A traveler's guide to Universal's Islands of Adventure
This is the coaster theme park at Universal Orlando. Rope-drop Hagrid or VelociCoaster and build the rest of the day around whichever one you missed.
Universal's Islands of Adventure is the theme park next to Universal Studios Florida, looped around a lagoon. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and VelociCoaster are the rides. Hogsmeade is the land. It is in Orlando, Florida.
When to go
Same Orlando calendar as the Studios gate. Both headliner coasters are outdoors. Rain delays are normal in summer. A clear winter morning is the best version of this park.
How to see it
The lagoon is a circle. Hogsmeade and Jurassic are neighbors, which is convenient and also a traffic jam. Marvel Super Hero Island holds the Hulk and Spider-Man. Seuss Landing is the calm corner if you have small children or a headache. The Hogwarts Express leaves from Hogsmeade when your ticket is park-to-park.
Tickets and time
Park-to-park if you want both Harry Potter lands in a day. Express Unlimited is the expensive way to ride Hagrid more than once. Without it, rope drop and a late evening return are the method.
If you only remember this
- Hagrid's has a motorcycle and a sidecar. The line asks you to choose. Decide before you reach the gate.
- VelociCoaster's lockers are mandatory. Travel light.
- The park is louder and more physical than the Studios gate.
- A hopper evening at Epic Universe is a shuttle, not a stroll.