Favorites in the Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando

Special Cookies Not to Missed in Islands of Adventure

Revised 4/2021

Everyone loves a good cookie and when on vacation, why not seek out the best.  Here I share with you the very best cookies I found during my most recent visit to Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure.

Note: Follow CDC and park guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.

Pity the Villains who Dare to Enter the Marvel Superhero Island

When I first entered Marvel Superhero Island, I wasn’t a fan.  Loud music and superhero posters lining the streets didn’t impress me.  My view completely changed on this recent visit.  Walking down the street in this area of the park is like being in a superhero comic book.  Only here, all the superheroes and villains are alive.  

 

Besides the Green Goblin sightings – which are always fun, as he pulls pranks on guests – the golden “cookie” here shows up at the top of the hour.  Near the top of most hours (check the schedule) guests are alerted, via loudspeaker, that Dr. Doom and the Green Goblin is causing havoc and the Superheroes will be on the scene soon.  Line up along the street to watch them arrive on motorbikes.  Super Cool.  Stick around to get your picture taken with your Superhero of choice.

Beware the Gates of Kong!  Better known as “Skull Island”

 (Official Universal Orlando Announcement Video)

Even if you are not a ride person, peek through the fence of this new attraction to check out the intricate detail of Skull Island.  It is amazingly similar to the movies.   BTW I loved this ride!  I rode it four times and would have ridden more if time allowed.  It was amazing. 

To my knowledge, this is not like any other ride in the park.  Guests pile into a large jeep-like vehicle that feels as if it is driving.  It is a “trackless” vehicle.  I am not quite positive about the mechanics of the ride, but we do move—forward and side to side.  It is a 3D experience without motion sickness.  It’s as if we are inside the most recent Kong movie. 

Tip: Sit in the 10th row—first or the last seat.  Awesome!  Also, do ride more than once, as there are five different drivers and experiences. 

Note: Due to Covid, things change daily.  To stay up to date with ride closures, etc., download the official Universal Orlando Resort App.

Strolling Through the Jurassic Era

I love some rides, but not those that could hurt me.  An 85-foot drop?  Well, that would leave a mark.  Nevertheless, this area of the park is great for the sights alone.  It is as if Jurassic Park actually exists.  Check out the Jurassic Park Discovery Center.  Here, one can name a newly hatched dino. 

Note: Due to Covid, things change daily.  To stay up to date with ride closures, etc., download the official Universal Orlando Resort App.

There’s No Prince in this Castle

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade looks exactly like the books, right down to Honeydukes and The Three Broomsticks.  What really stands out, though, is Hogwarts.  It is amazing!  Even if not interested in the ride, tour the castle slowly taking all of it in.  The detail will excite all Potter Heads.  

Honeydukes 

Madam Puddifoot's

The Three Broomsticks

Get Lost in The Lost Continent

Shopping bazaars and exotic eateries await guest directly outside Hogsmeade in The Lost Continent, which is undergoing changes.  When we visited, I found a beautiful pair of earrings and necklace at the “Treasures of Poseidon”.

However, the “Mythos Restaurant” is the real find here.  Carved images embedded into gigantic rock formations surrounded by waterfalls and pools of water hide one of the most unique restaurants I have ever seen.  Stop in to tour the restaurant and grab a cool drink of flavored water which is always available on the reception desk.

Note: Free flavored water for guests.

Things, Cat in the Hat and “Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear”

Walking through Seuss Landing is like walking through pages of Dr. Seuss’s books.  Turn around in one direction to find Cat in the Hat and the other to find, one of my favorites, “The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!”  It’s great fun to ride over other guests and through buildings.  However, the real cookie here is watching children enjoy listening to Dr. Seuss stories being read to them outside while they watch their reader engaged by one of the characters of the book.  I find it enchanting. 

What are your experiences?

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