The thematic experience and attractions vary across the parks in Universal Orlando Resort, and Islands of Adventure is a more fantasy themed park with a larger focus on thrill rides, with areas including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and Marvel Superhero Island. This park is filled with action packed adventures fun for all ages and group sizes, and here is a guide to the best that this park offers.
Top Attractions
Islands of Adventure consists of eight different themed lands to explore and over 15 attractions to scream your lungs out at. If you are on a tight schedule, here are the top rides that you definitely do not want to miss.
For Those Unafraid to Get Wet
Toon Lagoon is home to two of the park’s best water rides. Go on a water raft ride with your group of friends at Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Ride, where guests are sure to get wet, especially with the small drops hidden throughout the ride.
Climb aboard a high-speed log at Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls that zips up and down, whooshing through waterfalls along the ride before ending with a big drop and a guaranteed big splash.
Hang on tight as your boat ride meanders through the dinosaur packed jungle of Jurassic Park River Adventure before a sudden 85-foot plunge down a waterfall!
For the Thrill Seekers
Thrill seekers who get a kick out of shooting through the roof and free falling back down to Earth are sure to get a kick out of Doctor Doom’s Fearfall.
Over at Marvel Super Hero Island is another supersonic ride. Tear through the island at a speed of over 100km/h and undergo a series of exhilarating inverted twists and turns at The Incredible Hulk Coaster.
A short walk will lead you to Hogsmeade where the latest Harry Potter themed attraction stands. Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure brings you on a mythical “story coaster” experience through the Forbidden Forest on a steel motorbike roller coaster.
For the CGI Enthusiasts
Being one of the top film-producing companies, it is no surprise that the 3D technology rides in the Universal parks are of amazing quality. These high quality graphics can be seen at Skull Island: Reign of Kong, which fully immerses guests as they come face-to-face with the infamous King Kong.
Experience virtual free fall and other thrilling sensations with the power of technology at Amazing Adventures of Spiderman. Swing around with Spidey and go on an exciting journey through the streets of New York City, all while you’re still seated!
Another popular ride is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey where guests are strapped into seats that float out and about the Hogwarts Castle premises, all alongside Harry and his friends.
Must-Eats
Fuel your energy with breakfast at Croissant Moon Bakery at Port of Entry. This little nook offers continental breakfasts like pastries and muffin, and they even have vegan options, like the vegan sandwich Veggie Press, a popular meal among park-goers.
Wipe down your hands and prepare for a finger-licking good time at Confisco Grille at Port of Entry. This exotic resort diner produces one of the best Sweet & Sour Sticky Ribs, nicely charred and tender ribs resting atop a bed of polenta waiting for you to dig in!
Quench your thirst in The Watering Hole after escaping a velociraptor’s grasp at the Jurassic Park ride. Go for the Prehistoric Punch if you are craving for something tropical and refreshing with coconut rum, or the Mai Tai for a cocktail with a sweeter finish.
Visit the Three Broomsticks at Hogsmeade for traditional British fare and the Grand Feast, a huge meal perfect for groups. Oh, they serve Butterbeer here too!
Try the Fork Knife & Spoon Grilled Cheese from Mythos and indulge in a slab of grilled toast drowned in savoury tomato soup.
Over at Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab House, they sell one of the best chicken kebab wraps, with soft and juicy grilled chicken and refreshing veggies all in one delicious kebab wrap.
End it all on a sweet note with a Sundae on a Stick at Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop in Seuss Landing.
Getting There
Arrive at the theme park via the hotel shuttle buses provided to onsite staying guests or take a short walk from the resort hotels. Alternatively, guests can book a private hire (Uber or Lyft) or drive to the theme park.
Tips for park-goers
1. Get the Annual Pass/ Stay at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel
Annual Pass holders and Universal’s resort hotel guests get early entry to the parks, ensuring a less crowded theme park experience. The proximity of the resort hotels to the parks makes it easier to get to them, while purchasing an annual pass instead of regular park tickets can save you money if you are staying and coming back to the park for a few days.
2. Express Pass/ Single Lane Riders
Guests with a tight itinerary can consider purchasing the Express Pass to skip long lines and reduce waiting times, and though the pass can be quite expensive, the shorter waiting times will definitely make the high cost worth it.
Alternatively, if it doesn’t really matter whether you’re seating together with your friends on a ride or not, save on the expenses by going for the Single Rider Lanes instead, an option that allows you to skip a large section of the queue at no cost.
3. Buy your Souvenirs Online
Though extremely tempting, buying merchandise and souvenirs in the theme park is sure to burn a hole in your wallet. Instead, prior to the trip, do your research and search for souvenirs online that are more reasonably priced and have them delivered to the hotel to save on the overseas shipping costs.
