Tips for visiting Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure-- one of two Universal Orlando theme parks-- is a fun park that can be toured pretty well in a day. Parents with small kids will love Seuss Landing; teens and 'tweens will spend the day in an adrenaline rush, hitting the thrill rides. Read more about Islands of Adventures Highlights for Families.
Below are tips to help you enjoy your day at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
Islands of Adventure: Top Tips
Tips #1-7: Before You get to the Park
1. Get the right tickets- in advance.
Buy tickets in advance so
you won't need to line up at the gate. You can buy at the
Universal
Orlando site; check for Specials. Multi-day tickets are a good deal, combining both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios
Orlando. Annual passes can be a bargain. Or try an Orlando Flex Ticket that combines other attractions such as Busch Gardens Africa or SeaWorld.
2. Stay on-property at one of Universal's resorts and get fast-lane access at popular attractions at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. All three hotels have great "beach pools" and free boat shuttles to the parks - read more.
3.Arrive early for best parking and also to ride popular rides when crowds are lightest. During a visit to Islands of Adventure in June, we pulled into the carpark at 9 a.m. and traffic was light; but by 9:30, cars were already backed up.
4. Buy Preferred Parking.
If
you're familiar with Walt Disney World's vast flat parking lots served by shuttles, wipe that
picture out of your mind: parking for Islands of Adventure (and sister
theme park Universal Studios Florida) is in multilevel garages connected
to the park entrances by a long covered walkway. Even with moving
sidewalks, the schlep is long with kids: it's worth paying a few extra dollars to park in the nearest parking zone.
5. Bring drinks.
As you leave your car, make sure your daypack contains plenty of liquids.
Drinks are expensive (understatement) in the park. Worried that your pack or
purse will
be heavy? You'll find many lockers in the park.
6. Check height requirements.
If your kids are big enough to know
about cool rides, but small enough for height to be an issue, check height requirements before they get all excited about experiencing a ride.
7. Bring waterproofing.
Many rides at Islands of Adventure will soak you! Bring some cheap
plastic ponchos, and a watertight container for your money and tickets. A big garbage bag is handy for keeping daypacks and cameras dry on wet rides.
