Islands of Adventure is a 100-acre park designed to be a theme park for the new millennium. Many of the rides and attractions are truly state-of-the-art and offer full entertainment experiences, not just basic rides. For example, even the roller coasters have a story line.

When visiting Islands of Adventure, be prepared for a full day (and evening) of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. If you want to experience the rides that involve getting wet, seriously consider bringing along a change of clothes and storing it in a locker. Ride all of the water-based rides in a row and then change into dry clothes before continuing your day.

For more information about Islands of Adventure, be sure to check out the park's Web site at www.usf.com before you leave home. You can also make reservations and purchase admission tickets online in order to save time once you arrive at the park.

Layout of the Park

From the Port of Entry, which is the main entrance to Islands of Adventure (accessed by walking through CityWalk), all of the themed islands surround a large lake. Moving counterclockwise, once you enter into the park is Seuss Landing, a ten-acre area designed specifically for young people (and those who are young at heart). This is really the only kid-oriented area within this park. The other “islands” are more suited to kids over the age of nine, teens, and adults. The Lost Continent is the next island of adventure and features rides, shows, and attractions for teens and adults alike.

As guests continue their island-hopping adventure, Jurassic Park is next. Based on the movies, this area features the Jurassic Park River Adventure along with an assortment of other dinosaur-themed rides and attractions suitable for people of all ages. Comic strips come alive within Toon Lagoon, where characters like Popeye, Dudley Do-Right, and Beetle Bailey are the basis for a handful of whimsical rides, shows, and attractions.

Finally, for comic book fans of all ages, Marvel Super Hero Island is where you'll find two of the park's most popular thrill rides, the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Doctor Doom's Fearfall.

By combining thrill rides with family-oriented entertainment, shops, restaurants, and attractions, Islands of Adventure offers something for everyone in a not-so-traditional theme park atmosphere. Visiting Islands of Adventure offers a very different (but equally exciting) experience from anything the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer.

Restrictions

Islands of Adventure contains multiple adult-oriented thrill rides, plus separate rides and attractions designed specifically for young kids. Certain rides and attractions have height restrictions. For example, people under 54 inches tall are not permitted to ride Dueling Dragons or the Incredible Hulk Coaster. Those under 52 inches tall cannot ride Doctor Doom's Fearfall, and those under 48 inches tall won't be allowed to experience Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges. Visitors must be over 42 inches tall to experience Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls and over 40 inches tall to experience Jurassic Park River Ride and the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. Finally, children must be at least 36 inches tall to ride the Pteranodon Flyers.

Due to the turbulent nature of the above-mentioned rides, expectant mothers and people with certain physical disabilities or limitations should not experience these rides either. For additional information about special accommodations for people with physical disabilities, contact the Guest Services office located near the main entrance of the park.