TapuTapu – Orlando Attraction Tickets blog

May 17, 2017

What Else Can TapuTapu Do?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

With Universal’s Volcano Bay set to open next Thursday 25th May, we’re beginning to get bombarded with news, YAY!.

This morning we featured the sneak peak around Volcano Bay now we’ve just got some more info on TapuTapu.

Virtual Queues

As we mentioned before you can virtually wait in line for one ride at a time while playing in other areas of the park. The TapuTapu wearable will alert you when your wait time is over. Now for some new stuff…

Locker Access

After you rent your locker, you’ll be able to access it with just a touch of your TapuTapu wearable. No more locker keys!

TapTu Snap/My Universal Photo Access

You’ll be able to take advantage of special interactive photo opportunities and selfie-spots throughout the park. Your TapuTapu will automatically link your photos to your account so you can view, purchase, and share your photos at your convenience.TapTu Play

You can trigger special interactive effects and surprises throughout Volcano Bay, like revealing hidden images in the volcano’s cave and shooting water cannons at unsuspecting guests.

TapTu Pay

With TapTu Pay, you can make purchases throughout the entire park with the TapuTapu wearable on your wrist.

Gavin recently got his hand on the first TapuTapu in the UK. Check it our here –

Volcano Bay is included in the Universal 3 park explorer ticket and opens on the 25th May.

Smiles included…

Jamie

May 17, 2017

Sneak Peak At Universal’s Volcano Bay

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Yesterday CNN got a behind the scene look inside Volcano Bay and it didn’t disappoint. Universal’s new water theme park which opens on the 25th May and covers 50 acres is set to be the most immersive experience Universal have every produced.

Getting Started

Universal’s commitment to this immersive experience starts at the turnstile… well when I say turnstile I mean no turnstiles. Yep that’s right replacing turnstiles are totem poles, a concierge area and greeters welcoming guests with a big “Kia Ora” and a TapuTapu.

Obviously the major attraction at Volcano Bay is none other than the Volcano, Krakatau stands at 200-feet due to its slightly elevated position it dominates the skyline, so much so that it can be seen from Interstate 4.

Dale Mason, Vice President & Executive Art Director of Universal Creative told CNN;

The park is designed to go into the evening and that waterfall will do a show changing from waterfall to firefall to lava flow every night. Actually, the show may happen multiple times a night.

Rides

As cool as all the immersive features are you’ll ultimately be judged by your attractions and Universal have us covered.

The Ko’okiri Body Plunge. – Guests experience a 70-degree fall through a drop door and are sent 125 feet through the middle of Krakatau. Universal says it is the world’s first slide to travel through a pool filled with guests.
Nearby are the Kala and Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides, which intertwine and have guests falling freely along 124 feet of twists and turns.
Punga Racer, a high-speed ride where guests race along on manta ray-shaped mats.
The park’s Krakatau Aqua Coaster propels guests upward with the use of magnetic propulsion and then shoots them downward. It’s all thanks to linear induction motor technology.

There are 4-passenger rafts in line that are pulled along by magnets There is a big steel plate in the bottom of the raft and we cycle magnets through the ride. Unlike all the other slides, which are gravity fed where you have to start at the top and make your way down, this allows you to be pulled up hills and down and around corners. It means you don’t have to climb a ride tower to get to it. It’s very fast and exhilarating

Where’s the Wave Pool?

You can’t have a water theme park without a wave pool and Volcano Bay being Volcano Bay its got one but with a twist. You didn’t know you wanted it but once you’ve tried it you’ll wonder why other parks don’t have a multi-directional wave pool. It pumps out nine different types of waves from traditional rolling waves to choppy waves to crisscross waves that slam into each other.

If Volcano’s, Slides and wave pools aren’t enough for you Volcano Bay also has blowhole geysers, water-drenching photo spots and the Burping Tiki, which when prompted by a TapuTapu band squirts water from its ears, nose and makes a belching sound. There’s also an area near the leisure pool where water turbulence created by spring vents below causes swimmers to get buoyed up and over to the grotto area. Here, guests can take a breather at the base of the volcano and sit beneath waterfalls.

Volcano Bay opens on the 25th May and entry is included when you purchase the 3 Park Explorer Ticket

Smiles included…

Jamie

April 21, 2017April 21, 2017

With No Queuing At Volcano Bay What Do You Do With All That Free Time?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Its a good point! With Universal abolishing queuing at Volcano Bay with the introduction of their TapuTapu technology what will visitors do with all that spare time?

For those not in the know TapuTapu are the new watch devices that virtually queue for you at rides. Here’s basically what you do;

Look for totems marked with the Volcano Bay logo at the entrance to each attraction. Upon touching your TapuTapu to the totems, you’ll be able to hold your place in line with Virtual Line. Explore the park, take a spin in one of two rivers or grab a bit to eat. Your TapuTapu will alert you when it’s time to ride.

Today Universal have given us a glimpse at some of things you might want to consider.

1. Sandy Beaches

Imagine warm sand sinking between your toes while you gaze out at crystal clear waters. This vacation dream becomes a reality at Waturi Beach, where you can relax by the waves of a sparkling lagoon that sits at the base of the mighty Krakatau. You can find Waturi Beach in Wave Village, the first of three villages you’ll encounter at Volcano Bay.

2. Tropical Beverages

Unwind with refreshing tropical cocktails and frozen drinks inspired by fruity island flavors. Try one of our favorites, POG, a non-alcoholic blend of passion fruit, orange and guava juices. Adults can sip on our Toasted Coconut Pineapple beverage, a delicious mix of toasted coconut rum and fresh pineapple juice.

3. Premium Seating

Leave your beach chairs at home and reserve one of our padded loungers instead.* With premium seating around the park, just pick the location of your seat, sit back and soak in your vacation.

This private space includes two padded loungers, an adjustable umbrella and built-in locker storage – which makes it a perfect place to keep your things when you want to take a dip in the crystal waters of Waturi Beach.

*Additional costs apply

4. Private Cabanas

Escape to your own private paradise and rent a cabana for the day.* With options like single units with seating for up to six, or family units, with seating for up to sixteen, there are plenty of options.

Cabanas come with concierge service with exclusive menu options, a fruit and snack basket, a small refrigerator pre-stocked with bottled water, complimentary locker and towel service and more.

*Additional costs apply

5. Island Cuisine

Take a break from the slides to enjoy our unique island-inspired food. There are over 60 options to choose from, including our Pulled Chicken Mole Taco, Poke Poke Bowl or Jerked Mahi Sandwich. Treat yourself to dessert with Chocolate Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Chocolate Lava Cake or Guava Tapioca Pudding.

6. Winding Rivers

At Volcano Bay, it’s okay to be lazy – and at the Kopiko Wai Winding River, you can do just that. Take a slow ride through the tropical landscape, journey beneath the lava rocks and venture to Stargazer’s Cavern to reveal the magical night sky above. Located at the River Village, this is something fun for Waturi of all ages.

7. Leisure Pools

Make sure to check out the Puka Uli Lagoon in the Rainforest Village. In this leisure pool, you can relax while your little ones enjoy fun features like bongo drums and spraying water.

Watch the bravest Waturi take on the Ko’okiri Body Plunge from the comfort of The Reef, a peaceful leisure pool in the Wave Village. A clear plexi tube shoots straight through this 5.5-foot-deep pool, which features its own private waterfall perfect for frolicking.

Volcano Bay opens on the 25th May 2017. Orlando Attraction Tickets offers the 3 Park Explorer Ticket which grants 14 days unlimited access.

Smiles included…

Jamie

March 4, 2017

How to use your TapuTapu at Universal’s Volcano Bay

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We looooooooove when Universal give us any information on Volcano Bay, in fact we spend our days anticipating the next influx of information 😉

I’ve been taking a look into some information on how to use the new, exclusive TapuTapu’s. If you don’t already know (I mean, where have you been?!) TapuTapu’s are the new ‘wearable’ queuing system that is set to eliminate waiting in lines by using ‘virtual queues’ in Universals brand, spanking new water park – Volcano Bay. You can also use it to control multiple interactive experiences throughout the park.

Here’s a picture and some steps on how to use the TapuTapu:

Pick up your TapuTapu wearable as you enter the park. It’s yours for the day.
Look for the symbol in step 2 around the park and use your TapuTapu to get a return time, play and more.
Touch your TapuTapu on the symbol at a ride entry totem. That check you into the virtual line and gives you a return time.
Go play around the park. The TapuTapu will tell you when it’s time to head back to the ride.
Touch the symbol on the totem again and proceed through the ride entrance.
You can also use the TapuTapu to play with interactive surprises around the park.
Don’t forget to return the TapuTapu wearable when you exit Volcano Bay.

So when you arrive you’ll be given a TapuTapu straight away and remember to keep your eyes peeled for totems marked with the Volcano Bay logo which are situated at the entrance to the rides, once you touch your TapuTapu to the totem you will then have a place in the virtual line and will be notified by your wearable when it’s time to ride.

I love the idea of the interactive surprises – a bit like the interactive wands at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! You” be able to control streams of water spurting from whales in Tot Tiki Reef. Shoot water cannons at other guests snaking down Kopiko Wai Winding River or illuminate images in the volcano’s hidden caves.

Don’t forget to return your TapuTapu at the end of your visit 😉

What are you most looking forward to at Volcano Bay and what do you think of the virtual queuing system?

Smiles Included…

Jess

February 9, 2017

Universal Release More Information On TapuTapu

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Soooo.. Universal have just released some more, exciting news about TapuTapu!

As you probably know by now, Volcano Bay, the new 30 acre home of incredible rides, creative and immersive environments, relaxing scenery and best of all the new technology that ‘eliminates the fuss and maximises the fun’ is now opening on the 25th May (3 months, 16 days, 6 hours, 5mins….. not that i’m counting or anything!)

Universal have just released the first look at the design of the new virtual queuing system that is TapuTapu.. It looks as though the waterproof bracelets will come in a variety of colours – my favourite is the aqua colour ;-P

“It will transform the way guests experience water theme park entertainment at Volcano Bay”

The TapuTapu will give guests to Volcano Bay the freedom to join ‘virtual lines’ and as Jamie described in his last blog about TapuTapu all you will need to do is walk up to the totem in front of the attraction you are wanting to go on and simply waft your wrist (the one with the TapuTapu on it 😉 ) and then a ‘return time’ will let you know when you need to return. This means you can go off and enjoy Volcano Bays four themes area’s while still in the queue. The clever little TapuTapu will then alert you when it’s time to head over to the attraction. – I’m wondering if you can join more than one ‘virtual line’ at once? Hmmmm..

Universal have also let us in on some more information regarding TapuTapu Play experiences.. This is where you can use your TapuTapu wearable to control and play with many things throughout the park. This will include things such as streams of water squirting from whales or being able to shoot water cannons and unsuspecting guests floating down Kopiko Wai Winding River. The coolest one in my opinion has got to be the lights that you can control within the hidden caves!

Universal's Volcano Bay grand opens on May 25, 2017.

Every guest entering the park will receive a TapuTapu Wearable to use for the day – there will be no extra charge for these and you will be required to return them at the end of your day.

“No Long Lines,

Endless Fun.”

I’m sooo excited about Volcano Bay opening and I really don’t enjoy queuing so i’m equally as excited to try out one of the TapuTapu’s and chill out at Waturi Beach while my TapuTapu does all the hard work and queues for Krakatau Aqua Coaster for me! 😀

Don’t forget to buy one of our Universal 3 park Explorer tickets if you’re wanting to visit Volcano Bay!!

Smiles Included,

Jess

February 6, 2017February 7, 2017

Universal Reveal TapuTapu Details

Hey Thrill Seekers,

It’s pretty clear from the reaction we get when post anything on Facebook that Universals Volcano Bay is certainly highly anticipated.

Today Universal revealed a bit more about the technology they’re going to be using to remove queues! They call it TapuTapu…

Here’s how it works

On arrival – Enter Universal’s Volcano Bay where you’ll be welcomed as a part of the Waturi family.

Receive your TapuTapu – As you enter the park, every guest will receive a TapuTapu wearable. It’s yours for the day to unlock the wonders of our tropical oasis.

Throughout The Park – Look for totems throughout the park and tap your TapuTapu wherever you see this symbol.

Hold Your Place In Line – Tap your TapuTapu to enter the Virtual Line™ experience. Relax and play around the park. Your wearable will alert you when it’s time to ride.

Discover Interactive Surprises – You can even use your TapuTapu to play with interactive surprises around the park, from water jets to dazzling lighting effects.

Return Your TapuTapu – After a day of fun, return your TapuTapu when you exit Volcano Bay.

Cool huh!? And what will it look like? Well this…

Pretty sweet hey?

We’ll update you when we find out more!

smiles included…

Jamie

November 3, 2016November 3, 2016

Wow! Volcano Bay Looks Awesome!!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We heard that Universal would be dropping some more Volcano Bay news next week however it looks like they’ve jumped the gun a little bit…

BUT OMG the news is awesome, check it out…

Krakatau Aqua Coaster

Krakatau Aqua Coaster will be a first-of-its-kind aqua coaster in Florida — and it’ll be a fun adventure for the entire family. You’ll board specially-designed canoes that seat up to four. Then, you’ll be propelled downwards – and upwards – through the volcano’s interior peaks and valleys. You’ll twist, turn and plummet along dark passageways, be launched through sparkling waterfalls and so much more.

And here’s a cool fun fact for you techies out there: Krakatau Aqua Coaster will use linear induction motor technology. This technology launches the canoe uphill before it immediately sends riders into a downhill plunge. This technology is also used in some of your favorite Universal attractions – like Revenge of the Mummy – and now we’re bringing it to a water attraction.

TapuTapu Wearable

One of the main goals for Universal’s Volcano Bay was to eliminate long lines and hassles so you can focus more on having fun. And with the TapuTapu wearable, you’ll be able to do just that.

When you arrive to the park, you’ll receive a TapuTapu wearable (at no extra charge) that will allow you to do the following with a simple tap:

Virtual Lines

You will be able to virtually wait in line while you play in other areas of the park. The wearable will alert you when it’s time for you to ride so you can head to the attraction.

Tap to Play

Volcano Bay features various “tap-to-play” experiences– all designed exclusively by Universal’s award-winning creative team. With just a tap of TapuTapu, you’ll be able to trigger special effects throughout the park. You can control streams of water spurting from whales in Tot Tiki Reef, shoot water cannons at other guests snaking down Kopiko Wai Winding River and illuminate images in the volcano’s hidden caves.

I’m so excited to visit Volcano Bay, this news and this video (below) have only made me even more excited!!!

Smiles included…

Jamie