Universal's Islands of Adventure
Overview
Sitting right next door to Universal Studios is the fantastic theme park of Islands of Adventure – voted one of the world's top theme parks by customers. The park is split up into different 'Islands' so that every family member can enjoy unforgettable experiences.
The Port of Entry Island is the first 'Island' people come to and is home to guest services, restaurants and shops including the famous Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe where you can buy decorations and trinkets all year round.
Walking clockwise around the park, the next 'Island' is the Marvel Super Hero Island with iconic rides such as the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Doctor Doom's Fearfall and the 3D Spider-Man simulator thrill ride suitable for the whole family. This section of the park is where you can also meet the rest of Marvel's Superheroes patrolling around at various times of the day.
Toon Lagoon comes next and this is where your favourite American cartoon characters including Betty Boop and Popeye can be found, as well as the wild and wacky water rides such as Ripsaw Falls and Bilge-Rat Barges.
The Jurassic Park Island, 65 million years in the making, contains such favourites as River Adventure and Pterandon Flyers where younger members of the family will enjoy soaring over the camp. Guests not interested in thrill-seeking can enjoy the sedate Camp Jurassic and Discovery Center where you can learn all about dinosaurs, watch raptor eggs hatching and experience more hands-on adventures.
The 20 acre Wizarding World of Harry Potter is perhaps the most famous and certainly the newest 'Island' here. Every family member will enjoy exploring the mysteries of Hogwarts and visiting the shops of Hogsmeade. The newest roller coaster in this area is Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which takes you on a twisting journey through the Forbidden Forest, while the Forbidden Journey ride takes you through the classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts before you soar through the air in an unforgettable thrilling adventure. Eating and drinking in this area can be done at The Three Broomsticks Inn, a restaurant with typical British dishes, The Hog's Head Pub, where you can sip on spirits and drinks inspired by those in the Harry Potter stories, and the Butterbeer Cart, where you can enjoy the delectable frozen beverage.
The Lost Continent lets you explore an ageless land of myths and legends. Whilst you are here, don't forget to make a wish at The Mystic Fountain or enjoy Poseidon's Fury, the indoor special-effects show located in the mythological Greek section.
Family members, young and old, will enjoy Seuss Landing where all of Dr Seuss's whimsical children's tales come to life before your eyes! The Cat in the Hat ride lets you sit on your couch as you travel through the pages of the famous children's book and meet the world's most mischievous cat. The merry-go-round of the Caro-Seuss and the High in the Sky Train ride will be enjoyed by younger family members, as will the If I Ran the Zoo interactive play area. As in the books, one of the most unique characteristics of this area is that there is not a single straight line anywhere.
