Islands of Adventure was Universal Orlando’s second theme park, opening on 28 May 1999 alongside CityWalk. The park is framed as a journey through “islands” of discovery, and it’s home to Harry Potter, Marvel, Jurassic Park, Dr. Seuss, and a greatest-hits collection of Orlando thrill rides. This 2025 update to our guide folds in current tips, what’s changed, and how to plan a brilliant day.
Jump Right Into the Guide to Islands of Adventure
Are you looking for specific information? Our handy jumps will take you to key information in our Guide to Islands of Adventure for Beginners.
- Islands of Adventure: The Basics
- Planning your trip to Islands of Adventure
- Islands of Adventure: Useful Information
- The Islands to Explore
- Islands of Adventure Dining
Islands of Adventure: The Basics
Built over three years and spread across roughly 100 acres, Islands of Adventure is anchored by the Pharos Lighthouse at Port of Entry. At opening, there were six islands; today, there are eight:
- Port of Entry
- Marvel Super Hero Island
- Toon Lagoon
- Skull Island
- Wizard World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
- Jurassic Park
- The Lost Continent
- Seuss Landing
What is Islands of Adventure like?
This is one of the best-themed parks in Orlando. Transitions are seamless; Hogsmeade feels snow-dusted even in August, and Jurassic Park’s foliage does half the storytelling. The attraction line-up leans “Big E-ticket”, so thrill-seekers will be grinning. Teens will likely enjoy Islands of Adventure more than any of the Disney Parks.
Families with small children still have plenty to do: Seuss Landing, Camp Jurassic, and Hogwarts Express. We think younger guests will enjoy Islands of Adventure more than Universal Studios. But if your party is heavy on toddlers, Disney World is probably the better choice.
Islands of Adventure will usually take two days to experience. The park is becoming more popular, and in busy periods you will struggle to complete everything in one day and, on occasion, even in two days.
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 some research, you can soon create the perfect day.
We have created several guides and have provided plenty of helpful information so you can plan a sensational trip to Islands of Adventure.
- Our 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 you want to avoid these 20 Universal Orlando Mistakes.
Universal Orlando Tickets
Universal Orlando has several ticket options, but the most significant decision when visiting Islands of Adventure is whether you want to buy a Park-to-Park Ticket. Guests who do not purchase 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 are different Express Pass options, and guests staying at some of 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.
NOTE: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Jurassic World VelociCoaster now accept Express.
WiFi & The Universal Orlando Resort App
Free WiFi is available throughout Islands of Adventure and, in most areas, is of good quality.
The Universal Orlando App shows wait times, maps, mobile food ordering, and store tickets. Universal Pay in the App lets you link a card and pay with a QR code; you can also set spending limits for your party.
The Universal Orlando Resort App is available at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
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.
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish – no minimum; under 48″ need 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, also known as Baby Swap, allows the rest of a family to ride an attraction when a child is too small or young to experience the ride.
A non-rider waits in a designated area while the rest of the party rides, then adults swap without re-queuing. Ask the Team Member at the entrance for the process at 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. Most meet-and-greets are scheduled, with details available on the Park App. 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
- There are various
characters 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 can meet and have their photos taken with an intimidating velociraptor.
Helpful Information when Visiting Islands of Adventure
Park Hopping
Park Hopping at Islands of A
Guests can also jump between 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.
Additional Useful Information
For broader resort tips (transport, lockers, strollers, first aid, etc.), see our Universal Orlando Useful Information round-up. In this helpful guide, we’ve batched together helpful, hard-to-find tips you won’t see elsewhere on Modern Life is Good, or easily elsewhere.
The Islands at Islands of Adventure
There are eight islands to explore at Islands of Adventure. All guests on arrival enter the Port of Entry. Most attractions have a height requirement, and an adult must accompany children under 48″(122cm) on all rides. Note that some attractions require the compulsory use of lockers to store your belongings.
Port of Entry
The Port of Entry is the entrance to the park and your first island. The area has a magical feel and is home to shops, guest service, hire facilities, and that photogenic lighthouse.
The park’s icon, Pharos Lighthouse, is within the Port of Entry. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria, inspires the lighthouse.
Other islands are reached at the end of the Port of Entry, and guests can walk clockwise to Marvel Super Hero Island or anticlockwise to Seuss Landing.
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 contract is complex, including which characters are allowed where; for example, The Guardians of the Galaxy are allowed at EPCOT but not at Universal. If you can understand complex legal jargon, the following link has further details.
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is a sensational 3D simulator & my personal favorite. This ride sets the bar that all other 3D attractions try to beat. Hard to believe it is now 25 years old. Even today, it still tops many of the new rides at Epic Universe.
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster is perhaps one of the best coasters ever made. This coaster is ferocious and isn’t for the faint-hearted.
- Doctor Doom’s Freefall has big drops and some fantastic views.
- Storm Force Accelatron is a very, very fast teacup ride. Think, what would happen if the Mad Hatter had a few espressos before his Mad Tea Party at the Magic Kingdom.
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 allows you to get very wet with some of the wettest water rides you will find anywhere.
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is a fun flume ride. The final drop is speedy.
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is 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.
Skull Island
Skull Island: Reign of Kong riding a safari truck; you have a Kong Encounter. Many small children will find this attraction scary. The attraction is no longer in 3D, but I don’t think it loses anything in the process.
Jurassic Park
It’s a bit of a mish-mash in themes now, as we have both Jurassic Park and Jurassic World. Despite this, the area looks great, with lush landscaping throughout.
- Jurassic Park River Adventure is an entertaining boat ride featuring “incredible” audio animatronics, when operational, followed by an 85-foot drop. The animatronics seem to work rarely these days. You will probably not get as wet as in Toon Lagoon, but this isn’t guaranteed.
- Jurassic Park Discovery Center watching a raptor egg hatch is the fun highlight.
- Pteranodon Flyers is only for 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.
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster is a high-speed adventure through the park’s raptor paddock. It is one of the most popular rides in the park and a big hit with coaster fans. VelociCoaster features two high-speed launches, a 155-foot-tall top hat, four inversions, and a maximum speed of 70 mph.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened on 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, and a new section has been added to Epic Universe.
There are shops, bars, and restaurants to explore, all themed around the books. Take your time when visiting Hogsmeade, as there is much 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. It is an awe-inspiring attraction. In our opinion, this is an attraction you should not miss.
- Flight of the Hippogriff is a fun kids’ coaster for the whole family.
- Hogwarts Express ride to Universal Studios. A 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. Express Pass has recently started to be accepted.
Plus, ensure you don’t miss The Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts Castle when running. Unfortunately, this is now a seasonal occurrence, and the seasons seem to be getting shorter and less frequent.
The Lost Continent
Not much of this land remains, and it is now the least interesting area of the park. Universal removed a significant part of the island to construct the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
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.
The last proper attraction, Poseidon’s Fury, closed permanently in 2023.
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.
Attractions in Seuss Landing are:
- The Cat in the Hat is a fun dark ride, but a little bumpy.
- Caro-Seuss-el is a very magical carousel.
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish is 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.
Islands of Adventure Dining
Universal Orlando has not yet reached the same level as Walt Disney World in terms of dining options. However, food quality has improved significantly over the past few years. Dining options are, in our opinion, a better value than at Walt Disney World.
Islands of Adventure offers only two table service options, both of which can be booked through Universal’s website or App. While walk-up tables can be available, we strongly recommend booking in advance. Reservations can often 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 fantastic. Entrees are even cheaper than at some of the quick-service locations.
Mythos
Mythos serves a mix of Mediterranean, Asian, and American fare. Previously, the restaurant was award-winning, but its food is now more casual. The restaurant offers good value for money and serves food that is better than that of most 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
Universal now offers a cross between table-service and quick-service at some locations. You find your table and then order your food via the App. The food is brought to your table. The service is offered at the Three Broomsticks and the rather brilliant Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous. Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous has recently been redesigned, and the food is tremendous fun.
Read More
To learn more about Universal Orlando, visit our Guide to Universal Orlando Resort. The guide contains the latest planning tips.
