When it opens next summer,
guests at Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay water park will wear a high-tech
bracelet, called a "TapuTapu," which allows them to avoid long lines,
Universal said.
The bracelet,
Universal said, "will redefine the way guests experience water parks."
The bracelets will be
issued to Volcano Bay guests as part of admission. Then, with what Universal
describes as "a simple tap," they can put themselves in a virtual
line for the attraction of their choice while enjoying other portions of the
park. When the time comes to board the ride, guests will be alerted by the
bracelet, similar in some respects to the manner in which many restaurants
alert diners that their table is ready.
The TapuTapu will
also offer what Universal calls "tap to play" experiences throughout
the park. For example, with a tap of the bracelet, guests will be able to
trigger special effects such as shooting water cannons at guests on the park's
winding river ride.
Tickets for Volcano Bay will go on sale Nov. 15.
Along with the
explanation on how it intends to offer Volcano Bay patrons an experience clear
of long lines, Universal announced Thursday that tickets for Volcano Bay will
go on sale Nov. 15.
Universal revealed
details about the ride that is destined to be Volcano Bay's signature attraction.
The Krakatau Aqua Coaster will be a trackless ride through the park's 200-foot-high
Krakatau volcano.
Guests will be
propelled both downward and upward on canoes that twist and turn through the
peaks, valleys and dark passageways.
Universal
has released the Volcano Bay Training Series for travel agents. (See video below.)