Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are poised for a big theme park war this week: Both are opening major new attractions within days of each other.
- 2 big attractions opening this week at theme parks
- Volcano Bay water park opening at Universal, Pandora opens at Disney
- Both parks host preview events Wednesday: Attractions Insider will be at both
- RELATED:
Volcano Bay will open at Universal Orlando on Thursday, and Pandora-The World of Avatar will open at Disney World's Animal Kingdom on Saturday.
It also doesn't hurt that grand openings are just in time for what's expected to be a busy Memorial Day weekend.
But before they open, both parks are opening their doors for big preview events Wednesday. We'll be live at both to bring the sights and sounds to you, both on TV and our website.
Volcano Bay (Universal Orlando)
First up, Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay, which is set to open May 25.
The "water theme park" will feature 18 rides and attractions over four distinct areas: The Volcano, the Wave Village, the River Village and the Rainforest Village. Universal touts Volcano Bay as another park within the resort.
The rides include Krakatau Aqua Coaster, a raft ride located in water park's centerpiece, the 200-foot volcano Krakatau volcano; a multi-directional wave pool; a lazy river; several slides for adults and children; and pools.
At Volcano Bay, Universal will also debut a wearable technology called TapuTapu. The wristband device allows visitors to skip waiting in line at select attractions. It can also be used to activate special effects at certain points in the park, open lockers and make purchases.
We'll get to wear and use a TapuTapu device Wednesday and will give you a full rundown of how it works.
Volcano Bay visitors can also rent one- and two-story cabanas or buy "premium seating," which includes a pair of padded loungers, where an attendant will see to your food and drink orders.
More than 60 dishes will be available at Volcano Bay. Mostly South Pacific-inspired, dishes include mango BBQ pulled pork sandwich, coconut shrimp, glazed Hawaiian ribs, blackened mahi and specialty burgers.
A one-day ticket to Volcano Bay costs $67. Annual passholders can also upgrade to a three-park pass that includes the water park for a fee.
Volcano Bay is located next to Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
Pandora-The World of Avatar (Disney World)
A little farther west on Interstate 4, Disney World is opening a new land at it Animal Kingdom park.
Pandora-The World of Avatar, set to open May 27, features elements from James Cameron's 2009 film, Avatar.
The land is complete with floating mountains, exotic plants, waterfalls and more.
Pandora also features two new attractions: the family-friendly Na'vi River Journey, and Avatar Flight of Passage, which makes guests feel like they are flying on the back of a flying creature called a banshee.
Visitors to Pandora can also try some of the alien world's cuisine at Satu'li Canteen, a fast-casual restaurant that will feature mobile ordering.
On the menu: various build-your-own bowls (chicken, grilled beef or fish), vegetable curry pod, cheeseburger pod and desserts.
The main walkway to Pandora-The World of Avatar is near Tiffins Restaurant.
Our Attractions Insider team will be on property at both theme parks' preview events, posting video and images in two live blogs. Follow them all day live from Volcano Bay and Pandora at Attractions Insider.
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