Best Rides at Islands of Adventure

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What are the best rides at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando?

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is Universal’s second park to open in Orlando and has so much to offer! You get to traverse the different “islands” of the park, all with their own unique theme. The islands range from Marvel, to Dr. Seuss, to comic books, and more! It has some incredible attractions that you definitely don’t want to miss. So without further ado, here are the best rides at Islands of Adventure!

Best Rides for Thrill Seekers

While I’d say that there are more family friendly rides at Islands of Adventure compared to the Universal park, there is in no way any lack of thrill at Islands of Adventure! These rides will have you holding on to your restraint and yelling throughout, so here are some of the best rides for all you thrill seekers out there!

1. Jurassic World VelociCoaster 

This Jurassic ride will have you gripping your hand bars the whole way through. Experience a close encounter with some of the most deadly creatures in Jurassic World- velociraptors. It features several inversions and two separate launches. This ride is phenomenal and is my sons’ favorite ride in both parks! The height requirement is 51 inches. 

2. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

A definite addition to the best rides at Islands of Adventure, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is a must do at Islands of Adventure. This storytelling coaster will take you on a wild trip around the grounds of Hogwarts, into the forbidden forest, through Hagrid’s Hut, and more, where you’ll encounter many different magical creatures. This is my husband’s favorite ride of all time and is definitely worth the long wait times. The height requirement is 48 inches. 

Pro Tip: Some days, Hagrid’s employs a virtual queue as opposed to a normal line. You’ll be able to reserve a virtual pass once inside the park. Simply scan the QR code on a white board that will be set out throughout the park and you’ll easily continue from there! This varies from day to day and can even change mid-day, so be on the lookout for those big white boards! Have fun! 

3. The Incredible Hulk Coaster

On this Hulk-sized coaster, you’ll take off on an unforgettable ride with a blast of experimental gamma radiation. You’ll roll, flip, go under a bridge, and more on this adrenaline pumping, crazy coaster! It is one of the first things to do when you walk into the park, so maybe come back later in the day after everyone else has done it. There is a height requirement of 54 inches. 

 Best Rides for the Whole Family

Like I said, there are lots of great rides for the whole family to do at Islands of Adventure, so picking just three for this list was hard. There are so many great rides at Islands of Adventure! There are also cute Dr. Seuss rides that are not included in this list but are great for toddlers. So here are some of the best rides at Islands of Adventure for the whole family!

1. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

If you are familiar with the Transformers ride at the Universal Studios park, it is very similar. This ride is an engaging ride that heavily uses 3-D. You’ll meet classic villains and swing to new heights, so get ready! It’s a lot of fun and usually has a fairly long line. The height requirement is 40 inches. 

2. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges

This comic book themed ride is one-of-a-kind. You’ll be boarded on a circular raft and take off down a winding river. This ride will get you soaked; not, you will get you wet, or, you may get soaked, but, you will get DRENCHED with water from head to toe every time, no exceptions. If this is the kind of ride that floats your boat, then you’ll also want to try the Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls ride nearby! It will get you wet, but not nearly as much as Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges. There is a height requirement of 42 inches (44 inches for Dudley Do-Right’s). So be prepared and have fun! 

3. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey 

Explore Hogwarts in this immersive experience as you are taken on a trip of a lifetime! You’ll follow Harry Potter on a dangerous trip around the magical castle and encounter lots of magical beings. This ride is very confined and strongly simulates flying motions. This one-of-a kind ride is definitely something you don’t want to miss! There is a height requirement of 48 inches. 

Explore Hogsmeade

You can also explore Hogsmeade, the quaint wizarding village near Hogwarts. You can buy sweets from Honeydukes, drink Butterbeer from vendors, visit the Owl Post, and more. It’s an immersive environment that always gives me a happy feeling of Christmas. It’s a great place to grab a snack, hang out, and/or watch a show! Enjoy! 

While not included in the best rides at Islands of Adventure, it is important to note that there is the Hogwarts Express that travels to and from each of the two parks. It is a fun, family ride that is a nice alternative to walking to and from each park. However, you do need a ticket to both parks to ride the Hogwarts Express. This is located at the entrance to Hogsmeade. While there is no height requirement, any children under 48 inches require a supervising companion. 

Best Shows at Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando isn’t well known for shows. But there are some real gems to love at this Park!

1. Frog Choir

This short, fun performance is found at the Harry Potter section of the park, near the castle. Enjoy a small choir of Hogwarts students and some talented frogs, as they perform beautiful songs from the wizarding world. 

2. Triwizard Spirit Rally

Also located on the stage of the Frog Choir, the Triwizard Spirit Rally is a performance of skill from neighboring wizarding schools, ready for the Triwizard Tournament. You’ll watch an act of graceful dance, along with a fighting display, both interesting and unique in their own ways. 

3. The Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts Castle and Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle

These displays will light up the castle in their own separate ways, one in beautiful brilliance, the other in mysterious foreboding. They start when it gets dark, and are usually about 20 minutes apart. These two awesome displays of lights and projections perform at different times and dates, so be sure to check with someone when you get to the park to find out what show may be going on that night! Have a magical time!

Find something for everyone at Islands of Adventure

There’s always something for everyone at Islands of Adventure, so dive into all the park has to offer! Whether you enjoy Harry Potter, Marvel, Dr. Seuss or something else, you’ll have an amazing time! I hope you have an experience of a lifetime, so go have fun!

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