Islands of Adventure Review | Universal Theme Park in Orlando, Florida
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ค. 2024
- Universal's Islands of Adventure completely turns the standard Universal formula on its head, providing a refreshing experience that is almost unmatched in the entirety of the United States. But how does the park achieve this, and being so close to family holiday capital of the world Walt Disney World, it is suitable for everybody to visit?
A huge thanks to Universal for inviting us out for the purpose of our review!
Thumbnail image by Kelly Verdeck - www.flickr.com/photos/rain0975/
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00:47 Family Rides
03:55 Thrill Rides
05:49 Experiences
08:17 Entertainment
09:21 Operations
11:32 Theming
13:37 Merchandise
14:49 Affordability
17:18 Atmosphere
18:42 Services
20:30 Final Thoughts
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What's your favourite ride at Islands Of Adventure?
A huge thanks to Universal for inviting us out for the purpose of our review!
Velocicoaster of course! great review :)
Spider-Man. Almost 25 years old but it hasn’t aged a day.
This is superb, will be going here this december and this review makes ne want to go more !
Operations got a six or nine out of ten?
I feel like it's a tie between Spider-Man and Hagrid's. Not too much of a coaster guy (I didn't even go on Velocicoaster) but I though Hagrid's was excellent.
“Operations! Nine out of ten!” *squints at phone* “six out of ten” 😂 I thought wow, he was so enthusiastic for a six out of ten.
You are correct, this is the greatest park in Orlando. As a local who goes almost every week, it never gets old and I regularly find something new. Thank you for the great video!
I prefer Epcot and Animal Kingdom over IoA because I'm not a fan of really intense roller coasters. The theming in IoA is great but I just think Epcot and AK is significantly better.
That being said Hagrids motorbike is one of the most minblowing rides I've been on(tied with Cosmic Rewind). And I'm more excited for Epic Universe than anything Disney is doing right now.
lemme get this straight...
EVERY WEEK
@@carpeXnoctem12 ioa is not just all trills there are so many good dark rides and shows that aren't thrilling
@@kitty_kat3268 I know. I was there last year.
@@carpeXnoctem12 cosmic rewind is very fun but nahh cmon hagrids is just better
I have to say…as a Disney parks fan…it’s hard to admit that Universal parks are amazing, but they are. Our visits have always been great and their theming is top notch. Their guest service surpasses Disney high brow service.
It is amazing to see how far universal has come. It is truly the leader in theme park design and technology. I hope Disney can find a way to step it up and quickly!
Narrator: They won't.
Disney? Step it up? Epic universe has joined the chat hahahah
For me IOA's only peer is DisneySea. Easily the best theme park in Orlando and far superior to any of the Walt Disney World parks. Amazing theming, fantastic rides and incredible operations. It really just needs some more stage shows and maybe a proper nighttime show in the lagoon.
It’s better but not far superior
@@derekmiles2543 ehh… it’s pretty far ahead.
I think it desperately needs more flat rides too. A Giant Frisbee ride, some S&S Swings, a normal carousel swings like ride (with some like fountains or fire effects) and some spinning rides. The could fit some in around the lake (take up one of the many viewing areas in every land on the lake.) But yeah, some more stage shows would be nice. You can see those at Universal though. The Bourne Stuntacular is amazing. And there's tons more walk around characters and stage shows on the path (like Blues Brothers) at Universal than Islands.
@@jonny-b4954 no.. not more flats. The viewing areas are great and the last thing this well themed theme park needs are generic flats you can find at a six flags park.
I recently went to IOA and it immediately made my list of favorite theme parks. You are 100% right about how this park rewards you for exploring. Me and my friends only went on a small handful of rides, but we walked all over the park and found some cool hidden gems. For example we just so happened to walk in on a dinosaur egg hatching at the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. My friend actually got to name the dinosaur! It’s something I’ll never forget.
I'm lucky enough to be able to call this my home park. I fell in love with theme parks because of going to this park as a child. I still go at least once a month. I couldn't agree more with this assessment of the park! Experiences definitely deserves a 10/10. Thanks for giving an honest and unbiased review! I had a ton of fun watching it. Hope you're able to come back to experience it again soon!
It's one of the best Universal theme parks yet! Although if they end up delivering on Epic Universe Islands of Adventure may have some stiff competition.
They won’t be in competition. They are all under the Universal ecosystem. So it’s a win win for both theme parks
Yep, and it will help crowd control
It’s amazing how well the mash up of themes still work
I would say this park has begun to challenge Disney Sea for best theme park in the world. Hagrid and Velocicoaster back to back as additions have really taken it to a new level
19:25 The maintenance team member 😂😂
I've spent enough days vacationing at Orlando to say IOA is truly the best park in the area. The only thing it lacks is another nighttime spectacular over at the lagoon.
The issue with a lagoon show is the lack of sight lines into the lagoon from most of the lands. There just isn’t nearly enough space for people to check it out in the park. The only view in Hogsmeade is from outside porch of 3 Broomsticks dining, Jurassic Park has Discovery Center Dining and the other lands have very little room outside of Seuss Landing. Compare that to Studios that has a massive show viewing area in Central Park and huge viewing space around the entire lagoon.
@@gotabonetopick2942 that’s true but I feel like if they wanted to do a lagoon show they could add additional viewing areas by a lot of the lands.
That would be cool. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I stayed until closing at a park. Even when I'm vacationing. I always leave earlier, if anything, simply to avoid the rush to get out and being stuck in traffic for half an hour.
Thank you. Since I live a few minutes from the resort I tend to take it for granted. Your review makes me appreciate it and what I have a little bit more.
This is my favorite park in the US. Can’t wait for Epic Universe to open.
Oh you guys have somehow made me even more excited for my trip. Get me in Poseidons Fury now!!!!
I love this park. Haven’t been in a while. Was last their prior to King Kong ride. Looking forward to checking it out again soon.
From a long time friend of Taylor, thank you for your love of Poseidon :)
Been going to these parks in Orlando, FL since I was a child. They have only gotten better with age! Just got back from a FL trip and park hopped 2 days and it was a blast. Cant wait to go back!
Great video! Also, on site resorts like hard rock are a 5 minute blissful walk to the parks
Haven't been there sadly since 2012 and while a few rides there a bit rough, still a fun experience in any land and wonderful how they pull it off.
After years of being a “Disney Only” family with just occasional trips to Universal, we finally felt Universal had improved enough to focus a week there and skip Disney altogether. We had a fantastic trip! The resort atmosphere feels very much like mid-90s Disney, with a sort of high-tech electricity combined with southern hospitality instead of the herd mentality that is Modern Disney.
You’re right in saying Uni’s proximity to downtown Orlando is a huge benefit. This extra shopping makes the resort feel even bigger, because unlike the cheap tourist traps surrounding Walt Disney World, the areas surrounding Universal are mostly quite nice. To put it in perspective, Disney needs its bubble to feel premium; Neiman-Marcus is just a few minutes’ drive from Universal. But we also took a few Ubers to Target, Walgreens, and even Chick-fil-A, easily stocking up on supplies and grabbing food without breaking the bank in an on-property shop.
Universal doesn’t have the classic, vintage magical hug that Disney used to have years ago, but Disney has lost pretty much lost that in its American parks anyway. Also, Uni really needs a few atmospheric, AA-rich attractions like POTC. Yet as an overall resort, Universal Resort Orlando has finally done the unthinkable and surpassed Disney.
I loved going every weekend when i had the annuals passes
When i lived in Florida
Greetings from korea 🇰🇷 💕 ❤️ 😊
I had issues with dudley do rights line also!
We stepped in line with a 50 min wait... eventually we start hearing incomprehensible statements wkth numbers "3 to 1" " 2 to 1"... etc.
Apparently they started doing 4 or 5 xpress pass boats per 1 standby line.. but we couldnt understand this..... smh.
We eventually gave up after waiting nearly 2 hours... as we exit the line, the estimated wait time was updated to over 3 hours
another amazing video.... and that's how you do paid fast-pass RIGHT!
@9:23 I’m assuming operations is 9/10 instead of a 6/10
Was there a final score for the full review? Would love to compare the points to Disney Sea
Hey Christopher, the final score is 86/100 our 4th highest review, making it one point behind Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland which are both at 87 and 5 points behind Tokyo Disneysea at 91! - Luke
I enjoyed this promotional video.
Ok fine I will like the video you earned it 😂❤
I've been going to IOA since it opened back in 1999 and it is definitely the best park in Florida. For my money, the best place to eat is the Jurassic Park Thunder Falls Terrace which features spectacular BBQ food for an actual reasonable price. And as a longtime Marvel fan I favour the IOA Marvel land over Disney's MCU theming because it is true to the original comics. I dare anyone to say "Spider-man WEB Adventure" even approaches the exhilaration of "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-man".
Anyone that says Web Slingers is better than IoA Spider-Man probably must be on crack. Either that, or they haven't been on the one at IoA.
The difference in quality between those two is staggering.
9:23 operations, is it actually a 9 or a 6 like the text and the previous score? 🤔
Great video. I love IoA as well. A note about your graphic for Operations; it is written 6 out of 10, but you say 9 out of 10. So, I will give your graphics a 7 out of 10.
ah yes, the 2 most immersive thrill rides in the world and an incredible an well-themed b&m, 9/10. you know you wanna give it 10/10 for thrills! quality over quantity
Have y’all been to Universal Singapore yet? Hope to see your review of that park soon
Hey Kai, not quite yet but we're hoping to do a review of the park next year! - Luke
I’ve been summer vacationing in Florida with the family for my whole life. As someone who has been to every major theme park Orlando has to offer, I have to admit IOA has the best balance. Plenty of rides for the whole family but a nice selection of thrill. Really hoping they keep River Adventure themed to the original Jurassic Park.
The ONLY things that need work are the Lost Continent and Dr Seuss areas. I wouldn’t mind if the latter is replaced.
Islands of Adventures has always been my favorite theme park in Orlando!
This park is amazing. I'd take this over every park at nearby Walt Disney World except Magic Kingdom. It will be interesting to see how Epic Universe compares to this park when it opens in 2025.
I give thrill rides 10/10 now after Velocicoaster
Wish to go to Islands of Adventure. They have some very great rides and experiences. Including Universal Orlando.
9:21 Operations, 9 or six out of 10?
My only issue with the park is the ride lockers. Absolutely too small to put my stuff in, I had to get two lockers every time. Just the hassle of having to do this with the lockers is no fun at all, and redirects you at the beginning and end of your rides which takes up more and more time. Had I known, I would’ve travelled lighter, but even then its Orlando so i always travel to the parks with a spare pair of shoes and rainjacket. Seriously, for as amazing as Velocicoaster is, their ride lockers are horribly as bad.
You can get bigger lockers around the corner if you ask. We did & they were sooo much easier to get both our stuff in
oh boy you missed the sawmill that's a shame! I was lucky enough to go to this theme park and I'm from the united kingdom, what a great experience in Florida this park is do not skip this one!
fun hack: go to the Hulk and ask "can we do the GAMMA tour?" trust me... you'll learn so much and possibly even cut the line. ;)
How did I miss? I haven't been there since 2012
17:32
The bird was worth the pausing game.
9:22 So are operations nine out of ten or six out of ten?!?!!!
IOA is honestly so fantastic
Oh man, I don't know if I can agree with the best theme park in Orlando. Also it seems you caught it on Suess landing with the things not working, it's a real shame to see the lack of up keep in this and Universal Studios Orlando. Now I haven't been since 2019 but I just went back to Universal Studios Japan and things just seem on point there compared to the Orlando parks.
I also could be a crazy person, but this my major gripe about the parks. They have gobs, GOBS of money coming in but they can't seem to keep everything looking pristine.
my exact evaluation as a Florida native who is currently living in Japan (20+ years)
@@IkePaz You got me beat. I've only been out here in Japan for 7.
Operations 6 out of 10 no wait a 9 out of 10? Your writing at that part was off from what you said. Love this park though, so amazing!
Definitely better than anything Disney in Orlando has to offer that’s for sure.
If you guys thought Islands of adventure is one of the best theme parks in the world, wait until 2025 because it's going to be epic! 😊
They have so many "dead spots" tho...and so many vendors along narrow walkways...!!! And those "EFFING LOCKERS"!!!
I personally loved Poseidon’s fury
1:07 I just can't understand why they are dumping that much water on the rafts. I ride the rafts for fun, not to get drenched all the way to my underwear. If water splashes in the raft from the river, that's expected and you have to be extremely unlucky to get very wet from that. But intentionally dumping a firehose amount of water in the boat from above is just unnecessary and frankly stupid. I would not ride this attraction because of that, the rest of my day would be ruined in soaked clothes.
I did this ride in 2021, and HATED how wet I got. Never managed to dry out all day. Otherwise, totally love this park.
You can't understand? Well, maybe it's because you never read its description, and theme.
I'll just cut/paste:
"Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges is a river rapids ride located in the Toon Lagoon section at Islands of Adventure. It is based on the characters of the Popeye franchise, and features riders going on a river tour organized by Popeye, only for Bluto to send the riders off-course into dangerous waters as a distraction while he once again kidnaps Olive Oyl."
Soooo, yeah, Bluto is trying to practically drown you. LOL!
Expecting NOT to get drenched on a ride like this, is kinda like expecting not get blinded when looking directly at the sun.
@@elevenb6967 You can tell a story through a ride without drowning the riders. It would have worked just as well if the flow of water interrupts automatically when a float is under it, as it is done in other theme parks. And regarding expectations: I would say the usual expectation for float rides is that you get wet on the outer layer, but not get drenched all the way. Most people want to enjoy the rest of teir day after the ride as well without being permenently wet. And having to bring or buy a raincoat just for one ride ist just plain stupid.
@@jimhalpert9421
"You can tell a story through a ride without drowning the riders."
When I said that Bluto was trying to drown you, I was obviously being facetious. (Maybe you didn't get it. Fair enough. It was a joke.) This particular ride tells the story WHILE soaking you. There are signs around the queue warning you that you WILL get soaked.
"It would have worked just as well if the flow of water interrupts automatically when a float is under it, as it is done in other theme parks."
"Other" theme parks?? Why should they need to copy other theme parks? That's ridiculous.
"And regarding expectations: I would say the usual expectation for float rides is that you get wet on the outer layer, but not get drenched all the way."
That's what "YOU" would say? That's cute. But I have a newsflash for you, sir. The only way you're going to get wet on the 'outer layer' only, is if the ride contains misting spouts. (LOL) They don't! Actual water doesn't work like that. If you spill a glass of water on your crotch, your underwear will get wet. The only way around that, is to wear a slicker, or rubber drawers.
"Most people want to enjoy the rest of teir day after the ride as well without being permenently wet. And having to bring or buy a raincoat just for one ride ist just plain stupid."
Well, there's a reason this attraction is always packed during the 9 months of stifling hot weather. Millions of people disagree with you. Make it the last thing you do before leaving, or don't ride.
3:00 “petrodon” 💀
My terrible pronunciation knows no bounds. - Dom
@@ReviewTyme its pronounced tear-anno-don
Operations says 6/10 onscreen but voiceover says 9/10. Which is it?
1:28 - DR. ZEUS?!
3:00 "pretidon flyers" ITS PRONOUNCED TERIDON FLYERS
This park is close to perfect, but like you guys pointed out in the video, it could use a little more entertainment- something this park is really lacking (other than a stage show) is a true nighttime spectacular, something in the lagoon would be really awesome!
yeah you wrote 6 out of ten for operations but said nine
Was operations a 6 out of 10 or a 9 out of 10? The text didn't match the voice over.
9:23 I want to point out a mistake here, the voice says “9 out of 10” when the text says “6 out of 10”.
Yep, that’s my goof!
best theme park in the world
Looks a lot more fun then disney if you don't have little kids to be honest.
“…in the world.”
Just wait for epic universe. Look out Disney.
10/10 for still having spider-man the ride.
It’s actually really good too
FYI - Operations says 6/10 on screen but your commentary says 9/10
"petradon" flyers?! Say what now?
Nothing to do with the MCU except little all the merchandise which Disney takes 40% of lol
ReviewTyme will you review my marriage????
If you hype these coasters as the best themed in the world I know you have never been to phantasialand.
I certainly would not think of velocicoaster as one of the best themed rides thats for sure.
We really want to go to Phantasialand! Fingers crossed for next year :)
Efteling has some very well themed attractions and coasters. Most of it is based on complete stories and old legends.
Which often makes it hard to follow whats going on for international visitors though.
There's only two things for me that hold back IoA from being one of the best theme parks in the world: the current lack of high-budget live entertainment (Sinbad Theatre & Toon Lagoon Theatre, as you mentioned, & no nighttime specular on the lagoon) plus having only one true dark ride. Fill those theatres, add 1 more legit family dark ride, & spruce up Seuss/Toon & this is easily one of the best theme parks in the world, especially if were going per acre
Magic kingdom is the greatest park in Orlando and the entire world! I win! no questions.
Seuss, sue sue not zoo zoo Zeus.
What? You said "Islands of Adventure" is Orlando's best - but you threw both "Islands of Adventure", and "Universal Studios Florida" in this video. To do everything in this video, you're paying $164/day. If you're going to do that, then you should compare that to what you get with a park-hopper at Disney, and their four parks.
Not the best themed rollercoasters in the world. That award goes to Phantasialand.
I didn't care for the park. Too many motion rides and not enough other stuff to do.
You would hate Studios then. 85% of the rides there are motion simulators/have motion simulator elements.
Better than most of wdw.