Universal Orlando sets 2026 dates and ticket details for return of Volcano Bay Nights

After-hours water park event scheduled across 13 nights from May through August

Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed the return of Volcano Bay Nights, a separately ticketed, limited-capacity evening event at its Volcano Bay water theme park, for summer 2026. The series is scheduled to run on select dates from May 3 through Aug. 21, 2026, adding an after-hours option to the resort’s summer lineup.

Event nights are set for May 3, 10, 17, 22 and 31; June 5, 12, 18 and 25; July 10 and 17; and Aug. 7, 14 and 21. The published start time is 7 p.m. each night. Guests with event tickets will be allowed into Volcano Bay as early as 4 p.m., providing an afternoon-to-evening visit window that precedes the after-hours programming.

What the ticket includes: parking, select snacks, and access to signature attractions

Single-night admission is priced at $99 plus tax per person, with event-night parking included. Universal Orlando Passholders with a valid Annual or Seasonal pass and photo ID are eligible for savings, including a 10% discount off the ticketed price.

• Event entry beginning at 7 p.m., with early access beginning at 4 p.m.
• Included parking for the night of the event
• Complimentary treats, including Blue Raspberry Churro Bites and Garlic Parmesan-flavored popcorn
• Freestyle drink program during the party with refills and a Volcano Bay Freestyle Souvenir Cup

Universal has also indicated that the limited attendance model is designed to reduce waits at marquee experiences such as Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Ko’okiri Body Plunge and TeAwa the Fearless River while keeping the park’s broader attractions available during the event window.

Entertainment and add-ons: DJ programming, character meet-and-greets, and private cabanas

The event plan includes a Beach Bash at Waturi Beach featuring a live DJ, along with meet-and-greet opportunities with DreamWorks Animation characters from Shrek and Madagascar. In addition to complimentary items, Universal plans specialty food and beverage options at select locations around the park.

For guests seeking a premium option, private cabanas will be offered starting at $199.99 plus tax. Cabana reservations must be made in person on the event day at in-park concierge huts and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Volcano Bay Nights is presented as an “exclusive party after dark,” combining after-hours access with event-only entertainment and food-and-beverage offerings.

Context for 2026 planning: Volcano Bay’s later seasonal closure remains on the calendar

The announcement lands as guests plan longer-range visits to Universal Orlando in 2026, a year that includes operational changes for Volcano Bay. The park is scheduled to begin a seasonal closure on Oct. 26, 2026, with a planned reopening on or before March 24, 2027. The 2026 Volcano Bay Nights schedule concludes in August, several weeks before that closure date.