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Islands of Adventure

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Universal Orlando actually encompasses two different theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Many first-time visitors have trouble distinguishing between the two parks, and distinguishing Universal from Disney World down the street. Each park has its own theme, and each is subdivided into multiple areas that have their own themes as well. Learning these themes is the key to figuring out which park holds which attractions.

Islands of Adventure is the most technologically advanced theme park in the world. Islands of Adventure is a collection of islands based on very different fantasy worlds. The islands are: Port of Entry, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent, and Seuss Landing. The theming is spectacular, and the details in the land are worth noticing so make sure you don't rush through the entire park.

 

Port of Entry:

This is the park entrance area. The theme is “The Adventure Begins.” This open-air bazaar around the park’s icon, the Lighthouse, is reminiscent of a base camp, the sort of village from which one might board a prop plane for his or her next destination.

Attractions

  • There are no attractions in Port of Entry

Shopping

  • Islands of Adventure Trading Company - Islands of Advnture apparel, jewelry, gifts and toys.
  • Ocean Trader Market - Import from around the globe.
  • De Foto's Expedition Photography - Film and camera equipment, as well as the photo pick-up location.
  • Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe - Holiday decorations available year round.
  • Island Market and Export - Candy Shoppe Gourmet candy, sweets, chocolate and fudge.
  • Port Provisions - T-shirts, caps and other last minute souvenirs.

Dining

Quick Service (Fast food)

  • Croissant Moon Bakery - Deli sandwiches, paninis, fresh pastries, and cheesecakes
  • Cinnabon - Cinnamon rolls and other pastries
  • Arctic Express - Soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, and funnel cakes

Full Service (Sit down dining with waiter)

  • Confisco Grill - Grilled sandwiches and burgers, salads, fajitas, Low-Carb menu and full bar.

Characters

  • Woody Woodpecker can sometimes be found roaming around Port of Entry.

 

Marvel Super Hero Island

This land takes you inside the world of comic book heroes and villains. The battle between good and evil is prevalent throughout, and the rides are thrilling. Take time to appreciate the architecture as well.

Attractions

Shopping

  • Spider-Man Shop - All kinds of Spider-Man merchandise including apparel and keepsakes.
  • Marvel Alterniverse Store - Apparel, accessories, jewelry, mugs, keychains, collectibles and artwork.
  • Comic Book Shop - Collectible comics and comic book themed souvenirs.
  • Oakley - Oakley sunglasses and accessories.
  • Kingpin's Arcade - Arcade classics.

Dining

Quick Service (Fast food)

  • Cafe 4 - Pizza, spaghetti & meatballs, fettuccini with chicken, and chicken caesar salad.
  • Captain America Diner - Cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken fingers, and crispy chicken salad.

Touring Tips

  • The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman was the most technologically advanced ride in the world at the time it opened, and it is still considered by many to be the gold standard. It is a high speed blend of track layout, motion simulator, 3-D movie and full sized sets, combined in perfect harmony for the most realistic ride ever. Do not miss this ride.
  • Rather than a standard freefall, Dr. Doom’s Fearfall operates in reverse. It shoots upward at a high rate of speed, and then descends slowly. Not for those with a fear of heights, this ride offers a spectacular view of the Orlando skyline.
  • The Captain America Diner is on the Universal Meal Deal.

 

Toon Lagoon:

This is where the Sunday funnies come to life. Exciting attractions and excellent dining and shopping make this land fun for all ages, and the visuals are stunning.

Attractions

Shopping

  • Betty Boop Store - Betty Boop souvenirs including apparel, toys and collectibles.
  • Toon Extra - Apparel, gifts and souvenirs.

Dining

Quick Service (Fast food)

  • Comic Strip Cafe - Chinese, Italian, Mexican and American favories.
  • Cathy's Ice Cream - Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream.
  • Blondie's - Deli sandwiches made to order.
  • Wimpy's - Hamburgers, chicken fingers, chicken wraps and french fries.

Touring Tips

  • Water rides and shooting fountains combine to make Toon Lagoon a very wet area. Be prepared.
  • Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls and Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges will get you soaked. Not just wet, but soaked. Be sure to bring a poncho if you wish to avoid this.
  • Blondie’s, though not on the Universal Meal Deal, makes an excellent Dagwood sandwich.

 

Jurassic Park:

As the name implies, this land takes you inside the books and films of the same name. From the familiar gates complete with logo, to the exotic plants lining the walkway, you will truly feel that you have entered the land of dinosaurs.

Attractions

Shopping

  • Dinostore - Dinosaur related goods from toys to scientific books.
  • Jurassic Outfitters - Jurassic Park River Adventure attraction photos and merchandise.

Dining

  • The Burger Digs - Burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken fingers, and milkshakes
  • Thunder Falls Terrace - Wraps, BBQ ribs, rotisserie chicken, and salads
  • Pizza Predattoria - Personal pizzas, subs and salads.
  • The Watering Hole - Full bar with frozen cocktails as well as beer and wine.

Touring Tips

  • The signature Jurassic Park River Adventure is a water ride. Depending on where you sit, you may get wet…or you may get drenched. Again, bring a poncho if you prefer not to get wet.
  • Pteranodon Flyers is designed for children 36” to 56” in height. Adults must be accompanied by a child meeting those requirements. At 65 feet in the air, this attraction offers a breathtaking flight through Jurassic Park. If your group meets the requirements, this ride is well worth the long wait in line.
  • Be sure to visit the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. You might have the opportunity to see a dinosaur being born.
  • Burger Digs inside the Discovery Center is on the Universal Meal Deal. The burgers are excellent.

 

The Lost Continent:

Myths and legends reign supreme in this Renaissance Faire styled land. The shopping is excellent in the open-air market, and the rides here are incredible.

Attractions

  • The Flying Unicorn - Tame roller coaster through a mystical forest.
  • Dueling Dragons - Intense inverted roller coaster with two tracks, both featuring five inversions and speeds over 55 m.ph.
  • Poseidon's Fury - This walking tour of Poseidon's temple becomes an adventure filled with special effects and illusions.

Entertainment

Shopping

  • Treasures of Poseidon - Oceanic apparel, toys, and keepsakes.
  • The Coin Mint - Personalized metal coins.
  • The Dragon's Keep - Dueling Dragons apparel and dragon toys and collectibles.
  • Dragon apparel, games, toys, crystal balls, pewter mugs.
  • The Pearl Factory - Pick an oyster that is guaranteed to hold at least one pearl.
  • Historic Families Heraldry - Discover your family coat of arms and history
  • Chimera Glass - Glass blowing demonstrations and hand blown glass products.

Dining

Quick Service (Fast food)

  • The Enchanted Oak Tavern - Hickory smoked ribs, BBQ chicken, turkey legs, grilled hamburgers, and salads.
  • The Alchemy Bar - Full service bar with daily Happy Hour.
  • The Frozen Desert - Ice cream and ice cream sundaes.
  • Fire Eater's Grill - Grilled gyros, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and salad

Full service (Sit down dining with waiter)

  • Mythos Restaurant - Considered one of the best restaurants in any theme park, Mythos serves high-end contemporary cuisine.

Touring Tips

  • Dueling Dragons is actually two intertwined roller coasters. Be sure to ride both. The golden rule: Sit in the front row of Ice, the back of row of Fire
  • The Flying Unicorn is billed as a kiddie coaster. However, it is surprisingly enjoyable for adults as well, especially in the back row. Adults may ride without kids, so be sure to check this one out.
  • Poseidon’s Fury is a very unique attraction and should be visited if there is time
  • Mythos Restaurant has been rated the number one theme park restaurant in the world for several years in a row. Though it is a full-service restaurant and not included in the Universal Meal Deal, it is definitely worth a visit. Even if you decide not to eat here, be sure to take a look around. The decor is truly spectacular

 

Seuss Landing:

As the name implies, this island takes you inside the stories of Theodore Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss. Every bit of the island, from the rides to the décor, was carefully supervised and approved by Dr. Seuss’s widow.

Attractions

Shopping

Cats, Hats & Things - Cat in the Hat apparel, gifts and toys.

All The Books You Can Read -Dr. Seuss books and merchandise.

Snookers & Snookers Sweet Candy Cookers - Specialty candies.

Mulberry Street Store - Dr. Suess merchandise including souvenirs themed to the Grinch.

Dining

  • Circus Mcgircus Cafe Stupendous - Fast food favorites such as pasta, chicken and hamburgers.
  • Hop on Pop Ice Cream - Ice cream, sundaes and floats.

Touring Tips

  • Do not miss the Cat in the Hat. A blend of track layout and motion simulator, this is an exciting ride for all ages.
  • The Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous is on the Universal Meal Deal.
  • If you ride One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, listen carefully to the lyrics of the song. They will tell you how to avoid being sprayed with water.

Islands of Adventure is mostly an outdoor park. Many attractions shut down during thunderstorms. However, there are indoor shops and restaurants where you can wait out the weather, and Central Florida storms tend to be short-lived. Many guests will leave when the storm begins, so when it passes you can enjoy the rides with much shorter lines. Be prepared, however, for extremely wet ride seats. A poncho is a very good idea at this park. If you will be visiting in the winter, dress warmly and enjoy the water rides with little to no wait.

Islands of Adventure is a must-see theme park for guests of all ages. The ride technology is unprecedented and the décor is spectacular. The park has an enjoyable mix of high thrill attractions and more sedate shows. The park can be seen in a day, although if you have two days you can slow down, re-visit favorite attractions, and take time to enjoy the scenery. We are currently offering discount Universal Studios tickets where you can buy a 2 day/2 park ticket for only a few dollars more than the 1 day/1 park ticket. If you purchase one of our Universal Studios vacation packages we can even offer you better deals on the tickets.

Around every bend is another epic adventure. Around every corner waits another once-in-a-lifetime thrill. Take an unforgettable journey through five uniquely themed islands, where the world's most cutting edge rides and attractions challenge all your sences.

Feel the rush of adrenaline as the laws of gravity are torn asunder. Scream as the gaping jaws of a T-Rex inch ever closer. And raise your fist in triumph as you defeat the world's most diabolical villians. Experience the heart pounding exhilaration of Islands of Adventure... it's the stuff legends are made of.

Tips:

1. Bring some Ziploc bags with you. There are plenty of water areas and water rides at the parks and it would be a safe plan to put your cameras, wallet, or anything you don't want to get wet in them. There are temporary lockers at most of the wet attractions but it’s still a safe thing to have with you.

2. Get to the park early, half an hour before it opens that should be enough time to park, get to the front gate. Once you get to the gate get a park schedule and start to plan which shows you want to see and when you want to go and see them. This will help you plan out your day faster without any hassle.

3. Beetlejuice & The Universal Monsters pose pictures for 20 minutes after the show and sign autographs.

4. The vintage cars parked outside Mel’s Diner make a great backdrop for a photo.

5. If a show is taping that day, sometimes the Nickelodeon stars will appear on Nickelodeon.

 

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