Universal’s Island of Adventure opened on May 28, 1999, along with CItywalk, as part of an expansion that made the stand alone Universal Studios Florida Park into the Universal Orland Resort. It has truly become a vacation destination of it’s own, now with 3 (soon to be 4) parks, Citywalk, and several resorts. At Islands of Adventure, guests embark on an adventure to visit each of eight themed islands.
The Hogwartz side of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was added in 2010 to the park. The expansion led to a significant increase in attendance, and in 2013, Islands of Adventure ranked seventh domestically and eleventh internationally after hosting approximately 8.1 million guests.
Port of Entry
At the entrance of the park, this area does not have any rides. It is filled with dining and shopping locations.
Marvel Super Hero Island
This area features the superheroes from pre 2009 Marvel characters. Rides include the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Storm Force Accelatron, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, and the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. The paint and facades do a great job of truly making it seem like you are immersed right into a comic book.
Toon Lagoon
This island is based on the cartoon and comic characters such as Dudley Do-Right and Popeye. It features Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, and Me Ship, the Olive, which is a children’s playground.
Skull Island
Skull Island is the newest island at the park, having been opened in the summer of 2016, based on the world of King Kong. It is home to a sole attraction, Skull Island: Reign of Kong.
Jurassic Park
This island is set after the events of the first film. The area is filled with the attractions and exhibits one would find in the “real” Jurassic Park, including thrill rides and discovery-based exhibits. It features the Jurassic Park River Adventure, Pteranodon Flyers, Camp Jurassic and Jurassic Park Discovery Center (two interactive play areas). It also added the new VelociCoaster in 2021.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
This section is based in the middle of winter at Hogsmeade. It features Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Hogwartz Express (train to Diagon Alley in Universal Studios park, only available with Park to Park tickets), and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. It also has it’s own version of Ollivanders where you can get a magic want like the one in Diagon Alley.
The Lost Continent
The Lost Continent is themed to ancient myths and legends, and is divided into two sub-sections: an ancient Arabian marketplace called Sinbad’s Bazaar, and a Grecian Atlantis type Lost City. It features Poseidon’s Fury, and the Mystic Fountain.
Seuss Landing
This area is based on the works of Dr. Suess, and a favorite spot for children. It has several attractions: The Cat in the Hat, The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Caro-Seuss-el, Oh, The Stories You’ll Hear, and If I Ran the Zoo, another interactive children’s play area.
Shopping and Dining
There are tons of amazingly themed stores and restaurants in each of the islands.
The Harry Potter Vacation package includes a breakfast at Three Broomsticks. And don’t forget your butterbeer and chocolate frogs!
Mythos is the award winning dining location in the Lost Continent. If you view their menu, it’s far from typical theme park fare. Is it truly the best? That’s what they claim based on the award! Try it out for yourself and see!
VIP Tours
At Universal Studios, did you know that you can be a VIP? You don’t have to be a celebrity to experience Universal Orlando Resort like a star. With a VIP Experience guided tour, you’ll be led by a Universal Orlando expert through the most popular rides and attractions, plus enjoy a variety of special benefits before, during and after your tour.
With the VIP experience, you’ll be personally escorted by a Universal Orlando expert on a guided group tour through Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure, or both with a 2-park experience.
You’ll get exclusive backstage access, learn fun insider information, and enjoy the parks’ most amazing rides and attractions without waiting in line.
Along with your guide, you’ll also get:
Priority front-of-the-line access to all rides and attractionsExclusive behind-the-scenes experiences in the parksComplimentary valet parkingReserved seating at showsComplimentary continental breakfast and lunch. Dinner included in Private VIP Experiences onlyUniversal Express Unlimited ride access at participating rides and attractions throughout the rest of the park dayExclusive VIP Experiences lanyard and credentialUniversal CityWalk Party Passâ„¢, valid only on date of VIP ExperienceDiscounts at select Universal Orlando owned and operated merchandise locations in the theme parks and CityWalkavailable in small group tours or as a private tour, and for 1 day or 2 days.Cost varies, but is approximately $370 per person.
This is a great way to experience the parks, and you get so many perks!
Learn about Universal Studios Park and Volcano Bay, too!
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