TapuTapu is a free waterproof wristband that all visitors receive upon entering Volcano Bay.
The wristband acts as a virtual queue system, allowing guests to reserve ride times without physically waiting in line.
It also serves as a digital payment method, locker key, and an interactive device that activates special effects throughout the park.
Every guest receives one and must return it before leaving the park.
The system is designed to make visits more convenient by reducing crowd congestion and long wait times.
How does TapuTapu work?
TapuTapu is an easy-to-use system that replaces traditional lines with a virtual queue.
Instead of standing in a long queue for water rides, visitors can tap their wristbands at designated points and receive a return time.
This allows guests to explore other attractions, relax by the pool, or grab a meal while waiting for their turn.
TapuTapu wristbands offer five key functions that help make the visit to Volcano Bay more enjoyable:
- Ride reservations with the virtual queue system
- Cashless payments for food, drinks, and merchandise
- Locker access for personal belongings
- Interactive experiences throughout the park
- Photo linking for capturing memories
Each of these features ensures that guests can have a hassle-free experience without carrying extra items like cash, wallets, or printed ride passes.
How to use TapuTapu for ride reservations
The process is simple and ensures that visitors spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the park.
- Locate a ride reservation totem – Each major ride has a reservation station where guests can tap their wristband to join the virtual queue.
- Tap your TapuTapu wristband – Place the wristband against the totem. It will display the estimated wait time and confirm your reservation.
- Explore the park while waiting – Instead of standing in line, guests can swim in the wave pool, float in the lazy river, or grab a snack while waiting for their ride time.
- Receive an alert when it’s time to ride – The TapuTapu wristband will vibrate and display a message when the reservation time arrives.
- Return to the attraction and scan the wristband – Once notified, visitors can head back to the ride entrance and scan the wristband for immediate entry.
Guests can only hold one ride reservation at a time, meaning they must complete their current reservation before booking another ride. However, they are free to enjoy other attractions that do not require reservations while waiting.
Using TapuTapu for cashless payments
TapuTapu wristbands also function as a cashless payment system inside Volcano Bay.
Guests can link their credit card, debit card, or Universal gift card to the wristband through the Universal Orlando Resort app (IOS or Android).
This feature eliminates the need to carry a wallet, making purchases more convenient, especially in a water park setting.
To make a purchase, guests simply tap their wristbands at food kiosks, merchandise stores, or rental stations.
A digital receipt will be stored in their Universal account, and the amount will be charged to their linked payment method.
For security, visitors can set up a PIN code through the Universal app.
This ensures that payments are authorized and prevents accidental charges in case a wristband is lost.
Locker access using TapuTapu
Guests who want to store their belongings safely can use TapuTapu to rent and access lockers throughout the park.
Lockers are available in multiple sizes and are located in Wave Village, River Village, and Rainforest Village.
The process is simple:
- Select a locker at one of the rental stations and pay using TapuTapu.
- Once rented, the wristband becomes the digital key to open and close the locker.
- Guests can access their locker as many times as needed throughout the day.
Locker rental fees typically range from $10 to $20 per day, depending on the size of the locker.
Since TapuTapu acts as the key, carrying a separate key or remembering a combination is unnecessary.
Interactive experiences with TapuTapu
TapuTapu wristbands also unlock interactive elements throughout Volcano Bay, enhancing the overall experience. These features include:
- Activating water cannons to spray unsuspecting guests.
- Triggering illuminated cave effects inside Krakatau Volcano.
- Controlling water fountains and splash zones in designated play areas.
- Unlocking secret surprises hidden around the park.
These interactive features add an element of surprise and fun, especially for families and younger guests.
Photo linking with TapuTapu
Volcano Bay has several designated photo capture points where visitors can take memorable pictures. Instead of carrying a separate photo pass, guests can tap their wristband at the photo station to link images directly to their Universal Orlando account.
Photos can be viewed, purchased, or downloaded later through the Universal Orlando app or at designated photo booths inside the park. This feature ensures that guests can capture and keep their memories without worrying about carrying cameras or phones.
Important things to know about TapuTapu
- You cannot manually select a ride time. The system automatically assigns the next available slot.
- You can only hold one ride reservation at a time. Once a ride is completed, you can reserve another.
- TapuTapu is free to use. It is included with park admission and must be returned when leaving.
- TapuTapu is waterproof. It is designed for use in pools, lazy rivers, and slides.
- It only works inside Volcano Bay. TapuTapu is not compatible with Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure.
