Let's Go On An Adventure

Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida

This summer I was lucky enough to spend a few glorious weeks in Florida. A particular highlight was the week I spent in Orlando running around some of the amazing parks like an over-excited twelve year old. I must say the parks in Florida make ours over here in the UK look absolutely pathetic by comparison – the US certainly doesn’t do anything by halves! Out of all of the parks I visited, Universal Studios Islands of Adventure was by far my favourite. I had been dying to visit here for a while, particularly because of the Harry Potter attractions, so I was a tad giddy when I finally got there. Thankfully I wasn’t disappointed as the park surpassed all of my expectations. 

The park is divided into six different ‘islands’, namely The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent and Seuss Landing. Before visiting, we were told that the wait for attractions could be up to 2 hours or more, so with that in mind I headed straight for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (obviously). Needless to say it was amazing. If you are a fan of the books or the films then I think you will appreciate what an exceptional job has been done to create the Hogsmede Village and Hogwarts Castle – I was so impressed! 

Welcome to Hogwarts

Hogsmede Village

Everything from the shops, the Hogwarts train and station and the dining areas, including The Three Broomsticks and The Hog’s Head, were so well decorated that I did actually feel as if I was in a part of the movie. The rides in this section were equally impressive. If, like me, you are a big thrill seeker, then the Dragon Challenge coasters are for you. Take a ride on either the Chinese Fireball (the red track) or the Hungarian Horntail (the blue track), two very different but equally thrilling, dizzying, high speed coasters. 

Side by side: Dragon Challenge coasters

For those who prefer to remain a little closer to solid ground, there is the family friendly Flight of the Hippogriff coaster and the revolutionary flight simulator ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The Forbidden Journey did have quite a long queue time, but it really is a worth waiting for. Besides, half of the fun is in fact the wait on this ride, as you are taken inside the Hogwarts castle where you get to wander through various well-known and much loved sets, including Dumbledore’s Office, The Gryffindor Common Room and the Defence Against the Dark Arts Classroom. Obviously this section of the park is going to appeal more to fans of the books and films, but even if you’re not an avid potter fan it is still worth a visit, even if for nothing but the rides.

Along with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Marvel Super Hero Island, Jurassic Park and Toon Lagoon were also pretty exceptional. Personally, I didn’t feel there was that much to see in The Lost Continent, whilst Seuss Landing appealed more to younger children. Jurassic Park and Toon Lagoon are the places to head if you love a good water ride. The Jurassic Park River Adventure is certainly the grandest of all the water rides in the park, but my favourite was definitely Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw falls, a wild log flume ride. The queue to get on this was by far the longest in the whole park, but it is a ride worth waiting for. 

Wet 'n Wild! Dudley Do-Rights Rip Saw Falls

Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, a river raft ride down the wild water rapids, is also a great ride providing you don’t mind getting really wet – and I do mean absolutely soaking. Back in the UK, you can go on river raft rides just like this one without getting wet at all – absolutely no fun whatsoever! 

If you’re looking for thrills then Marvel Superhero Island is the best place to head. Personally, I love nothing more than a giant rollercoaster – the bigger the ride, the better – so this area of the park was a lot of fun. This section featured my favourite ride in the park, The Incredible Hulk coaster, a high speed, twisting and looping rollercoaster that is sure to please any thrill seeker. 

It's a blast! The Incredible Hulk Rollercoaster

The Dragon Challenge coasters in The Wizarding World of Harry potter were pretty exceptional thrill rides, but for the sheer speed, The Hulk coaster clinches the top spot for me. But be warned, if you have never been on this ride before, you may get a bit of surprise when you’re in the tunnel waiting for the ride to begin! Doctor Doom’s Fear Fall was also a great ride that I think deserves a mention. The 150ft drop tower is certainly not the most extravagant ride in the park, but the suspense it builds whilst you are sat at the bottom of the tower waiting to be blasted into the air makes it more nerve-wracking than the biggest coasters in the park! 

Doctor Doom's Fear Fall. Mind the drop!

So whether you are looking for big thrills, a chance to meet and greet your favourite film characters and superheroes, or a chance to experience the magic of Harry Potter, Universal Islands of Adventure ensures a great day out for everyone.