Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, is just weeks from its grand debut — and they’re still keeping fans buzzing with more updates! This time, their water theme park, Volcano Bay, is prepping for some major updates, including an extended closure and the removal of their virtual line system. Let’s dive in!
Phasing Out TapuTapu
Universal has announced that beginning October 1st, 2025, they will no longer offer the TapuTapu wearable or Virtual Line at Volcano Bay; guests will be able to access standby queues (or purchase Express Pass) at their leisure.
The TapuTapu Wearable is something you currently receive once you arrive at Volcano Bay, and return upon exiting the park. It allows you to virtually wait in attraction lines, activate photo spots, and was previously a payment option (if guests synced the TapuTapu with a form of payment), as well as playing into interactive elements around the park.
Up until very recently, your TapuTapu was a playable interactive, including controlling water spouts or shooting water cannons at guests enjoying other attractions. You could even illuminate images in the volcano’s hidden caves.
Recently, these elements were mysteriously (and sadly) deactivated. Now, the programming will be done away with completely. It’s a shame, since this was a cool area to explore in-between water slides. I hope to see the volcano’s hidden caves illuminated in a new way, even if guests can’t interact with it.
“Virtual Line – The Better Way to Wait.” Given the removal of Virtual Line, we can assume Express Pass sales will increase, as many can’t fathom waiting one to three hours in a standby line for the one E-ticket attraction at the park, Krakatau Aqua Coaster. This is the one Virtual Line everyone seems to tap into during the day. You’re often left with a 60-180 minute wait on your TapuTapu, but you’re free to spend this extra time floating down the winding rivers, grab some food or drinks, splash in pools, or experience other “Ride Now” experiences. It’s an easy-breezy way to enjoy the park, and double-up on experiencing the water attractions.
Will this push guests to purchase Express Pass, or will the standby lines be manageable enough? We’ll have to wait and see how this will play out after the October 1st removal.
Extended 2026-2027 Seasonal Closure
Additionally, Universal has announced they will be conducting a seasonal closure on October 26th, 2026, with a current planned reopening on or before March 24th, 2027. During this period, Universal will conduct annual maintenance on several attractions and areas of the park.
- Universal has stated Team Members who are homed to Volcano Bay will be temporarily reassigned to a similar role within Universal Orlando Resort during the closure period.
- At this time, there’s no update on how this will impact the 3-Park Annual Pass that includes Volcano Bay access. Still, the value of the pass is questionable if one of the parks remains closed for nearly five months.
Although this closure is still some time away, it raises the question of whether Universal might take the opportunity to add significant new features to the park—perhaps a new attraction or waterslide. Another E-ticket experience could go a long way in balancing the spotlight currently held by the Krakatau Aqua Coaster.
What do you think of these upcoming changes? What sort of new offering would you like to see at Volcano Bay?
My family was just saying today that the virtual bands made this park so much better than the other parks because you didn’t have to waste huge amounts of time staring in line for a slide you could do other things and it made the day so enjoyable. Bad idea to take it away and Charge for express. It’s the most expensive water park already. And now they have made it . Not worth it.
The virtual line is what made this park spectacular. Now it’ll be just like the rest. Dropped the ball on this one UOR!
We’ve been going to VB since it opened. With our most recent visit in April ’25, we’ve noticed a decline in the whole experience. The lifeguards don’t even participate in the wave pool ceremony anymore, they just stand there while the music plays . The removal of the Tapu Tapu watches might be the final nail in the coffin. A shame! We actually loved this place.
Oh wow my niece and son is coming in two weeks and I’ve been bragging about volcano bay because of that virtual line system. Well this is just a bad idea completely, this is one of the reasons I prefer universal VB than Disney. I guess this last time to explore VB before October! Bad greedy move Universal