There is a version of Volcano Bay at Universal that does not exist yet. It is being built right now, piece by piece, behind construction walls on the outer edge of the park, and new aerial photos have given the clearest look yet at how far along the project has come. For anyone with an Orlando trip this summer or a Volcano Bay day on the calendar, what is currently under construction is worth knowing about before you arrive.
And the new construction is only the beginning.
What the Photos Show
Aerial images captured recently show significant progress on brand-new two-story cabanas being built behind the lazy river at the edge of the park. The structures are well into the construction process, with roofing currently being installed across both buildings. The finished cabanas will be surrounded by a tall bamboo privacy wall that creates a secluded atmosphere in keeping with Volcano Bay's lush Pacific Island theming.
Cabanas at Volcano Bay are among the most practical upgrades a guest can make for a full-day park visit. Each rental comes stocked with a small refrigerator containing water and fruit, includes a towel and locker service, and provides a dedicated concierge service that delivers food directly to the cabana. For families, large groups, or anyone who wants a reliable home base to return to between attractions, a cabana reduces a significant amount of the logistical stress on a day at the park. The addition of new two-story options expands an amenity that already sells out on busy days and gives guests a fresh way to experience the park from a premium vantage point.
Aerial photo of the newest cabanas in Volcano Bay. Roofing in progress. Will soon be backed by a wall of tall bamboo. pic.twitter.com/UcgvcChA9b
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) June 8, 2026
The Larger Universal Timeline
The cabana construction is the visible piece of a much larger story unfolding at Volcano Bay over the next several months. On October 26, 2026, the park will close entirely for a full-park refurbishment that runs through March 24, 2027. Five months of extensive maintenance and infrastructure updates across the entire park represent the most significant investment Universal has made in Volcano Bay since the park opened.
For summer visitors, the math is straightforward. Volcano Bay is open now, the new cabanas are nearly finished, and the park is heading into its busiest season before going offline for half a year. The window between now and late October is the opportunity to experience the upgraded park before the larger transformation begins.
The Park Itself
For guests who have not visited Volcano Bay recently or at all, the construction news lands in the context of a water park that already sets a high bar. The Krakatau Aqua Coaster runs 1,565 feet of track through the park's signature 200-foot volcano and functions as the anchor attraction that defines the Volcano Bay experience for most guests. The Ko'Okiri Body Plunge sends riders 125 feet downward at a 70-degree angle through a drop door. On the opposite end of the intensity spectrum, the Kopiko Wai Winding River and the Honu ika Moana round raft ride give the park genuine versatility across age groups and energy levels.
Food and drink are woven into the park experience rather than treated as an afterthought. Kahola Reef Restaurant and Social Club handles the lunch crowd from a location right off Waturi Beach with a menu that covers everything from pizza to coconut-crusted fried chicken. The Dancing Dragons Boat Bar keeps the afternoon moving with island-inspired cocktails, including the Vol's Fire Punch and the Volcano Blossom Beer, a brew made specifically for Volcano Bay. The Waturi Fusion soft-serve available near the park exit combines banana, blue raspberry, orange, and strawberry flavors into a creation that has become a signature ending to a Volcano Bay day.
Guests staying at Universal Orlando Resort hotels receive Early Park Admission to Volcano Bay. Guests at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort have a walking path that leads directly to the park entrance.
What to Do With This Universal Information
Summer is here. The new cabanas are almost ready. A five-month full-park closure is coming in October. Universal is investing heavily in making Volcano Bay better than it has ever been, and the guests who show up this summer will be the first to experience what that investment looks like in its earliest form.
The aerial photos confirm that the construction is moving fast. The only question is whether you will be there when it opens.
