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More so than just about any other theme park, Islands of Adventure has gone all out to create settings and attractions that transport you from reality into the surreal. What’s more, no one island here has much in common with any other, so in a way, a visit here is almost like a visit to half a dozen different parks.
IOA’s unique nature is first revealed when you arrive at the Port of Entry and are greeted by a kaleidoscope of sights and a cacophony of sounds. It’s all designed to put you in the frame of mind for adventure.
When you reach the central lagoon, your clockwise journey commences with Marvel Super Hero Island and its tightly packed concentration of roller coasters and thrill rides. Of special note is the amazingly high-tech and dazzling Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. In just minutes you’ll have experienced a day’s worth of sensations—and you’ve only just begun.
Stepping into Toon Lagoon is like stepping into the pages of a comic book, just as entering the upcoming island, Jurassic Park, is like entering a research center where reconstituted dinosaur DNA is being used to create a new breed of brontosaurus.
You move from the world of science into the world of magic when you segue into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. For the first time anywhere, you—and not just a few fortunate actors—can wander through the magnificently fictional, yet now very realistic, realm of the young wizard and his Hogwarts classmates and tutors. Beyond belief.
But that’s not the end of it. In the Lost Continent the mood is that of a Renaissance fair, where crafters work inside colorful tents. It’s as pronounced an atmosphere as that of the final island, Seuss Landing, which presents the incredible, topsy-turvy world of Dr. Seuss. It’s a riot of colors and shapes and fantastic wildlife that pay tribute to the good doctor’s vivid imagination.
Planning
Getting Oriented
Getting your bearings at IOA is far easier than at its sister park, Universal Studios. Brochures in a multitude of languages are in a rack a few steps beyond the turnstiles. The brochures include a foldout map that will acquaint you with the park’s simple layout (it’s a circle). And, ahead by the lagoon, boards are posted with up-to-the-minute ride and show information—including the length of lines at the major attractions.
You pass through the turnstiles and into the Port of Entry plaza, a bazaar that brings together bits and pieces of architecture, landscaping, music, and wares from many lands—Dutch windmills, Indonesian pedicabs, African masks, restrooms marked “Loo’s Landing,” and Egyptian figurines that adorn a massive archway inscribed with the notice “The Adventure Begins.” From here, themed islands—arranged around a large lagoon—are connected by walkways that make navigation easy. When you’ve done the full circuit, you’ll recall the fantastic range of sights, sounds, and experiences and realize there can be truth in advertising. This park really is an adventure.
Touring Tips
Hosts. Just about any employee is a host, whether they’re at a kiosk or attraction or turnstile. Ask them about their favorite experiences—and for suggestions for saving time.
Photo Ops. Islands of Adventure posts signs that indicate picture spots and show how best to frame your shot.
Retreat. Explore little-used sidewalks and quiet alcoves to counter IOA’s manic energy.
Split the difference. If the park’s open late, split the day in half. See part of it in the morning, head off-site to a restaurant for lunch (your parking ticket is good all day) then head to your hotel for a swim or a nap (or both). Return in the cooler, less crowded evening.
Islands of Adventures Planner
Park Amenities
Guest Services: Guest Services is right near the turnstiles, both before and after you enter Islands of Adventure (IOA). | 407/224–6350 | www.universalorlando.com.
Lockers: There are $8-a-day lockers across from Guest Services at the entrance; for $10 a day you can rent a family-size model. You have unlimited access to both types throughout the day—although it’s a hike back to retrieve things. Scattered strategically throughout the park—notably at the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure, and Forbidden Journey—are so-called Smart Lockers. These are free for the first 45 to 75 minutes, $2 per hour afterward, and max out at $14 per day. Stash backpacks and cameras here while you’re being drenched on a watery ride or going through the spin cycle on a twisty one.
Lost People and Things: If you’ve misplaced something, head to Guest Services in the Port of Entry. This is also where park staffers take lost children.
Stroller Rentals: You can rent strollers ($15 per day for singles, $25 for doubles) at the Port of Entry to your left after the turnstiles. You can also rent kiddie cars—small ones for $18, and large ones for $28.
Exploring
Marvel Super Hero Island
The facades on Stanley Boulevard (named for Marvel’s famed editor and co-creator Stan Lee) put you smack in the middle of an alternatively pleasant and apocalyptic comic-book world—complete with heroes, villains, and cartoony colors and flourishes. Although the spiky, horrific towers of Doctor Doom’s Fearfall and the vivid green of the Hulk’s coaster are focal points, the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is the must-see attraction. At various times Doctor Doom, Spider-Man, and the Incredible Hulk are available for photos, and sidewalk artists are on hand to paint your face like your favorite hero (or villain). All rides here accept Universal Express Pass.
Toon Lagoon
The main street, Comic Strip Lane, makes use of cartoon characters that are recognizable to anyone—anyone born before 1940, that is. Pert little Betty Boop, gangly Olive Oyl, muscle-bound Popeye, Krazy Kat, Mark Trail, Flash Gordon, Pogo, and Alley Oop are all here, as are the relatively more contemporary Dudley Do-Right, Rocky, Bullwinkle, Beetle Bailey, Cathy, and Hagar the Horrible. With its colorful backdrops, chirpy music, hidden alcoves, squirting fountains, and highly animated scenery, Toon Town is a natural for younger kids (even if they don’t know who these characters are). All attractions here accept Universal Express Pass except Me Ship, The Olive.
Jurassic Park
Pass through the towering gates of Jurassic Park and the music becomes slightly ominous, the vegetation tropical and junglelike. All of this, plus the high-tension wires and warning signs, does a great job of re-creating the Jurassic Park of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster movie (and its insipid sequels). The half-fun, half-frightening Jurassic Park River Adventure (the only attraction here that uses Universal Express Pass) is the standout, bringing to life key segments of the movie’s climax.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade
In mid-2010, Islands of Adventure fulfilled the fantasy of Harry Potter devotees when it unveiled the biggest theme-park addition since the arrival of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998. At the highly publicized premiere, even the actors from the Potter film franchise were amazed. Having performed their roles largely before a green screen, they had never seen anything like this. Neither have you. It’s fantastic and unbelievable. The movie-magic-perfect re-creations of mythical locales such as Hogwarts and Hogsmeade Village are here, while playing supporting roles are a handful of candy shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants expertly and exquisitely themed to make you believe you’ve actually arrived in the incredible fantasy world of J.K. Rowling. Wands, candy, novelties, and more are unique to this magical land. Expect to be impressed—and to wait in line. Even if you owned a wand and were a real wizard, the only attractions in this land that accept the Universal Express Pass are Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge. In fact, the land is so popular that in peak season it sometimes reaches capacity, and you have to wait for others to leave before you can enter. If you have a two-park pass, you can board the Hogwarts Express for a delightful train journey to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios.
Lost Continent
Just beyond a wooden bridge, huge mythical birds guard the entrance to a land where trees are hung with weathered metal lanterns, and booming thunder mixes with chimes and vaguely Celtic melodies. Farther along the path, the scene looks similar to a Renaissance fair. Seers and fortune-tellers practice their trade in tents, and in a huge theater, Sindbad leaps and bounces all over Arabia. This stunt show and Poseidon let you bypass lines using Universal Express Pass.
Seuss Landing
This 10-acre tribute to Dr. Seuss puts you in the midst of his classic children’s books. This means spending quality time with the Cat, Things 1 and 2, Horton, the Lorax, and the Grinch. From topiary sculptures to lurching lampposts to curvy fences (there was never a straight line in any of the books) to buildings that glow in lavenders, pinks, peaches, and oranges, everything seems surreal. It’s a wonderful place to wrap up a day. Even the Cat would approve. All rides here except If I Ran the Zoo accept Express Pass.