Once you're at Islands of Adventures:
8. Use
lockers.
You'll find many lockers in the Islands of Adventure park, for good reason:
riders on the x-treme rides (those ones that hang you in the air and shove your
heart in your stomach) aren't permitted to carry any sort of bag at all, and you'll
need to tuck your stuff in a locker before you ride. Lockers are free for 75 minutes, and then cost $2 for half an hour.*
9. Ride the most popular
Island of Adventure rides early in the day.
Presumably you've arrived early, as recommended above!
On our visit, we headed to the Marvel Super Hero Island area and quickly
sampled The Adventures of
Spiderman (a super ride), and the Incredible Hulk (not as terrifying as it looks.) If
you're arriving with
little kids, head first to the Pteranodon Flyer: the line-up builds quickly for this cool little attraction, and then moves at a snail's pace.
10. Know
that wait-time estimates are on the high side.
Outside every ride in Islands of Adventure is a sign announcing the estimated waiting time.
Even when the sign said 20 minutes, we often walked right onto the ride.
11. Check the signboards that track waiting times.
Scattered through the park
are a number of signboards that announce the waiting times for the most popular rides. If
you see that The Incredible Hulk has a waiting time of only 10 minutes, dash over and go for it.
12. Buy an Express Plus Pass?
Not really recommended, unless you've got money to burn. Universal Orlando no longer gives out free Express Passes, which worked like Disney's Fastpas, giving access to a fast-track line-up for popular rides. At present, you can buy a Universal Express Plus Pass for $20 to $45* (or more, for both parks) which gives one fast access for each participatiing ride. Prices vary by date and are in addition to your park admission. A better idea may be to stay at a Universal Orlando resorts and get unlimited fast-lane access; or -- if you really have money to burn-- take a VIP tour. Read more about fast access to Islands of Adventure rides.
13. Use the baby swap.
Line up for any ride in Islands of Adventure: when it's time to board, Parent One rides while Parent Two stays behind with the wee one; then Parent Two rides -- right away, no waiting-- while Parent One stays on the sidelines.
More about Islands of Adventure:
• Islands of Adventure - Highlights for Kids and Teens• Islands of Adventure - the official Universal Studios site.
• Seuss Landing- cute kiddie zone in Islands of Adventure
Enjoy your visit to Islands of Adventure!
Reminder: Universal Orlando has two theme parks-- Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida-- plus the CityWalk shopping/ entertainment complex, Blue Man Group theater, and three resorts. See more about Universal Orlando.
*Always check destinations sites for updates!
