Universal Orlando has unveiled the new device that’s going to keep guests out of line at their all new Volcano Bay when it opens later this summer. It’s called Tapu Tapu. We’ve already heard how it’s going to allow guests to play all day while waiting for their ride, making the park effectively without a line. However, now we are getting a better idea of just what it’s going to be, and how guests are going to interact with it. The official Universal Orlando website has a guide to how to use Tapu Tapu, and just what guests can expect.
The first thing to notice is the actual look of the device. It is a rubber band that looks to be one size fits all. There is also a LCD screen right in the middle to show you when your ride will be available.
Once guests enter the park, they will be given a Tapu Tapu band. The band will be used throughout the park, and will be used to access things like rides, and even interact with different elements of the park. To get a ride time, you simply walk up to a “Totem” and scan your band. When your ride time is ready, you’ll be notified on the Tapu Tapu.
The Tapu Tapu uses RFID Technology, so all you’ll have to do is scan your band at the ride entrance once it’s time to ride. The most interesting thing about Tapu Tapu is that they will be reused. Guests will have to return the bands once they are done. Makes sense, as it would get very expensive, very quickly to keep issuing new bands. That makes it less like a MagicBand, because you can’t link it to your pass, room, or credit card…or so it seems.
The key thing about Tapu Tapu is that it will be interactive with the park itself. Guests will get to see figures come to life, and different features of the park interact with them as they slide, swim and walk by. Tapu Tapu will add to the experience by giving guests something to search for while they wait.
What do you think about Tapu Tapu? Volcano Bay opens this May, and will be the first Universal Park that will be completely “queue-less”. However, we don’t think it’s going to be the last. The park will open a queue-less attraction when Race Through New York opens in April, and has been testing different attractions with a wait-less system. It looks like only a matter of time before this becomes the standard, if Volcano Bay ends up being a huge success.
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