Orlando, Universal's Islands of Adventure

I like this because it is fun and I been hear before. There nothing bad about Universal's Islands of Adventure. I love it

The park is fun-filled and exciting, and everything from the rides to the food and nightlife is amazing. You MUST go on EVERY ride. If little kids can't go on the big rides, take it in turns to go on everything. I went on Duelling dragons 5 times in a row and it was electric. You can notice the difference between all the rides and everything is so well planned and organized !!

All the big rides are electric, and the smaller ones so fun! I would spend a couple of days there so you can go on everything a few times. HAVE FUN!!!

Let me start off by saying I had heard a lot about Islands of Adventure. I heard about its revolutionary rides its use of cutting edge technology and its beautifully themed queue lines and so my expectations where very very high. I have to say that from the moment you enter the themed car park till the moment you leave IOA the hype is utterly and completely justified. After walking across a wooden bridge toward the entrance area you can hear and see exactly what this park is going to be: A complete and utter masterpiece of ride design, theming, music and some of the best thrill rides in the world!

The real experience begins when you've payed your admission and stepped into the parks first themed area "Port of Entry". Though relatively small and without any rides the area is surely a milestone in amusement park theme park? The area, mainly influenced by English, Greek & Scandinavian folklore, is a bit like walking through a Brother's Grimm fairytale - The sense of thrills and mystery waiting behind the closed doors of the toymaker's and blacksmith's. The tranquil water features and distant clanking of wind chimes adding to the effect of old time mystery. Also here are cast members waiting to take your photograph as you enter the parks gates - a great momentum of what will be a fantastic day out.

Upon walking out of Port of Entry your path splits in two and you have two choices - To the left is teen-oriented Marvel Super Hero Island and to the right is the kid friendly Seuss Landing. If you want to hit the main attractions first I suggest you head clockwise through the park and turn left over to Super Hero Island.

The first thing you'll see (and hear) as you cross the bridge to this area is the giant green Incredible Hulk Coaster to your right. A true goliath in coasters the rides green pillar supports stretch into the lake below while riders come perilously close to getting very very wet! The area itself is filled with cardboard cut out animations of favourite Marvel Superheroes (and villains) and, though not the best themed area of the park manages to pull off everything its main demographic desires and more as well as being very nice to look at. The area also contains three of the park's most admired/advertised/talked about attractions: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk Coaster and Doctor Doom's Fearfall.

First up for us was Spider-Man. I'd heard great things about this ride with it being voted number one consistently as one of the best ride experiences of all time but since the descriptions of what the ride actually was were rather cryptic (and advertising campaigns would suggest it was a motion simulator) I had no real idea of what to expect. Let's begin at the beginning: The queue line itself is a marvel (no pun intended) of design and unlike most "cattle pen" queue lines manages to thoroughly engage everyone waiting for long amounts of time while telling a story (that is fairly easy to pick up) throughout. You begin queuing at the offices of the Daily Bugle newspaper where employees desks are surprisingly empty. A video message from the Bugle's boss presents riders with the "SCOOP" vehicle and explains how said vehicle will advance the paper's journalistic possibilities. Next you move into a large room where a large screen shows the villains of the Spider-Man cartoon series explaining their plot to steal the statue of liberty with Doctor Octopus's anti-gravity cannon. Next you walk past a miniature model of the "SCOOP" vehicle before collecting your 3-D glasses and moving towards the station. Expecting a motion simulator of sorts I was surprised (and delighted) to observe a procession of twelve person "SCOOP" vehicles in a "dark ride" fashion. Now completely unsure of what to expect I finally boarded the vehicle and after a quick move forward I began to feel our car rise up above the track and set off on what would fast become my favourite ride of all time.

The ride begins as a dark ride. You move (or rather "float" due to the smoothness of the ride vehicles) through a moonlit New York City with model buildings either side of you. Then you turn a corner and the the "SCOOP" vehicle grounds to a halt in front of a large 3-D cinema screen and the action REALLY begins. Spider-Man himself jumps onto your car and warns you to be very careful as this could be "the most dangerous night of my life... AND yours!" I won't spoil the rest for first-time riders but I have to talk about the penultimate scene in which you are being lifted (via Doc Ock's anti gravity cannon) up 100's of feet above New York City before dropped and then being saved at the last minute by Spider-Man is THE ride experience to top anything you have or are thinking of going on anywhere in the world. In addition to being a fantastic experience and a technological wonder it is almost a ride for all ages (excluding those younger than 8 for whom I believe it will be too intense) and a brilliant one at that. Fantastically crafted and very fun - 10/10.

I now knew (If I didn't know previously when I first set eyes on the park's entrance) that IOA was capable of great things. After a short rest we joined the short 20 minute queue for Hulk, another attraction widely admired by theme park enthusiasts. I have to say that this ride is brilliant. Not the best ride in the park or the best ride ever for that point but nevertheless brilliant. Another very well-themed queue line gave us a tour through what appeared to be a forgotten laboratory of sorts with green being the dominant colour. From there you board the large green coaster cars and are launched at a ridiculously fast speed (0-60mph in mere seconds I believe) and begin gliding over the lake below before throwing yourself into the giant cobra rolls, barrel rolls and any other roll you can think of (accept maybe Swiss). Then it's all over and you're shaking like crazy! A very good ride. Not anything phenomenal like Spider-Man but still very well executed - 9/10. After a quick frightening look at Doctor Doom we decided we'd move onto the next area.

Next up was Toon Lagoon. As we approached its newspaper gates I was awestruck. Surely this a dream? Surely a park area can not be themed as well as this? I was mistaken. It was! Even though the main audience hear is young kids (and preteens for the bigger rides) the area is still very appealing for all ages. This comes from the amazing attention to detail. The area is "contained" within large newspaper pages in which ice cream parlours/shops are embedded. The effect is that you are walking through the cartoons page of a newspaper and it is very successful. We headed first to "Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges" which is a rapid ride on a smaller scale. Now I've been on a few rapid rides and none of them have got me soaking. A bit wet perhaps but never soaking. This one did. And not just me - everyone was soaked. The ride is very short but what you get from the short time is a brilliant experience - and sopping wet. And this how EVERYONE gets wet: the ride's brilliant design. You are get splashed and soaked when you least expect it and while you are laughing at one side of the boat's misfortune you are, with in seconds, as soaking wet yourself. Overall it's great fun and brilliantly themed throughout. You'll need a change of clothes however... I know I've said this a lot but your REALLY DO get wet - 9/10.

ext up was "Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls". Another brilliantly themed queue line. Talking moose heads mounted on a wall deliver witty dialogue and help pass the long wait by. When you eventually get into the log boat you make your way around some cartoony scenes with an animatronic Dudley trying to save his girlfriend from the dastardly Snidely Whiplash. After some very convincing fake drops you finally plunge down the huge falls and "underneath" the water level into the pitch black and then quickly emerging completely soaking wet. I'm not joking we were SOAKED. If we'd got soaked on Bilge Rat Barges we were now the equivalent of drowned rats with our hair plastered to our faces with our eyes tightly shut and water dripping from our chins. Then before we could even open our eyes we were soaked a second time when a large jet of water pelted us right in the face. By this time we needed a rest and a chance to dry off in the Florida sun before deciding what we thought of the ride. In terms of what is inside the ride is very average. The animatronics have limited movement and you don't really know what's going on. However the rides is brilliant in fooling you at every turn so that you think you're about to plunge down that steep drop at any second and the drop itself is absolutely fantastic even if you're too wet and confused to comprehend what happened afterwards. As a dark ride this attraction gets a 5 but as a thrill ride it gets a 10.

Next we ventured forward into Jurassic Park which, I have to say, is the ultimate themed area of the park. I'd seen Toon Lagoon and Port of Entry and been awestruck but Jurassic Park definitely gives IOA it's theming hatrick. The huge towering trees along with the epic music as you pass under the giant "Jurassic Park" gateway will immediately blow you away. As you stroll down the large pathway that leads to the main ride you are surrounded by a sort of rain forest ambiance making you feel not just on a film set/on a attraction but actually at Jurassic Park. It's just so well-themed you can't help but stand and stare for a while and look at the scenery. After I'd closed my mouth and composed myself I ran to the area's main ride the "Jurassic Park River Adventure".

In the queue line stakes IOA have done it again. Though the queue line is not overly themed it is just understated enough to create a balance between the magical and the realistic. The easy comparison I can give is the queue line for Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom - like a wooden enclosure, with TVs showing off the various species of dinosaurs that are cared for on the island while you are surrounded by lush vegetation and the sound of the ride's big splash finale. Once you board the large "raft" or boat you take a scenic journey down a large river filled with all manner of surprises I won't spoil for you! The animatronic dinosaurs are brilliant and I have to say very realistic. Suddenly the tranquil family ride is substituted for a terrifying trip into the raptors' quarters (You'll have to wait and see!) Before riders narrowly miss being eaten by a giant animatronic T-Rex and are instead flung 85ft downwards into the fantastic splash finale. I have to say this is a brilliant and under-rated ride and you don't even get too wet despite the large drop and big splash. This ride works very well as a means to see the area in all its' glory and as a thrilling experience that pretty much everyone can enjoy (again the younger kids will find this too intense) - 9/10.

Unfortunately due to sharing our time between IOA and Universal Studios I didn't get to see much of the Lost Continent which would of really been great but I can honestly say that what I did see and do at IOA has made me very very fond of it. The park works on two levels - as a park for people who are looking for a great day out and as a park for those (mainly theme park enthusiasts) who really appreciated good theming. This park is without a doubt a masterpiece of design as well as a park full of fun and thrilling attractions that may not suit the whole family but will always give them something wonderful to look at. 10/10.

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!

3 Words

Dynamic

Thrilling

Fun!

Whether your 6 or 80, you will love Universals Islands of Adventure, minutes from International Drive. The hulk coaster is a must, and kids will love Dudley Do Right's Ripsaw Falls! From Superheroes to Dinosaurs this park has everything! If you're going to Florida, YOU HAVE TO visit BOTH Universal Parks, and enjoy the nightlife!!

On our 14 day holiday to Florida we visited Islands of Adventure twice, the second day was equally as good as the first as there are lots to see and do for all ages. Our party consisted of 3 adults and 4 children ranging from 9-14.

The park is set out over 5 lands with different themes which I've listed below.

Throughout the park there is lots of things to see from characters like Spiderman, X-men, Popeye for photos and autographs, there's water fountains, paddling water areas, squirting Toons and a much needed water spray which you can stand under for a refreshing mist of water to cool you down.

food

The park had restaurants, fast food, snack bars of all kind as well as cold drinks readily available from vending machines and stands; they were reasonably priced, good food quality and very large portions.

Shops

Islands of Adventure was great for gift shops. Whole shops were themed to action figures, toons and Disney gifts. Prices were very reasonable for gifts and soft toys but I think sweets and chocolate is slightly overpriced. The shops offer a service of having your goods ready for when you leave the park or delivered to your hotel.

Tips

1. Water sprays with attached fans are sold in the parks for around $14 - my advise is buy one they are worth the money as it can be really humid.

2. Get to the park early and you may get to beat the queues to the most popular rides like the Hulk and Dueling dragons. If you have less than a 30 minute wait for most of the rides you have done well, as afternoons queues can be around 90 minutes for the popular stuff. Fast passes can be used for some of the rides, you simply get a fast pass ticket generated from your entrance ticket at a booth and are allocated a time to ride later. You will be able to get another fast pass around an hour later; with planning this can work quite well saving waiting times as it's too hot to queue.

3. Use the return entry for the evening if you are staying close by - this is ideal for evening firework shows.

4. Wear waterproof ponchos if you don't want to get soaked - though you will still get wet!

other Info

Wheelchairs and pushchairs with sun covers are available for rental.

Smoking - allowed only in designated areas of the park.

Express plus - this is a ticket you can buy inside the park that will all you an all day fast pass to all the rides.

Car park - around $8 per car. The park is around 10 minutes walk away with a mixture of flat moving escalators and walk ways. Valet parking is also available.

The Park.

Toon Lagoon

Dudley Do-right's Ripsaw Falls - 10/10 log flume type of ride, although it looks like a ride for younger aged children it has around 3 really steep drops and you will get absolutely soaked wet through!! It was also very entertaining with toon characters and loud bleeps and bangs through out the whole ride

Popeye & Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges -Group white water raft ride. Didn't get to ride on this as it was closed.

Me Ship, the Olive - interactive plays inside a small Popeye ship.

Mat Hoffman's Crazy Freakin' Stunt Show - 6/10 Skateboard and stunt bike show. 4-5 guys did many stunts on high ramps, didn't mean that much to me but our lads enjoyed the show. Located in a covered arena so it was nice to get out of the sun for a while.

Marvel Super Hero Island

Incredible Hulk Coaster - 10/10 Amazingly fast roller coaster with loops and fast turns. Had to ride this one twice! A must for coaster lovers

The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman - 6/10 3D roller coaster ride. The ride its self may be a let down for Coaster fanatics but great for a Spiderman experience.

Dr Doom's Fear Fall - 7/10 Shoots you up in the air for a stomach churning fall, after the first drop it's nothing exciting.

Storm Force Accelatron - 5/10 Something like a "tea cups" ride - the faster you turn the wheel inside the car faster the car spins. Probably a safe bet for younger children.

Jurassic Park Jurassic Park River Adventure - 10/10 raft river ride. Entertaining moving dinosaur through out the ride and a great ending with a plunge into the water soaking you through.

Pterandon Flyers - Pterandon looking cars fly slowly along a suspended track like a type of ski lift. Didn't ride this one.

Jurassic Park Discovery center - Educational play area learning about dinosaurs, a good break from the sun for younger children.

Camp Jurassic - Dinosaur themed playground with climbing nets.

The Lost Continent

Posidon's Fury - A watery tunnel with great effects.

Dueling Dragons - 10/10 - 2 rollercoaster racing around separate tracks, very fast and full of loops and twists as the dragons cross paths for extra thrill. Had to ride this twice - front seat is recommended, you will have to queue longer but well worth the wait.

The Flying Unicorn - 6/10 smaller rollercoaster ideal for slightly younger children. It does actually go quite fast but not many dips or twists.

The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad - Stunt show, didn't get to see the show.

The Mystic Fountain - wishing fountain

Seuss landing

If I Ran The Zoo - interactive play area

The cat in the Hat -

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish -

Merry-go-round with obstacles and water.

Caro-seuss-el - Merry-go-round

Single Day Admission Price at the gate:

Adult: $51.95 plus tax

Child: $42.95 plus (3-9 yrs)