universal studios, and the islands of adventure ( orlando ) (Universal Studios Islands of Adventure (Orlando))

Member Name: disneybusiness

Product:	Universal Studios Islands of Adventure (Orlando)
Date:	06/02/09 (162 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: weather , rides , good food , good location

Disadvantages: long ques ,

The sunshine state and a place that is renowned all over the world as a fun and magical place for all the family. Those of you who have been to Florida and prefer the action packed holiday and have visited Universal Studios.

After Universal Studios is doing so well, Universal decided it was time to expand in 1999 and add a second theme park and a handful of modern hotels.

That expansion was what we now know as Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, and what an addition it was. This park boasts everything, breathtaking scenery and imaginative themes, rides suitable for children and those who enjoy the adrenaline rush of thrill rides, a massive selection of restaurants serving all kinds of cuisine, from traditional American, to Greek Luxuries and many shopping opportunities for those who like to shop till they drop.

I'm going to structure this opinion by writing about each brilliantly themed land, talking about the rides, and shows, then mentioning the best place to eat.

An area designed with the kids in mind, and of cause, not forgetting all of you golden oldies, who really, when you're honest with yourself wish you were still young and innocent. Well now?s your big chance to be a child again, right here at Islands of Adventure. Seuss landing is themed around the Dr Seuss books, and contains all of your favourite, if not a little wacky, Seuss characters. Bright colours, Cat in the Hat, and other crazy adventures can be had here in Seuss landing, but what exactly does it have to offer.


Cat in the Hat - an indoor attraction which is suitable for everyone in your family. Take your seat in specially designed sofa, and ride around the children?s house and see what they get up to whilst mother is out. With the Cat in the Hat around expect some crazy things to occur during this few minute attraction. A must see if you have kids,
and even if you don?t why miss out on anything.

Average queue time: 10 minutes

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish - yes this is the name of a ride and not just me demonstrating my aptitude for rhyming random words. Again as with everything in Seuss landing, this is designed with the little ones in mind, however adults are sure to live this attraction to, well I know I do.

What appeals to me most about this ride is the huge amounts of water involved, and you don't mind getting a soaking when the hot Florida sun is beating down on you like a drum. As the ride spins you round in your luxury two seater fish, be sure to watch out for those water cannons at the side, as you go up or down to avoid (or like me purposefully aim at) the water.

Average queue time: 30 minutes

Caroseussel - Not much can be said about this ride, it?s a carousel with a Seuss twist, crazy characters hanging onto the outside. You?re either a fan of these rides or your not, but don?t expect the traditional organ music pumping out of this one.

Average queue time: 10 minutes

So to summarise a land full of fun for all the family, and a few rides, which although are not the height of thrills, are sure to give you a laugh.

Place to eat: Green Eggs and Ham ? Offers exactly what it says in the name, all the food from here is coloured green. Don?t worry though; it's not mould, just some harmless food colourings, looks quite peculiar though. Great for snacks, but look to one of the restaurants with seating for a meal, as this is just a takeaway.



A land were mythology comes to life, and two dragons greet the brave adventurers who pass through the big stone gates of the Lost Continent. A place with thrill rides, family adventures, and a fantastic stunt show. Also contains with of the grandest restauran
ts in the park, serving all kinds of Greek cuisine, the Mythos.

Rides and Shows

Duelling Dragons - A massive pair of duelling roller coasters that are sure to set your pulse racing. These two roller coasters are so closely entwined that they miss each other by merely a few feet, at crossing speeds of 120 -130mph. Each track has a unique layout, each with its own unique features. There is the ice dragon, which goes for tight and compact inversions, and sharp turns, then its enemy the fire dragon, which goes for long and smooth drops with lots of stomach wrenching air time.

With each track going upside down seven times and the roller coaster being on the bottom of the track (like Nemesis at Alton Towers), it is sure to provide you with a massive buzz afterwards, well it did for me anyway. One other point worth mentioning is the queue line, which is themed inside a huge castle. I think the queue line is fantastic and really builds up the tension whilst you wait for your destiny.

Average queue time: 5 Minutes (due to huge capacity)


The Flying Unicorn - Universal don't ever forget the younger guests and this ride is definitely for them. A small roller coaster style ride in which the children sit in a unicorn train, and race round this little, but quite speedy track. This ride is pitched perfectly at the kids, with no inversions and good comfy seats to prevent injury. A must for any family with small children who are brave enough to ride.

Average queue time: 5 minutes

Poseidon?s Fury - A unique indoor theatre/adventure style ride. Confused? Thought so, allow me to try my best to explain. You are going on an expedition to discover the lost city of Atlantis, and after passing through a water vortex (which is an amazing experience, having hundreds of gallons of water flying round you in a big circle at 120mph hours is daunting) you find it.


But upon reaching Atlantis, you are not going to be allowed to leave easily as the evil Poseidon, God of the ocean, intends on you staying there. Just as I thought all hope was lost Zeus comes to fight Poseidon, and what a great experience it is. Pyrotechnics, water effects, special cinema screen effects surround sound, and amazing realism puts you right in the centre of a battle between two Gods, and believe me it's not a clean fight. Will you make it out alive as I did?

Average queue time: 20 minutes


The Eighth Voyage Of Sinbad - An amazing show that simply must not be missed. Although one quick word of discretion, this show does contain lots of loud and sudden bangs which may startle the little ones. Anyway, why is this show so great then? Well let me tell you that this show has a bit of everything. The stunts will leave you breathless, as will the pre show jugglers, who juggle everything from skittles, to knifes.

You really should watch this show, and you will certainly not be disappointed by its quality.

Rating: 10 out of 10

In a nutshell, the Lost Continent is a dazzlingly themed area of the park, which maintains this parks astronomical standard.

Place to eat: If you?re up for trying a little bit of Greek cuisine then head over to this place. Located inside a huge themed tree that makes up part of Lost Continents amazing scenery, you will find this delight of a restaurant. Great service, although some of the more extravagant dishes can be quite pricey, the rest of them are pleasantly affordable. Loads of seats, but at peak time be prepared to wait a little for a table, but it will not be a long wait. Great if you fancy a meal, that isn?t just junk food.

~~~ Jurassic Park ~~~

After watching the film I for one wished that this place existed, and thanks to Universal it does, and it does so in style. Those of you who have watched the J
urassic Park film will have seen the huge stone gates, with the flame torches on, well Universal have recreated these gates as the entrance for Jurassic Park, and they have done a fantastic job. This is one of my favourite lands at the park, and contains so many trees it offers great shade from the hot, radiant sun.

~~ The Rides ~~

Jurassic Park River Adventure - Boasting one of the longest and steepest log flume style drops in the world, this ride is bound to impress those white knuckle fans amongst us. Taking your seat aboard one of the Jurassic Park River Tour rafts, your journey into the world of the past begins, taking you through various dinosaur enclosures, containing some fantastic animatronic robots that are extremely life like, and just like the dinosaurs in the film.

But not long after the tour commences, problems start, and your raft ends up taking an emergency route out of the park, through the research building. Let's just say what happens inside is a well worthwhile experience and shows what they are capable of with robots today. Hold onto your hats, its going to be a wild finish, and I love absolutely love it.

Average queue time: 20 minutes


Triceratops Encounter ?-Not really a ride, but more of an interactive attraction. Meet and greet an enormous triceratops, which moves, breathes, and quite rudely, passes wind. A nice change from normal rides, adding a new dimension of fun to Jurassic Park, and showing what is possible with modern robotics. Simply astonishing realism will leave you admiring the skills the people who created it must have, whilst your children are all hyped about meeting a dinosaur.

Average queue time: 10 minutes


Ptrenadon Flyers ? This is a ride that is limited to children's use only and one of the parents or guardian, and if you are over a certain height you can not ride this attraction. It is a ride
which offers a bird eyes view of the Jurassic Park area, as you sore with the birds in your two seater Ptrenadon. A great attraction and one which you will see the kids enjoying all the time.

Average queue time: 30 minutes
Rating: 7 out of 10

That?s all the rides that exist in Jurassic Park, but it does offer other delights. Starting with fun yet educational, Research Centre. Anyone who has seen the film will have seen the Jurassic Park Research Centre, and know that it contains all kinds of dinosaur exhibits, and this one is an exact replica of the film. Watch out for interactive game shows where you can play against an opponent, where you are asked all kinds of Dino trivia. Something that you shouldn?t miss, even though it is'?t an actual ride as such.

Lastly, Jurassic Parks location to eat in my opinion, Thunder Falls Terrace. They sell everything from Rotisserie Chicken, Baby Back ribs, Chicken Wings, Roasted Corn, Salads, Sandwiches, and each meal comes with a soft drink, fries, and sweet corn (optional). The prices are high, but actually good value considering the amount of food you actually get.

~~~ Toon Lagoon ~~~

The home of comedy, water rides, and crazy characters from Popeye to Betty Boop. Take a walk down Comic Strip Alley, and see all your favourite characters walking, talking, and interacting with the guests. If you fancy getting wet Toon Lagoon is the place to be.

~~ The Rides ~~

Dudley Do Rights Ripsaw Falls - Some of you may have heard of old Dudley before, but perhaps some of you are not so sure what I?m talking about. Well Dudley is a Canadian Mountain Ranger, who is actually a hero and always having to save his Damsel from the evil little guy (I forget his name). Can you save Dudley?s girlfriend in this high speed log chase, which leads you three huge drops, which will leave you with one wet lap.

When you are approaching the main drop you know its goin
g to be a wet one (excuse me for that), and then once your at the bottom, a soaking will be sure to entail. A great ride that looks great, and has one of the steepest and fastest drops in the world.

Average queue time: 15 minutes


Popeye and Bluto?s Bilge Rat Barges - Now this one of my favourite rides in the park, and the one which will soak everyone who rides, guaranteed, that means you. This ride is great; can you save olive on your river raft before Bluto gets away? Be sure to hold on tight, even with your seat belt on this is a rocky ride, that will shake you from side to side. One of the only river rapid rides to include an actual drop.

A fantastic experience, which will leave you soaked to the bone, and eligible to enter a wet T-shirt competition.

Average queue time: 20 minutes


Toon Lagoon is a fantastically set out land which maximises the fun and minimises the waiting in line. Do not miss this out, (not that you would miss it, but just be sure not to). Where to eat in Toon Lagoon, I would advise the Comic Strip Cafe. It is split up into various sections serving various foods, including Great Mexican, Chinese, American, Italian, and Salads and Sarnies. A great value for money cafe and one which won?t leave you feeling robbed of your holiday dollars.

~~~ Marvel Super Hero Island ~~~

The last land or maybe your first depending which way you walk around the park, and the home to all of the worlds greatest Superheroes and super villains. Greats such as Spiderman and the incredible Hulk make their home here, and those to in particular have their own rides. The land to go if you?re a family full of thrill seekers.

~~~ The Rides ~~~

The Incredible Hulk Coaster - voted number one coaster in the world as advertised at the park. What makes this ride different to all other roller coasters around is that it starts 120ft in
the air, at 40 mph. After entering the green coloured train, and being securely strapped in, you start to slowly enter the tunnel. After getting half way up you are propelled to 40mph in just under two seconds, which is a great sensation. This ride takes you though seven inversions at speeds of 65-70mph, and has a massive amount of weightlessness moments. You simply can not miss this ride.

Average queue time: 20 minutes


Dr Dooms Fear Falls - Two towers, reaching dizzy heights of 250ft, two lifts, eight people per lift, looks menacing from anywhere in the park, is a fantastic experience. You have been selected fro Dr Doom's test of his new machine will suck the fear out of you. As he talks to you, and then disappears you sit anxiously waiting for it to go. Smoke fills the room, you can?t see anything, then all of a sudden, whoosh, 0 - 70 mph in a second straight up one of the towers, offering a great view of whichever way your facing. What goes up must come down, but this ride is a fantastic experience, one that all the white knucklers amongst you are bound to love.

Average queue time: 20 minutes


The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman - The worlds most technologically advanced and most expensive ride. I really won't go into any detail about this ride, but trust me it is one of the worlds greatest ride experiences, and be sure never to miss this 4D, fully moving ride. Great stuff.

Average queue time: 45 minutes


Place to eat: Captain America's Diner, is an all American Diner serving all American food, if you're a fan of burgers, fries and soft drinks this place may just be your heaven. Loads of selection and all of the meals are as big as you could want. A really great restaurant and one that has many seats, so waiting for a table will very rarely be a problem.

~~~ Staff ~~~

The staff are a very
helpful bunch of people, and the cleaners do an oustanding job at keeping this park maintained to its very high standards of cleanliness. The staff wandering the parks grounds are always more than happy to guide you on your way or help you find a certain ride. The people who work actually on the ride will answer any concerns you may have about riding a particular attraction, and will also help you with the child swap scheme mentioned below.

The staff in the cafes are friendly, smily, and fast. You really couldn't expect any better service than what the staff at Islands of Adventure offer you.

~~~ General Advice, Tips, and Other Bits of Assorted Information ~~~

To make the most out of your day at Islands of Adventure be sure to:

Take everything you need, this may sound obvious, but you will be upset if you forget your camera for example.

Make use of the free lockers provided at big attractions, and take the advice of not taking any loose articles on the larger rides.

Pick up a map of the park, and a show times guide to make sure that you miss nothing.

If shopping is your thing, head to the Port of Entry when you get the urge to spend, anything from across all the other shops in the park, can be bought here.

Universal Offers an express pass service on busy rides, make use of this great system. You put your park ticket in an express machine, choose your ride, it will print a ticket, and when your designated time arrives you can skip right to the front of the line for your chosen attraction. Only one can be got at once however.

For disabled or small guests you can pick up a free pram, or wheelchair upon entering the park, or just take your own.

One the big rides, if you have a little child that is too small to ride, Universal offer the parent swap scheme. One of you rides first, whilst the other looks after the child, then after the first parent has rode, the second c
an get straight on, and the first can look after the child. A fantastic scheme to ensure, that even if you have little kids, you can still do everything.

Be sure to order your free Universal Orlando video of the TV to get even more of an insight into this great park, and more advice and tips on how to plan and make the most of your visit.

Summary: very good place to visit for an holiday