LivingTravelIslands of Adventure theme park highlights

Islands of Adventure theme park highlights

Islands of Adventure is one of two theme parks at Universal Orlando, known for its thrilling rides, but also offering great areas for young children. Since 2010, it has been home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The adjacent theme park, Universal Studios, has top attractions based on movies and TV shows like Shrek , Revenge of the Mummy , The Simpsons, and Jaws .

The two theme parks are connected by CityWalk, an entertainment zone with clubs, shops, themed restaurants and the Blue Man Group Theater for the Show.

Nearby are Universal’s three hotels: the Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Royal Pacific Resort. Guests get quick access to popular attractions! All of these properties are connected to the theme parks by walkways and via free boat transportation.

For families

Islands of Adventure is themed “islands” around a lagoon: Marvel Superhero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, Seuss Landing and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Another “island”, The Lost Continent, is smaller now since the addition of the Wizarding World.

The size is manageable – Islands of Adventure is 110 acres, Universal Studios Florida is 125 acres (compared to 107, 300, 154, and 500 acres for the four Disney World parks). Both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida can probably be visited in one day with some kind of quick access (see below), although two days would be better, and Harry Potter fans may require more time in the popular (and crowded) Magic world.

Both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida have top attractions for all ages.

For young children

Young children love Seuss Landing, according to Dr. Seuss’s books. The Cat in a Hat ride and A fish two fish stand out.

Also for young children: Camp Jurassic is a giant play area with slides, rope bridges and water jets. Nearby is the Pteranadon Flyer – head to this one early in the morning, as wait times get lengthened quickly.

The younger set will also like the Character Breakfast at Islands of Adventure, an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring the characters Spiderman, Cat in the Hat, and Thing 1 and Thing 2.

For older children

Any kid at least 40 ”tall is likely to cry out in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, a thrilling three-dimensional simulator made even better with a 2012 makeover.

Islands of Adventure has three fun wet rides. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls in Toon Lagoon is similar to Disney’s Splash Mountain; you will be completely soaked. Popeye and Bluto’s bilge rat barges will get you drenched too. The Jurassic Park ride is a great attraction and ends with a nice chute drop – expect it to get wet.

Meanwhile, on the Lost Continent, Poseidon’s adventure is also a fun attraction, ending with a great battle of fire and water.

Tweens and Teens: Great Coasters

Islands of Adventure has top attractions for teens and tweens. This age group loves roller coasters for excitement. Most popular as The Incredible Hulk Coaster and the dual Dueling Dragons. Doctor Doom’s Fearfall is also popular, pulling 150 feet up and then dropping you.

Without going through the line breaks

Guests can access a fast-moving line to popular attractions if they can brandish a Universal Express Pass, available in a number of ways. Guests staying at a Universal Orlando resort get free access to “Universal Express” with their room key. Meanwhile, other visitors can purchase a Universal Express Pass. Various types are available. Visitors can also purchase a premium VIP tour that includes access to travel.

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