Worth a visit! (Universal Resort Orlando - Islands of Adventures)

Member Name: flowerpot19

Product:	Universal Resort Orlando - Islands of Adventures
Date:	15/10/09 (5 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great rides and well themed.

Disadvantages: Some rides get very busy!

Islands of adventure is the second of the two parks in the Universal Orlando resort. It was opened in 1999 after a major expansion project. The theme park in my opinion is nothing short of brilliant! To be honest its a more aimed at Adults and older children than the Disney parks but kids of all ages will enjoy it.

Islands of adventure is split into 5 "Islands" plus the port of entry, arranged around a picturesque lake. Port of Entry is the parks entrance area, it has a couple of places to eat, a shop, a place to pick up photographs and most importantly it has an attraction information board. If you go clockwise around the park the first island you come to is the Marvel Super Hero island. This area is based around characters from Marvel comic books and tv shows, such as the hulk, xmen and spiderman. Throughout the day there are loads of characters heading through the island available for meet and greets. There is a Hulk rollercoaster, which is quite intense and not suitable for small children. (This rollercoaster also featured in the film house on haunted hill). Another of the main attractions in this island is spiderman which is a 3D simulator ride - this ride is incredibly clever and one not to be missed!
The next island you come too is toon lagoon. This is based on some of the famous comic characters - such as pop eye! There is a good selection of shops and places to eat in this area and i think the theming in this area is really good! The 2 main attractions in this area are Dudley Doo Rights ripsaw falls - this is a log flume type ride based on the cartoon characters - it has quite a big drop at the end where you get pretty wet! The other is Blutos Bilge Rat barges - this is a river rapids ride which takes you through a boat wash etc. Its a very funny ride but be prepared to get soaked!
The next island is Jurassic Park - this is one of my favourite islands as its so well themed! You enter through the famous Jurrassic park gates and straight away you notice the music playing! Check out the pavement too as it has imprints of various creatures and leaves in it! The main ride in here is the Jurassic park river adventure. This is a boat ride based on the film and as you would expect lots of dinsaurs turn up to create chaos! There is quite a big drop at the end so make sure you dont have any loose hats!
The next island is the lost continent and this is split into 2 sections, one is mythological geece and the other ancient arabia. There are several shows in this area, aswell as a sit down restaurant. The main ride is a rollercoaster called Duelling dragons - its 2 identical tracks that "race" each other. One is the red "fired" dragon and the other blue "ice" dragon. Both sides are very good but only ride both if you ahve a strong stomach! made me feel a little queasy!
The final island is Suess Landing! This is another brilliantly themed island - if you've ever read the Dr Suess books you'll appreciate the green eggs and ham cafe, circus McGurkus and the characters such as the cat in the hat and thing1 and thing 2 that often make an appearance.
Interesting fact about this land is that there is not a single straight line anywhere!
Overall i prefer the other univeral park but we will always do both of the parks! There is so much to do and Islands of adventure has its own unique characteristics so its definately worth a visit!

Summary: Completely different to the other universal park!