Explore the worlds and storylines of some of the most beloved characters in literature and film. Located in Orlando, Islands of Adventure is one of the main attractions in Universal Studios Florida. Divided in eight differently themed islands, Islands of Adventure offers something for everyone.
History
In 1985 Universal’s board of directors drew plans for a shopping mall to be placed in the area where the modern day Islands of Adventure is. But, five years after the initial shopping mall idea, the plan as canceled. Shortly after the mall plans were scratched, plans for Islands of Adventure was created.
Universal Studios Florida even provided guests with a Preview Center for Islands of Adventure two years before the park opened.
This Preview Center gave visitors a behind the scenes sneak peek of the fundamentals of Islands of Adventure. With the success of the Preview Center, and a quick construction, Islands of Adventure initiated a soft opening on March 27, 1999. During the soft opening, visitors purchased a discounted ticket and previewed the park under a technical rehearsal. Islands of Adventure officially opened on May 28, 1999.
Attractions
There are eight “islands” within Islands of Adventure. Each island has a different theme and attractions.
Port of Entry is the first island visitors pass through. Port of Entry is located along the main entrance of Islands of Adventure and has various shops, restaurants, and services. The Open Arms Hotel is the perfect place for visitors to receive information about Islands of Adventure. Another highlight of Port of Entry is the Pharos Lighthouse, which is a completely functioning lighthouse.
Marvel Super Hero Island features various superhero characters from Marvel Comics. Even the buildings and overall structure of the Marvel Super Hero Island environment has a comic book appearance. A combination of comic inspired restaurants and shops, such as Captain America Diner and Marvel Alterniverse Store, are featured within this island. Many of Islands of Adventure’s most popular rides, such as The Incredible Hulk and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, are also featured within this island.
Toon Lagoon is based around King Features Syndicate and Jay Ward, who are two comic strip characters. There are three main water-based attractions within Toon Lagoon:
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, a combination of a log flume and roller coaster.
• Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, a river rafting ride.
• Me Ship the Olive, a playground built within a ship.
Skull Island is the newest island within Islands of Adventure. Skull Island is inspired by Peter Jackson’s King Kong. The King Kong character used to be included within Universal Orlando with the Kongfrontation attraction. But, Konfrontation closed in 2002. Until the emergence of Skull Island, King Kong was excluded from Universal Orlando. The main attraction within Skull Island is the ride, Skull Island:: Reign of Kong, which recently opened in summer 2016.
Jurassic Park is based on Michael Crichton’s renowned novel and Steven Spielberg’s renowned film series, Jurassic Park. Various dinosaur themed areas, exhibits, and attractions are placed around Jurassic Park in attempt to replicate what someone would see and experience if they explored the same attraction within the film series. Of the five main attractions within Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park River Adventure is the most popular.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Village has quickly become one of the most popular attractions of Universal Orlando. Based on the renowned book series by J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter, this island features many notable locations within Hogsmeade Village, as well as the iconic Forbidden Forest and Hogwarts Castle. There are five main attractions within this island, most notably Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
The Lost Continent is based on ancient myths and legends, specifically those of ancient Arabian or Grecian-Atlantis descent. The Lost Continent is known for having one of the most renowned full-service restaurants within Islands of Adventure, as well as their live-action show, The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad.
Seuss Landing is an island dedicated to the pieces of literature from Dr. Seuss. Many of the popular characters and characteristics from Dr. Seuss’ books are featured within this island. Of the six main attractions within Seuss Landing, The Cat in the Hat is the most popular ride.
Dining
There are various dining options spread across each island of Islands of Adventure. Each island has an overall different theme of dining options. Certain islands even have themed restaurants relevant to the characters and stories within their island’s theme, such as the Three Broomsticks restaurant within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32819, Phone: 407-363-8000