Tips for visiting Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure
Universal's Islands of Adventure-- one of two Universal Orlando theme parks-- is a fun park which you can tour comfortably in a day. Parents with small kids will want to spend time in the very cute Seuss Landing, based on the books of Dr. Seuss, or in the gigantic Camp Jurassic play zone. Teens and 'tweens will spend the day in an adrenaline rush, hitting the thrill rides throughout the park.
Below are tips to help you enjoy your day at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
Islands of Adventure: Twelve 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 Studios 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 super bargain.
2. Stay on-property at one of Universal's resorts and go to the head of the line at Islands of Adventure: guests can jump to the front of the line-up for most rides, by showing their room card. All three hotels (Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino, and Royal Pacific Resort) have great "beach pools", and free water-taxi shuttles to the parks. Check the Universal site for deals.
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, 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 well worth paying a few extra dollars to park in the nearest parking zone.
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-- see below.
6. Check height restrictions. If your kids are small enough for height to be an issue, but big enough to know about cool rides, check height restrictions before they get all excited about experiencing a ride. Head to this page at the Universal Orlando site for height info.
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 camcorders dry on wet rides.
