Universal Islands of Adventure

6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32819, United States

Added on April 7, 2025

Operating season: Year-round

Universal’s Islands of Adventure, located at Universal Orlando Resort, is a thrill-seeker’s paradise packed with blockbuster rides, cutting-edge coasters, and themed islands that immerse guests in stories from comics, myths, movies, and books. It’s the home of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, the Incredible Hulk Coaster, and the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade.

History & Background

Opening in 1999, Islands of Adventure was Universal’s answer to immersive, themed storytelling. Unlike the original Universal Studios Florida, which focused on movie sets and production, Islands was built to transport guests into different “islands” of adventure, each with its own unique theme. Over the years, the park has expanded with major additions like Hogsmeade, Skull Island, and most recently, VelociCoaster, now considered one of the best roller coasters in the world.

Ticket Prices & Packages

One-day tickets range from $109 to $159, based on season and day. Guests can choose:

One-park ticket
Park-to-park ticket (required to ride Hogwarts Express)
Multi-day passes
Express Pass (line-skipping)
VIP tours and annual passes are available

Buy tickets here

Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

The park is open year-round, typically from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with extended hours during holidays and summer.

Best times to visit:

Late January to mid-March
Late April to early June
Mid-September to early November

Crowds spike during spring break, summer, and Christmas week.

Top Rides & Attractions

Jurassic World VelociCoaster – High-speed launch coaster with inversions and near-misses over water
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – Story-driven coaster through the Forbidden Forest
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – An Iconic ride inside Hogwarts Castle
The Incredible Hulk Coaster – Powerful launch coaster with seven inversions
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls – Cartoonish flume ride with a big final splash
Skull Island: Reign of Kong – Dark ride with screens and physical effects
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall – Twin towers that launch riders high into the sky
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – a 3D dark ride that still holds up after decades
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – One of the wettest raft rides around

Themed Islands

Marvel Super Hero Island – Hulk, Spider-Man, and comic book-style buildings
Toon Lagoon – Classic cartoon theming with water rides
Jurassic Park – Dinosaurs, discovery centers, and major coasters
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade – Hogwarts Castle, Hagrid’s ride, and Butterbeer
Skull Island – A Dark, mysterious jungle with King Kong
The Lost Continent – Mythical ruins and live shows
Seuss Landing – Colorful land for young guests with Dr. Seuss stories brought to life

Dining Options

Three Broomsticks – British fare in the heart of Hogsmeade
Mythos Restaurant – Table-service dining inside a rock-carved fantasy setting
Comic Strip Café – Burgers, Asian noodles, and pizza in Toon Lagoon
The Burger Digs – Quick bites in Jurassic Park
Café 4 – Marvel-themed dining with Italian-American favorites

Butterbeer (in various forms), churros, and seasonal snacks are also park staples.

Hotels & Accommodation

As part of Universal Orlando Resort, Islands of Adventure is close to several on-site hotels:

Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Closest to Islands of Adventure, includes Express Pass
Hard Rock Hotel – Stylish and includes fast-lane access
Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Family-friendly and budget-friendly
Endless Summer Resort – Value-priced hotel with large family suites

All Universal hotels offer shuttles, early park entry, and bundled ticket options.

Getting There & Parking

Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
The park shares a massive parking structure with the rest of Universal Orlando.

General parking: $30
Preferred parking: $50
Free after 6 PM on most non-event nights

Hotel guests can walk, shuttle, or take a water taxi (depending on location).

Tips for Visiting Universal Islands of Adventure

Get in early to rope-drop Hagrid’s or VelociCoaster — both get long lines
Purchase an Express Pass if you’re visiting during peak season
Bring quick-drying clothes or ponchos if riding the water attractions
Use the Universal app for live wait times and mobile food ordering
Consider park-to-park tickets if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express to Universal Studios Florida