Universal’s Volcano Bay is set to make major operational changes, including the retirement of its signature TapuTapu wearable device and a five-month seasonal closure. According to Universal Orlando Resort, the popular water theme park will officially end the use of TapuTapu and its virtual line system beginning October 1, 2025.
End of TapuTapu and Virtual Queues
The TapuTapu system has been a core part of the Volcano Bay experience since the park’s debut in 2017. Provided free to all guests upon entry and returned at the end of the visit, the wearable device allowed visitors to:
Join virtual queues for attractions
Access rental lockers
Interact with various touchpoints throughout the park
Instead of traditional wait lines, TapuTapu enabled guests to enjoy other areas of the park until notified—via a gentle vibration—that it was their turn to ride. As of October 1, 2025, this virtual queuing system will be phased out. Universal’s official website confirms, “Guests can access attractions queues at their leisure,” suggesting a return to standard, first-come-first-served lines.
Temporary Park Closure in 2026
In addition to changes in queue management, Universal has announced a temporary, seasonal closure for Volcano Bay. The park will close on October 26, 2026, and is scheduled to reopen on or before March 24, 2027. While seasonal closures are not uncommon for water parks, this extended hiatus hints at potential upgrades or maintenance efforts, though no official reason has been provided at this time.
What This Means for Visitors
These changes reflect a shift in how Universal plans to manage guest experiences at Volcano Bay moving forward. While some visitors may miss the convenience of virtual lines, others may welcome the simplicity of traditional queuing. The temporary closure also allows the resort to refresh or improve park amenities.