After a December marred by frequent theme park closures across Central Florida, another wave of disruptions has hit the Sunshine State, leaving visitors to hunt for alternative plans.
Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park has long been an oasis of tropical adventure, blending cutting-edge attractions with the allure of an island escape. Dominated by the majestic Krakatau, a 200-foot volcano that dazzles with cascading waterfalls by day and fiery lava effects by night, the park is a paradise for thrill-seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike.
However, this paradise will be out of reach for visitors on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Universal Orlando Resort announced via X (formerly Twitter) that inclement weather has forced Volcano Bay to close its gates once again:
Weather Update
Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on Thursday, December 12, due to inclement weather. For park updates, please call 407-817-8317 or stay tuned to Universal Orlando’s social channels.
🌧️ ❄️ Weather Update ❄️ 🌧️
Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on Thursday, December 12, due to inclement weather. For park updates, please call 407-817-8317 or stay tuned to Universal Orlando’s social channels.— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) December 11, 2024
This latest closure follows a string of shutdowns earlier in December, including a six-day hiatus brought on by a cold front sweeping through Central Florida. The current closure coincides with the shuttering of Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, as plunging temperatures grip the region.
“Behind the front, a cold airmass will settle in early Thursday morning, bringing temperatures down into the low to mid-40s across most of the area,” Click Orlando reported earlier this week. “Some of the colder spots will be north and west of I-4.”
The report added: “Although winds will die down overnight, there will be enough of a breeze to bring wind chill values into the 30s across most of the area.”
Thankfully, both Volcano Bay and Blizzard Beach are scheduled to reopen on Friday, December 13, with operating hours between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Early park admission will grant access to Volcano Bay starting at 9:30 a.m.
When conditions permit, Volcano Bay offers a revolutionary water park experience. Highlights include heart-pounding attractions like the Ko’okiri Body Plunge, tranquil rivers perfect for a leisurely drift, and the innovative TapuTapu wearable technology, which eliminates long lines and enhances the feeling of escape. Add in Polynesian-inspired dining and pristine beaches, and it’s clear why Volcano Bay is a favorite among adventurers.
How do you feel about Universal’s decision to shut Volcano Bay? Have your travel plans been affected? Let us know in the comments below!
