Thrill Seekers Guide to Islands of Adventure

Although Package deals to Universal Studios Orlando Florida will always hold a special place in any Universal Orlando fan’s heart,Islands of Adventure for Thrill seekers is a completely different type of theme park. Billed as “the most technologically advanced theme park in the world” at its opening, Islands of Adventure has lived up to the hype. Virtually everything about the park will enthrall thrill lovers, from the world-class roller coasters to the immersive islands which the rides sit on. Thrill-seekers should be careful not to overlook the less obvious rides and attractions. While The Incredible Hulk coaster looms high above the skyline and is thus an immediate draw, it is easy to walk right past Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls without ever realizing what you missed. Here, then, is a thrill-seekers guide to the must-see attractions throughout the park.

Marvel Super Hero Island

Turning left from the Port of Entry upon arrival at the park will lead you to the towering frame of the Incredible Hulk roller coaster. This combo chain-launch coaster is definitely not to be missed. Ride at night if you can for maximum thrills. Although the line for the front row is always the longest, the best G-forces are experienced in the back row, so save yourself some time in line and go for the back instead.

Doctor Doom’s Fearfall is a reverse freefall ride. Inside of a fast drop, the excitement is in the powered launch. The views of the park from the top are phenomenal as well. Storm Force Accelatron is also a must-see, as it takes the traditional carnival teacup ride to an extreme.

One of the most extreme theme park rides in the world is housed in Marvel, in the form of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. Part motion simulator, part track-based ride, part 3D film, and part special effects, this ride is almost impossible to describe. The action blends seamlessly between the different effects and at one point you will absolutely swear that you truly fell several stories. If you experience only one attraction at Islands of Adventure, make it this one.

Toon Lagoon

Do not mistake this area as a simple children’s playland. Toon Lagoon houses the two most intense water rides on Universal property: Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls. These attractions are definitely not to be missed.

Jurassic Park

The signature attraction in this land is the Jurassic World VelociCoaster and the Jurassic Park River Adventure. This is perhaps one of the most immersive and well-done rides at Universal.

Although the Pteranodon Flyers is a children’s ride and adults must technically be accompanied by a child in order to board, it offers a surprisingly exciting flight through Jurassic Park. If you are able to get admission, do not miss this ride.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

This section brings some of the amazing and thrilling attractions to life! Harry Potter fans around the world certainly appreciate the attention to detail that has been brought into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The most thrilling attraction here is Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike ride. You sit down on a motorbike and swiftly fly through the land at high speeds.

Even though every attraction at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a fan favorite, another amazing attraction is the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. You enter Hogwarts Castle and hop aboard as you follow Harry Potter through an immersive and exciting tour through scenes in the movie.

Seuss Landing

Based on the writings of Theodore “Seuss” Geisel, this land is often ignored by those seeking high thrills. To skip the land would be a mistake, however, as this would mean skipping The Cat in the Hat. This ride was designed in the spirit of the old dark carnival rides. Modern technology, however, has created a bouncing, spinning ride that is guaranteed to thrill.

Islands of Adventure was billed at its opening as the most technologically advanced theme park in the world. Although contenders have stepped forward to challenge individual rides and attractions, Islands continue to hold its title when considered as a whole. Theming is phenomenal, thrills are definitely in place, and the rides provide a little extra beyond what would be expected of rides of their type. Universal Studios Florida continues to thrill and amaze park guests with its adventures inside Universal’s legendary film catalog, but Islands of Adventure offers something completely different. Plan to spend at least one day in order to fully explore this amazing park.