Guide to Islands of Adventure for Beginners

Islands of Adventure was the second theme park to open at Universal Orlando Resort. The park opened on May 28, 1999, along with City Walk. The park’s theme is a journey of exploration across themed islands. The park is home to Marvel, Jurassic Park, Dr Seuss & more. In 2010 the first part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Islands of Adventure. The park is home to some of the biggest thrill rides in Orlando. Our Guide to Islands of Adventure is part of our Guide to Universal Orlando Resort for Beginners. Our guide includes tips, tricks & hints to have a perfect time at Islands of Adventure.

Jump Right Into Guide to Islands of Adventure

Are you looking for specific information? Our handy jumps will take you straight to key information in our Guide to Islands of Adventure for Beginners.

• Islands of Adventure the Basics. Are you looking for information on tickets, Express Pass, Height Restrictions or just what the park is like?
• Planning your trip to Islands of Adventure tips, tricks and hack to plan your day
• Islands of Adventure Useful Information if you have a question about the park you will probably find the answer here.
• New & Coming Soon at Islands of Adventure
• The Islands to Explore details on all the Islands at Islands of Adventure.
• Islands of Adventure Dining all about food and drink at Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure the Basics

Islands of Adventure opened on May 28, 1999, following 3 years of construction. The park covers an area of 101 acres. The park’s icon is The Pharos Lighthouse which is located in Port of Entry.

When Islands of Adventure opened there were 6 islands, but a 7th Wizarding World of Harry Potter & 8th Skull Island has since opened. The current islands are:

• Port of Entry
• Marvel Super Hero Island
• Toon Lagoon
• Skull Island
• Wizard World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade
• Jurassic Park
• The Lost Continent
• Seuss Landing

In 2017 the park hosted almost 10 million guests making it the 14th most visited theme park in the world. The number of guests visiting Islands of Adventure has increased in recent years and is now double the total attendance for 2009.

What is Islands of Adventure like?

Islands of Adventure is a beautiful theme park with some outstanding theming. Each Island is themed superbly, and you do feel you are in Jurassic Park or Hogsmeade. The transition from one island to another is done almost seamlessly.

The park contains many big E-Ticket attractions and will appeal most to thrill-seekers. Families with young children will find attractions at Walt Disney World more suitable. However, there is enough for people of all ages to enjoy a day at Islands of Adventure. Overall we think young will enjoy Islands of Adventure more than Universal Studios.

Islands of Adventure will usually take 1-2 days to experience. However; the park is becoming more popular, and in busy periods you will struggle to complete everything in 1 day.

Planning your trip to Islands of Adventure

Planning your visit to Islands of Adventure is an essential activity. The planning process does not have to be as rigorous as a trip to Walt Disney World. However, since the opening of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure planning has become more critical.

We have created several planning guides which will help you create a sensational vacation experience at Islands of Adventure:

• Our Guide to Universal Orlando Resort has plenty of additional information if you are planning to visit the resort for 1 or multiple days.
• We have created a list of our Top Tips when visiting Universal Orlando
• Mistakes happen when on vacation but these are 20 Universal Orlando Mistakes you want to avoid.
• Here are our current must-do experiences when visiting Universal Orlando
• We recently reviewed as a family our top rides at Universal Orlando and this is what we came up with.
• If you are planning to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure this forum has essential information to help plan your day.

Universal Orlando Tickets

Universal Orlando has several ticket options, but the most significant decision is whether you want to buy a Park to Park Ticket. Guests who do not buy this option cannot ride the Hogwarts Express.

The Hogwarts Express takes you from Universal Studios to Islands of Aventure and vice versa. The ride is unique, and each direction offers a different experience. While it does add to the cost of your day, we would recommend most guests should purchase it.

Tickets for Universal Orlando are always cheaper to purchase in advance. The only exception being guests who are visiting with Annual Pass Holders.

When purchasing tickets you should ensure you obtain hard tickets rather than vouchers. Vouchers have to be exchanged at ticket booths and these usually have a very long wait.

Express Pass

Islands of Adventure like many theme parks has a system for priority boarding of attractions. At Universal Orlando, the system is called Express Pass, and unlike Fastpass+ at Walt Disney World it is not free.

Guests who buy Express Pass present their pass at participating attractions to bypass the regular lines. They join a shorter Express pass line and have reduced wait to ride the attraction.

Express Pass is not cheap and the decision on whether to buy can be difficult. At quieter times of the year, it is usually not essential, but during peak periods there are definite benefits. There is a selection of different Express Pass options and guests staying at the top Universal Resorts receive Express Pass as an added benefit. You can learn more in our Guide to Universal Express Pass.

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WiFi & The Universal Orlando Resort App

Park WiFi has improved in recent years and is available throughout Islands of Adventure. The Universal Orlando Resort App is available at both the Apple App Store & The Google Play Store. You should download the App before you visit.

The App allows you to store tickets, access wait times, show times and more. There are handy interactive maps and the app will even save where your car is parked. You can now preorder food from select restaurants using the Universal Orlando Resort App.

Height Restrictions

The majority of attractions at Islands of Adventure do carry height restrictions, and these are enforced strictly. The following attractions have restrictions:

• Skull Island: Reign of Kong Must be at least 36″ (91cm). Children between 36″–48″ (91cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster Must be at least 54″ (137cm).
• Doctor Doom’s Fearfall Must be at least 52″ (132cm).
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls Must be at least 44″ (112cm). Children between 44″–48″ (112cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Must be at least 42″ (107cm). Children between 42″–48″ (107cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• Jurassic Park River Adventure Must be at least 42″ (107cm). Children between 42″–48″ (107cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• Pteranodon Flyers is designed for children 36″–56″ (91cm-142cm) tall. A child meeting this requirement must accompany guests over 56″ (142cm) tall. Children between 36″–48″ (91cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• Flight of the Hippogriff Must be at least 36″ (91cm). Children between 36″–48″ (91cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Must be 48″ (122cm).
• Cat in the Hat Must be at least 36″ (91cm). Children between 36″–48″ (91cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!Must be at least 36″ (91cm). Children between 36″–48″ (91cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Minimum Height 48″ (121.9 cm)

Child Swap

If the kids are not big enough to ride it does not mean you have to miss out. All rides at Islands of Adventure have a Child Swap facility. Child Swap allows the rest of a family to ride an attraction when a child is either too small or young to experience the ride.

The young child sits, usually in a dedicated waiting room, with a parent while the rest of the family ride. Once the first group are off the ride, parents swap supervision and the rest of the family ride without waiting. Usually, attendants will allow an older child even to ride again.

To use Child Swap at Universal Orlando speak to the cast member on the entrance to the ride who will advise of the procedure to follow. How you access child swap does vary on each attraction.

Characters at Islands of Adventure

There are numerous character opportunities at Islands of Adventure. Many of the character opportunities are unique to Islands of Adventure. The majority of meet and greets are scheduled with details available on park maps. However, unscheduled meet and greet might happen throughout your day.

Character opportunities at Islands of Adventure include:

• Spider-Man and the Marvel Super Heroes
• Cat in the Hat, the Lorax and other Seuss characters
• Betty Boop, Popeye & other Classic Comic Book Characters
• Various characters in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but not the stars!

Perhaps one of the most unique character opportunities is the Raptor Encounter in Jurassic Park. Guests have the opportunity to meet and have their photo taken with an intimidating velociraptor.

While I’m not sure it counts as a character meet & greet, the Mystic Fountain is tremendous fun.

The majority of characters at Islands of Adventure will sign autographs. Waiting times tend to be shorter compared to Walt Disney World, although Spiderman does get very long waits.

Useful Information when Visiting Islands of Adventure

Park Hopping

Park Hopping at Islands of Adventure is easy. There is only a short walk of approximately 200m between Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure.

Guests can also jump between both parks by riding the Hogwarts Express at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. However, you must have a park to park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express.

Celebration Buttons

Just like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando wants to know if you are celebrating. Whether it is a birthday, honeymoon, anniversary or just your first visit you can collect a Celebration Button from Guest Services.

Universal Team Members will interact with guests with celebration buttons, and you might even get the odd treat!

First Aid

A First Aid Stations is located inside the Guest Services Lobby, just to the right of the main entrance turnstiles. The main Health Services station is in Sindbad’s Village within The Lost Continent.

Nursing Facilities

Nursing Facilities are available free of charge at Islands of Adventure. They can be located on park maps, resort app, or by asking any team member. There are diaper stations in all restrooms.

Stroller & Wheelchair Rentals at Islands of Adventure

If you need a stroller or wheelchair, we always recommend bringing your own or hiring in advance for the length of your vacation. Day hire is available but can work out quite expensive. You can hire strollers, wheelchairs, and ECVs inside Islands of Adventure as you enter the park

ECVs are limited in quantity and are hired on a first-served basis. Universal recommends these are reserved in advance by contacting Guest Services on 407-224-4233.

Phone Charging

Universal Orlando now sells FuelRod charging packs. These packs cost $30 and come with a mobile charger and adaptors for the most popular mobile phones and tablets. FuelRod charging stations are now located at several locations in Islands of Adventure.

Once your FuelRod is empty, you can replace it at the station for a fully charged replacement. However, unlike Walt Disney World there is a $3 charge for new packs. We recommend bringing your own portable charger instead.

Paying for Goods at Islands of Adventure

Major credit cards are accepted throughout Universal Orlando. ATMs can be located on park maps. Currency exchange is available at guest services. Guests staying at a Universal Resort can charge purchases to their room.

Locker Hire

Lockers are available to hire at the entrance to Islands of Adventure. Lockers measure 12” x 13” x 16.9” and cost from $10 a day.

Certain attractions at Islands of Adventure do not allow you to take loose items on board the ride. For small loose articles, there are standard-sized lockers (14 in x 5.5 in x 16.9 in) available which are free when you ride. It is worth noting that Universal has recently updated many lockers and they are smaller than previously! If you have larger items, larger lockers are available but carry a charge.

The following attractions have free lockers available:

• The Incredible Hulk Coaster^®
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™

Also, there are lockers available at the water attractions. These lockers cost $4 for the advertised wait time and an additional $3 per 30 minutes to a maximum of $20 per day.

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New & Coming Soon to Islands of Adventure

The big new attraction for 2019 was the opening of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. The attraction opened on June 13, 2019, but there have been quite a few teething issues. Feedback from guests, lucky enough to ride is fantastic, but the ride is still struggling to operate at full capacity. This forum has all the latest details.

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle is a new light show which opened on September 14, 2019. Unfortunately, the attraction is only scheduled to run until November 15th. Death Eaters, Voldemort, dementors & mountain trolls all feature in this sensational show.

Unlike Walt Disney World, Universal keep details of new attractions low key. Often Universal only confirms the opening of a new attraction close to the opening date. However, if you have been to Islands of Adventure recently, you will have noticed construction around Jurassic Park. Although still not officially confirmed it seems a new Jurassic World coaster is getting built to open in either 2020 or 2021.

The Islands at Islands of Adventure

There are 8 islands to explore at Islands of Adventure. All guests on arrival enter into Port of Entry.

Port of Entry

Port of Entry is the entrance to the park and your first island. The area has a magical feel and is home to a selection of shops, guest service and hire facilities.

The park’s icon Pharos Lighthouse is within Port of Entry. The lighthouse is inspired by one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria.

Other islands are reached at the end of Port of Entry and guests have the choice of walking clockwise to Marvel Super Hero Island or anticlockwise to Seuss Landing.

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Marvel Super Hero Island

Marvel Super Hero Island was part of the original attractions in the park. The agreement to sell theme park rights to Universal was made when Marvel Entertainment Group was an independent company. Disney bought Marvel in 2009, but theme park rights remain in perpetuity with Universal in parts of the United States & Japan. The actual contract is complex including what characters are allowed where, but the following link has further details.

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man a sensational 3D simulator & my personal favorite. This ride sets the bar all other 3D attractions try to beat. Had a refresh in 2012 but is still essentially the same ride. Hard to believe it will be 20 years old in 2019.
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster perhaps one of the greatest coasters ever made? This coaster is ferocious and isn’t for the faint-hearted. I have started to give this coaster a miss after pulling my neck on it a few years back.
• Doctor Doom Freefall big drops and some fantastic views.
• Storm Force Accelatron is a very, very fast teacup ride

There is also an opportunity to meet the Avengers inside Marvel Super Hero Island.

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Toon Lagoon

Toon Lagoon provides an opportunity to get very wet with some of the wettest water rides you will find anywhere. Unfortunately, I have found this area in some desperate need of TLC in recent years.

• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is a fun flume ride. The final drop is very fast.
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges perhaps the best & wettest barge ride you will ever experience. Do not expect to get off this ride dry; you will be soaked!
• Me Ship, The Olive kids play ship

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Skull Island

Skull Island: Reign of Kong riding a safari truck you have a 4D Kong Encounter. Many small children will find this attraction scary.

Jurassic Park

• Jurassic Park River Adventure an entertaining boat ride with some great audio-animatronics followed by an 85-foot drop. You will probably not get as wet as you will in Toon Lagoon, but it isn’t guaranteed.
• Jurassic Park Discovery Center watching a raptor egg hatch is the fun highlight
• Pteranodon Flyers only those who are between 36 and 56 inches (91 and 140 cm) or those with a child of that height may ride this scenic attraction.
• Raptor Encounter is a rather scary encounter with Blue.
• Camp Jurassic prehistoric playground

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A new Jurassic World coaster has recently started being constructed in this area. Rumored to be a high thrill coaster with an anticipated 2020 or 2021 opening date.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened June 18, 2010, at Islands of Adventure. The area is themed around Hogsmeade and was the first part of the Wizarding World, the second part of the land is at Universal Studios.

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There is a selection of shops, bars and restaurants to explore, all themed around the books. Take your time when visiting Hogsmeade as there is a lot to discover.

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The big attractions in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade are:

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey after touring the dramatic reconstruction of Hogwarts soar through the grounds on a bench. An incredibly impressive attraction. In our opinion, this is an attraction you should not miss.
• Flight of the Hippogriff is a fun kid’s coaster which the whole family will enjoy.
• Hogwarts Express ride to Universal Studios. Park to park ticket is required. The experience is different in both directions, so make sure you ride twice.
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is the big new attraction for 2019. This family coaster has fantastic feedback from those lucky to ride, but there continues to be various teething problems.

Plus make sure you don’t miss the nighttime lights at Hogwarts Castle when available. The show does change but during fall 2019 it is the Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle.

The Lost Continent

Not much of this land now remains and it is now the least interesting area of the park. A significant part of the island was removed for the construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad closed in September 2018 to further reduce the options available. The Mystic Fountain remains the highlight of this otherwise pointless island. While there have been no announcements, expect The Lost Continent to be an area for future redevelopment.

Poseidon’s Fury is the only remaining genuine attraction. However, it is possibly the worse attraction in Universal Orlando & you should keep away!

Seuss Landing

Seuss Landing is the one area at Islands of Adventure where small children will find plenty of attractions to enjoy. All attractions are based on the zany world created by Dr Seuss.

• The Cat in the Hat a fun dark ride, but it is a little bumpy.
• Caro-Seuss-el a very magical carousel
• One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish a Dumbo-like attraction in which you have to avoid getting wet. Hint to stay dry, the top jets have not worked for years!
• If I Ran The Zoo play area.
• The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! A zany train in the sky.

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Islands of Adventure Dining

Universal Orlando has not reached the same level as Walt Disney World for dining options. While the quality of food has improved in recent years it is still some distance behind Walt Disney World. However, dining options are, in our opinion, better value than at Walt Disney World.

Islands of Adventure does offer a selection of dining plans but we do not feel they represent good value for money.

Islands of Adventure only has 2 table service options, both of which are bookable through the park’s website. While walk-up tables can be available we strongly recommend booking in advance. Reservations can usually be secured on the morning of your visit, but planning in advance is recommended.

Confisco Grille

Serving a selection of Mediterranean and Asian dishes, this table service venue is excellent value for money. It isn’t fine dining but the food is very good. Entrees are even cheaper than at some of the quick service locations. The Fajitas are excellent and Mrs. Modernlifeisgood recommends the Pad Thai.

Mythos

Mythos serves a mix of Mediterranean, Asian and American fare. Previously the restaurant was award winning, but the food is more casual these days. The restaurant is good value for money and serves much better food than the Quick service locations.

Quick Service Locations

In addition to the two full-service restaurants, there is a choice of casual dining locations. Options are not as great as Walt Disney World, but the quality is usually reasonable. Prices in our opinion are too high in some of the locations, especially The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Read More

Our Guide to Universal Orlando Resort has information on all the attractions available at Universal Orlando Resort. We have useful information and tips, hacks & tricks to plan your vacation.

Are you trying to decide between Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? We have done a comparison between Orlando’s Top 2 Resorts.