Universal Orlando Fills In The Details Of Expansion Plans For 2017 And 2018

Universal’s Volcano Bay opens summer 2017.

Universal Orlando Resort announced plans to open its sixth on-site hotel, in partnership with Loews Hotels & Resorts, by summer 2018. Aiming for “affordable-chic experience,” the 16-story Aventura Hotel will be housed in a glass tower offering 600 rooms, including 13 kids’ suites.

The hotel will have Orlando’s first-ever rooftop bar and grill, offering small plates and craft cocktails. There will also be a swimming pool with a hot tub, a water park area for kids, a fire pit, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a fast-casual food hall with five dining options, and bars in the lobby and at the pool.

Guests staying at the hotel will be able to enter Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure an hour before the general public, and will get complimentary transportation to the parks and the CityWalk entertainment and dining complex.

When combined with the 400-room expansion of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort in 2017, the Aventura will bring the total number of on-site hotel rooms at Universal Orlando Resort to 6,200.

The new hotel will be located near the new Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Universal Orlando’s theme parks, including Volcano Bay—a first-of-its-kind water theme park opening in early summer 2017.

Universal’s Aventura Hotel will begin accepting reservations early next year; information on packages and pricing will be announced at a later date.

New details of Volcano Bay
Meanwhile, Universal Orlando last week shared more details about its Volcano Bay water theme park, ahead of its opening early summer 2017.

At the center of the park, the marquee attraction will be the first “aqua coaster” in Florida, taking riders through twists and turns of the 200-foot volcano’s interior, before being plummeting down a waterfall.

The Krakatau Aqua Coaster uses linear induction motor technology, which launches the canoe uphill before it immediately sends riders into a downhill plunge. While this technology is used in other attractions, like Revenge of the Mummy, it’s the first time it’s being combined with a water ride. 

Another technological innovation, the TapuTapu wearable, is designed to make guests’ experience hassle-free, eliminating the need to carry tubes from ride to ride or wait in long lines. The device alerts guests when it’s time to head to the attraction. It also provides a “tap-to-play” feature; park goers can control special effects like shooting water cannons at Kopiko Wai Winding River and illuminating images in the volcano’s hidden caves. Guests receive the TapuTapu wearable upon arrival, at no extra cost.

Volcano Bay spans 30 acres with 18 attractions, including a multi-directional wave pool with sandy beaches, a winding river, raft rides and body slides. The property will also offer resort-like amenities, such as concierge locations and lockers, restaurants and bars with signature food and beverage options.

Travel agents will have the chance to purchase tickets and packages for clients beginning Nov. 15. Universal also launched an all-new video training series dedicated to Volcano Bay. Travel professionals can also find more information on Universal’s dedicated website, UniversalTravelAgents.com, and register to become a Universal Orlando Resort Specialist.

Universal Orlando Resort offers agents 10% commission on packages that include accommodations and theme-park admission, and up to 40% off at Universal hotels for their personal vacations.