Summer nights are about to get a lot more exciting at Universal Orlando Resort because the fan-favorite after-hours event, Volcano Bay Nights, is officially returning. If floating down a glowing river, dancing on a beach, and riding waterslides under the stars sounds like your kind of night, this limited-capacity event is worth putting on your calendar.
This summer, Universal’s Volcano Bay will transform into an after-hours island party on select nights from May 3 through August 21. The exclusive event gives guests the rare chance to experience the award-winning water theme park after dark with shorter lines, special entertainment, and tasty treats you won’t find during a regular park day.
Volcano Bay Nights officially begins at 7 p.m., but ticket holders can enter the park as early as 4 p.m., giving them extra time to enjoy the slides and tropical atmosphere before the nighttime festivities begin. One of the biggest perks of the event is its smaller crowd. With limited attendance, guests can experience some of Volcano Bay’s most thrilling attractions with much shorter wait times, including:
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Krakatau Aqua Coaster – the park’s signature water coaster that sends riders racing through the massive Krakatau volcano
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Ko’okiri Body Plunge – a near-vertical drop through a trapdoor slide
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TeAwa the Fearless River – a powerful, fast-moving river adventure
Riding waterslides under glowing lights, with the warm Florida night air around you, has a completely different vibe than the daytime park experience.
The party continues at Waturi Beach, where guests can dance the night away during a lively Beach Bash featuring a live DJ. Even better, beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation films will make special appearances.
You may run into favorites from:
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Shrek
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Madagascar
It’s the perfect chance for fun nighttime photos with some iconic animated characters.
No theme park party is complete without snacks, and Volcano Bay Nights delivers with complimentary treats included with your ticket. Guests can enjoy:
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Blue Raspberry Churro Bites
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Garlic Parmesan-Flavored Popcorn
Guests will also receive a complimentary Volcano Bay Freestyle Souvenir Cup, which includes over 100 Coca-Cola beverage choices and free refills during the event.
Additional specialty food and drinks will be available for purchase at select locations throughout the park, offering exclusive menu items created just for the event.
Event Dates for Summer 2026
Volcano Bay Nights will take place on the following dates:
May
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May 3
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May 10
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May 17
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May 22
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May 31
June
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June 5
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June 12
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June 18
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June 25
July
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July 10
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July 17
August
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August 7
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August 14
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August 21
Tickets for Volcano Bay Nights are $99 plus tax per person, and parking is included with the event ticket. Annual and Seasonal passholders at Universal Orlando Resort can also save 10% on ticket prices with a valid pass and photo ID.
For guests who want to take relaxation to the next level, private cabanas will be available during the event, starting at $199.99 plus tax. These cabanas must be reserved in-park at the concierge huts on the day of the event and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is the best strategy if you want to secure one.
Between the glowing slides, dance party on the beach, complimentary snacks, and rare nighttime access to the park’s biggest attractions, Volcano Bay Nights is shaping up to be one of the most unique summer events at Universal Orlando Resort.
If you’re planning a summer trip to Orlando, this limited-capacity event might just be the coolest way to spend a night in the tropics.
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