Is This $100 Universal Orlando Add-On Worth It?

Are you ready? An exclusive  Universal Orlando after hour events will be returning in 2026.

We’re talking about Volcano Bay Under The Stars, an exclusive family-friendly event with lower wait times for rides, entertainment, and character meet and greets. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the super popular Volcano Bay with fewer people at a more exclusive event, here’s your chance. Tickets, though, are $99 per person, so is it worth it? Let’s find out.

Volcano Bay Under The Stars is currently happening on select nights through August 21st from 7 to 11 P.M. Here are this year’s dates:

• May 3rd, 10th, 17th 22nd and 31st
• June 5th, 12th, 18th and 25th
• July 10th and 17th
• August 7th, 14th and 21st

Tickets are $99 per person, so let’s see what that price gets you:

Shorter lines at rides

This is probably one of the most popular water parks in the Orlando area, but this special ticketed event is limited, so you’ll deal with far fewer people in the park. That means shorter lines for rides. That alone could be reason enough to buy a ticket.

Not only that, but you’ll get to ride everything at night, which makes each ride that much more exciting.

Exclusive Entertainment and Characters

If you want to dance the night away, a live DJ will be spinning tunes along Waturi Beach. Meanwhile, you’ll be able to participate in some fun games, too.

However, you’ll certainly want to take time to meet your favorite DreamWorks characters, including characters from How to Train Your Dragon, and more.

Exclusive snacks

Volcano Bay Under the Stars also has exclusive snacks. At the beginning of the event, you’ll get a complimentary Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup, which you can use throughout the water park for unlimited free refills.

You’ll also want to keep an eye out for exclusive food and drinks you’ll only find at the event. We were even given some complimentary snacks at last year’s event.

So is Volcano Bay Under the Stars worth it? Well, if you love water parks and want to visit one of the most popular without the crowds, while also enjoying some exclusive entertainment, activities, characters, and food, we’d say “yes!”

Want to know more about what Volcana Bay Under the Stars is like? Read our post about our experience with the event in 2025. In the meantime, we’ll keep covering more Universal news, so check back with AllEars again soon for more.

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Have you ever attended a Volcano Bay after hours event? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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