
Eric Stoen says
I’ve seen people with those at Volcano Bay, so I’m sure they’re acceptable. It’s really no different than a watch or the Tapu Tapu if it’s secured to you.
Becky says
So I can not bring my daughter her swimmies? They provide life jackets? But are they for rent?
Eric Stoen says
So I never grew up with the term swimmies or puddle jumpers, but Universal has previously said that puddle jumpers are allowed, so if those are reasonably close to the same thing you should be fine. Otherwise there are very good life jackets at the entrance to every pool and river and they’re free.
Kiersten says
Is there a fast pass type thing here? I went to Disney and unfortunately felt like it was a waste because I really had no idea what I was getting into.. if I need a fast pass type thing here to avoid waiting 1 1/2 to 2 hours per ride I’d definitely like to get one. I think we went on 3 or 4 rides total at Disney and it was mine and my children’s first time to any theme park .
Eric Stoen says
There didn’t used to be an Express Pass option for Volcano Bay, but looking at Universal’s website they’ve now added one. https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/volcano-bay. At $39.99/day it seems like a good deal if it really lets you go to the front of every line? If you get one and think of it after the fact, please come back and leave a comment with how it worked out. It was never an option on my previous visits.
Nikki says
Hi,
Swimwear is obviously worn for the rides, but can you wear a cover-up/ kaftan style item to walk about in and queue in. Or is is required to strip off into swimwear and leave all clothing in the lockers.
Eric Stoen says
You can wear anything you want if you’re not on the rides.
chris says
since you have to take your shirt off for trapdoor slides can you hold onto it whilst going down? if not where do you put it?
Eric Stoen says
Nope, no loose items are allowed. Leave it at your chair. Put it in a locker. Or tuck it in your shoes and leave it near the ride.
Mike says
Instead of renting a locker I have an Aqua vault – small plastic lock box that locks onto a chair just for wallet keys phone etc… , is it ok to bring that into park?
Eric Stoen says
I went to Universal for an answer to this and was told: “If this is a hard plastic, it is not permitted.” So there you go. I didn’t realize that hard plastic items were banned. I wonder what else would fit into that category?
Hillary says
You say we would have to remove swim shirts/rash guards on trap door rides only. I’m assuming this is for safety reasons. What about tucking them into the bottom half of bathing suit? And if this isn’t possible can i keep it in my pocket for the ride?
Eric Stoen says
You can’t wear swim shirts on trap door slides and you can’t have loose items on any rides/slides. If you have a pocket, sure, put it in there. But it’s easier to just not bring it up the stairs in the first place.
Faith says
By Pre-packaged food do you mean chips like can you take chips in the big bags or in a zip bag and they allow the small plastic lunches like lunchables.
Eric Stoen says
Chips would need to be unopened in the original bag. Lunchables would presumably be fine. For whatever reason, they don’t want things coming from your kitchen, but packaged food from a store is fine.
Mikey says
Can you wear a swim shirt on all the rides except trapdoor? I wore a cotton t shirt Thursday and went on the punga racers and was told to to take it off if I wanted to ride?
Eric Stoen says
Universal has always considered water shirts to be standard swim attire and I’ve never heard of people having to take them off, other than on the trap door slides. Cotton t-shirts would be completely up to the ride operator – I know they’re fine on some rides, but apparently not Punga Racers.
Maria Ventura says
Are collapsing pull carts/wagons allowed? You know like the ones you’d take to pull supplies or kids at the beach/park.
Eric Stoen says
To the best of my knowledge wagons aren’t allowed at Universal or Disney parks.
Aladaise S Liburd Harrigan says
Can we bring birthday cake into the park?
Eric Stoen says
This was asked below. The answer: “Cakes fall into the same category as other food – in other words it has to be packaged/sealed. So a cake from a grocery store that’s boxed/sealed should be good, but a homemade cake isn’t allowed. When in doubt, call Guest Services before you arrive for an official answer.”
John says
If Universal said that t-shirts aren’t allowed on trap door slides, are we allowed to wear a rash guard or swim shirt that is meant for swimming on the trap door slides?
Eric Stoen says
No. At the top of this post I state that you need to remove rash guards / swim shirts for the trap doors.
Mom says
We rented the cabana for the day and I won’t be leaving it very much. Our teenagers will be off riding rides. Can I bring my laptop?
Eric Stoen says
Sorry for the delay! I was offline in Uganda the past 10 days. Yes, it’s absolutely fine to bring in a laptop.
Yulisa says
Hey I’m sorry I’m going for two days and I wanted to know if I could bring a baby float to volcano bay the babies 8 months and I’m not sure if they provide her with one?
Eric Stoen says
Outside inflatables are not allowed in according to Universal.