Volcano Bay quick review review of Tapu Tapu

[angryduck71]

Just got back to the room from Volcano Bay. Some of my favorite rides ever but tons of problems still. First, we did early entry. We were lucky to get express passes before I guess they stopped selling them. We also got the premium seats. I highly recommend both. BUT it took 30 minutes of our early entry going through the concierge and getting our express passes linked and then being walked to our seating. Then, one of our rides they said our express passes were not linked. We went back to a concierge. They said they were and that they'd radio the ride that the attendant was not correct.

FYI- I saw some discussion on this: there are NO regular lines. People without express passes were complaining how long the waits to come back were. And while you are waiting for one ride, you cannot load up another ride.

Anyway, the attendant at the premium chair was fantastic. You can order food there but at one point my son wanted something else. We had no problem using the Tapu Tapu to pay as I had linked a credit card to it in the room. (We did have a minor problem with the freestyle Coke machine but they resolved
That fairly quickly) Later, however, when I tried to pay our attendant at the premium seating no one knew what to do. After about 30 minutes, they had me come with them to pay at a restaurant. Suddenly my Tapu Tapu did not work. They tried for another 20 minutes. Finally, they gave me my food free. My poor attendant -- it was her first day -- looked ready to cry.

Other notes: I heard lots of workers saying "I just don't know" to questions. Rides weren't opening early (even after early entry). We had express pass, but still waited in lots of lines. One was an hour long. (My son wants me to emphasize that there ARE lines and he felt like there was some false advertising about the "no waiting in line.")

They have lots of kinks to work out. But I did love the rides and the premium chair.

A storm is approaching so they closed most of the park as we were leaving. I do love this park but it needs work. I heard tons of complaints from other park-goers about Cabana reservations going missing (apparently not all of them are complete yet either), the lines when there weren't supposed to be any, and Tapu Tapu not working.

 

[bobbie68]

Just got back to the room from Volcano Bay. Some of my favorite rides ever but tons of problems still. First, we did early entry. We were lucky to get express passes before I guess they stopped selling them. We also got the premium seats. I highly recommend both. BUT it took 30 minutes of our early entry going through the concierge and getting our express passes linked and then being walked to our seating. Then, one of our rides they said our express passes were not linked. We went back to a concierge. They said they were and that they'd radio the ride that the attendant was not correct.

FYI- I saw some discussion on this: there are NO regular lines. People without express passes were complaining how long the waits to come back were. And while you are waiting for one ride, you cannot load up another ride.

Anyway, the attendant at the premium chair was fantastic. You can order food there but at one point my son wanted something else. We had no problem using the Tapu Tapu to pay as I had linked a credit card to it in the room. (We did have a minor problem with the freestyle Coke machine but they resolved
That fairly quickly) Later, however, when I tried to pay our attendant at the premium seating no one knew what to do. After about 30 minutes, they had me come with them to pay at a restaurant. Suddenly my Tapu Tapu did not work. They tried for another 20 minutes. Finally, they gave me my food free. My poor attendant -- it was her first day -- looked ready to cry.

Other notes: I heard lots of workers saying "I just don't know" to questions. Rides weren't opening early (even after early entry). We had express pass, but still waited in lots of lines. One was an hour long. (My son wants me to emphasize that there ARE lines and he felt like there was some false advertising about the "no waiting in line.")

They have lots of kinks to work out. But I did love the rides and the premium chair.

A storm is approaching so they closed most of the park as we were leaving. I do love this park but it needs work. I heard tons of complaints from other park-goers about Cabana reservations going missing (apparently not all of them are complete yet either), the lines when there weren't supposed to be any, and Tapu Tapu not working.

Hi thank you so much for taking the time to report back. This is awesome information. I have a couple of questions if you can and if you have time.
1. You mentioned the coke free-style machines. Do we know if the refillable souvenir cup we purchase for the other parks will be used here. I plan on doing that but didn't know if I could use it there?
2. You mentioned they cleared out the park. What happens to your premium seating? Will you still have it if and when they open up? How do you know if they will open the park back up?
I have premium seating and a cabana booked. I would hate to be forced out half way through the day then not get back in. I am going in July when the hours are 10-10.

 

[bobbie68]

Hi I have one more question about tapu tapu. How does it work when you want to have your whole party go at the same time. Does one person link everybody? Do you each go up and hope in between scanning you are able to go together?

I will have EP but will need to use tapu tapu for Krakatau.

Thank your son for wanting us to know about the "no waiting in line" and there is. I can understand how he feels that way, I would too. I think in theory it is a good idea but just not sure it is being implemented good. I will remember that when we go in 60 days

Thanks again

 

[atricks]

Hi I have one more question about tapu tapu. How does it work when you want to have your whole party go at the same time. Does one person link everybody? Do you each go up and hope in between scanning you are able to go together?

I will have EP but will need to use tapu tapu for Krakatau.

Thank your son for wanting us to know about the "no waiting in line" and there is. I can understand how he feels that way, I would too. I think in theory it is a good idea but just not sure it is being implemented good. I will remember that when we go in 60 days

Thanks again

Everyone has to scan it independently, although someone could take all the bands and do that, and the cabanas have a way to reserve from there.

From watching what happened on my second visit much more closely than the first, I've found out that tapu tapu itself is working well, but the rides... well there's a reason they do soft openings, to break in new equipment and more importantly work out the issues with operations in loading, and how the folks flow, neither of which was done at all for Volcano Bay, so both things are happening (issues with brand new tech/equipment and lack of serious testing with the team members). In short it opened too soon. A new park cold opening like this on a Holiday Weekend sounds absolutely crazy when you think about it. It REALLY needed a few weeks of soft running before the announced grand opening.

I'll bet by Labor Day most of the issues will be worked out, and the park will be MUCH better after the winter allows them to pull rides down a bit to fix more things.

 

[angryduck71]

I don't know about freestyle for sure. I thought I read you can use it at other parks. Will try tomorrow and let you know!

I think they just made people get out of the pool areas. Not sure it you had to physically leave the park. They told me I could come back to our chairs later. Not sure if the boy is up to it.

I THINK you all scan and get about the same time. I did not try. I got right on Krakatau during early entry and did not have to come back.

 

[bobbie68]

 

[angryduck71]

It may be answered elsewhere, but, yes, you can use freestyle mug from Volcano bay at IOA and universal

 

[bobbie68]

It may be answered elsewhere, but, yes, you can use freestyle mug from Volcano bay at IOA and universal

 

[HeidiGW]

her son is a very smart boy!!!!

 

[martymcflyy85]

Can you describe a little more about the premium seating? Where are they located and are they close to the volcano/water? Does it take a long time for the person to walk you to your seat and how does the ordering process work? Do you only order drinks or can you order food as well? Thanks so much.

 

[soniam]

Can you describe a little more about the premium seating? Where are they located and are they close to the volcano/water? Does it take a long time for the person to walk you to your seat and how does the ordering process work? Do you only order drinks or can you order food as well? Thanks so much.

The premium seating is located all over. The Wave Village premium seating is mostly located at the back of the beach that faces the volcano, towards the entrance. Close is a relative term I guess. Most of the premium seating at the Wave Village is not immediately in front of the wave pool. I don't think I would rely upon being able to sit in my lounger and watch a child in the wave pool. Our premium seating was in the Rainforest Village near the Bambu restaurant. They are located all over, so it depends upon which village you reserve.

We did it twice over Memorial Day Weekend, and it took at 20-45 minutes each day to wait in the line and get to our lounger. I am hoping this improves. Memorial Day weekend was opening weekend, and they hit capacity both days we were there. We also did it at park opening for early entry. The ordering process has changed. We were able to reserve it over the phone ahead of time, even for our late July trip. Apparently, you can no longer reserve ahead of time; you can only get it on a first come first serve basis on the day of. Current reservations are supposedly being honored though.

You can order food and drinks from a specific menu. Water and coke products were not on the menu, but you could order them. I know that I have seen pics of the menu. I have some; I'll try to post them. There were items on the menu that I didn't see anywhere else in the park, like conch fritters. There were no specific kids items on the menu. I was able to order a plain cheeseburger though. Here are some items that I remember being on the menu. There were more items than this; these are just the ones that I remember. There were no chicken tenders on the menu. I don't know if you can order things off the menu, other than water and coke products.

Conch Fritters
Sushi Sampler
Tropical Fruit Plate
A couple of pizzas
Reka Burger
Brookie
Chocolate pineapple upside down cake
Chocolate Lava cake
I think almost all of the alcoholic beverage available at the bars

 

[angryduck71]

Our server also refilled our freestyle mugs (you had to remove the lid)

 

[martymcflyy85]

I already have a reservation for premium seating that I made over the phone (I guess before they cut that out). I was thinking about canceling it because I wasn't sure if it would be worth it, especially if you can find other seats that also have umbrellas. But now I'm thinking it might be worth it just for the food alone, since I'm hearing horror stories of food lines lasting up to an hour. Thank you so much for this valuable information and I can't wait to see the actual menu.

 

[soniam]

I already have a reservation for premium seating that I made over the phone (I guess before they cut that out). I was thinking about canceling it because I wasn't sure if it would be worth it, especially if you can find other seats that also have umbrellas. But now I'm thinking it might be worth it just for the food alone, since I'm hearing horror stories of food lines lasting up to an hour. Thank you so much for this valuable information and I can't wait to see the actual menu.

It was definitely worth it on Sunday before Memorial Day. The lines were so bad, that I didn't even want to wait in one to get water. So, I ordered water at the same price, plus a tip, from the server. Having the lockbox right there at your chair is great too. Unless you get there early, you may not be able to get shade, since there aren't a ton of umbrellas. However, not all of the premium seats are in shade all day; it depends which direction they face. I am hoping to post the menu tonight. I found the pics; I just need to post process it and upload it.

 

[soniam]

Here are pics of the menu. It's kind of hard to read, so I have the text below. The descriptions are from Universal's website for the items that are offered at other places.








Appetizers:
Sushi Sampler - California & Veggie rolls $10.99
Conch Fritters - with orange horseradish marmalade $9.99
Ai Ai Jerk Wing - with jerk glaze or mango BBQ sauce $9.99

Longboard Pizzas & Fresh Salads:
Hawaiian $10.99
Cheese, Pepperoni, or Veggie $9.99
Island Chicken Salad - Chicken, apples, grapes, and almonds in creamy coconut dressing $9.99
Cobb Salad - Turkey, bacon, blue cheese, tomato, and cucumber with avocado dressing $9.99
Tropical Baby Greens - Carrots, hearts of palm, mango, tomatoes, cucumbers, tofu, black beans, and almonds with soy vinaigrette $8.99
Tropical Fruit $7.29

Sandwiches & Entrees:
Jerk Mahi Sandwich - with cucumber mango basil slaw, lettuce, tomato, and sriracha mayo on coconut bread with cucumber tomato salad and fries $16.99
Nui Reka Burger - 1/2 lb black angus beef with pepper jack, bacon, caramelized onion, pickles, and mango BBQ sauce on a Hawaiian bun with cucumber tomato salad and fries $15.99
Quinoa Edamame Burger - shiitake mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, and sriracha mayo with cucumber tomato salad and fries $14.49
Coconut Crusted Chicken Sliders - cabbage and mango slaw on a Hawaiian bun with cucumber tomato salad and fries $13.99
Coconut Curry Shrimp - with green coconut curry sauce, coconut rice, and cilantro with sweet plantains $14.99
Chicken Tenders - with fries $9.99
Veggie Wrap - Roasted zucchini, yellow squash, grains, hummus, and black beans with veggie chips $9.99

Desserts:
Chocolate Pineapple Upside Down Cake $2.99
Chocolate Lava Cake $3.99
Brookie $2.79

Speciality Drinks: Served in a souvenir cup $11.99 (I think you can ask for a disposable cup for a cheaper price.)
Vol's Fire Punch - Mt Gay rum, pineapple juice, agave, Sprite, grenadine
Toasted Coconut Pineapple - Coconut rum, pineapple juice
Tiki Punch - Bacardi, Bacardi Razz, Bacardi Dragon Berry, Bacardi Limon, cranberry juice
Haku Puini - Rum, Cointreau, mango juice, pineapple juice
Ko'okiri Plunge - Blanco tequila, tamarind juice, lime juice
Volcano Bay Rum Punch - Bacardi, Bacardi Razz, pineapple juice, grenadine, topped with Bacardi Black
Blue Hawaiian - Malibu, pineapple juice, blue Curacao
Pineapple Pomegranate Collins - Flor de Cana rum, pomegranate juice, pineapple juice
Blanco Kalarita - Blanco tequila, lime juice, orange juice, agave, blood orange syrup
Strawberry Ginger Lift - Vodka, strawberry puree, ginger beer
Guavaruma - Rum, passoa, guava juice, pineapple juice
Wai-Waitermelon - Vodka, watermelon syrup, raspberries, and watermelon


Here's what we had:

Ko'okiri Plunge



Chocolate Pineapple Upside Down Cake



Conch Fritters



Tropical Fruit Salad


Drinks:
Ko'okiri Plunge - Awesome! My favorite so far. Not too sweet. Kind of like an on-the-rocks margarita. Strong.
Guavaruma - Nice and not too sweet. Very tropical. Not too strong.
Tiki Punch - Strong. Like Hawaiian punch with lots of rum. It was good though.

Food:
Conch Fritters - I had eaten some when I took the picture. It was a good serving and could be shared as an appetizer with 2-3 people easily. Not greasy. Could taste the conch. The sauce was a little spicy but made the dis.
Tropical Fruit Salad - This was huge and could easily be shared with 2-4 people. Mostly cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon. However, it had strawberries, pineapple, papaya, kiwi, and lychee. The lychee was a really nice surprise.
Chicken Tenders - Standard park fare. Not as good as Disney's. Tasted more frozen. Large portion though. Big enough for an adult. Came with a large amount of the usual fries.
Cheeseburger - The burger tasted charcoal grilled. It was a large pattie, and it was cooked very well. Son only had cheese and mustard, but I still thought it was an excellent burger. Came with a decent amount of the usual fries.

Desserts: None of the desserts were huge. The Brookie was probably the largest one. One person could easily eat them by themselves.
Chocolate Pineapple Upside Down Cake - It was a little bit dry, probably due to the toasted coconut shavings. However, it was still good. Chocolate cake was an interesting touch.
Chocolate Lava Cake - It wasn't huge, but the filling was molten and stayed that way even after sitting for a bit. I don't know if it was served warm or not, because it was ambient temperature by the time I ate it. It was good.
Brookie - Normal Universal Brookie. It didn't come with ice cream or anything, just the brownie/cookie. It was good.

 

[jagafen]

Thanks for the pics of the menu and the review....our trip is in about 2 weeks, and I'm devouring all the VB info I can find!

 

[eyehartdisney]

The coconut curry chicken wasn't anything to write home about. For curry it was pretty bland and had little coconut taste to it.

The island chicken salad was a real winner, a big portion, but I think it would be better as a sandwich on a croissant or something. In a long line, it's also preprepared, so you can skip most of the line.

The veggie wrap is what you would expect from gas station food. I would put the turkey wrap here, too. There's also no mayo or anything on them, so get a packet if you want that.

Not listed on this menu above is the jerk shrimp mac and cheese- it was the best thing we've tasted so far, but it is quite spicy, so be warned. It doesn't look like a large portion, but my other half and I could've split one, and perhaps gotten a pretzel later.

The pizzas are decent for theme park pizzas, you can't go wrong with them. The serving size is on point as well.

Interesting to note, almost everything in the park is taken from other restaurants, according to a manager from toothsome I was talking to yesterday.

 

[angryduck71]

I had the toasted coconut pineapple and lava cake. Recommend both!

 

[soniam]

The coconut curry chicken wasn't anything to write home about. For curry it was pretty bland and had little coconut taste to it.

The island chicken salad was a real winner, a big portion, but I think it would be better as a sandwich on a croissant or something. In a long line, it's also preprepared, so you can skip most of the line.

The veggie wrap is what you would expect from gas station food. I would put the turkey wrap here, too. There's also no mayo or anything on them, so get a packet if you want that.

Not listed on this menu above is the jerk shrimp mac and cheese- it was the best thing we've tasted so far, but it is quite spicy, so be warned. It doesn't look like a large portion, but my other half and I could've split one, and perhaps gotten a pretzel later.

The pizzas are decent for theme park pizzas, you can't go wrong with them. The serving size is on point as well.

Interesting to note, almost everything in the park is taken from other restaurants, according to a manager from toothsome I was talking to yesterday.

Craig from the DIS said the coconut curries weren't very good either. The jerk shrimp mac and cheese is only available at Whakawaiwa Eat, which is a quick service. The premium seating menu doesn't have everything that is available in the park. I had that too. It was very filling, and I couldn't finish it by myself. It was the best food I had at VB. It had a tiny kick, but I didn't think it was that spicy. However, we are from Texas and eat spicy stuff all the time. I am pretty tempted to get again on our next trip.

As for the food coming from other restaurants, I wonder where the jerk shrimp mac n cheese comes from. I know that Toothsome has a shrimp and crab mac n cheese, but it's really different. Bubba Gump's and Margaritaville also have shrimp mac n cheese, but they are different too. I think the conch fritters and sauce come from Margaritaville.