Universal's Islands of Adventure (Sometimes abbreviated IOA ) is a theme park located in Orlando, Florida. It opened May 28, 1999 as part of an expansion that, along with CityWalk and the Portofino Bay and Hard Rock hotels, converted Universal Studios Florida into the Universal Orlando Resort. The park's overall theme is that of a journey of exploration, where guests depart from a main port on an "inland sea" to visit five "islands," each having its own distinct theme, but all emphasizing fun and adventure. A planned sixth island, to open in 2010, will be based on the popular Harry Potter franchise.
In 2007, Islands of Adventure hosted approximately 5.3 million guests, ranking it #9 among United States parks and #15 among all parks worldwide.
The park has even inspired a soundtrack album that once was available in its many souvenir shops.
Opening
Islands of Adventure had a soft opening beginning March 27, 1999 during which visitors could preview the park at a discounted price while the staff conducted a technical rehearsal and put the finishing touches in place. In this period, guests were informed that attractions might open and close throughout the day without notice and that some attractions might not be open at all. Initial plans were to open the park in mid-May, but this was ultimately delayed until May 28, 1999.
Islands
Islands of Adventure consists of five "islands" plus the Port of Entry, arranged around a "lagoon." The islands are presented in clockwise order, starting at the park entrance (as if you were standing with your back to the main entrance). Various live characters interact with guests throughout the day, including: Spider-Man, Captain America, the X-Men (Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm and Rogue), Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat, Merlin the Magician, Sindbad, Princess Amoura, Popeye, Bluto, Olive Oyl and plenty more. King's Row and Comic Strip Lane are just two locations where visitors can mingle. The locations, characters and times vary from day to day.
Port of Entry
The Port of Entry is the park's main entrance and is home to many shops and services, including Guest Relations. Its main features are the Confisco Grille restaurant (one of two full-service restaurants in the Park) and the Islands of Adventure Trading Company, the park's primary gift shop. An attraction information board is located near the shore of the lagoon.
Marvel Super Hero Island
Marvel Super Hero Island has rides inspired by Marvel comic books, and focuses primarily on thrilling rides. The island features such Marvel characters as Wolverine, Captain America, Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, and some villains such as Doctor Doom, M.O.D.O.K., Hobgoblin, and Kingpin. Although The Walt Disney Company is in the process of acquiring Marvel Entertainment, Universal announced that Marvel's new ownership would not affect Marvel Super Hero Island, and Disney CEO Robert Iger acknowledged that Disney would continue to honor any contracts that Marvel currently has with Disney competitors.
Rides and attractions
- Incredible Hulk Coaster , the only launched Bolliger & Mabillard roller coaster. Opened: 1999
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man , a 3-D simulator ride set in New York. Opened: 1999
- Doctor Doom's Fearfall , a pair of Space Shot towers from S&S Power. Opened: 1999
- Storm Force Accelatron , a faster version of the traditional "teacup" ride manufactured by Mack Rides. Opened: 2000
Toon Lagoon
Toon Lagoon is geared toward both kids and adults, and is based on the characters of King Features Syndicate and Jay Ward. The area focuses on water-based rides (hence the name) and features 3 counter-service restaurants: Comic Strip Cafe (offering Italian & Chinese Cuisine, Burgers & Dogs, and Fried Chicken & Fish), Blondies (home of the famous Dagwood), and Wimpy's (only open during peak seasons) & All On Mulberry Street.
Rides and attractions
- Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls , a traditional log flume based of the old cartoon Dudley Do-Right.
- Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges , a river rapids ride.
- Me Ship, the Olive , a kids' playground built around and in Popeye's ship.
Jurassic Park
Set in the time of the Jurassic Park movie. The area has some thrilling rides and has discovery-based exhibits. The characters of John Hammond and Ian Malcom even put in an appearance from time to time.
Rides and attractions
- Jurassic Park River Adventure , a highly-themed "water-based attraction" through the various dinosaur paddocks of Jurassic Park, culminating in an 85 ft (26 m) drop away from the jaws of a menacing T-Rex. Opened: 1999
- Pteranodon Flyers , a children's low-speed, suspended roller coaster which takes 2 riders at a time around the sky above Camp Jurassic.
- Camp Jurassic , a children's play area centered around an imported 50-foot (15 m) Banyan tree.
- Jurassic Park Discovery Center , a replicated (but not entirely duplicated) version of the Visitor Center from the film. Features various hands-on exhibits aimed mostly at kids, including a trivia game show in which guests compete, hatching Velociraptor eggs, and other educational, interactive exhibits.
The Lost Continent
This island is themed to ancient myths and legends, and is roughly divided into two smaller sections. The first section is ancient Arabia, while the second is mythological Greece. It contains several live-action shows. This land is also home to Mythos, winner of best theme park restaurant several times by Theme Park Insider, and one of two full-service restaurants in the park. Formerly, the Lost Continent included a medieval section, but much of that area was relocated and re-themed for the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Rides and attractions
- Dueling Dragons , a pair of inverted roller coasters
- The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad , a live-action stunt show located in the ancient Arabia section.
- Poseidon's Fury , an indoor special-effects show located in the mythological Greece section.
- The Mystic Fountain , a fountain (located in the front of The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad show) that entertains and interacts with guests.
- The Flying Unicorn , a out door roller coaster great for young children
Seuss Landing
Seuss Landing is specially geared towards small children and is based on the works of author Dr. Seuss. It has several Seuss-themed attractions. There is also a Green Eggs and Ham Cafe and Circus McGurkus restaurant. One of the unique characteristics of this area is, like in the books, there is not a single straight line anywhere. Palm trees, curved by the winds of Hurricane Andrew, were even installed in the area to continue this theming.
Rides and attractions
- Caro-Seuss-el , a carousel
- The Cat in the Hat , a modern dark ride based on the book
- If I Ran the Zoo , an interactive play zone for kids
- One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish , a spinning ride with a musical riddle that will help riders escape water-spitting fish.
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride , a twin-track tour above and around Seuss Landing.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
On May 31, 2007, Universal Orlando announced that it had secured the rights from Warner Bros. and from British author J. K. Rowling to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Islands of Adventure. The 20-acre (81,000 m 2 ) island will feature attractions, shops and restaurants set inside such locations as the Forbidden Forest, Hogsmeade Village and the iconic Hogwarts castle. Ground breaking began in 2007, with the official opening for Spring 2010. As part of the promotion for the upcoming area, a behind the scenes documentary on production of the park section will be included on the DVD release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince .
Rides and attractions
Main article: List of attractions at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey , the section's signature attraction, is located inside Hogwarts Castle and takes
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