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 2021 Guide to Universal Orlando Resort for Beginners. Our guide
Our Guide to Islands of Adventure had its last major update in April 2021. At the time of writing, Universal Orlando is in the process of reopening following the coronavirus pandemic. While most attractions are open, several shows are closed. Also, a big new attraction is coming soon, which we will discuss later in this guide. However, there are restrictions on capacity and additional safety measures in place. We will guide you through all the essential information you need to know to have a great day 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?
- Important 2021 Islands of Adventure Information details on the changes in place to keep you safe during 2021
- Planning your trip to Islands of Adventure tips, tricks, and hacks to plan your day
- Islands of Adventure Useful Information if you have a question about the park, you will probably find the answer here.
- 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 three 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 globally. The number of guests visiting Islands of Adventure has increased in recent years, and, before the pandemic, it was 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 younger guests 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.
Important 2021 Islands of Adventure Information
While it is exciting news that Islands of Adventure is now open, there are many procedures in place to keep you safe. However, the experience being offered by Universal Orlando is closer to normal in comparison to Walt Disney World:-
- Guests and team members are required to wear face coverings
- Guests and team members are required to undergo temperature checks. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be able to enter
- Staggered parking within the parking garage.
- Limiting and reducing daily park attendance and attraction capacity. Unlike Walt Disney World, Universal is not offering a park booking system. This has meant that the parks do reach capacity on certain days.
- Increasing cleaning and disinfection of food locations, ride vehicles, and other frequent “touchpoints”
- Social distancing at all locations through the parks,
- Having Virtual Line experiences available for select attractions
- Offering contactless payments and “no-touch” policies where possible
What is open at Islands of Adventure
The majority of attractions are open at Universal Studios Florida. Parades are currently not operating, including the legendary Mardi Gras parade. Also, although characters are in the park, a minimum of 6-feet is maintained in any greets.
The following attractions are not operating in the parks:-
- Poseidon’s Fury
- Storm Force Accelatron
- Children’s playgrounds including Camp Jurassic.
Available attractions are subject to change and Universal recommends you check the Universal Resort App for the latest information.
New at Islands of Adventure in 2021
The big news for 2021 is the opening of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. The attraction will consist of a high-speed adventure through the park’s raptor paddock. With two launches, a top speed of 70 mph, 12 total seconds of “air time,” a 155-foot drop, and several firsts, is there anything stopping you from riding? Perhaps the presence of only a lap bar!
This not-to-be-missed attraction opens on June 10th. Expect it to be the new hottest attraction in Orlando.
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, with a bit of research, you can soon create the perfect day. We have created several guides and have provided plenty of useful information so you can plan a sensational trip to Universal Studios, Florida. However, you should note that the process is slightly different during 2021.
- Our 2021 Guide to Universal Orlando Resort has plenty of additional information if you plan to visit the resort.
- 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 2021 must-do experiences when visiting Universal Orlando
Check the Latest Safety Information
Not everything is business as usual at Islands of Adventure. Everyone over the age of three must wear a face covering, and all guests will have their temperature checked. If your temperature is over 100.4 degrees, you will not be admitted. Be prepared to social distance, follow more signs than usual, and follow team member directions. Make sure you check the Universal Orlando website for the latest information.
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.
Visit our Guide to Universal Orlando Tickets to learn more
Express Pass
Islands of Adventure, like many theme parks, has a system for priority boarding of attractions. The system is called Express Pass, and it is not cheap. The decision on whether to buy an Express Pass can be difficult. At quieter times of the year, it is usually not essential.
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 about the options available in our Guide to Universal Express Pass.
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 Universal Orlando Resort App allows you to store tickets, access wait times, join Virtual Line Experiences, access showtimes, 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.
Universal Pay is a new feature that allows you to add a debit or credit card to the App. This feature then allows you to use the App throughout the park for contactless payments.
Virtual Line Experience
Universal has been using Virtual Lines for several years. The concept is simple, reserve your place using the Universal Resort App and then join a much shorter line later in the day. Since the parks reopened, the number of attractions offering Virtual Lines has increased, but the attractions offering it can change throughout the day.
Currently the following attractions might be offering the Virtual Line Experience at Islands of Adventure:
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Pteranodon Flyers
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Often the only way to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is through the Virtual Line. We recommend obtaining a pass as soon as you arrive. We expect Jurassic World VelociCoaster to be added to the above list.
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)
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster Minimum height 51″
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 family ride. Once the first group is 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 at 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
At this time character meets are slightly different at Islands of Adventure. Characters will be meeting guests, but at a distance. Guests will be positioned in a designated spot six feet away from the characters for a photo opportunity. You will not be able to make physical contact with the character. At outdoor locations, you can remove your mask for a short period to have your photograph taken.
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
char a cters in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but not the stars!
Perhaps one of the unique character opportunities is the Raptor Encounter in Jurassic Park. Guests have the opportunity to meet and have their photos 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 than Walt Disney World, although Spiderman does get very long waits.
Useful Information when Visiting Islands of Adventure
During the reopening period of Islands of Adventure, some services might be temporarily suspended or altered. Always check the Universal Orlando Resort App for the latest information.
Park Hopping
Park Hopping at Islands of A
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. Once your FuelRod is empty, you can replace it at a station for a fully charged replacement, but there is a $3 charge. 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 rooms.
Recently Universal Orlando introduced a new payment option called Universal Pay. This new option allows guests to make hands-free payments using the Universal Resort App. Guests simply store their credit or debit card to the App. The app even allows you to control your budget by setting a maximum spend per day. Currently, Universal Pay is only available in Universal-owned premises.
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. There are standard-sized lockers (14 in x 5.5 in x 16.9 in) available for small loose articles that are free when you ride. 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™
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
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.
Additional Universal Orlando Useful Information
Are you looking for different information about Universal Orlando Resort? We have batched together some of your most common problems in the following post, Universal Orlando Useful Information. If you have a question, you are likely to find the answer here. Remember, some services will not be available during the reopening period.
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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. Most attractions have a height requirement, and children under 48″(122cm) must be accompanied by an adult.
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. It 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. Currently closed
There is also an opportunity to meet the Avengers inside Marvel Super Hero Island.
Toon Lagoon
There is water everywhere at 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. Currently closed
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
Although a new Jurassic World attraction will be opening soon, we believe this area will still be called Jurassic World. It has been a building site in recent times, but this is one of the best-themed areas in the 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 Currently closed.
- Pteranodon Flyers only those 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 Currently closed.
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster will consist of a high-speed adventure through the park’s raptor paddock. Opening June 10th.
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.
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.
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 awe-inspiring 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 was the big new attraction for 2019 and is still one of the park’s most popular attractions. Fly deep into the wilds of the Forbidden Forest on this thrilling motorbike coaster. Grab a Virtual Line place to ride.
Plus, make sure you don’t miss the nighttime lights at Hogwarts Castle when available. Unfortunately, at this time, there are no scheduled shows.
The Lost Continent
Not much of this land now remains, and it is now the least interesting area of the park. Universal removed a significant part of the island 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! Currently closed.
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. Due to recent events, resulting in many of Dr. Seuss’s books no longer being published, it will be interesting to see if this land gets rethemed.
- 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. Currently closed
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! A zany train in the sky.
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 only has 2 table service options, both bookable and 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 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 excellent. Entrees are even cheaper than at some of the quick service locations. The Fajitas(currently not on the menu) is 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
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To learn more about Universal Orlando, visit our 2021 Guide to Universal Orlando Resort. The guide contains the latest planning tips.
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