When we went to Universal Studio’s last year, we LOVED Diagon Alley at the main Universal Studio’s park. And we were severely underwhelmed by the rest of the park. However when we went to Islands of Adventure, we were pleasantly surprised with how much better of a park it was! It did have Hogsmeade which we already saw when we went to Universal Studios in California a few years ago. So the 5 things on this list don’t include any of the Harry Potter attractions. If you want to read more about how much we enjoyed Hogsmeade, make sure to check out this post.
Incredible Hulk Coaster
The Incredible Hulk Coaster is one of the biggest roller coasters in Islands of Adventure and it is really fun! It has lots of traditional roller coaster pieces to it (speed, loops, sideways, ups and downs) but it adds some new twists to it (lights, special effects, and a surprise when you first start out the ride). The line for this ride is often very long. If you’re not opposed to riding next to someone you don’t know, opt for the single rider line to get onto the ride faster.
Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
This is a fun ride for all ages. But you will get wet! In the cartoon land area of Islands of Adventure, you will find Popeye’s boat that you can walk around and right next to it is the barge ride. You hop in a barge and float around a river, going through waterfalls, getting shot at from water canons and have a blast trying to not be the most wet passenger. We really enjoyed how you felt like you were right in the cartoon.
Jurassic Park River Adventure
If you’re a dinosaur or Jurassic Park lover this is definitely the ride for you. You float around a river seeing all types of dinosaurs before discovering that some of them escaped! The last part of the ride is the most intense and has lots of fun surprises. But you will get wet (in varying degrees)!
Poseidon’s Fury
Poseidon’s Fury is a fun experience/special effects show/walking tour. It’s hard to explain but it is really, really cool. And a very unique experience for those looking for a break from rides.
Seuss Landing (Dr. Seuss Land)
This was probably my favorite area in all of Islands of Adventure! Being a former first grade teacher, I am a Dr. Seuss lover and walking into this land totally felt like you were stepping into a Dr. Seuss book. There are lots of fun themed rides that are perfect for the littler kids and also fun characters to meet as well. Lucy loved meeting Sam from Green Eggs and Ham.
