Universal Studios Islands of Adventure One Day Touring Plan

Islands of Adventure is definitely a park you can see in one day; however, with so many fun rides which you might want to ride again and again, it would be a good idea to plan to spend more than one day here. If you are going to be visiting Islands of Adventure in one day, the key is to get to the parks first thing in the morning. Since Islands of Adventure is made up of thrill rides lines can get quite long; however, most of the attractions do not form long lines until around 11 am.

If you are are going to try to see everything at Islands of Adventure in one day you need to stay at one of our Universal hotels in Orlando. This will help you get to the parks first thing in the morning, and get your day off to a rocking start. Most of the Orlando vacation rentals we offer are in the Kissimmee or Davenport area which is a good 25 to 30 minute drive.

One of the best things to purchase, as and add on to your discounted Universal Studios Orlando tickets, if you are only going to visiting Islands of Adventure for one day is the Express Pass. The Express Pass allows you to go into a different line que which is much shorter. If you want to purchase the Express Pass, you can do so at the Guest Services window located outside the park gates. This pass is around $130 but it is well worth it if you are visiting during high season. If you purchase it after 4pm, most days, they offer it at half off. When building your Universal Studios vacation packages, do not include the Express Pass. It will only make the price of the vacation that much more expensive. We suggest purchasing that at the parks if you decide you need it.

Get a park map/show schedule when you arrive. You will want to partially plan your day around showtimes. Be sure not to overbook on shows, however, or you will miss the amazing rides. Exactly what you choose to see will, of course, be based on your individual interests. It can be difficult to make decisions based simply on the short park map descriptions, however, so here is a list to use as a jumping-off point. Remember that this guide is simply this author’s opinion of the must-see attractions, and your own tastes may vary.

Port of Entry

Although there are no actual attractions to be found here, the architecture is amazing. Take time out for a quick breakfast at the Crescent Moon Bakery to start your morning off right.

Suess Landing

The Cat in the Hat

If you are a fan of classic dark rides, be sure not to miss Cat in the Hat. This ride gives the classic dark ride a decidedly modern twist.

The Lost Continent

Open Air Bazaar

Be sure to leave some time for shopping at the Renaissance Faire-style open-air market. Choose from items as diverse as tarot cards, peasant clothes, and family coats of arms.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Both parks offer a wealth of opportunities for you to immerse yourself in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Immerse yourself in Hogsmeade, the only all-wizarding village that Muggles have been reallowed to visit. Enjoy the vocal stylings of a small choir of Hogwarts students accompanied by their large croaking frogs, have your wand choose you at Ollivander’s Experience (also found in Diagon Alley), and behold the amazing view of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. of There are so many unforgettable recreated places from the movie and at Universal Studios Florida. Remember to bring a camera and take pictures that you will enjoy many years later.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Fly through the Forbidden Forest Hagrid’s motorbike past the grounds of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on this quest to discover rare magical creatures! 

Flight of the Hippogriff

Fly through the Forbidden Forest Hagrid’s motorbike past the grounds of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on this quest to discover rare magical creatures! 

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Take a trip inside the famous Hogwarts castle and see the statues, corridors, and stain-glass windows that ornament it within. You catch conversations between portraits and hop on to follow Harry in this adventure through Hogwarts. Escape fire-breathing dragons, hungry spiders, zip through the Quidditch field, and escape Dementors. It is truly a unique experience!

Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park River Adventure

Experience a peaceful water ride that allows you to see some of the plant-eating dinosaurs. All of a sudden you veer off into the raptor-infested area.

Velocicoaster

With two intense launches and four inversions. Feel the rush of the hunt as you race through the jungle alongside Velociraptors on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. 

Toon Lagoon

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls

One of the best log flumes in the country, this one takes you through the wacky adventures of Dudley, Boris, Natasha, and their friends. You will get soaked, so plan accordingly.

Marvel SuperHero Island

The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman

The most technologically advanced theme park attraction in the world, this one is not to be missed. Spiderman combines motion simulation, a track-based ride vehicle, film, and live special effects for a truly amazing experience. If you only see one attraction in the park, Spiderman is the one to see.

The Incredible Hulk

Consistently ranked one of the top twenty roller coasters in the world by a variety of coaster websites, The Incredible Hulk offers a powered launch into a series of inversions. Make sure you meet the health requirements, then enjoy the ride!

The guide above should be used only as a jumping-off point for your trip to Islands of Adventure. Many other exciting and worthwhile attractions are available at the park as well, and definitely should not be missed. Additionally, one of the best parts of the park is the seamless transitioning between completely disparate lands. Pay attention as you cross from one island to another.