
Universal Islands of Adventure Expert Guide
Located right next door to Universal Studios Florida and included in the price of your Universal Orlando Explorer Ticket, experience the innovative thrills and unexpected adventures of Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park.
What is Universal Islands of Adventure?
Islands of Adventure was the second park to open at Universal Orlando Resort, joining Universal Studios Florida in 1999 as a place to experience some of the most famous and beloved TV and film franchises ever created. It’s a high-energy, high-thrill park that is grouped in 6 ‘islands’ around a central lagoon and features some of the world’s most impressive theme park designs.
Everything at Islands of Adventure is a journey in its own right, with plenty to admire before you even get to the rides. But when you do, there’s something for everyone; high-powered coasters for adrenaline junkies, three water rides that promise a soaking, and smaller rides perfect for kids too.
Here, you’ll be transported to legendary worlds where superheroes, beasts and magical creatures stand before you. Whether you’re flying over the Hogwarts castle grounds with Hagrid, swinging above the city streets with Spider-Man, coming face-to-face with the most colossal ape to ever walk the earth, or being hunted by escaped velociraptors, the fun really begins with a ticket to Universal’s Islands of Adventure!
Universal Islands of Adventure Lands

Port of Entry
The adventure begins from the very first step you take into Islands of Adventure, as you’re transported to a Mediterranean port town full of shops and dining locations. This is the perfect land to set you up for the adventures to come, ready to make your way to some exciting and magical locations.
Don’t miss:
- Grab a quick and delicious breakfast at Croissant Moon Bakery
- Buy a personalised commemorative Christmas decoration from Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe
- Dine on dishes inspired by world cuisines at Confisco Grill

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade
Those snow-topped roofs can only mean one thing - you’re not in Florida anymore! No, you’ve stepped off the Hogwarts Express to the village of Hogsmeade, home to the famous Hogwarts Castle, where you’ll be fully immersed in all things Harry Potter and the magical Wizarding World.
Don’t miss:
- Start your day with a traditional English breakfast from the Three Broomsticks
- Pick up a Chocolate Frog or pack of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans from Honeydukes
- Discover some rare and magical beasts on Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure

Jurassic Park
If you’ve always wished that Jurassic Park was a real theme park, this is your chance to experience the next best thing. Here you can come face to face (or maybe face to back as you run away!) with some harmless herbivores and some predators too.
Don’t miss:
- Take a high-speed chase through the raptor paddock on Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- Let your kids discover their inner explorer as they play at Camp Jurassic
- Join the resident palaeontologists for a lunch break at The Burger Digs

Suess Landing
Oh the places you’ll go, the things that you’ll see, the rides that you’ll ride and the food that you’ll eat! This land is inspired by the wonderfully weird world of Dr. Suess and his famous children’s stories, with rides that are particularly perfect for the younger members of your family.
Don’t miss:
- Try some green eggs and ham tots at the Green Eggs and Ham Cafe
- Ride an elephant bird, cowfish or mulligatawny on the Caro-Suess-el
- Meet The Cat in the Hat, the Lorax, Sam-I-Am and more at the Dr. Suess Character Spot

Marvel Super Hero Island
Assemble alongside Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, the Fantastic Four and all of the mightiest Marvel heroes. Swing, smash and storm your way through this land as you help save the world one ride at a time.
Don’t miss:
- Unleash the monster within on The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Help Peter Parker protect the streets of New York City on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- Meet your favourite heroes while dining on all-you-can-eat pasta and pizza at the Marvel Character Dinner

Toon Lagoon
From Popeye to Betty Boop, all of the classic comic book characters you know and love make an appearance in Toon Lagoon, and now you can be a part of the comic strip too in this stylised land full of photo opportunities and fun-filled attractions.
Don’t miss:
- Get a soaking on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls and Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
- Try a gravity-defying sandwich at Blondie’s
- See how many classic comic strip characters you can find while browsing the apparel at Toon Extra

The Lost Continent
You’ll want to get lost in this land, full of exotic bazaars and delicious food stalls. Discover ancient myths about gods and beasts on epic journeys through old worlds - who knows what you might find.
Don’t miss:
- Feast on award-winning food inspired by worldwide cuisines at Mythos Restaurant
- Get a glimpse into your future with a psychic reading from Star Souls
Universal’s Islands of Adventure Rides and Attractions
Rides

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
- Ride/Attraction Type - Motion Simulator
- Height Requirement - 48”/122cm
- Express Pass Access
Make your way through the familiar classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Then soar above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter and his friends on an unforgettably thrilling adventure, coming face-to-face with magical creatures! This amazing attraction uses groundbreaking technology (and maybe a little magic) to create a one-of-a-kind ride experience.
EXPERT TIP! If you have a Harry Potter fan in your party who is too short to ride, or doesn’t like riding simulators, they can still experience some of the magic of Hogwarts! Simply let the team member know at the start of the queue that you don’t want to ride and they will let you through a special queue that will let you out before the ride itself. You won’t get to see everything, but you’ll get to explore some of the corridors of the castle and you might bump into Harry, Ron and Hermione too!

MOST THRILLING! Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™
- Ride/Attraction Type - Thrill Ride
- Height Requirement - 48”/122cm
- Express pass Access
For the first time ever, join Hagrid as you fly far beyond the grounds of Hogwarts™ castle on a thrilling roller coaster ride that plunges into the paths of some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures. This really is Universal’s most highly themed, immersive coaster—only at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
FUN FACT! On Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure you can ride either on the motorbike or in a sidecar - if you get the chance to ride this thrilling attraction more than once, make sure you switch seats so you can experience both!

Flight of the Hippogriff™
- Ride/Attraction Type - Thrill Ride
- Height Requirement - 36”/92cm
- Express Pass Access
Get up close and personal with one of the Wizarding World’s most famous and magical beasts! Follow Hagrid's instructions as you learn the proper way to approach a Hippogriff, which has the head of a giant eagle and the body of a horse. Then you’ll take off on a family-friendly coaster that spirals and dives around the pumpkin patch, and swoops past Hagrid's hut.

Hogwarts™ Express: Hogsmeade™ Station
- Ride/Attraction Type - Transportation
- Height Requirement - None
- Express Pass Access
Is it the end of term already? Nestled within the charming village of Hogsmeade, is the station that will take you all the way back home to King’s Cross Station. Board and ride the Hogwarts Express to Universal Studios Florida and get ready to encounter characters and creatures from the Harry Potter books and films. When you arrive in London, pop around the corner to find the secret entryway into Diagon Alley.
EXPERT TIP! To take the Hogwarts Express you’ll need a ticket to both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Our 3-Park and 2-Park Explorer tickets are perfect for this, giving you 14 consecutive days access to both parks.

Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Ride/Attraction Type - Water Ride
- Height Requirement - 42”/107cm
- Express Pass Access
Relive the original Jurassic Park on a thrilling river raft adventure. You’ll ride through the jungle and see dinosaurs in their natural habitats but some aren’t quite as welcoming as others. When you come to face to face with a giant t-rex, there’s nowhere to go but down… an 85-foot drop!

MOST THRILLING! Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- Ride/Attraction Type - Thrill Ride
- Height Requirement - 51”/130cm
- Express Pass Access
Speeding through the jungle and rising high above the terrain, it’s the apex predator of roller coasters: Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Board your vehicle for a high-speed dash through the park’s raptor paddock. You’ll feel the rush of the hunt as you race alongside these nimble predators, twisting and soaring above the land and water on a new species of roller coaster.
As the newest ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the line for VelociCoaster can sometimes get quite long - here are some tips and tricks from our very own CEO Olly Brendon on how you can ride some of the top rides in Orlando with the shortest queues!

FUN FOR KIDS! Pteranodon Flyers - Temporarily Closed
- Ride/Attraction Type - Thrill Ride
- Height Requirement - 51”/130cm (under 48”/122cm requires supervising companion)
- Express Pass Access
Kids of all ages will enjoy this slow, gentle attraction that suspends riders beneath the 10-foot wingspan of a Pteranodon, a prehistoric flying reptile. As they swing and sway and make their way around the track, younger guests will get a spectacular view of the theme park from above, experiencing rides like VelociCoaster from a slightly comfier seat.

Raptor Encounter
- Ride/Attraction Type - Interactive Experience
- Height Requirement - None
The fear is real at the Raptor Encounter. Not only are raptors the most intelligent dinosaur on Isla Nublar, but they are also one of the most dangerous. Your experience begins at an electrified paddock where Blue is contained. You'll learn some interesting facts about the clever carnivore and try to slowly approach her to snap a photo. But don't make any sudden movements because her dagger-like teeth are just inches away!

Caro-Seuss-el
- Ride/Attraction Type - Kids Ride
- Height Requirement - none (under 48”/122cm requires supervising companion)
- Express Pass Access
The Caro-Suess-el is a celebration of all things Dr. Suess, with cowfish, elephant birds and Mulligatawnies aplenty for little ones to ride. Animate this colourful collection of characters by pulling the reigns around their necks and watch as their eyes blink, their ears wiggle and their heads turn - the first carousel of its kind. Make sure you look up to catch sight of Horton and the Whos on their dandelion.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish™
- Ride/Attraction Type - Kids Ride
- Height Requirement - none (under 48”/122cm requires supervising companion)
- Express Pass Access
Dr. Seuss's delightful children's book comes to life in this ride that kids (and their parents) will love. Climb aboard One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish and take the controls as you steer your colourful fish up, up, up and down, down, down. As fountains squirt water in time to the story’s rhyme, make sure you follow the instructions or you might get splashed!

FAMILY FAVOURITE! The Cat in the Hat
- Ride/Attraction Type - Kids Ride
- Height Requirement - 36”/91cm (under 48”/122cm requires supervising companion)
- Express Pass Access
Get ready for lots of good fun that is funny with the Cat in the Hat! Step into the world of Dr. Suess and board a couch car that will take you for a wild spin around Sally’s house as you try to clean up after the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1, and Thing 2 before Mother comes home. This highly stylised family ride make you feel as if you’ve jumped right into the pages of the book

The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
- Ride/Attraction Type - Kids Ride
- Height Requirement - 36”/91cm (under 48”/122cm requires supervising companion)
- Express Pass Access
Oh the places you’ll go and the people you’ll see on the High in the Sky Suess Trolley Train Ride. Take a leisurely journey above Suess Landing as you sit back, relax, and listen to the story of the Sneetches or an ABC of all of your favourite Dr. Suess tales. Keep your eyes peeled as you make your way around the track and look out for all kinds of whimsical characters!

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®
- Ride/Attraction Type - 3D Motion Simulator
- Height Requirement - 40”/102cm (under 48”/122cm requires supervising companion)
- Express Pass Access
Face a cast of Marvel characters as you soar above the streets, scale skyscrapers and battle bad guys left and right. The high-definition 3-D graphics are so vivid, you might catch yourself counting the stitches on Spider-Man's gloves. Just make sure you’re paying attention for the 400-foot freefall.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster®
- Ride/Attraction Type - Thrill Ride
- Height Requirement - 54”/138cm
- Express Pass Access
Unleash your inner Hulk! Feel the strength and rush of becoming a super-powered Hulk on this high-speed roller coaster rampage. After a blast of gamma radiation makes everything go wrong, you’ll be sent left, right and upside down at speeds of up to 67 miles per hour.

Storm Force Accelatron®
- Ride/Attraction Type - Spinning Ride
- Height Requirement - None (under 48”/122cm requires supervising companion)
- Express Pass Access
The mutant mastermind Magneto has returned with another cunning plan to defeat the X-Men and threaten the world. The only thing standing between him and victory is the superhero Storm, who is able to summon the forces of nature at her command. But she needs a little help from you. Board the power generator and spin to create as much thunder and lightning as you can - the faster you go, the more you’ll make!

Doctor Doom’s Fearfall®
Ride/Attraction Type - Drop Ride
Height Requirement - 52”/132cm
Express Pass Access
All hail Doctor Doom! The Fantastic Four's arch-nemesis has taken fear to new heights! As a subject of Doctor Doom's monarchy of Latveria you have no choice but to submit to his latest evil experiment – a diabolical device created to extract every ounce of fear from your body so that he can use it against the Fantastic Four.

Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls®
- Ride/Attraction Type - Water Ride
- Height Requirement - 44”/112cm
- Express Pass Access
The setting: the Canadian North Woods. The villain: that notorious scoundrel Snidely Whiplash. The hero: bumbling Royal Canadian Mountie Dudley Do-Right. The plot: Snidely Whiplash has made off with the fair Nell Fenwick and trapped her in a sawmill, and it's up to Dudley Do-Right to ride to the rescue.

Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges®
- Ride/Attraction Type - Water Ride
- Height Requirement - 44”/112cm
- Express Pass Access
Set sail for uncharted hilarity as you help Popeye the Sailor Man rescue Olive from the clutches of that big blowhard Bluto. Brave white-water rapids as this twisting, turning raft ride makes you wish you'd have brought your spinach... and a towel.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Ride/Attraction Type - 4D Motion Simulator
- Height Requirement - 36”/92cm
- Express Pass Access
Brave the dangers of a 1930’s expedition that’s caught in a clash between prehistoric predators and fearsome creatures. As ferocious beasts battle, King Kong hurls himself between you and certain doom. But is he friend, or foe? With each primal roar., each chest-pounding thud, one thundering truth comes clear: This is his home, his kingdom. Only he reigns.
Character Meet and Greets at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Want to meet some of your favourite characters at Universal’s Islands of Adventure? From ferocious raptors to iconic Marvel superheroes, you’ll find meet-and-greets across the park, including:
Character | Meet & Greet Location |
Marvel Super Heroes and Marvel Villains (including Spider-Man, Captain America and more) | Marvel Super Hero Island |
Dr. Seuss Characters (including The Cat in the Hat, The Lorax and more) | Seuss Landing |
The Grinch (seasonally) | Seuss Landing |
Blue, the Velociraptor | Jurassic Park |
Kung Fu Panda Characters | The Lost Continent |
King Julian | The Lost Continent |
Popeye and Olive Oyl | Toon Lagoon |
Hogwarts Express Conductor | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade |
Students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade |
Universal’s Islands of Adventure Restaurants and Dining
Snack Locations
Quick-Service Locations
Table-Service Locations
Universal’s Islands of Adventure Entertainment and Events
Shows and Fireworks

The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
When you have a castle as spectacular as Hogwarts at your disposal, it needs to be made the most of! On select nights, watch from the streets of Hogsmeade as the skies come to life with lights and Hogwarts becomes the backdrop for a show of magical projections. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin and Ravenclaw are all represented so everyone can show their house pride. This is the perfect way to end your day at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, as the music and lights transport you to the Wizarding World.
Where? The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade
When? Approximately every 20 minutes from dusk to park close
TOP TIP! As there are multiple showings of the Nighttime Lights each day, we’d recommend waiting for a later showing for the best view - the darker the sky the more impressive the lights and projections will be!
Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear!
Oh the places you’ll go as you’re transported to the wonderfully wacky world of Dr Suess! Every day, beloved characters including The Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two, The Lorax, The Grinch and Sam-I-Am take to the stage to help tell the stories we all know and love in this all-singing all-dancing show.
Where? Suess Landing
When? Multiple show times throughout the day - check the Universal Orlando App for exact times

Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade
Whenever you visit Hogsmeade village, there’s a good chance that there will be some kind of entertainment happening on the stage near Hogwarts Castle. For a musical performance like no other, stop by for a showing of the Frog Choir, made up of four Hogwarts students - one from each house - and their croaking accompanists. Or for a more lively performance, the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will take to the stage for the Triwizard Sprit Rally.
Seasonal Events

Grinchmas
You’ll feel your heart growing three sizes at this Christmas celebration! Head to Suess Landing for some whimsical festivities brought to you by the residents of Who-ville, with just a little bit of that well-known snark from the Grinch himself. As well as the charming decorations and exclusive meet and greets, the highlight of this event has to be the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, with music and fun telling the story of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
When? Mid-November until early January
How Much? All Christmas events are included in the cost of park entry
Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle
Every Halloween, followers of the Dark Arts take over Hogwarts! As the sun sets, watch as the walls of the castle are taken over by Dementors and Death Eaters, spreading sinister magic as they go. This spectacle of light and projections comes to a climax when Lord Voldemort appears, causing even more wicked chaos to ensue. Featuring a musical score by the incredibly talented John Williams, the dark magic in this nighttime show is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit.
When? Select nights in September and October
How Much? The Dark Arts at Hogwarts show is included in the cost of park entry
Key Information
Islands of Adventure Opening Hours
- Park Hours - 9 AM up to 10 PM (closing times will vary depending on seasons and events)
Guests of Universal Orlando Resort Hotels may also enjoy early theme park entry at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade up to one hour before park opening.
Islands of Adventure Parking
Parking for Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida and Universal CityWalk is all in the same parking garage. The following parking fees apply:
- Regular Parking - $27
- RV/Bus Parking - $32
- Prime Parking - $50
Parking is free for all guests arriving after 6pm (excluding Halloween Horror Nights). Parking for overnight guests at the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels starts at $15.
Directions to Universal’s Islands of Adventure
For guests of the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels, you can get to Islands of Adventure by bus, boat, or on foot. If you’re driving, Islands of Adventure is found to the north of International Drive - simply follow the directions for the Universal Orlando Parking Garage.
Address: 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
What should you bring to Islands of Adventure?
- A camera - Whether you’re posing with Spider-Man, coming face to face with a raptor or trying on your new wizarding robes, you’ll want to have a camera at the ready to capture every single moment of your visit to Islands of Adventure
- Water - Bottled water is of course available at all of the snack and quick service locations in Islands of Adventure, as well as fountain drinks, frozen drinks and alcoholic beverages, but we’d recommend bringing your own bottle of water to make sure you always have some to hand, especially on hot days!
- Snacks - If you can’t be tempted by any of the amazing snack options in the parks, you can bring your own snacks, as long as you’re not bringing a full picnic! This is particularly useful if you have any special dietary requirements.
What should you wear to Islands of Adventure?
Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a reason so it can get pretty hot, especially in the summer. While some rides at Islands of Adventure are inside, many of the attractions are outdoors, so you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing light and comfortable clothing.
Another thing Florida is known for is its rainstorms! Bringing a poncho or waterproof jacket with you will help keep you dry while still making it nice and easy to move from one attraction to another. It might come in handy on the water rides too!
You’ll be doing plenty of walking too, especially if you have an explorer ticket and will be moving between parks throughout the day, so comfy, worn-in shoes are a must! Trainers are a much better option than flip-flops if you want to avoid blisters!
Buy Universal Islands of Adventure Tickets
Universal’s Islands of Adventure FAQs
Are Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure the same park?
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are both part of Universal Orlando Resort, but they are different parks so you’ll need to make sure your ticket includes both of them if you want to park hop! All of our Universal Orlando Resort tickets include both parks so you can easily experience what the whole park has to offer.