What Are the Lands at Islands of Adventure?
This park is divided into eight unique areas, each packed with attractions, entertainment, and dining.
Looking for more specific guides? Check out our top posts:
👉 Top Thrill Rides at Universal Orlando
👉 The Ultimate Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
👉 Guide to Universal Orlando Water Rides
Port of Entry
Your Grand Adventure Begins Here. The first thing you’ll see when you enter Islands of Adventure is the iconic Pharos Lighthouse. This area sets the tone for your day with its immersive design inspired by the Middle East, Asia, and the Mediterranean. Most people rush through Port of Entry, but it’s worth taking your time to explore the details—some of the signs are downright hilarious.
Dining Highlights:
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Croissant Moon Bakery (Quick Service)- The perfect spot for every meal and of course, some delicious desserts.
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Confisco Grille and Backwater Bar (Table Service)- One of only two table service options at Islands of Adventure. The globally inspired cuisine including Asian, Mediterranean, and Greek is delicious. Even more fun, check out all of the “confiscated” goods on display
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Cinnabon & Starbucks: Because you can’t start your day without coffee…or a giant cinnamon roll.
Marvel Super Hero Island
Are you ready to step up with some of your favorite Marvel super heroes to save the world? Between being dosed with gamma radiation on the Hulk, spinning up a storm at Storm Force Accelatron, being a participant in Doctor Doom’s experiment, or taking on evil fighting side by side with Spider-Man, you will find plenty of adventure. Not to mention saying WOAH when you meet your favorite superhero (or villain) face to face.
Attractions & Entertainment:
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The Incredible Hulk Coaster: Become a part of the experiment for General Thaddeus Ross and see what happens when you get dosed with gamma radiation. You will find yourself launching to speeds of over 60 mph and flipping upside down several times. This isn’t for the faint of heart, but what a thrill for those who enjoy it.
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The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: Are you ready to join Spider-Man to help save the Statue of Liberty and NYC? This 3D adventure will send you flying high above the city streets while you battle against the bad guys.
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Doctor Doom’s Fearfall: Doctor Doom has invented a machine that sucks the fear out of people and plans to use that fear as a weapon against the Fantastic Four. As you shoot up 185 feet in the air, will your fear be used as a weapon?
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Storm Force Accelatron: Join Storm from the X-Men to harness thunder and lightning to destroy the evil Magneto. The faster you spin your vehicle, the more energy she can harness.
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Meet Heroes and Villains: You never know who you may find throughout Marvel Super Hero Island! Check the app to see when you might be able to see Spider-Man, Captain America, and some of your favorite X-Men as well as possibly running into a few bad guys like Doctor Doom and Green Goblin.
Dining Options:
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Cafe 4 (Quick Service): Enjoy Italian favorites at the Fantastic Four’s headquarters. On select nights, you will also be able to enjoy the Marvel Character Dinner with appearances by Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, and Rogue (reservation required)
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Captain America Diner (Quick Service): See all of your favorite super heroes in artwork covering the walls while enjoying classic American fare such as burgers, chicken fingers, salads, and more.
Toon Lagoon
If you grew up reading the Sunday Funnies, you’ll feel right at home in Toon Lagoon. This whole area is like stepping into the comic strips of the 90s (and earlier!), complete with larger-than-life panels, punny signs, and plenty of old-school charm. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or explaining to your kids who Popeye and Betty Boop are, there’s something nostalgic about this land.
Oh, and did we mention you’re going to get soaked? Toon Lagoon is home to some of the wettest rides at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, so pack a poncho or plan for a wardrobe change!
Attractions & Entertainment:
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Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls: There is no way to stay dry on this adventure where Royal Canadian Mountie, Dudley Do-Right fights to save the girl. Enjoy a 75 foot drop that will leave you drenched.
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Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges: Are you ready to take on Popeye’s river tour? Of course it goes a little off course into the rapids where you will need to hang on and be ready for lots of splashes and water cannons!
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Me Ship, the Olive: This is a great kids area themed to Popeye’s famous ship where kids can climb, slide, and play. Don’t forget to shoot water at the riders on the barges below.
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Meet Your Favorite Toon Characters: You will likely need to explain to your kids who these toons are, but get excited to meet Betty Boop, Popeye and his sweetheart Olive Oyl, and others.
Dining Options:
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Blondie’s (Quick Service): Are you a sandwich junkie? This is the place for you to enjoy deli sandwiches, footlong hot dogs, and the piled-high Dagwood sandwich, which are all made to order.
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Wimpy’s (Quick Service): Did you know that Popeye’s friend, Wimpy, loves a good burger? He designed this quick service restaurant to serve you the best cheeseburger, chicken fingers, chili dogs, and fries.
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Cathy’s Ice Cream (Quick Service): What is the best thing you can do on a hot Florida day? Get a delicious ice cream sundae! Enjoy sundaes, shakes, and more at this perfect stop once you have enjoyed a water ride
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Comic Strip Cafe (Quick Service): Read up on the classic tunes while enjoying a mix of foods like burgers, arepas, and Asian dishes. This is a seasonal location and will not be open all of the time.
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Skull Island is the smallest, yet creepiest part of the park. It consists of just one ride, but the entrance to that ride is covered in skulls. It is still worth a visit to visit King Kong.
Attractions & Entertainment:
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Skull Island: Reign of Kong: Join a jungle expedition where suddenly you are attacked by prehistoric predators. Who comes to your aid? King Kong! The craziest part of the ride may be the queue which is super dark with tons of skeletons.
Jurassic Park
Have you ever watched the Jurassic Park movies and wanted to go visit the dinosaurs? Good news, you can visit Jurassic Park. Here you will be awed by the prehistoric creatures you will see and can even meet (WOAH). This area has some of the biggest thrills in the park, but don’t forget to stop by Jurassic Park Discovery Center for some educational fun or Camp Jurassic to let kids explore.
Attractions & Entertainment:
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Jurassic World VelociCoaster: Personally, we believe this is one of the best roller coasters in the world! Board your vehicle to dash through the Raptor paddock and see if you can outrun them. The best part is the barrel roll over the water towards the end of the ride. We highly recommend riding this during the day and at night since the experiences are different.
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Jurassic Park River Adventure: Hop on a raft to float through Jurassic Park and see some of the amazing peaceful dinosaurs. Well, that was the plan, but you are at Jurassic Park and you know nothing goes to plan. You will suddenly find your raft going into a dangerous area full of raptors and you will even come face to face with a T-Rex! Be prepared for an 85 foot drop which ends in a large splash.
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Pteranodon Flyers: This is a ride specifically for kids (we are not kidding, you have to have a kid to ride…sorry childless adults). Kids and parents will take flight with the Pteranodon’s and soar above the park. This is a great way for kids to enjoy a ride without big thrills.
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Camp Jurassic: Sometimes kids need to play and explore without being stuck in lines and Camp Jurassic provides that. Kids of all ages can explore dark caves and amber mines, climb dinosaur capture nets, navigate a suspension bridge and more!
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Jurassic Park Discovery Center: Explore this interactive (air-conditioned) center to take on several games and learn more about your favorite dinosaurs. You can even see velocipator eggs getting ready to hatch.
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Raptor Encounter: You can’t visit Jurassic Park without actually meeting a dinosaur. At the Raptor Encounter, you will be able to get up close to Blue and even get a photo, if you dare.
Dining Options:
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Thunder Falls Terrace (Quick Service): Ready for a feast and non-theme park food? Make sure to stop at Thunder Falls to choose from rotisseries chicken, BBQ ribs, rice bowls, and more. This is one of our go to options. Plus did we mention it has great air conditioning for those hot summer days.
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Pizza Predattoria (Quick Service): Sometimes you just want a delicious pizza or meatball sub and Pizza Predattoria will satisfy that want. The only negative is a lack of air conditioning.
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The Burger Digs (Quick Service): Join the paleontologists on break from the Jurassic Park Discovery Center to enjoy juicy burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and of course fries and onion rings.
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The Watering Hole (Quick Service): Grab your favorite cold beverage from the Watering Hole.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade
Have you dreamt of getting your letter inviting you to Hogwarts? This is your chance and we encourage you to embrace it! This is a quick preview so be sure to review our Ultimate Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for the full scoop. There is no better site to make you say WOAH than Hogwarts Castle. But there is so much more than Hogwarts! Make time to explore the shops in Hogsmeade, send a letter via owl post, explore the forest with Hagrid, and more. This is truly a Harry Potter fan’s dream, but even if you are not a fan, this area is incredible and worth checking out.
Attractions & Entertainment:
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Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: Join Hagrid on a Magic Creatures lesson on his motorbike in the Forbidden Forest, where things will obviously go awry. Get to see some incredible magical creatures and help Hagrid get things back on track. We highly suggest riding during the day and at night. Also, this is the only ride not included with Express Passes.
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Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Join Harry, Ron, and Hermione flying around Hogwarts Castle and get pulled into an adventure full of quidditch, dementors, dragons, and a whomping willow. The technology on this ride was one of a kind using screens, 3D, and physical scenes. (Be careful of this one if you’re prone to motion sickness; it’s a doozy. Speaking of which, you might want to check out our guide on how to have a good time at Universal if you are prone to motion sickness)
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Flight of the Hippogriff: Take on this family friendly roller coaster with great views of Hogwarts Castle and ensure you properly approach the Hippogriff.
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Frog Choir: Enjoy a short show put on by the small choir of Hogwarts students with their frogs where they will sing favorite wizarding songs.
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Triwizard Spirit Rally: Cheer on students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang as they build excitement for the Triwizard Tournament.
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Ollivanders Experience: Where the wand chooses the wizard (or, more accurately, where you choose a wand and hand over some Muggle money). But it is really fun to watch or even participate in.
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Hogwarts Always (or other nighttime show): Hogwarts Castle comes to life at nighttime with different shows throughout the year. Hogwarts Always is a new show for 2025 that will take you on a magical journey through a school year at Hogwarts.
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Interactive Wand Experiences: Using an interactive wand purchased at Ollivanders, you can cast spells at various locations throughout Hogsmeade to make magical effects happen.
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Hogwarts Express: Take the Hogwarts Express over to Diagon Alley for more Wizarding World fun! You will need a park-to-park ticket to enjoy this experience. We highly suggest riding it in both directions for different experiences.
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Shopping: You will find tons of stores full of great souvenirs, but the details in the stores make browsing the stores a must do event.
Dining Options:
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Three Broomsticks (Quick Service): Enjoy British fare and Butterbeer at this rustic tavern in Hogsmeade.
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Hog’s Head (Quick Service): Looking for a drink? Hog’s Head is the perfect location for your Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, beer, wine, and more. And don’t be afraid of the stuffed hog’s head behind the bar.
The Lost Continent
Step into a world with ancient Greek gods, mythical creatures, fortune tellers, talking fountains, delicious food, and eclectic shopping. While there are no rides in this area, there is plenty to explore.
Attractions & Entertainment:
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Mystic Fountain: Mischievous water sprites found home in the mystic fountain and enjoy interacting with guests that approach. Can you match their wits? Will you get splashed?
Dining Options:
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Mythos Restaurant (Table Service): Mythos is an award-winning table service restaurant that serves a mix of Mediterranean, Asian, Greek, Thai, and American fare. This really is a wonderful spot to sit down and enjoy a nice meal during your day.
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Fire Eater’s Grill (Quick Service): You will need some delicious food while exploring the shops in Sindbad’s Bazaar. Enjoy grilled gyros, fiery chicken stingers, chicken fingers, hot dogs, and more.
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Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab House (Quick Service): Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine including kebabs, greek salad, hummus, churros and more.
Seuss Landing
Time to step into Seuss Landing and relive your childhood (or share it with your kids). This colorful, whimsical area is exactly what you expect from Dr Seuss. You never know who you will run into, what types of food you will eat (hi green eggs and ham), and what adventures you will explore. This is a land dedicated to everyone’s internal child.
Attractions & Entertainment:
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The Cat in the Hat: Travel through one of Dr Seuss’s most popular books with Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two, and make sure to clean up all messes before Mother gets home.
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The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride: Enjoy a slow moving trolley ride high above Seuss Landing on one of two tracks telling different Seuss stories. Our recommendation, do not ride during the rain unless you want to get soaked.
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Caro-Seuss-el: Of course the Seuss Carousel has to take things to a new level. You will be able to choose from an assortment of Seuss characters and you will be able to control their eyes, ears, and head wiggles!
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One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish: Find your favorite flying fish and control their up and down motion. Can you avoid the water shooting jets (or do you even want to)?
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If I Ran the Zoo:
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Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear: Can you visit Seuss Landing without hearing a Seuss story? Seuss characters and storytellers bring the stories to life including Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, the Lorax, and more.
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Meet Seuss Characters: Make sure you look at the app to find the times to meet some of your favorite Seuss characters. Characters will vary but we have seen Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two, the Grinch, and the Lorax.
Dining Options:
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Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous (Quick Service): Are you ready to visit the Seuss circus? This whimsical big top will keep everyone entertained while enjoying burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
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Green Eggs and Ham Cafe (Quick Service): Do you like green eggs and ham like Sam-I-am? This is a must visit dining option to try delicious food with a Seuss twist.
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Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop (Quick Service): Ready to beat the heat with some frozen snacks? Come enjoy traditional and unique plays on frozen desserts.
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Moose Juice, Goose Juice (Quick Service): Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book, you will find the juice that is perfect for you. You will also find some tasty snacks.
Tips for Visiting Islands of Adventure
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Embrace Early Entry: If you are staying on property or purchase at least a 2 day ticket from a travel agent (Contact our Willow and Wand agents for assistance), you will usually get an hour early entrance into this park. This is a great time to hit some of the most popular rides (looking at you Hagrid’s) or get some fun photos before the crowds get big.
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Use the Universal Orlando App: Check wait times, mobile order food, and find show schedules on the go.
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Single Rider Lines: If you don’t mind riding separately, use the single rider lines to cut down your wait time. Don’t think you can cheat the system and be able to ride with your bestie, though. If you enter the single rider line with a friend, you will be separated when it’s time to ride!
Is Islands of Adventure Worth It?
WOAH! Did you really need to ask? With thrilling coasters, immersive lands, and plenty for both kids and adults, Islands of Adventure is a must-visit. Whether you’re a wizard, superhero, dino-lover, or adventurer, there’s something for everyone here.
