Islands of Adventure - Highlights for Families

Islands of Adventure is one of two theme parks at Universal Orlando, known for thrill rides but also with great areas for little kids-- see more below. Adjacent theme park Universal Studios Florida has top attractions based on movies and tv shows: Shrek, Revenge of the Mommy, The Simpsons, Jaws...

The two theme parks are linked by CityWalk, an entertainment zone with clubs, shops and restaurants such as the NASCAR Cafe. CityWalk also gives access to the theater-- tucked into Universal Studios Florida -- that has ongoing performances by Blue Man Group.

Nearby are Universal's three hotels: the Portofino, Hard Rock Hotel, and Royal Pacific Resort. Guests get fast-lane ride access! All these properties connect to the theme parks by walkways and by waterways with free boat shuttles.

Coming to Islands of Adventure in 2010: the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Islands of Adventure for Families

see also Tips for Visiting Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure has a lot going on, with five different themed "islands" around a lagoon: Marvel SuperHero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent, and Seuss Landing. And coming in 2010: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, sure to be a major draw.

Families visiting Orlando will find that, as kids get older, Universal Orlando exerts an ever-greater pull due to the thrill rides in Islands of Adventure: parents who love Disney World will have to adjust!

Size is manageable: Islands of Adventure is 110 acres, Universal Studios Florida is 125 acres (compared to 107 acres, 300, 154 , and 500 acres for the four Disney World parks.) Both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida can probably be visited in one day with some type of fast ride access (see below), though two days would be better. Both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida have top attractions for all ages.

Islands of Adventure - Highlights for Little Kids

Little kids love Seuss Landing, based on the books of Dr. Seuss. Cat in the Hat ride and One Fish Two Fish are highlights.

Also for young kids: Camp Jurassic is a giant play zone with slides, rope bridges, and water squirters. Nearby is Pteranadon Flyer: head to this one early in the morning, as waits can get long.

The younger set will also like the Character Breakfast at Islands of Adventure, held at at Confisco Grille: an all-you-can-eat buffet with characters Spiderman, Cat in the Hat, and Thing 1 and Thing 2. (Some mornings only; check for updates.)

Islands of Adventure Highlights for Older Kids

Any kid at least 40" high will probably be clamoring to ride The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, an exciting 3-D simulator thrill ride.

Islands of Adventure has three fun wet rides. Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, in Toon Lagoon, is similar to Disney's Splash Mountain; you will get completely soaked. Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges will soak you, too. The Jurassic Park ride is a top attraction, and finishes with a good chute drop - expect to get wet.

Meanwhile, over in the Lost Continent, Poseidon's Adventure is a fun attraction also, ending with a grand fire and water battle.

Tweens and Teens: Great Coasters

Last but definitely not least, Islands of Adventure has top attractions for teens and 'tweens: this age group loves the thrill coasters, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and the dual Dueling Dragons. Doctor Doom's Fearfall is popular too, yanking you 150 feet up, and then letting you drop.

Bypassing Line-ups At Islands of Adventure

Park-goers have three ways to bypass line-ups. Guests staying at a Universal Orlando resort get free "Universal Express" access to popular rides at both theme parks. Regular visitors, meanwhile, can buy a Universal Express PLUS Pass: it ain't cheap, and works for only one fast entry per attraction.* Or visitors can buy a premium VIP tour that includes ride access. Read more about fast ride access at Islands of Adventure.

Things to keep in mind about Islands of Adventure:

• Stay at a Universal Orlando resort, and you'll get nice digs plus the best fast-access for popular rides. All three resorts have great "beach pools" and free water-taxi shuttles to the parks. Check for packages that throw in theme park tix.
• Check minimum height restrictions so kids aren't disappointed. For ex., kids 40" can ride Spiderman with an adult; but will need 52" for The Hulk.
• Save money by buying dual-park passes for both Islands of Adventure plus Universal Studios Florida
• Orlando Flex Tickets include other attractions such as Sea World and Bush Gardens Africa

-continue to Top Tips for Visiting Islands of Adventure

-explore Universal Studios Florida theme park

*Always check destination web sites for updates!

^{Islands of Adventure photo courtesy of Universal Orlando}