Useful information and articles for anyone visiting Florida & the Disney Theme Parks
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  • Universal’s Islands Of Adventure

    Posted on April 17th, 2009 admin No comments

    Written by: Steven Humpleby
    Authors Website

    This theme park opened in May 1999 converting Universal Studios Florida into the Universal Orlando Resort, incorporating CityWalk, Portofino Bay and the Hard Rock hotels.

    Islands Of Adventure consists of six themed islands (a seventh island opens in late 2010), surrounding a lagoon, often referred to as the ‘inland sea’:

    Port Of Entry

    This is the park’s main entrance, where many shops and services are located.  The theme is that of an Arabian bazaar, and here you will find the Confisco Grille restaurant and The Islands of Adventure Trading Company, which is the main gift shop. 

    MarvelSuperHeroIsland

    This theme is inspired by the Marvel comic books and walking the streets are superheroes like Wolverine and Iceman, and villains like M.O.D.O.K and Kingpin.

    Featuring:         The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman              (3D simulator ride set in New York)

                            Incredible Hulk Coaster                                    (high speed roller coaster ride)

                            Doctor Dooms Fearfall                         (rocket 150 feet up into the air, and down again)

                            Storm Force Accelatron                                   (fast version of the teacup ride)

    Toon Lagoon

    Water-based rides are the theme, and located here are the Comic Strip Café (with Italian & Chinese cuisine, Burgers & Dogs, and Fried Chicken & Fish), Blondies (featuring the famous Dagwood) and Wimpy’s (open peak season only).

    Featuring:         Dudley  Do-Right Ripsaw Falls                         (log flume ride)

                            Popeye & Pluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges                  (splashing& turning raft ride)

                            Me-ship, The Olive                                           (kid’s playground)

    JurassicPark

    Based on the movie; an area of rides and exhibits.

    Featuring:         Jurassic Park River Adventure              (thrilling river raft ride)

                            Jurassic Park Discovery Centre             (hand on interactive discovery area)

                            Pteranodon Flyers                                            (suspended roller coaster)

                            Camp Jurassic                                                  (children’s pre-historic playground)

    The Lost Continent

    Ancient myths and legends are the theme, divided into medieval Europe, ancient Arabia and mythological Greece, and home to Mythos, voted one of the best theme park restaurants.  Don’t forget to make a wish at the Mystic Fountain in Sinbad’s Village.

    Featuring:         Dueling Dragons                                               (inverted roller coaster serpents)

                            The Eighth Voyage Of Sinbad               (live action stunt show)

                            Poseidon’s Fury                                               (indoor special effects show)

    Seuss Landing

    Based on works by Dr Seuss, this area is aimed at small children.  Uniquely there are no single straight lines anywhere, even the palm trees were originally shaped by the winds of Hurricane Andrew, before being planted here.  The Green Eggs and Ham Café and Circus McGurkus Restaurant are located here.

    Featuring:         The High InThe Sky Trolley Train Ride             (tour above/around Seuss Landing)

                            The Cat In The Hat                                           (ride through the famous children’s book)

                            Caro-Seuss-el                                                  (a merry-go-round)

                            One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish  (ride an obstacle course of fountains)

                            If I Ran The Zoo                                               (interactive play area)

    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (opening in 2010)

    Featuring attractions, shops and restaurants presented within the Forbidden Forest, Hogsmeade Village and Hogwarts Castle.

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