Orlando, Universal's Islands of Adventure Review

Overall Rating

Everything

None

We visited Universals Islands of Adventure in 2004, and would definitely recommend going. You need about two days to get around this park and Universal Studio's. If you can stretch to three days I would recommend it, as there is a lot to take in and you won't want to go on the rides just once.

For me the highlight of this park was Duelling Dragons. It is a fantastic rollercoaster with noticeable differences when you ride Fire and Ice. The only disappointment for me was the Jurassic Park area, but then I think that is aimed at the children anyway. We didn't waste too much time in this area, as there are much bigger and better things to see.

BEWARE if you go on Bilge Rat Barges and Dudley Do Right Rip Saw Falls - prepare for the soaking of your life! I don't even think a rain mac will save you, as you get absolutely drenched!

Spiderman is an excellent ride, and one that you will probably want to ride more than once.

Dr Dooms Fearfall does exactly what it says on the tin. It is a fall full of fear, and it is not for the faint hearted or anyone who is afraid of heights!

I would say this park is aimed more at the adults, whereas the rides in Universal Studio's are a lot tamer and better for kids. The themeing of IOA is very good and quite deceiving, as you would think that it is mainly for kids, but get on those rides and it is a completely different story! Saying that, IOA have Seuss world, which is a very good area for the young ones, but not too dull that you won't want to experience it as an adult as well, and as I said earlier, Jurassic Park is tame, but even then I would say that it is suitable for older kids and not toddlers.

Duelling Dragons and The Hulk were the only two rides we had to queue for but they go down very quickly, so it's not a problem.

The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad is a good little show, and I would recommend it as something to do if you want to sit down for a bit and get out of the sun. If you have limited time at this park I would give this is a miss, as it's good, but I wouldn't put it on the 'not to be missed' list.

If you stick around the Spiderman area at around lunch time they have some of the Super Hero characters come out on their cars, or they walk around for a bit and give you a bit of a show. It is good if you can catch it.

This is definitely the park to visit if you are going to Orlando, and out of all of them I would say this is the one not to be missed. It leaves Disney World spinning on its heels with regards to rides that get your blood pressure raised!