A Major Perk Is Disappearing From Universal Orlando This Year

In a year of massive change at the Universal Orlando Resort, a well-known perk is set to disappear this fall.

Volcano Bay

Ever since Universal’s Volcano Bay opened in 2017, the water park has used a virtual queue ride system. Upon entry, guests are given a TapuTapu wristband, which can then be used to join virtual queues for attractions by tapping in at their entrance. Guests can then explore other areas of the park, grab a snack, and relax until their band vibrates, indicating it’s time to return to the attraction. In addition, the bands (which would be turned away at the end of the day) indicate if there’s a technical difficulty or weather delay for a slide you’ve been waiting to go on. All-in-all, it was a perk we’ve really enjoyed over the last 8 years… which makes it disappointing that they’re disappearing.

In the spring of 2025, Universal announced that the TapuTapu bands and virtual queue system would be phased out later in the year.

©Universal Orlando

According to Universal’s official statement, “Starting October 1st, 2025, the TapuTapu wearable and virtual line will no longer be available. Guests can access attraction queues at their leisure.”

TapuTapu

While Volcano Bay transitioning to traditional standby queues isn’t the worst development in the world (it’s not like we’re not used to waiting in lines at water parks), the elimination of the virtual queue system still feels like a loss.

TapuTapu signage

This is especially true for guests with disabilities, as the ability to stay in cool, shaded areas with snacks and access to additional resources while waiting for a call back to their VQ’d attraction was a unique feature that isn’t often found in water parks.

Honu Ika Moana Raft Slides at Volcano Bay

Beginning this fall, Universal’s Volcano Bay is eliminating its virtual queue system and TapuTapu bands in favor of a more traditional queue system. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Universal’s changes.