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Review
As of 2008, this is the only Universal theme park in the world which doesn't have the 'studio' theme. It's a great adventure-themed park featuring some of the world’s best and most thrilling attractions:
You'll enjoy the 'Jurassic Park' water ride, beautifully integrated into a jungle setting instead of a studio surrounding, featuring caves, primeval forests, swampland with dinosaur animatronics and John Williams’ film music. The ride's climax is one of the biggest storytelling accomplishments in theme park history: a monstrous surprise lifts your attention up (you will look up, believe me!) while your boat plunges down at the same time. The timing is perfect, and everyone smiles after the splash. I’ve never, ever seen anyone unhappy after the Jurassic Park ride. It so much works.
'The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man' is the best illusion ride in the world today. Wearing 3-D glasses, you and your spinning ride vehicle are lifted through various 3-D screens embedded in Spider-Man’s city landscape. At the end you won’t know where top and bottom are, whether you’re falling, turning or dreaming – this ride completely alters your sense of orientation and your perception of movement! It's an ingenious piece of work!
Other highlights are a very, very wet Dudley Do-Right themed ride and another very, very, VERY wet Popeye-themed river rapids ride, both very refreshing on summer days and very stupid to try on winter evenings. The 'Incredible Hulk Coaster' is a smooth, fast and weight-defying world-class roller coaster. There is not much evidence of the Hulk theme, but it’s just good as it is. Click here for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Universal's Island of Adventure is a must on your Orlando itinerary.
Universal's Islands of Adventure aerial
Islands of Adventure from above
Islands of Adventure entrance
Main Street
Poseidon's Fury special-effects show
Poseidon's Fury, with Hulk roller coaster in the background
'The Incredible Hulk' roller coaster from above
Hulk coaster
Hulk coaster's initial inversion makes you feel weightless for a second
Hulk coaster close-up
Hulk coaster loop
Dueling roller coaster
The artificial near-collisions work well and are fun!
Jurassic Park building
Inside the Jurassic Park boat ride
Animatronic dinosaurs
Massive T-Rex surprise at the ride's climax
Splashdown finale
Dudley Do-Right flume ride from above
Islands of Adventure flume ride
It's a very, very wet experience
One of the wettest flume rides on earth
Popeye-themed river rapids ride
Spiderman Ride entrance
Harry Potter area under construction
The massive building on the right will house the Harry Potter ride
Future Harry Potter castle
Closer view
Harry Potter building from below
Curious visitor