The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Welcome to Islands of Adventure

If you’re craving thrill rides, immersive lands, and cinematic magic, Universal’s Islands of Adventure is where your adventure begins. This action-packed park offers a world of epic coasters, jaw-dropping attractions, and beloved characters—from Marvel to Harry Potter and Jurassic Park.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a full-day touring plan designed for first-time visitors, including:

• Which rides to prioritize

• Express Pass strategies

• Insider tips

• Dining suggestions

• Must-see shows

• Where to stay for the best experience

  
  

This is Part 3 of our 3-Part First-Timer’s Guide to Universal Orlando. Be sure to check out our Epic Universe Guide and Universal Studios Florida Guide as well.

Islands of Adventure Lands Overview

Island of Adventure is Universal Orlando’s 2nd theme park and sits directly next to Universal Orlando which makes park hopping easy!   Here’s a breakdown of the park’s themed lands and the top attractions in each:

1. Marvel Super Hero Island

• Must Ride (or use Express Pass):

  • The Incredible Hulk Coaster (intense and thrilling!)

    
    

• Other Attractions:

  • Storm Force Accelatron

  • The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

  • Doctor Doom’s Fearfall

  
  

• Insider Tip: Hulk is best first thing or with Express Pass. Spider-Man is great for the whole family and holds up extremely well.

  
  

2. Toon Lagoon

• Best for Hot Days - You will get wet!

  • Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls

  • Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges (prepare to get soaked!)

    
    

• Insider Tip: Pack a change of clothes or wear quick-dry gear. These rides will soak you.

  
  

3. Skull Island: Reign of Kong

• Skull Island: Reign of Kong

  
  

• Insider Tip: Lines can get long mid-day; ride early or with Express.

  
  

4. Jurassic Park

• Must-Do Thrills:

  • VelociCoaster (one of the best coasters in the world) - Ride this after Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

  • Jurassic Park River Adventure

    
    

• Other Attractions:

  • Raptor Encounter (photo op!)

  • Camp Jurassic (great for kids)

    
    

• Insider Tip: Ride VelociCoaster early in the day or in the evening or with Express Pass! It’s the park’s top thrill ride.

5. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

• Top Attractions:

  • Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (does not take Express Pass) RIDE THIS FIRST!

  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

  • Flight of the Hippogriff

  • Ollivanders Wand Experience

    
    

• Insider Tip: Hagrid’s should be your top priority. Arrive 30-45 minutes before park opening for early entry if staying at a Universal hotel. Forbidden Journey can cause motion sickness—try it before a meal.

  
  

6. The Lost Continent

• Show to Catch:

  • Poseidon’s Fury (walk-through adventure show)

    
    

• Dining Highlight: Mythos Restaurant – one of the best table-service restaurants in any theme park.  This is one I wouldn't miss and is great for a mid day break out of the heat.

  
  

7. Seuss Landing

• Great for Families with Young Kids:

  • The Cat in the Hat

  • The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride

  • Caro-Seuss-el

    
    

• Insider Tip: This area is great for afternoon downtime or early morning if you have littles.  During the holidays you can see the Grinch!

  
  

Full-Day Touring Plan for First-Time Visitors

If You Have Express Pass:

• Arrive at park opening and head straight to Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure 

Use Express for:

• Rope drop Hagrid’s, then ride VelociCoaster and Forbidden Journey.

• Spider-Man

• Hulk

• Forbidden Journey

• Jurassic Park River Adventure

• Reign of Kong

• Seuss Landing rides

• Save water rides for mid-afternoon when it’s hot.

  
  

If You Don’t Have Express Pass:

• Rope drop Hagrid’s, then ride VelociCoaster and Forbidden Journey.

• Check wait times and head to Spider-Man and Hulk early.

• Water rides often have shorter waits before noon.

• Eat lunch around 11:30 am to beat crowds.

• Consider visiting shows or doing interactive wand experiences during peak crowds (1–3 pm).

  
  

Dining Recommendations

Quick Service:

• Three Broomsticks (Hogsmeade)

• Comic Strip Café (Toon Lagoon)

• Thunder Falls Terrace (Jurassic Park)

  
  

Table Service:

• Mythos Restaurant (Lost Continent – reservations recommended and can be made from your app 180 days in advance)

  
  

Where to Stay: Best Hotel for Universal Orlando

For a luxury Universal experience with perks like Early Park Admission and Unlimited Express Pass, we recommend:

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

• Includes Unlimited Express Pass for both Universal parks

• Lush tropical theming and lagoon-style pool

• Walkable to Islands of Adventure and also offers boat transportation

  
  

Other Great Options:

• Hard Rock Hotel (closest walk to parks) also includes Express Pass and Early Entry.

• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (Italian elegance and quiet luxury) also includes Express Pass and Early Entry.

• Offers boat transportation

  
  

Final Thoughts: Is Islands of Adventure Worth a Full Day?

Absolutely. With top-tier coasters, immersive lands like Hogsmeade and Jurassic Park, and attractions for all ages, Islands of Adventure is a must-do on any Universal Orlando vacation.

Don’t skip the park to park ticket option.  This is the ONLY way you can ride the Hogwarts Express between both Universal and Islands of Adventure and is a must do for any Harry Potter lover!

Need help planning your Universal vacation? We’ll take care of everything—from park tickets and hotel bookings to dining and group and private VIP tours.

Also ask us about seasonal offerings you don’t want to miss at Universal Studios Orlando!

Request a quote or Email Hello@LOTMV.com.

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the series: 

➡️ Epic Universe Touring Guide

➡️ Universal Studios Florida Touring Guide