Islands of Adventure is one of the two theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort (the other being Universal Studios Florida). It is chock full of rides, attractions, shows and play areas for all tastes and types. From thrilling to tame, there’s something for everyone as you explore this award winning theme park.
The park is divided into several sections (or islands) each with a different theme. The park is oval shaped with a large lake in the center. From the port of entry you can begin left or right. We will go through every ride and every section beginning left.
UNIVERSAL’S ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE ORLANDO – FULL RIDES LIST
Table of Contents
MARVEL SUPER HERO ISLAND
Always a favorite is Marvel Superhero Island. From the roar of The Hulk coaster overhead to the fantastic details and Easter eggs, this island is a great way to start your adventure. Rich in details such as stamped sewer grates, character meet and greets, and several thrilling rides, this island has lots and lots of energy.
This land is based off the Marvel characters as seen in the comic books so if the super heroes (and villains) look slightly different from your favorite movies, that is why. It doesn’t dampen the experience in the least. So whether your favorite Spiderman is the most recent movies or dates back to the original comics, you will still feel the fan excitement when you pose in action shot with him. I promise.
But the rides, let’s begin…
THE INCREDIBLE HULK COASTER
You’ve no doubt as you entered the park, seen this lean green machine roaring overhead. In our family we call this one the beast. In fact, when our son was young, the height requirement was literally written on his growth chart as his one big goal.
And it is a beast. Fast and furious with 7 inversions including a cobra roll, reaching 4Gs including 1G during the launch. It is for the thrill seeker at heart. It is pure adrenalin fun. A must for any roller coaster enthusiast.
If you are up to the challenge of The Hulk , be sure to take a bragging rights selfie in front of the big Hulk outside the entrance. Fun tidbit: The track he holds is a piece of the original track. The ride is so popular that it was rebuilt with new track exactly like the original.
STORM FORCE ACCELATRON
While nicely done and fits in with theme, this X-Men ride is probably my least favorite ride in the park. It’s a spinning cup type ride. This ride is great for those not tall enough or not able to ride the more intense rides.
Not so much for those who don’t like spinning or motion sickness. For most, this is a nice low-key ride. It’s a “one and done” for me.
There’s always one in every group (you know who you are) that have to win at the fastest spinning. If you have one of those with you, might want to ride before you have that big meal or tasty treat. Just in case.
DOCTOR DOOM’S FEARFALL
Doctor Doom is all set to capture your fear on this drop ride with a twist. While most drop towers slowly take you to the top, pause, and then drop you, this one instead sends you hurtling like a missile to the top before you drop.
The ride reaches the top with the thrust of a 747 jet. 40 mph may not sound fast, but it is fast enough to get your adrenaline pumping. If you do not like being propelled upward, this ride will be intense. At 185 feet, if heights are an issue, this ride will feel intense.
If heights do not bother you, the ride is over so quickly you may find it tame. However, there are very few bird’s eye views of the park and I Drive that this ride can provide. If the propulsion upward doesn’t take your breath away, the scenic views on this ride certainly will. I recommend riding at night as well as the day to get the most from the views.
There is an Easter egg of the chalk outlines of the Fantastic 4 on the ground before you ride. You know, just in case the screams and sounds didn’t already sap your courage.
THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF SPIDER-MAN
This award winning dark ride (meaning the ride takes place inside seeing what they want you to see) is a 3D ride with physical elements and motion simulation and is a hybrid ride with special roving vehicle cars. It opened with Islands of Adventures and is an all-time favorite ride.
It is the reason that brought us to Universal Orlando in the first place. It is just the right balance of thrilling and tame with great storytelling. Physical effects with the 3D are so good it makes you forget how stylish the 3D glasses look until you look at your on-ride picture.
I once tried to offset my 3D glasses by trying to be cool and making the Spidey web hands for my on-ride pic. And it would’ve worked, except Spidey web hands and rock devil horns are suspiciously similar except the position of the wrist. I ended up looking like a complete goofball. Practice those Spidey web hands. Trust me. Practice.
The queue of the ride goes through rooms at the Daily Bugle. It’s a nicely themed queue (in air conditioning). There’s an Easter egg of a desk with items in tribute to Stan Lee. Be sure and look for it.
TOON LAGOON
The two words that make of the name of this section of Islands of Adventure tell you all you ever need to know about this land. It is all about cartoons (comics) and water.
Some of the comic characters for shops, restaurants and rides seem quite old but that really doesn’t matter as there are tons of cute photo ops under the numerous thought bubbles and other cartoonish photo spots. It’s a very cute area.
And on a hot day, there is no better place to be to cool off. Between the water rides, water cannons and even a play area for the littles, don’t skip this land if water’s your thing.
POPEYE & BLUTO’S BILGE-RAT BARGES
This is a circular raft water ride. No matter where you sit, you will get wet. Some more than others. Since it’s a circular raft, there’s no way to choose a least wet seat. Once you board, you dryness is in the hands of fate.
Oh and did I mention that water cannons also point toward the rafts? Someone with good aim and a couple of bucks can make your ride all the wetter.
If you don’t mind getting wet, or even if getting soaked is your thing – either way it’s a fun, tame ride to cool you down on a hot day. And if you think you are clever and plan to wear a rain poncho, your feet and legs get wet just being in a wet vehicle and the overhead water from various sources still gets your face. On a hot day though, sometimes getting wet is what you need to feel refreshed on this fun water ride.
DUDLEY DO-RIGHT’S RIPSAW FALLS
This is a log flume ride with a big drop at the end. It is possibly my favorite water ride of all time. Yes, you get wet, wet, wet. But it’s a fairly long ride with a small drop and then the big drop.
Yes, the story line is a little corny, but it has a story and effects all the way through. You may not even remember who Dudley Do-Right is (and I’d say most won’t) but you don’t need to in order to enjoy every inch of this ride.
It you like water or log flume rides, this will be a favorite. You will get soaked. Like squishy socks and shoes and drenched clothing. But you will laugh and have a good time. Anything not waterproof needs to be put in a baggie or a locker. I also suggest putting any socks somewhere dry too.
SKULL ISLAND: REIGN OF KONG
This area of the park, nestled in after Toon Lagoon but right on the edge of Jurassic Park, is the smallest land consisting of just one ride. While this island of adventure is small, it is the perfect segway into Jurassic Park.
SKULL ISLAND: REIGN OF KONG
This is a fun romp of a ride into the world of King Kong. It is a dark ride that uses 3D and motion simulation to achieve great results. You load into a trackless caravan vehicle to enter into Skull Island. This vehicle is not driven by a real person and as the name suggests, trackless means it doesn’t ride on a track.
It has mild thrills but nothing over the top. Personally, I feel that it is one of the more immersive rides at Universal. The queue sets the tone complete with animatronic village witch chanting “Kong.” And while it is 3D simulation at its core, there is an extremely large animatronic King Kong that is realistic and so life like he appears to be breathing.
JURASSIC PARK
Prepare to step back in time when you enter this land as you are greeted with the big doors/archway (just like in the movies). Incidentally, this is the coolest (as in temperature) section of the park with shade from all the foliage.
I’m not sure which era all the bushes and trees are from, but there are so many fun details including that the bushes do sometimes shake a little as if there are dinosaurs lurking about. It is obvious that they spared no expense.
PTERANODON FLYERS
The first ride you see as you enter this area of the park is a gentle ride on Pteranodons. This ride offers some terrific views in the park and a gentle breeze on a hot day.
But, not so fast, as this ride has very unusual height requirements. You must be 36” to ride. Not so unusual.
If you are under 48”, you must have a supervising companion to ride. Still not too unusual.
If you are 56” or above, you can only ride IF you are accompanied by a rider below 56”.
What this means is generally most adults and older teens must find a younger child to be able to ride. If your party is all adults, you are most likely out of luck. This popular ride has a slow loading capacity. Hence, the height restrictions.
If you qualify to ride, this is a gentle (and fun) moving swing on a track ride just high enough for great views but not high enough to be intense.
JURASSIC PARK RIVER ADVENTURE
This raft ride takes you on what begins as a nice tour of Jurassic Park. You will encounter many dinosaurs along the way. This water ride is especially nice on a warm day.
Things are gentle and fun until you approach Hadrosaur Cove. Thrown off course, your journey takes you through the raptor area and other dangerous dinosaurs and ends with an 85’ foot drop.
While not the most thrilling (but certainly not tame with that drop), this remains one of my all-time favorite rides in this park. Even if you never make it to Hadrosaur Cove.
JURASSIC WORLD VELOCICOASTER
Hold on to your butts! If it is a thrill ride you seek, look no further. This coaster is fast and smooth. From the ride queue (complete with animatronic raptors so real you can feel them breathe) to the pre-ride warning from Owen, the stage is set for the ride of your life as you zoom in and out of the raptor paddock and around the Jurassic Park Discovery Center.
Ride time, top hat and zero G stalls. Launches and speed to the Mosasaurus roll – this ride is made to thrill. But the thrill behind the thrill is that there are no over-the-shoulder harnesses on this ride vehicle. Instead you are securely locked in at the waist.
Beginning with a launch straight into a dive loop and ending with the heartline roll inches over the water, you are in for the ride of your life.
The photo above is not a real ride. It is a green screen photo op at the park. But it should be. A gyrosphere ride would be amazing.
THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER – HOGSMEADE
Muggles and wizarding folk alike will delight upon visiting Hogsmeade Village. The food, the shops of Hogsmeade with iconic Hogwarts in the background. Whether you received your acceptance letter or not, prepare to be amazed.
If you are interested in all things Harry Potter be sure to visit A Muggle’s Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for all this island of adventure has to offer. The theming of this island of adventure is incredibly immersive even if you are not a Harry Potter fan.
HARRY POTTER AND THE FORBIDDEN JOURNEY
We affectionately call this the “broomsticks” ride. Located inside Hogwart’s castle is this incredible ride through many iconic scenes and activities from the Harry Potter movies.
This ride is a magic bookshelf that allows you to ride through a series of screen and physical objects. While not a 3D ride, if you are susceptible to motion sickness, this may not be the ride for you.
The ride vehicles are located on kuka robotic arms which not only move on a track, they move the ride vehicles and recreate the sensation of flying on a broom.
It is pure magic as you truly ride the movies on this ride.
FLIGHT OF THE HIPPOGRIFF
Located beside Forbidden Journey is this junior coaster with great views of Hogwarts and Hagrid’s hut. It is neither too tall or too fast. A very enjoyable ride, especially for those either not tall enough for the other rides in this area or not up for the more thrilling nature of the other rides.
HAGRID’S MAGICAL CREATURES MOTORBIKE ADVENTURE
Motorbike’s is everything a family rollercoaster should be. It is a story coaster and done incredibly well. There’s a reason it is arguably the most popular ride in the park. Lines and wait times may be long but it is worth it. And the single rider line may help speed you along if you don’t mind riding without your group.
This immersive ride is truly immersive as you get to ride on the motorcycle (or in the sidecar) just like Hagrid used in the movies as you make your way through the forbidden forest. There is on board audio so you hear the motorcycle sounds as well. Thrilling, but not too tall or intense. This is a can’t miss attraction.
HOGWART’S EXPRESS – HOGSMEADE STATION
If you need supplies from Diagon Alley but don’t have any flu powder handy, no worries. The Hogwart’s Express is ready to take you right there.
This authentic ride on the Hogwarts Express is also a fantastic way to transfer to Universal Studios park as well without having to walk through the park to the entrance of the other.
THE LOST CONTINENT
This island of adventure doesn’t actually have any rides but no reason not to enjoy it while you are here. From the award winning Mythos restaurant to the shops, there’s something to enjoy for everyone.
POSEIDON’S FURY
Poseidon’s Fury is a show in the ancient temple of Poseidon. While touring the temple you happen upon an epic battle. Thoroughly enjoyable show and a great place to put up your feet in air conditioning while you are entertained. NOTE: Permanently closing on May 9, 2023 so visit fast.
MYSTIC FOUNTAIN
The Mystic Fountain is definitely a fan favorite. It is a fountain. Not too exciting. But this fountain talks to you. It knows what you are wearing and can hear you. It can even randomly spray you with water.
Kids and kids at heart will enjoy interacting with the fountain (and trying to determine how far out the water can spray). Others can pass the time trying to figure out exactly where the mystical voice/person speaking for the fountain is located. It’s a mystery.
SEUSS LANDING
While this island of adventure appears to be aimed at children, it is also for anyone who has ever enjoyed a Dr. Seuss book. You will truly feel like you have stepped into the illustrations in this section of the park. And no one will shame you, if you start talking in rhymes.
THE HIGH IN THE SKY SEUSS TROLLEY TRAIN RIDE
By far one of our favorite rides in the park is this ride above and through Seuss Landing. It is not very high and not very tall, and has onboard audio to explain it all. (See what I did there. I’ll stop rhyming now.)
Always a nice gentle breeze and this ride gives a fantastic view of the entire park. It is worth the ride for the views alone. There are actually two different tracks so be sure to ride each. One has better views of the park and one goes through the restaurant, Circus McGurkus.
CARO-SEUSS-EL
This carousel is delightful. Instead of horses it has the animals of the world of Dr. Seuss. It’s a gorgeous ride with stationary benches as well as animals. You can’t help but feel like a kid at heart watching or riding.
ONE FISH, TWO FISH, RED FISH, BLUE FISH
This mainly children’s ride allow you to control if you go up or down in your fish. If you listen to the audio it will tell you whether to go up or down to avoid (or bring about) the sprays of water. It’s also fun to watch to see who (if anyone) gets a small spray of water.
THE CAT IN THE HAT
Can you even have a Dr. Seuss Landing without including this iconic book? Hop aboard your sofa (yes, your ride vehicle is a sofa) and sit back to go through the entire story in real life. Very tame ride but thoroughly enjoyable to see the story brought to life.
And that’s all the rides (and a few of the shows) in Islands of Adventure in sunny Orlando, Florida.
RIDE TIPS AND FURTHER INFO
If you are curious about an itinerary or plan to tackle the rides, please see our Touring Plan. But overall, you can just enjoy the park by going in either direction and making your way around.
Express pass can significantly shorten your ride wait time. Learn more about if you should Say Yes to the Express.
There are several other play areas and a few shows, not to mention character meet and greets, to add to your experience. And Christmas is magical with Grinchmas (and the Grinch) in Seuss Landing.
And if rollercoasters are your thing, please read our full guide and List of all Universal Roller Coasters for a more detailed review of all the coasters offered in Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.
For a list of all retired and closed rides, be sure to visit Universal Studios Closed Rides.
So many great Islands of Adventure rides. Make sure you allot enough time to try all that you dare.
Now the big question: Which ride if the one you can’t wait to ride?
