Volcano Bay Nights Returns – Universal Orlando’s Ultimate Fall Event
Volcano Bay Nights is back this fall at Universal Orlando! Ride water attractions under the stars, enjoy live music, meet your favorite characters, and savor tropical treats. Learn how to pair this after-hours water park event with Halloween Horror Nights for an unforgettable Universal Orlando vacation.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’m all about finding those unique, can’t-miss events that make a Universal Orlando vacation truly special. Well, here’s one I’m thrilled to share — Volcano Bay Nights is making its big return this fall, and it’s better than ever!
This after-hours event turns Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park into a tropical nighttime party, complete with glowing lights, a live DJ, character meet-and-greets, and all your favorite water attractions running under the stars. If you’ve never experienced a water park at night, trust me — it’s a completely different vibe, and you’re going to love it.
When and Where
Volcano Bay Nights happens every Friday night from September 5 through October 31, 2025.
Park entry starts at 4:00 p.m. so you can get in some daytime fun before the event kicks off.
The official after-hours event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Tickets are $99 plus tax, and that includes self-parking. If you’re an Annual Passholder, there’s even a discount.
What’s Included
This isn’t just a couple of rides after dark — Volcano Bay Nights is a full-blown event:
Ride under the stars with shorter wait times on TeAwa the Fearless River, the Ko’okiri Body Plunge, Krakatau Aqua Coaster, and more.
Live Beach Bash on Waturi Beach with a DJ, limbo contests, hula hoop games, and tropical beats.
Character meet-and-greets with Scooby-Doo and the gang, plus DreamWorks favorites like Shrek, Puss in Boots, and King Julien.
Complimentary snacks like churro bites with mango or chocolate sauce and pineapple coconut popcorn.
Unlimited refills in a Volcano Bay Freestyle Souvenir Cup with over 100 Coca-Cola beverage options.
Upgrade options for private cabanas so you can have your own little slice of paradise.
Why I’m Excited for Volcano Bay Nights
I love Volcano Bay during the day, but at night it feels like stepping into a whole new world. The park comes alive with glowing colors, the volcano is lit up beautifully, and there’s an energy in the air you can’t get anywhere else. It’s also a great way to beat the daytime heat while still enjoying everything Universal Orlando has to offer.
The Perfect Pairing: Volcano Bay Nights + Halloween Horror Nights
If you really want to make your Universal Orlando vacation unforgettable, here’s my insider tip — combine Volcano Bay Nights with Halloween Horror Nights.
Halloween Horror Nights runs August 29 through November 2, 2025 at Universal Studios Florida, with haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment that’s a must-do for thrill-seekers. I recommend booking a Halloween Horror Nights Vacation Package so you can bundle your hotel stay, event tickets, and early park admission — then add Volcano Bay Nights to your itinerary for the ultimate mix of daytime water fun and nighttime chills.
Let’s Plan Your Fall Getaway
I can help you create the perfect Universal Orlando vacation package that includes:
Halloween Horror Nights tickets and accommodations.
Volcano Bay Nights entry for a tropical after-dark adventure.
Additional park days so you can enjoy Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
Ready to make it happen?
Book your Halloween Horror Nights Vacation Package today and add Volcano Bay Nights for the ultimate fall trip to Universal Orlando Resort. You’ll get sun, slides, scares, and memories you’ll be talking about for years.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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How Universal Orlando Will Steal the Show this Summer
Universal has big plans this summer with a new land, new nighttime shows and a daytime parade.
Universal Orlando Resort has announced big plans for summer 2024, going up against Disney World’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Seaworld’s Penguin Trek rollercoaster. Universal Orlando will be opening Dreamworks Land, adding a new daytime parade, displaying a new projection show in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and a dancing fountain show featuring music that includes the Jaws theme among other popular movie soundtracks (super excited about this one in particular!)
But to be fair, let’s not forget that pin trading is back at Walt Disney World.
Favorite characters from Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda will come together in Dreamworks Land, an all-new section of one colorful new land at Universal Studios Florida.
You’ll be able to meet Shrek and splash in his swamp. Scream with laughter on the all-new Trollercoaster.
On Trolls Trollercoaster, guests of all ages can take a ride on the iconic Caterbus escaping evil spiders as they speed along a bright orange and yellow track aboard this family-friendly rollercoaster.
Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres: This Shrek-themed play area will feature four fun slides, wet play areas, and a playground where the kiddos can climb, bounce, and splash around as well as venture into Shrek’s outhouse.
Shrek’s Swamp Meet: You can visit Shrek’s Swamp Meet to interact with Shrek, Princess Fiona, and Donkey, who will joke around and converse with guests, just outside of Shrek’s cottage.
Learn kung fu with Po. Plus, ignite your sense of wonder with the new live show DreamWorks Imagination Celebration.
Dreamworks Land will be located right outside the E.T. Adventure attraction at Universal Studios Florida. It opens on June 14, 2024. See more about Dreamworks Land in my post here.
Hogwarts Castle at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
New nighttime show at Hogwarts Castle
Universal Orlando has also announced a new nighttime show, Hogwarts Always, a projection show on Hogwarts Castle that will take guests on a journey through iconic moments of a school year at the beloved school of wizardry.
This new show will be offered on select nights beginning June 14, 2024, at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure theme park.
See E.T. and more in a new Universal daytime parade
Universal will also introduce a new daytime parade featuring a collection of movie characters like a T-Rex from Jurassic Park, E.T, Trolls, and more. According to Universal, viewers will relive memorable movie moments the whole family can enjoy. On select days this summer starting July 3, 2024.
Cinesational Water Show at Universal Studios Florida
Of all the new entertainment coming this summer, this is the one I’m most looking forward to. This new show will feature dancing fountains and popular film scores. Universal says this show will have a powerful soundtrack featuring music from Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and of course Jaws! Love this! A nice nod to the attraction that was once housed in the lagoon.
Cinesational will be offered on select nights beginning June 14th.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
Search articles
Recent Articles
See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
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