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Islands Of Adventure has really stepped up its game over the past decade.

What was once considered a failure on opening day, is now one of the best theme parks in the world with booming attendance.

It has many outstanding attractions, including Jurassic World Velocicoaster, Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey, and Skull Island: Reign Of Kong.

There are so many attractions at Islands Of Adventure, that it can be overwhelming for first-time guests. Here’s a comprehensive list of all the Universal Islands Of Adventure Rides, with everything you need to know.

What are the Different Islands in Islands of Adventure?

Let’s start with a map of Islands of Adventure for you to get a sense of where everything including the rides are located in the park.

There are different Islands:

• Port of Entry
• Marvel Superhero Island
• Toon Lagoon
• Jurassic Park
• The Lost Continent
• Jurassic Park
• Suess Landing

There are 7 Islands in Islands of Adventure.

Port of Entry is the only Island that does not have any rides, but it has stores and places to get food.

Let’s look at each of the areas in turn.

These are in order assuming that you turn left at Port of Entry.

Marvel Superhero Island

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

• Height Requirement: 54″
• Universal Express Pass
• No Loose Articles – Lockers Available
• Roller Coaster

The Incredible Hulk Coaster will be one of the first rides that catches your eye when you enter Islands Of Adventure.

It’s that huge green structure that you see when you turn left at the entrance!

It is an extreme roller coaster – probably the most extreme of all of the attractions in the park.

This Islands of Adventure Ride starts with an electrifying catapult launch into the air, which goes from 0 to 40 MPH in 2 seconds.

Then you speed through a death-defying zero-g roll over the park.

That’s only the first of a total of 7 inversions throughout the track.

Roller coaster enthusiasts will adore this attraction. It is one of the most thrilling rides at Islands Of Adventure.

Tips For The Incredible Hulk Coaster

It’s a B&M roller coaster that seats 4 in a row. The best seat on The Incredible Hulk is the front.

There is a separate line for the front of the Hulk which takes a little longer than the standard line, but it is well worth it if you are a thrill ride enthusiast.

The best time to go on this attraction is towards the middle of the evening or the end of the night.

At these times, you can often ride it with just a 20-minute wait.

I wouldn’t ride it in the morning, because since it’s very close to the front entrance, lots of guests flock to it. If you see that it has a long wait, come back to it later, as it’s highly likely that the wait will go down.

How Intense Is The Incredible Hulk Coaster?

The Hulk is very intense. It pulls a whopping 4 g’s because the inversions are tight. So it feels like you’re being crushed on your seat.

It’s also high up.

If you just look at this roller coaster, you’ll know if it’s not for you…

The Amazing Adventures Of Spider-Man

• Height Requirement: 40″
• Under 48″ Must Have A Companion
• Universal Express Pass
• 4D Motion Simulator

The Amazing Adventures Of Spider-Man is a fan-favorite and has remained popular ever since it opened with Islands Of Adventure.

It has, quite justifiably, won many awards.

The story is that Doctor Octopus is leading a gang of other iconic Spidey villains in an attempt to take over New York City.

They’ve got their hands on an anti-gravity ray and have stolen the Statue Of Liberty. It’s up to you and Spider-Man to save the entire city from their terror.

The Amazing Adventures Of Spider-Man is similar to Transformers: The Ride – 3D and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, in that you board a vehicle on a track that spins and has a motion base.

It blends 3D screens with practical effects, where at points you can’t tell what’s fiction or reality.

It was a game-changer when it first opened and is still very popular with guests.

This is a personal favorite of mine and I think you’d truly be missing out if you skipped it.

Is The Amazing Adventures Of Spider-Man Scary?

There aren’t any drops. It just spins around on a motion-base. If you’ve been on Star Tours, you can handle this.

It may frighten younger children. The villains come at you in 3D and I could definitely imagine it freaking out some kids.

There is a height requirement of 40 inches but even children who meet this might still be overwhelmed by this attraction.

Fortunately, there is a Child Swap for this ride so if your little one doesn’t want to, or isn’t tall enough to experience this attraction you can stay with them in the child swap area. The adult who rode the first time then swaps out with you so that you don’t have to stand in line twice.

Storm Force Acceleration

• No Height Requirement
• Under 48″ Need A Companion
• Universal Express Pass
• Spinning Teacups

Storm and Professor Xavier from the X-Men need your help to thwart Magneto’s evil plan to take over the world. The faster you spin, the more lighting you will create which Storm can use to defeat Magneto and save the planet.

This is your standard teacup ride like the Mad Tea Party at Disneyland. I prefer Storm Force Acceleration though because you spin the teacups much faster.

The nice thing about this is one is it’s always a short wait. I’ve never seen it exceed a 10-minute wait. It’s a great Islands of Adventure ride for everybody.

Doctor Doom’s Fearfall

• Minimum Height: 52″
• Universal Express Pass
• Drop Tower Ride

Doctor Doom’s Fearfall is a terrifying launch tower that shoots you 185 ft in the air, then pulls you down faster than the speed of gravity.

The scariest part is you don’t know when they’re going to launch you into the air.

You’re strapped in, waiting… waiting… waiting…, until you shoot up in the air like a rocket.

The ride is based on Doctor Doom from the Fantastic Four series, where he is planning on extracting fear out of the riders for his new super weapon.

It offers great views of Universal Orlando Resort.

It also rarely has a long wait.

My only gripe is that it’s not particularly a unique ride.

You can find attractions like it at other parks. It’s also very short.

Still, it offers a quick thrill. It’s suited for daredevils because this one is not for the faint of heart…

Toon Lagoon

Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges

• Minimum Height: 52″
• Under 48″ Need Supervising Companions
• Universal Express Pass
• Child Swap Available
• Water Raft Ride

A wacky adventure with Popeye where you brave treacherous water rapids to save Olive Oyl.

This is much like Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom where guests sit in a circular raft. There are water sprays and waterfalls that absolutely soak you in water.

Will you get wet on Bilge-Rat Barges?

You will get absolutely soaked!

There is absolutely no escaping the water on Bilge-Rat Barges.

It’s quite funny seeing the other passengers come off the ride and their clothes absolutely drenched. Well, it’s funny until it happens to you…

Popeye & Bluto’s is actually one of my least favorite Islands Of Adventure rides

It’s not that thrilling and it feels like all it does is just get you soaked.

Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls, which is a log flume right across from this attraction, also gets you soaked, but it’s worth it because it has lots of fun drops.

This attraction only has one drop and it’s not very steep. I would say it’s a good way to cool off, but riding Jurassic Park River Adventure or Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is a better way to cool down.

Tips For Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges

There are actually family dryers which you can pay for outside of the attraction. They aren’t going to completely dry you off, but they’ll help.

Or, it might be a better idea to bring extra clothes or a rain poncho.

I’m not kidding. You will get drenched. I’ve been there.

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls

• Minimum Height: 44″
• Under 48″ Need Supervising Companions
• Universal Express Pass
• Log Flume

A cartoon adventure with Dudley Do-Right where you go on a daring rescue to save Nell from Dudley’s nemesis Snidely.

It’s a log flume similar to Splash Mountain at Disney World that has three terrifying drops.

The last drop is 75 feet and at the bottom, you go over a bunny hop on a roller coaster track.

You will get soaked, even if you’re in the back seat.

While the theming is lackluster, Ripsaw Falls is a fun ride with some great drops.

The one at the end is especially spectacular.

It’s a great way to cool off in the Florida heat.

Tips For Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls

• Like Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges, there are dryers outside the ride. I’d also recommend bringing a change of clothes.
• Check out the test seat before you ride. It’s very awkward to get in and it’s uncomfortable, so I’d test it out before you ride. You’ll see the test seat in front of the queue for the ride.

Skull Island: Reign Of Kong

• Minimum Height: 36″
• Under 48″ Need Supervising Companions
• Universal Express Pass
• 3D Motion Simulator

Get caught in a 3D epic battle on Skull Island between two t-rexes and the big monkey himself, King Kong.

This is based on the King Kong 360 experience on the Studio Tram Tour at Universal Hollywood. However, they added a lot more to it: the exterior is jaw-dropping, the queue takes you through a spooky ancient temple, there are additional scenes added to the ride, and it has an outstanding larger-than-life King Kong animatronic.

The only part that’s the same is the 360 experience, where giant screens surround the tram, completely immersing you in the action.

And it’s just as great, if not better than the Hollywood version, as they updated the CGI.

This a must-do for parkgoers. Reign Of Kong has too many amazing things for you to miss it.

Tips For Skull Island: Reign Of Kong

• The best seat is towards the back in the middle of a row. That way you don’t see the edges of the screens, making a more immersive experience. However, if you want to see the screens better, see if you can be on the edge.

How Scary Is Skull Island: Reign Of Kong?

It has a few scary monsters that come at you in 3D. The build-up is also tense and there’s a couple moments in the dark.

The ride is fairly tame. It’s just a motion simulator on a track like The Amazing Adventures Of Spider-Man.

Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park River Adventure

• Minimum Height: 42″
• Under 48″ Need Supervising Companions
• Universal Express Pass
• Boat Ride

A peaceful slow-moving river journey through Jurassic Park where you’ll gaze at giant dinosaurs towering over you – well, it’s peaceful until the carnivores escape…

On goes a tense encounter with Velociraptors, and then, you come face-to-face with a massive hungry T-Rex.

It all ends in an 85-foot plunge into the water.

Do you get soaked on Jurassic Park River Adventure?

Fair warning: YOU MAY GET SOAKED!

Sometimes you don’t and I have sometimes left that ride completely without a drop of water anywhere near me. Other times I have been soaked.

This ride is a must-do for Jurassic Park fans.

However, my only issue with it is that the animatronics are either not working or look very dated.

At the beginning of the attraction, there used to be a massive Sauropod that would tower over your boat, but for whatever reason, they’ve covered it up, and now the scene is just empty.

This ride needs a major overhaul because back in the day, it was fantastic.

Still, the drop is very thrilling and when the carnivores escape, it becomes a lot more exciting.

Tips For Jurassic Park River Adventure

• If you don’t want to get soaked, try asking the ride operator if you can go in the back. However, you might still get sprayed by water jets. To avoid those, sit in the middle.

Pteranodon Flyers

• Minimum Height: 36″
• Max Height: 56″
• Under 48″ Need Supervising Companions
• Swinging Gondola

Located in the kid’s playground, Camp Jurassic, Pteranodon Flyers is a swinging gondola ride on a Pteranodon.

You soar over Camp Jurassic and get some decent views of the park.

Guests over 56″ aren’t allowed on the attraction unless they have someone with them who’s under 56″.

Little kids might enjoy it, but it usually has a long wait and the attraction feels short.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster

• Minimum Height: 51″
• Universal Express Pass
• Single Rider Available
• Loose Articles Prohibited – Free Lockers Available
• Intense Roller Coaster

Often referred to as the best roller coaster in Orlando, Velocicoaster takes you through a raptor paddock where you get an up-close look at the raptors. What could go wrong…?

This coaster features two launch sections, four inversions, a 155-foot tophat, a 140-foot drop at an 80-degree angle, and plenty of air-time moments.

What makes it more intense is that there are no over-the-head restraints, which means your body flies around as the coaster twists and turns.

It’s particularly terrifying in the “Mosasraus Roll” at the end, where you twist upside-down over a lagoon. So, pretty tame right?

There’s no way to describe just how intense this ride is.

Not even by looking at a video.

It’s the perfect blend of thrills and chills.

And possibly the best ride at Islands Of Adventure.

Tips For Jurassic World – Velocicoaster

• At the end of the line, you can request to wait in a separate queue for the front row. The line will add only an additional few minutes to the wait.
• The best seat on the Velocicoaster – in my opinion – is at the back. The g-forces are stronger and you fly off your seat more.
• If you’re a resort guest, utilize Early Park Entry, because you can get to that ride early and the wait is usually only 20 minutes.

Related Article: Velocicoaster – The Ultimate Guide

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey

• Minimum Height: 48″
• Universal Express Pass
• Child Swap Available
• Single Rider Available
• Loose Articles Prohibited – Free Lockers Available
• Kuka Arm Motion Simulator

In this attraction, you explore all the corners of Hogwarts Castle, including Dumbledore’s Office, The Defence Against The Dark Arts Classroom, and the Gryffindor Common Room.

Then, fly with Harry Potter and his friends and live out iconic moments from the franchise.

Forbidden Journey uses Kuka Arm technology to simulate flight.

This video gives you a great overview of the ride technology.

The Forbidden Journey has won many awards and is still considered one of the best theme park attractions today.

How Scary Is Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey?

Forbidden Journey doesn’t go upside-down, although there is one part where it feels like you are about to, but you don’t fully go upside-down.

The Kuka Arm isn’t that intense, but it can be uncomfortable, as you’re turned on your back and on your side.

Some may get frightened by some of the monsters in the ride. They jump out at you and get very close to you.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

I’d do your research before taking a small child on this.

There is a Child Swap facility. Use it if you have any doubt as to whether or not your child is going to enjoy this as it is pretty intense.

• Minimum Height: 48″
• Child Swap Available
• Single Rider Available
• Loose Articles Prohibited – Free Lockers Available
• Roller Coaster

A roller coaster on Hagrid’s motorbike through the Forbidden Forest. You’ll see all kinds of magical creatures, like Therstrals, Fluffy the Three-Headed Dog, and even Unicorns.

Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure is one of the best roller coasters at Universal Studios.

It has 7 launch sections, a backward section, and a freefall drop.

It is also a unique ride vehicle, where you can pick between the sidecar or the motorbike.

It’s one of the most thrilling rides at the park and is perfect for Harry Potter fans.

Tips For Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure

• If you’re doing Early Park Entry, try and get to the front entrance extra early before the park opens. The line for this can get very long very quickly during Early Park Entry. Numerous times I have been in the park about twenty minutes after the park opened and still had to wait an hour. Everyone goes here for Early Entry. Go somewhere else if this isn’t a priority!
• The single-rider line isn’t necessarily faster than the standby queue. In fact, it could be longer… Most likely it will be the same length as the standby queue. And remember. Your party will be split up if you are in the single rider line.
• I highly recommend trying to get on this at night. The Forbidden Forest is way more atmospheric at night.

Hogwarts Express

• No Minimum Height Requirement
• Under 48″ Requires Companion To Ride
• Express Pass Available
• Slow-moving Train
• Park-to-Park Ticket Required

The Hogwarts Express is a transport between Diagon Alley in Universal Park and Hogsmeade Islands Of Adventure.

Therefore a park-to-park ticket is required.

What makes this train special is it simulates going to and from Hogwarts.

You can see it in the window, along with other locations in Harry Potter, like the Forbidden Forest, London, and Malfoy Manor.

It’s a great way to get from park to park and a very immersive Harry Potter experience.

If you only do this one way then the experience from Universal Orlando to Islands of Adventure is actually the better option. But either is worth experiencing.

Flight Of The Hippogriff

• Height Requirement: 36″
• Under 48″ Requires Companion To Ride
• Child Swap Available
• Express Pass Available
• Kiddy Coaster

A small kiddy coaster based on the scene where Harry Potter flies on a Hippogriff in Prisoner Of Azkaban. This ride offers some great views of Hogwarts Castle, especially when you ride it at night and see the castle lit up. Plus, it’s one of two rides at the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter that is aimed at small children.

The only thing with the ride is it’s a little rough. It’s quite old and the track is deteriorating. Still, small children will love it.

Seuss Landing

The Cat In The Hat

• Height Requirement: 36″
• Under 48″ Requires Companion To Ride
• Express Pass Available
• Spinning Dark Ride

A spinning dark ride where you step inside the story of Dr. Seuss’ Cat In The Hat that’s great for little kids. It perfectly captures the look of the book.

I wish they would revamp it a bit because the animatronics look worn down.

Plus, and this may be good news for some, it doesn’t spin as much as it used to. In fact, it really doesn’t spin much at all anymore!

Still, if you grew up with the Dr. Seuss books, you’ll find some enjoyment with this ride.

And the great thing about it is it’s always a short wait!

But if you don’t have small children, a nostalgia for Dr. Seuss, or need a really welcome air-conditioned space, this would be an Islands of Adventure ride to skip.

The High In The Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!

• Height Requirement: 36″
• Under 48″ Requires Companion To Ride
• Express Pass Available
• Slow Train Ride

A slow train based on The Sneetches that glides over Seuss Landing. This ride offers some great views on the Islands Of Adventure lagoon.

You can see everything from Marvel Superhero Island all the way to Hogwarts Castle.

Try and get on it when the park opens, because the wait times can get surprisingly high.

Caro-Seuss-el

• No Height Requirement
• Under 48″ Requires Companion To Ride
• Express Pass Available

A fun carousel based on characters from Dr. Seuss’ books. It’s perfect for little kids – they’ll love all the colorful characters and galloping around the carousel.

Just be aware if you don’t like heights, you really won’t like this ride.

Waits can be really long for this ride. It is very much a minor attraction so if the wait is more than 20 minutes think about walking on by.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

• No Height Requirement
• Under 48″ Requires Companion To Ride
• Express Pass Available

Based on the Dr. Suess book with the same title, this attraction is Universal’s equivalent of the Dumbo ride at Disney World.

You fly on a fish and steer it up and down.

The twist is there are water jets that spray at you, so there’s a decent chance that you’ll get very wet!

Want to Know More About Universal Orlando?

Here are some of the guides to help you plan and enjoy your Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure experience:

Best Harry Potter Rides at Universal Orlando – Ranked from Worst to Best

Which of the Universal Parks is Best for the Harry Potter Experience?

Is Universal Cabana Bay the Best Resort Hotel?

Disney World v Universal Studios – Which is Best for Adults?

One Day at Universal Studios – How To Make the Most of it