Heart-Stopping Family Adventure at Universal Islands of Adventure - Orlando

Islands of Adventure is one of the major parks that make up Universal Orlando Resort. It was built under the expansion plan for Universal Studios Florida and is originally composed of five themed “islands” that feature rides and other attractions that emphasize fun and adventure. Islands of Adventure is one of the most visited theme parks in the world and has garnered more than five million guests in 2007. It is famous for combining the theme style of Disney with the edgy attractions of Universal. Director Steven Spielberg became one of the park’s creative consultants, which helped Islands of Adventure became one of the best attractions in Orlando.

Each of the park’s five themed islands has its own sets of attractions perfect for wholesome and exciting fun for the family.

As the name suggests, the rides in the island are inspired by popular Marvel comic books. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man features a mock-up copy of the Daily Bugle and a car that takes you on an amazing 3D adventure, where you will get to see characters kicking and punching and cars falling and spinning. The Incredible Hulk Coaster is a huge, green roller coaster that that can be seen from almost any area of the park and takes you through a series of subterranean dips, loops and corkscrews. It can go from 0 to 40 miles per minute in just two seconds flat.

Other rides in the island are Dr. Doom’s Fearfall and Storm Force Accelatron.

A park based on one of the most popular dinosaur movies is sure to be one hell of an experience. It successfully recreated the environment featured in the film, with the creative help of Steven Spielberg. The Jurassic Park Discovery Center features a massive spiral staircase just like the one in the film and props taken from the movie itself. Most notable are the two dinosaur skeletons suspended from the ceiling. One area is filled with interactive attractions and the top floor houses a fastfood restaurant called The Burger Digs.

The Pteranodon Flyers is a ride made for kids that takes you high up in the air and flies on circular patterns. It is part of Camp Jurassic, which is an exploration station for children where they can play around man-made lava pits and caves.

The island is very much like three themed lands combined into one. It was inspired by three legends: the legend of Atlantis, the legend of Sinbad and the legend of Merlin. The most popular attraction in The Lost Continent is the Dueling Dragons, an inverted rollercoaster that has two trains. This is not for the faint of heart – there is a point in the ride where it looks like you will collide with the other coaster as you go on a loop. Lines to get in the ride are ridiculously long and can actually reach a mile long. So make sure you queue real early.

For kids and those who don’t have the stomach for the Dueling Dragons, they can try The Flying Unicorn, which takes you up, down and around Merlin’s Forest.

Other attractions in the island are the Eight Voyage of Sinbad, Pitch and Skill Games and Poseidon’s Fury! Escape from the Lost City.

The island has some of the wettest rides in the park, perfect for those who don’t mind getting splashed at and getting their clothing soaked. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls takes you on a plunge 15 feet below the water line, so there’s no saving your clothes. Another wet ride, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, is a whitewater raft ride that can contain 12 visitors. Aside from passing through steep curves, the ride also involves lots of water being dumped on the raft. Companions who prefer not to join their friends on the raft can avail of water cannons and shoot water on those who are aboard.

For kids who cannot get on the ride, they can enter Me Ship, the Olive, an interactive playground inspired by Popeye’s boat.

This part of the park is definitely for kids, so don’t expect monster rollercoasters here. This very colorful island houses The High in the Sky Trolley Train Ride, a slow train ride which takes you on a leisurely stroll around the Seuss Landing. The Cat in the Hat, which is part of Universal Express, is a story ride with great animatronics and computer graphics.

If you and your kid want to ride on colorful fishes suspended on air, then try the One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. Other attractions in the island are Caro-Seuss-el and If I Ran the Zoo.

Because of the huge number of people who want to get on Islands of Adventure, bear in mind these following tips for a more convenient and enjoyable experience. Make sure to get the right tickets in advance so you don’t have to queue up at the gate. There are lots of tickets options available, so you have to get one based on your budget, length of stay and personal preferences.

If convenience is your top priority, try booking for accommodations at one of the three hotels inside the park. Choose from the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Staying inside the property gives you certain perks and privileges that will make your visit more enjoyable.

If you are bringing small kids with you, make sure to let them know that the park has strict height restrictions on certain rides. This will prepare them for the possibility of not being able to get on some of the park’s most popular rides.

Merchandise sold inside the park are definitely more expensive than the ones sold outside, so make sure to stock up on the basics before entering the park’s gates. Buy drinks, snacks, extra shirts and camera batteries outside as much as possible.