Universal’s Islands of Adventure
One of the best additions to the Florida landscape in recent years has been Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. This park was opened in May 1999 and has proved to be an instant hit with visitors and locals alike.
The park is split into five areas; Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, Lost Continent and Seuss Landing. The park feels like a journey of exploration as you depart from the mainland (Port of Entry) to visit the five islands that each have their own distinct theme. The exciting news that a sixth island is set to open in 2010 and I’ve blogged about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter here if you’d like to read more about it. In total there are 21 rides, 5 roller coasters and 3 water rides giving a nice balance and something for everyone.
Again, my tip for this park is to do most of your waiting in line for rides while you are feeling fresh and that means another early morning start to get to Universal when the gates open. If you can be one of the first to get to Marvel Super Island then get the Incredible Hulk roller coaster done straight away. From there it’s just a short stroll to Doctor Doom’s Fearfall and the fantastic Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride… one of my favorites.
From there take a leisurely stroll to Toon Lagoon where the whole family can have fun on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, Me Ship, The Olive and Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges. It’s a wonderful area to spend some time and young and old will have a great time.
After you’ve played enough at Toon Lagoon time to head over to Jurassic Park and a chance to test out Jurassic Park River Adventure, Camp Jurassic, Pteranodon Flyers or the Jurassic Park Discovery Center to meet a dinosaur.
The Lost Continent comes up next and the Dueling Dragons roller coaster is a firm favorite while those who enjoy a more relaxed pace can tour Poseidon’s Fury… a tour of an ancient temple. This area also has the Mystic Fountain where you can make a wish and of course, The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad Stunt Show.
Suess Landing is the fifth and final island and this is a great place to finish the day. Ride on your couch and meet the Cat in the Hat or steer your fish through the water fountains on One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. The Caro-Seuss-el is a fun merry go round while the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride gives you a great view of the whole theme park. Finally, if you have young ones, let them loose in the If I Ran the Zoo interactive play area.
Islands of Adventure also has several opportunities to meet and greet Spider-Man and the Marvel Super Heroes as well as character appearances in both the Toon and Seuss character zone. Do make sure you pick up a park map as you go through the entrance as this will have the times they appear.
During the day you’re bound to feel hungry and you will need plenty to drink. The Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous (great name!) has chicken, pizza, cheeseburgers and salads while over at Mythos or Confiscos you can get full service dining. The Comic Strip Cafe has American and Italian cuisine and the Captain America diner, Cafe 4, Blondies, Thunder Falls terrace all have quick snacks to fill your hunger.
One tip I do have is to get yourself a Universal Express Plus pass which gives you priority status when boarding rides but it does cost a little extra. If you don’t want to splash out anymore then the best advice I can give is to make sure you check the waiting times at rides board as you go through the Port of Entry towards the islands. A bit of careful planning here can save you a lot of time although delays are inevitable.
Overall Islands of Adventure is a great theme park. It has something for everyone but what makes it stand out more than anything for me, is the great attention to detail Universal employed when building the park. In this regard it really is as good as anything Walt Disney World has to offer. Enjoy your day out … and don’t forget to share your story of your day out with us. Here’s a quick video I did…enjoy…
