Visiting Universal Orlando: Islands of Adventure

Universal Studios ♥  Mardi Gras ♥ Disney Springs ♥ Trip Summary & Tips

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Overall, I liked Islands of Adventure better than Universal Studios.  The rides in both theme parks are exceptional but I found the attractions in Islands of Adventure more amusing.  Perhaps it’s the burst of colors everywhere Mr. C and I went or the quirky decorations.  Everything caught my attention and I found almost every spot picture-worthy. ♥ 

*Check out the gallery below

Rides in Islands of Adventure: 

1.  The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

We enjoyed this 3D thrill ride.  The effects and production set were elaborately made. 

2.  Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat-Barges

I love rides that have rapids.  This ride soaked us!  No matter where we sat, we always get wet.  We changed our seats on our second ride for a different ‘shower’ experience.  During the last few parts of the ride, the raft slowly climbed the track and then quickly descended us into a whirlpool!  Fun!!!

Don’t forget to bring extra clothes and flipflops!  It’s hard to enjoy the rest of the day if you’re soaking wet.

3.  Jurassic Park River Adventure

We liked this ride because it really felt like we were on a river tour in Jurassic Park.  At first, it seemed educational as our boat slowly drifted on the river.  We were introduced to different dinosaurs as we encountered them throughout the river.  The real excitement began when something wrong seemed to happen.  We were redirected to a dark area filled with raptors!

It didn’t soak us as much as Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat-Barges but it had an uphill track.  An uphill track is never a good thing for me because it always means that a plunge will follow!   So there we were, way up to the jaws of the giant T-rex.  Then, total darkness… Then boom!! Fast, sharp drop!!  The plunge was scarier than I expected but I have to admit, it was fun!

4.  Pteranodon Flyers

This was a huge disappointment for me.  Only kids up to a certain height are allowed to ride.  If you’re an adult, you have to be accompanied by a kid that meets this height requirement.  I don’t understand why Universal Orlando imposed this rule.  I wanted to see the view of the theme park and it looks like a fun, relaxing ride.

5.  Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls

Sorry, no review!  I can’t imagine myself doing the big drop!!  It looks like Jurassic Park River Adventure but with 10x intensity.

6.  Doctor Doom’s Fearfall

Again, I’m so sorry but I cannot ride this!!

7.  Poseidon’s Fury

This is a walking tour.  We were dismayed at the beginning of the show because we thought that it had poor production set and lack of special effects.

Oh, were we wrong!  As soon as the secret door opened for the water tunnel, we were already in awe.  Water was gushing through the tunnel and in turbo mode, the water started to circulate the tunnel.  The water current was so strong that we could cross the tunnel without getting wet.

We got more amazed when the screen lifted and revealed a huge water screen projection!  You’ve got to watch Poseidon’s Fury at least once.  Just make sure that the water tunnel works before you line up!  

Attractions in Islands of Adventure:

1.  Marvel Super Hero Island

2.  Toon Lagoon – Felt like we were inside a comic strip!  

I also adored the thought bubbles!

I didn’t want to leave Universal Orlando.  We haven’t had this much fun for a very long time.  The thrill, excitement and awe kept us smiling and laughing the whole time!  We also felt that we needed a vacation from this vacation.  Those 25,000 steps a day and long queues made us wish for a spa and massage vacation.

3.  Jurassic Park

There’s also an attraction called “Velociraptor Encounter” where you can view a 9-ft velociraptor and have a photo taken with it.  We passed this attraction because the line was too long.

Bonus: Themed Restrooms

Ok, this might not be an intentional attraction by Universal Orlando but they’re too amusing not to be mentioned!

4.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Hogsmeade, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Dragon Challenge, Hogwarts Express, Ollivanders and BUTTERBEER!!

Which part is your favorite in Islands of Adventure?

For tips on this trip, click here.

Planning to go to Disney World?  You can buy discount tickets from Florida Ticket Station.