ORLANDO — Universal’s Volcano Bay will open in 2017 with 18 attractions in four themed areas across 28 “fully immersive” acres, says Universal Orlando. The company promises to redefine the queue experience so guests can focus on fun (and they won’t have to carry their rafts up the slides).

Highlights include a multi-directional wave pool with sandy beaches, tranquil winding river, twisting multi-rider raft rides and speeding body slides that drop from the top of the volcano into the waters below. There will also be a “state-of-the-art marquee attraction” that will be revealed at a later date.

Universal Volcano Bay’s creative team researched water parks and tropical resorts around the world to help redefine the water park experience and shape their vision for Volcano Bay. Upgrades will include easy-to-access, resort-like amenities in each of the four areas of the park, and themed restaurants and bars. More unique features of the park will be announced later, said the company.

Volcano Bay will be located at Universal Orlando, adjacent to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

Universal Orlando will soon introduce a brand-new, 3-Park Explorer ticket for guests where they can plan to experience the highly-anticipated Volcano Bay for travel dates beginning June 1, 2017. Tickets will soon be available through international web sites and travel professionals, and additional ticket options will be announced later.

Meanwhile in California, Universal CityWalk is getting a major overhaul. The multimillion dollar renovation project coincides with Universal Studios Hollywood’s recent transformation, where 75% of the park got an upgrade. Introduced in 1993, CityWalk was the first of its kind, a “one-stop leisure destination”.

New work will include: a complete refurbishment of the split level movie theatre structure; an all-new second level bar-lounge, flanked by the upper level theatres; and new dining and retail venues. Universal Studios Hollywood also introduced a streamlined new logo this week.