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Universal's Islands of Adventure

Park Info
Tips
Highlights of the Park
Dining at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
What’s Going On?

Park Info

Universal’s Islands of Adventure, one of two theme parks in the Universal Studios Orlando Resort, is a paradise for the adventurous and thrill-ride junkies. Packed with award-winning rollercoasters, water rides and attractions, Universal’s Islands of Adventure is divided into six themed areas. These are:

Although you’ll find more in-depth information about the most popular rides and attractions at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in our Highlights of the Park section, this is a quick glimpse at what is on offer in each themed area.

Tips

Operating Hours

Universal’s Islands of Adventure, which is open 365 days a year, usually opens at 9.00am, although closing times vary depending on the season.

Parking

Universal’s Islands of Adventure shares parking facilities with the other attractions at Universal Orlando Resort. There are enclosed parking garages with lifts, escalators and moving travelators to the theme park area. Vehicle Assistance, wheelchair hire and kennels are available within the garage parking complex.

Parking Fees:

The fee for regular car parking is currently $15
The fee for regular parking between 6pm-10pm is $3
RV, bus and preferred parking is currently $20
Valet parking starts at $15 for under two hours, rising $25 for over two hours
Preferred parking is $20 for the general public, $10 for Passport members and free for Platinum members
Tour buses may park free of charge

Please Note: Both Valet and Preferred parking are subject to availability and not guaranteed.

Directions

Parking Garage Address:

6000 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819

GPS directions:

Latitude: 28.47399
Longitude: -81.46228

From Orlando International Airport:

SR-528 west for 11 miles to 1-4 east
Take the 1-4 east for 2 miles, exit at junction 75A
Follow the signs to Universal Orlando's main parking garage

From I-4 Eastbound (Kissimmee/Buena Vista/Disney Area):

Take the I-4 east and exit at junction 75A
Follow the signs to Universal Orlando's main parking garage

From I-4 Westbound (Downtown Orlando Area):

Take the I-4 west and exit at junction 74B
Follow the signs to Universal Orlando's main parking garage

Busiest Times

Whilst Universal’s Islands of Adventure is always busy, some times are more popular with visitors than others. Peak periods include:

Summertime: Late May through to early September.
Weekends: Weekends are obviously more popular than weekdays. Monday through to Thursday is generally a quieter time to visit.
Easter: The week either side of Easter can be busy.
Thanksgiving Weekend: Thanksgiving is celebrated each year on the 4th Thursday in November.
Washington’s Birthday Weekend: Celebrated each year on February 21st.
Independence Day Weekend: July 4th.
Christmas Holidays: Includes the whole of the Christmas period, right through to the New Year.

Planning is Everything!

Decide before you go which attractions you’d like to see at the park and if you can, get there early. You’ll see the direction that most people take when they enter the park. Instead of joining them, go against the flow and work your way back to the beginning. This should help you to avoid much of the crowd.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always sunny in Florida; there are often rainshowers in the afternoons. Make the most of the outdoor attractions when you can and save the indoor/undercover attractions and indoor shows for last, or for when rain threatens.
If possible, eat before you arrive because apart from the extra expense, eating at the park can take up time that is better spent having fun.
If you want to dine at one of the many excellent eateries in the park, then try to take your main meals outside of ‘normal’ times to help avoid queues.
Don’t forget to take sunscreen and bug spray and most importantly, wear comfortable, loose clothing and well-worn-in footwear. You’ll be doing lots of walking!

Taking Supplies

Because there are plenty of places to eat and drink at theme parks, bringing your own food is generally frowned upon. There are some items which are acceptable to take with you to Universal’s Islands of Adventure if you need them however. All bags will be checked upon entrance to the park.

Acceptable items:

Foods required for medical purposes and medically–indicated nutritional supplements
Soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5" wide x 6" high x 6" deep
Food for special dietary needs, including Bottled water, Small snacks that do not require heating, Baby food/baby formula

Ride Height Requirements

Safety is absolutely paramount at any theme park and Islands of Adventure is no exception. Height restrictions include:

Jurassic Park River Adventure - 42" minimum
Pteranodon Flyers* - 54" minimum
Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls - 44" minimum
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges - 42" minimum
Incredible Hulk Coaster - 54" minimum
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - 40" minimum
Doctor Doom's Fearfall - 52" minimum
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! - 34" minimum
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - 48" minimum
Flight of the Hippogriff - 36" minimum

* Pteranodon Flyers is designed for children from 36" to 56" tall. Any guest over 56" that wishes to ride must be accompanied by a child that meets the height requirements.

Highlights of the Park

Whilst everything is worth seeing and doing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, some rides and attractions appear time and time again on the favourites lists. These include:

Dining at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

There’s no need to go hungry at the Universal’s Islands of Adventure, with plenty of eateries offering every kind of cuisine imaginable, there’ll be something to suit every palate and pocket.

Of the dining options listed above, some appear to be particular favourites with visitors to Universal’s Islands of Adventure. These include:

Mythos Restaurant

Mythos Restaurant, which has been voted the world's #1 Theme Park Restaurant many times, is designed to look as if carved from the rock of a gorgeous underwater grotto. Mythos serves contemporary cuisine such as Bay of Fundy salmon, pistachio and blueberry crusted grilled pork, important pasta and gourmet burgers.

The Confisco Grille

The Confisco Grille serves cuisine inspired by flavours from around the world including Italian, Mexican, Asian, Greek, and American dishes.

Circus McGurkus

Circus McGurkus, where the big-top fun never stops and animated trapeze artists swing from the ceiling! Serves children oriented meals including pizza, cheeseburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti and chicken Caesar salad.

What’s Going On?

There’s always something happening at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and 2012 is no exception. These must-do experiences and must-keep dates include:

Gradventure: May 11th and May 18th 2012

Gradventure, the only middle school graduation party celebrated in two theme parks – Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, includes a meal and is a safe, fun and one-of-a-kind environment for a grad party to remember.

Gradventure guests experience the theme parks thrill rides and attractions, the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, crazy Krustyland on the Simpsons Ride, dancing, live DJ’s, street entertainment, karaoke and much, much more!

Purchase of additional ticket required.

Grad Bash 2012: April 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th and May 4th 2012

At the Grad Bash, graduating high school seniors celebrate with a wild mix of entertainment and outrageous parties at Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Just as at the Gradventure, Grad Bashers experience the theme parks thrill rides and attractions, the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, crazy Krustyland on the Simpsons Ride, dancing, live DJ’s, street entertainment, karaoke and much, much more!

Purchase of additional ticket required.

Grinchmas: Early December 2011 to January 1st 2012

Merry Grinchmas one and all! Dr. Seuss’s classic story of the Grinch is spectacularly retold at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Watch the tree-lighting ceremony, the Whoville Whobilation musical show and more. Grinchmas is included with your Universal’s Islands of Adventure tickets.