According to Universal Orlando legend, when the Waturi people were traversing the South Pacific in search of their new home, they embraced the music, customs and art of the many cultures they encountered. Upon settling on Volcano Bay, the islanders sought to mimic the kindness and generosity their ancestors were welcomed with on their journeys. That's why when you're at Universal's Volcano Bay, you're on "Waturi Time." The locals want you to experience a carefree day of surf, sun and sand. Therefore, upon arrival at this tropical oasis, you're bestowed a TapuTapu wearable — making all your worries a thing of the past. Here's our guide to everything you need to know about this clever and convenient waterproof wristband!
Overview of the TapuTapu Wearable
Your TapuTapu is activated and given to you upon scanning into the park. Every guest receives one — free of charge! Don't expect it to act like an Apple Watch, though. It has a screen but it's not a touch screen. It also doesn't tell you the time. Its sole purpose is for the features and functions listed below.
Getting it on your first time can be a challenge so don't be afraid to ask a team member or another frog in your party to help you. You'll see a little rubber band on the end of it. Use it to secure your TapuTapu around your wrist! (TeAwa the Fearless River loves collecting sacrifices for Vol, the fire spirit imprisoned deep within the volcano.)
At the end of your relaxing day in paradise, be sure to throw it in one of the return bins on your way out of the park. Your TapuTapu will even remind you to do so! (We promise, it's completely useless upon exiting Volcano Bay!)
TapTu Ride with TapuTapu
If you don't use your TapuTapu for anything else, you'll most likely use it for this. The TapuTapu is your key to Volcano Bay's virtual line experience — an ingenious system that allows you to hold your place in line on any slide and continue to enjoy your day while you wait!
First of all, if you come across any slide that says "Ride Now!", feel free to hop in line. Your wait time will only be a few short minutes, or possibly even a walk-on! Just be sure to tap your TapuTapu on the way in so the Waturi know if they need to switch the slide over to a virtual line. (Don't worry if you froget. A team member will remind you!)
That being said, if a slide is on a virtual line, find the ride totem and tap your TapuTapu. The screen will tell you how long it's going to be until you're able to return to the ride. In the meantime, catch some rays on Waturi Beach, float your cares away on one of the two rivers, grab a bite to eat, do some shopping or hop on any slide that says "Ride Now!" (Just don't tap into another virtual line as you'll be kicked out of the virtual line you're currently in.) Your TapuTapu will vibrate when it's time to head back to the slide!
We highly recommend tapping into Krakatau Aqua Coaster first thing upon entering the park. If you wait too long, the ride will hit capacity. It's by and large the park's most popular attraction — and for a good reason! Check out Tad's epic POV:
TapTu Snap with TapuTapu
While you're making some magical memories, you're going to want to capture them. My Universal Photos makes it incredibly easy to view, download and share your wet and wild snaps. Whether you purchase a 1-Day Photo Package, a 3-Day Photo Package or a 1-Day Photo Package at Volcano Bay, you'll receive unlimited digital downloads of your theme park photos from participating locations in Volcano Bay. These locations include special interactive photo ops and selfie spots throughout the park, as well as ride photos on select slides. Here's the list of participating locations at Volcano Bay:
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster
- Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Tonga of Taniwha Tubes
- Raki of Taniwha Tubes
- Punga Racers
- Honu of Honu ika Moana
- Ika Moana of Honu ika Moana
- Family Selfie-Post™
- Volcano Selfie-Post™
- Hug-A-Mo Selfie-Post™
- Splash and Snap Selfie-Post™
- Waturi Marketplace (Photo Sales Counter)
There are additional My Universal Photos locations not listed above. However, these are the only locations for which the photo package products' discounts and entitlements are valid. Upon purchasing your My Universal Photos package online, bring your confirmation email to a will-call window at the front gate or the Photo Sales Counter in Waturi Marketplace to redeem and receive your package. Your TapuTapu will automatically link your photos to your My Universal Photos account so you can view, purchase and share them at your convenience!
TapTu Lock with TapuTapu
Skeptical about leaving your beach bags by your lounge chairs while you go explore and play? No worries! Lockers can be found throughout the park in the Rainforest Village, River Village and Wave Village neighborhoods.
There are three different locker sizes available: mini (16.9 in. by 14.11 in. by 5.52 in.) for $10, regular (16.9 in. by 12 in. by 13 in) for $16 and family (16.9 in. by 12 in. by 16.25 in.) for $20. After you rent your locker, you'll be able to access and lock it with just a touch of your TapuTapu!
TapTu Play with TapuTapu
Both tadpoles and tadpoles at heart will get a kick out of this mischievous and mystical feature. While you're exploring the island and hopping from slide to slide, be on the lookout for the volcano symbol (the same one you'll find on ride totems). Hold your TapuTapu up to it to activate some special surprises and interactive effects. Some shoot water canons at unsuspecting frogs, others reveal hidden messages in the volcano's cave and there's even one in The Reef leisure pool that plays music underwater! How cool is that?!
TapTu Pay with TapuTapu
Whether your stomach starts rumbling or you see a cute cover-up you want to take home, the Waturi made it so that you don't have to constantly retreat to your beach bag throughout the day (or carry around your credit card in a waterproof pouch). By creating a free account on the official Universal Orlando Resort app and linking your park ticket, you can pay for food, drinks and merchandise with just a touch of your TapuTapu! Here's how to set up TapTu Pay:
- Download and open the official Universal Orlando Resort app on your phone.
- Tap "Profile" in the lower right-hand corner and then tap "Wallet."
- Enter your credit card information under "Payment Method" by following the prompts.
- Swipe down to "Add Tickets & Passes" and scan your Volcano Bay park tickets (or enter the ticket numbers).
- Create the PIN your entire party will use when you TapTu Pay.
That's it! All your personal information gets unlinked when you return your TapuTapu at the end of the day. You can even set spending limits for each member of your party under "Payment Method" in the app so your tadpoles aren't running to purchase a Waturi Fusion every hour!
What's your favorite TapuTapu feature? Do you have any questions about this waterproof wearable? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: The Ultimate Insider's Guide to Universal's Volcano Bay
Hoppy planning!
