DK Travel : Orlando : Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure

No one has rated this yet.

Rate it

Review this attraction

Are these details incorrect?

Orlando didn’t have a lot to offer adrenalin junkies until Universal unveiled its second Central Florida park in 1999. Billed as the “world’s most technologically advanced theme park,” no local rivals can touch Islands of Adventure’s (IOA) thrill power and innovation (although Tampa’s Busch Gardens) is also highly rated by thrill-seekers. With terrifying roller coasters, three heart-stopping water attractions, and stunningly creative rides, it is the place to head for those who like to live dangerously.

Top 10 Attractions

1. Incredible Hulk Coaster

You blast out of the darkness at 40 mph (64 kmph), go weightless, and endure seven inversions and two drops during this white-knuckle ride.
2. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

Slap on 3-D glasses and battle the baddies while fireballs and other computer-generated objects fly at you. The technology is amazing.
3. Doctor Doom’s Fearfall

This ride climbs 200 ft (61 m), before dropping and pausing at several levels to maximum thrilling effect.
4. Pteranodon Flyers

Eye-catching metal gondolas swing from side to side on this prehistoric bird’seye tour around the park’s Jurassic Park zone.
5. Jurassic Park River Adventure

This ride starts slowly but quickly picks up speed as some raptors get loose. To escape you will have to take an 85-ft (26-m), flume-style plunge.
6. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges

The water is freezing on what is Florida’s bounciest raft ride. Expect to be squirted, splashed, or even drenched as your 12-passenger “barge” goes the course.
7. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls

Six-passenger logs cruise the lagoon before giving riders an excuse for a good squeal, a steep drop at 50 mph (80 kmph). The ride seems to finish up “underwater.”
8. Dueling Dragons

These two floorless coasters do five rollovers and come within 1 ft (30 cm) of each other no less than three times. If you are really courageous, go for seats in the front row.
9. Poseidon’s Fury: Escape from the Lost City

Pass through a swirling vortex of water, then look on as all hell breaks loose when Poseidon and Zeus have an almighty battle.
10. The Cat in the Hat

Hold on as your couch spins and turns through 18 Seussian scenes. The Cat, Thing One, and Thing Two join you on a ride through a day that’s anything but ordinary.

Practical Information

Go on. Try a green eggs and ham sandwich at the Green Eggs and Ham Café. The Universal Express system (see Cutting in Line) cuts the amount of time spent standing in line for the most popular rides and shows. Some of the park’s rides have shorter lines for single guests and couples willing to split up. During thunderstorms, the park’s plentiful outdoor rides close. Hollywood Way 407-363-8000 www.universalorlando.com Open at least 9am–7pm, call for seasonal hours. Adm: adults $57.50, children (3–9) $48 (including tax), children under three go free. One-day tickets can be upgraded to a two-day pass if you find you want to spend another day in the park.