As part of my recent media event I visited both Universal Orlando Resort theme parks in one day (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure), so I picked out my favorite Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Orlando attractions to share with you.
First a few thrills…
The Mummy Returns (Universal Studios) – I’m obsessed with this roller coaster ride, and I love it more than any other attraction in both parks combined. It’s that fun. I usually ride it at least a half dozen times with every visit to the park.
The. best.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Universal Studios) – Coming off the top of that first hill heading down was cray-zay, but oh, so much fun. Riders choose a song to listen to while they’re coasting, by the way!
The Incredible Hulk Coaster (Islands of Adventure) – This roller coaster sends you flying from 0 to 40mph in 2 seconds, and it’s wild! I didn’t ride it on my most recent visit, but I’ve been on it every other time I’ve been to the park, and it’s incredible!
Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts (Universal Studios-Diagon Alley) – You’ll navigate the hidden vaults of Gringotts with characters from the movie while evading villains, trolls and other creatures. It’s seriously fun, and you’ll walk off smiling!
Since I’m motion-sensitive (not so much to roller coasters…. go figure), I avoid most of the 3D motion simulation rides (like Terminator 3D and Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey), but I’ve been on them during previous park visits and the technology will blow your mind. I highly encourage you to ride them all if you can!
Now the chills… and when I say chills, I mean relaxing slower-paced activities.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Islands of Adventure) – There are two thrill rides in this area of the park, but it’s also a great place to stroll, get a bite to eat and shop.
Butterbeer – This sweet butterscotch-tasting drink is available in both The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Islands of Adventure) and in Diagon Alley (Universal Studios). You can also try Butterbeer ice cream in Diagon Alley. Some of the vendors also offer pumpkin juice which is equally delicious!
Hogwarts Express – connects Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade, and runs both ways. You’ll need a park-to-park pass to make the journey between the parks. It’s a short 5-minute air-conditioned ride with a few surprises along the way.
Diagon Alley – the shopping district and wizarding area of London, hidden away from Muggles behind the Leaky Cauldron.
Ollivanders Wand Shop (both parks) – Intricate and beautifully designed magic wands are stacked to the ceiling in this shop, and you can watch the wands choose their own wizards! There are also interactive wands you can purchase to cast spells and create magical experiences throughout the park.
Knockturn Alley – Make sure not to miss this dark and secluded alleyway of shops selling curious and magical potions. If you’ve purchased a magic wand from Ollivanders, you’ll find a place to cast a spell in here too.
Fire-breathing dragon – About every 15 minutes or so, you’ll begin to hear some rumbling from this dragon perched high atop Gringotts Bank in Diagon Alley. Get your camera ready so you can snap a photo when he lets that fireball fly!
12 Grimmauld Place – On the street outside Diagon Alley, look for this address and watch the window. Every few minutes, you’ll spot Kreacher the House Elf peeking out the window!
Mythos Restaurant (Islands of Adventure) – Mythos has been voted the #1 theme park restaurant for 6 years, and believe me, it deserves it. The food was top notch!
Photo Spots – The building architecture, movie memorabilia, landscaping and even attraction waiting areas and lines offer photo opps galore, so snap lots of pics for your memory album. (In the Simpson’s Springfield area of Universal Studios, you can spot the actual DeLorean Time Machine from the Back to the Future movies!)
Park Upgrade Options
Get an Express Pass – It’s the single best way to make the most of your time in the parks. Who wants to be waiting in line when you don’t have to? An express pass is available for an extra fee (or it’s a free perk if you’re staying in a deluxe on-site hotel) and it’s more than worth the investment. Seriously.
VIP Tour – For an additional fee above admission prices, guests can also opt for private or semi-private tours. This is how our group visited the parks, and it allowed us to completely skip lines, access special areas, and hear all kinds of fun tidbits and inside secrets about Universal attractions!
Click for more information on Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure or Universal Orlando Resort in its entirety.
What are your favorite Islands of Adventure and Universal Studio Orlando attractions and rides?
What ages would you reccomend?
We are going tonflorida in January with a 5,9,11 year old and would like to go to universal but I wonder if it’s too “big” for my 5 year old?
The park has areas designed for younger ones, but in Islands of Adventure, there are a lot more thrill rides for older ages. The other park probably has more the younger ones could participate in.
We are going to Universal in May, I’m definitely going to check out these attractions.
You will not find my on the Incredible Hulk ride because I am afraid of heights. The Harry Potter area is more my speed.
It really is such a great time! I can’t remember the name of the outdoor coaster near HP, but we had a blast on that one! My two year old was even tall enough!
WOW I am so jealous. I have never been to Florida, and I’ve always felt like I’m seriously missing out on all the theme parks in Orlando. You’re lucky! Great pics, those roller coasters look like such a great ride.
Movie memorabilia and VIP tours would definitely be my thing – roller coasters are NOT! Looks like you always have such a great time there!
I’m a little jealous of you and my sister right now. She is headed there with the family as we speak and it loks like a lot of fun.
Oh my gosh, everything looks so fun! Well, except maybe those coasters, LOL. I’m not sure if I would have the guts to get on them or not!
Oh wow! I would love to go see all the Harry Potter stuff. The buildings look amazing.
i haven’t been to universal in years so most of these rides i have never seen before. i don’t do many motion rides either because WHOA…don’t like to feel icky. My husband would love these rides though so i’m going to show him. they look awesome.
I don”t think I can ride those roller coaster. Those rides will surely be an adventure for me.
Wow! That looks like an amazing visit! I would LOVE to go and see the Harry Potter stuff – it looks so detailed!
This looks like an amazing time indeed. I would love to go to Universal Studios in Orlando so day. I have been to Disney World but not Universal Studios. It would make a great family vacation indeed. Thanks for sharing.
That fire-breathing dragon is sooo cool. I think I would have loved to go to the Revenge of the Mummies exhibit the most.
I haven’t been there in so long and so much has changed. I want to go again soon! Did you get to see any Minions? My son loves those little guys.
We live about an hour from Universal and I have never been. I really want to go!
Omg I’ve wanted to go here so much! All of these things look like so much fun! I really wanna go to the Wizard World!
That is so cool – I really hope that we can go there when the kids are a bit older
I have to say your whole blog post is tempting me to go to Island of Adventure and Universal Studio. I love all the Harry Potter themed rides.
Looks awesome, filled with full of adventures! Pictures are really amazing as well. I have already added this place in my must go list. Thanks for sharing.
Oh. My. God. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit seems like the ride of a lifetime!
I’m so sad, when I visited Universal Studios a couple of days ago the Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts ride was shut down. 🙁 I cant wait to check it out.
Universal is so much fun! I totally agree that the food at Mythos is fantastic.
First, I’m completely envious of your visit to the park and view the Wizzarding World of Harry Potter! My granddaughter and I have viewed each of the movies and we’ve read the books as well. I hope to someday make it to the park for a bit of family fun!
Wow, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and the Harry Potter ride look awesome to me! I definitely want to visit when my girls get older!
I STILL cant decide which I love more – Rip Ride RockIt or The Hulk. LOVE LOVE LOVE Universal! So glad we got to go together!
Oh my gosh! I haven’t been to a theme park in years, but I certainly have never seen food like that at one! That looks absolutely delicious!
I would love to go to Universal Studios with my family. I have to admit though, I would not go on the coasters..scary!
Universal Studios is on my bucket list! We have never been but I know my kids would love it
I want to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter so bad! it is on my bucket list!
I would love to enjoy an adventure ay a big amusement park with my kids and grand kids. OMG , the Rockit looks scary and amazing. I don’t know if Id do it.
Oh wow! I cannot wait to visit there! It looks so awesome!
Wow this looks like an incredible experience! I would have skipped the roller coasters (eek!) but definitely would have loved that restaurant and the train ride 🙂
Holy cow, those are wicked looking roller coasters! I’d love to try them all.
I hope to visit for all things Harry Potter at Universal. There is so much, I don’t know how you did all of it in one day!
This looks like lots of fun! But, there’s no way I could go on those roller coasters. I get way too motion sick. What a fun day you must have had.
Hmmmmm…..the hand holding that Butterbeer looks a bit familiar. 🙂 I just had my first trip to Universal Orlando and can’t wait to go back again to see everything I missed!
All the rides look like so much fun, I wish I could go on all of them. I definitely want to go to Orlando Studios the more I read about your trip and all the fun you’re having.
I’ve always loved attractions in Universal Studios Orlando. Their rides are more suited for me.
I have always wanted to go to Universal Studios in Orlando. I would love to see The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Wow- how fascinating! We’ve been to Disney many times, but never Universal However, we LOVE Harry Potter and many of the other characters featured at Universal! This post has peeked my interest! We will have to check it out sometime!
That looks like a lot of fun. I enjoy going to theme parks. I haven’t been to Orlando yet but I’m from Southern California and we have quite a few. We have the original Universal Studios in Hollywood, I imagine the Orlando one is in a better area 😉
Anything Harry Potter is a good choice! Looks like you had a fabulous day!
So the main reason I want to go to Orlando is just for that butter beer! Looks like you had a blast and I love your recommendations for attractions.
You know, I’ve been in Orland many times but I have never visited universal studio. Thanks for sharing this to me and I would definitely visit this attraction once I’m in the area.
In all the years I lived in Florida I never had a chance to visit their park.Looks like fun!
I have not been there in years. I am going to have to add it to my travel bucket list.
I have got to take my daughter over the next couple years. I think she has finally gotten to the point where she could handle it.
Looks like you had a great time! Wow, so many great rides! I’d love to try The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts too! They seem so much fun!
Oh man those roller coasters, not sure I could stomach them but my husband would be in HEAVEN! I love all the Harry Potter stuff, it looks like they did an amazing job with that area!
My daughter is going in a few days! Looks like it was a blast!
Those rides look amazing. And scary. But mostly amazing.
I’ve never been here before but I’d love to visit. Looks so exciting! I’m sure I would have lots of fun.
All of these places in Orlando look amazing to visit!! I hope to make it there for a visit!
Yet to visit Orlando! It’s s destination I’d love to visit one day
Looks like you had an amazing time! I so want to visit all the Harry Potter attractions but you could never get me on those roller coasters. OMG!
I’ve been to universal a few times but never been to harry Potter studios, I really want to go now!!
OMG! that roller coaster looks so scary! I will feel dizzy just watching this, leave alone sitting in it!
Interesting looks like a great place to visit. Thanks for sharing.
I had no idea that Orlando has all these rides!! I want to go check this out!
Nothing made me happier than hearing they were building a Harry Potter world on California. I would love to go to Orlando, but 6 kids and 2 adults is just too pricey.
Looks like a really fun place to visit! Thanks for sharing!
This looks like so much fun! I can’t wait for my son to be a little older so we can go!
My husband would be on the roller coasters, and I would be visiting the slower attractions. Your pictures made me hope I can visit sometime!
My husband and I are the opposite. It takes all types, right?!?!
What a fun looking park! I’ve never been to Universal Studios (I know…sad right!) and I really want to go! Thanks for the fun post!
Those roller coasters look insane! I love how the one is over water.
I agree! I would love to ride a roller coaster over water! How adventurous!
You’d have a hard time pulling me away from anything Harry Potter. I need to experience this. NEED to.
Those rides look scary but fun! That food looks delicious!
I am, unapologetically, NOT a fan of roller coasters but I am SUPER jealous that you got to go to Harry Potter World. We spent time in Orlando in December but our daughter is too young still for Universal’s park. 🙂 Glad you guys had fun!
We love Universal Studios! Looks like you had a great time. We always have to find the DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future- a favorite movie of ours!
That Hulk roller coaster looks like a lot of fun! I am a sucker for a good roller coaster!
Oh my goodness, I want to go and go on everything. That butterbeer sounds so different… ha… Thanks for sharign
Revenge of the Mummy is super fun, I had a blast on that ride two years ago; the Harry Potter world was by far my favorite though!
The Wand shop display is amazing! Must be so much fun to be able to see all that cool stuff in there.
A roller coaster where you can choose a song while riding? That is the coolest thing EVER!! My family and I would definitely have a blast at Universal Orlando!
Mmmm, Butterbeer! I need to get back there to explore more of Harry Potter! There is no way I could go on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit!!
I am a ride lover but I cant get past this food! It seriously doesnt look like anything Ive ever eaten at a theme park. I’d go just to go to the restaurant lol.
This seems like such a fun vacation! I work on the back lot at Universal in CA and these parks seem enormous in comparison to ours. Hopefully the Harry Potter world they build here is half as cool as the one that you’ve shown here.
This is perfect! We are planning a family trip to Universal Studios and now have a great list of must-dos!
Now that is my kind of theme park! I need to take my grandsons there. Thanks for sharing the pics. Looks like you had a great time!
These are some great attractions! I really want to get my hands on some Butterbeer.
Sounds like you had such a nice visit there. I hope they were good to you 🙂
Universal Studios Orlando looks like an amazing day. I could spend the whole day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
My husband has been dying to visit for all the Harry Potter attractions, but he would trip out over the DeLorean as well…it is his favorite car because of the movies!
I really need to go back there. Looks like an awesome trip.
I think the Hogwarts Express would be perfect for me because it’s a way to rest a bit gathering up steam for the adventures on the other side. I can tell a 2 or 3-day pass would be my best bet, because I love to go back and try the fun rides all over again.
I only live an hour away from Orlando, and I have never been to Universal, so I am totally absorbing all this info – thanks!
I haven’t been to Universal since Gringotts & Diagon Alley opened. I loved the WWoHP when I visited a few years ago with my son. Can’t wait to go back and see the new attractions!
I haven’t been to Universal in a long time. I love all of the new attractions.
What a great time! I have never been to the park in Florida but have been many times to the one here in Los Angeles. Always a great time and so many fun things to do. I think the food looks fabulous.
It certainly has been awhile since I last visited Universal Studios but it hasn’t been that long!! There’s so many new things already!
Those rides look so much fun. I’m hoping to take my family there someday and check out these rides. =)
Wow, what fun. I know my kids would love the Harry Potter attractions.
The revenge of the mummy museum looks amazing, I want to go there. Thank you so much for sharing.
I haven’t been here in forever! I am dying to go back soon!
I want to see all the fun Harry Potter stuff. I have a feeling I would be spending a lot of time seeking out the eats and treats.
I haven’t been to Universal’s Island of Adventures in years and they’ve added some new stuff. I’m going to have to make a trip soon.
Hogwartz / Harry Potter stuff alone would be fun to see! I keep telling myself I am going to make a trip there someday.
That butter beer drink sounds good. (And your nails look too cute!)
We’re heading there in May and I can’t wait. The Harry Potter stuff looks really awesome and that castle looks SO realistic.
That first coaster looks intense! And I would love to go to the Harry Potter area!
I csnt wait to visit any Disney Park! I am dying to go and these posts make it so hard to wait! So much fun!
I wish we have visited in 2013 but we were in Disney and the travelling with the boys and being pregnant was just too much. Next time!
I have went to harry potter world years ago but they have since added more rides and attractions and I want to go back. I love the butterbeer!
It looks so good! I have always wanted to know what it tastes like.
My daughter is dying to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. She wants to try Butterbeer.
Universal Orlando looks like so much fun! Cant wait to go there someday.
I would LOVE to get on those rollercoasters. They look crazy cool.
Omg these are some great picks!!! The mummy ride is my all time favorite ride. Too much fun!!!
Your trip looked fantastic. I would love to see all these places in person. I love that your nail-polish matched the fun haha 😉
That just looks like an absolute blast! I haven’t been on a roller coaster in ages, but now I really want to go to Universal Studios and take a few for a whirl! 🙂
I admire you for having the courage to go on roller coasters. Me and them are sworn enemies I remember my first time on one I still shiver when I think about it.
I haven’t been to Universal Studios since I lived in Florida in high school. So much has changed! I’d love to take my girls there, though I’m sad to hear that they’ve started an Express Pass system. Those tickets are expensive enough without creating extra costs and creating two classes of people who go to the parks, plebeian and elite.
I want to visit the new Harry Potter area so bad! We went a few years ago before the new part opened.
My boys flat out love trains. We really enjoyed our trip to Chicago on one. Mica’s been really Harry Potter. I questioned if he would get into it, but he’s on the 3rd or 4th book. I can’t remember which one. He’s such a big reader.
How sweet is that DeLorean! I’d like to ride that thing!
Since I’m such a huge fan of Harry Potter, I especially love the Hogwarts component. Just don’t have a Butterbeer right before you ride!
You will NOT be seeing my on that Hulk ride that’s for sure! The Harry Potter stuff looks cool even though I’m not that into the movies. Back to the Future car? Yes please!!
Ah! I’m a west coaster so it’s an arm and a leg to get my family out there but I want to save up and go one day, this looks like so much fun! By the way love your nails! That Hulk ride looks intense!
I’m glad you touched on Harry Potter – THAT is MY favorite!
I rode the Hulk three times. My almost 40 year old body can’t handle that stuff anymore.
I want to try Butterbeer! I’d love to go see the Harry Potter attractions…and of course ride the coasters. 🙂
I loved visiting both parks. There was so much to see and do! ButterBeer is a must try for everyone!
We use to go there all the time when my kids were young. We would have a great time there
I used to live in Florida for a few years when I was little, and we never visited. I want so bad to take my kids there before they’re grown it looks amazing. Just looking at the Rockit and the Hulk rides takes my breath away, don’t know if I could brave those lol.
Sounds like you had such a blast! The kid inside of me is dying to try out all the Harry Potter stuff – reading the books were awesome but experiencing it brings things to a whole new level!
looks like you had a lot of fun! and what nice weather , too 🙂
I haven’t been there since 2008 but I loved the retired Jaws ride, that was so fun. I also love Dr. Seuss land! I wish I’d visited in 2013 so I could have gone to Harry Potter’s part!
Ohh, the Jaws ride! I loved that one!
My nerves can’t take roller coasters, but those 3D rides sound awesome! I’d love to see Harry Potter!
I have been to Orlando many times to go to Disney World with family, but have not gone since I have had kids unfortunately. We do hope to go though eventually. I have a huge love for Harry Potter movies, so I’d definitely want to go on their rides!
I can’t wait until my toddler is older so we can take her to Universal. The Incredible Hulk roller coaster looks insane! I don’t know if I have the courage to try that one. 😉
NEXT FAMILY VACATION. Wow. This looks like so much fun! I wanted to go to Orlando for our next vacation but always just thought of Disney and nothing much else. This would be too bad to pass this up!
I’ts been so long since I’ve been there, I’m hoping by the time my kids are 8 years old, I’ll be able to take them there! thanks!
I’ve tried the Mummy ride in Universal Studios in Singapore and it was fun. I would like to try to enter Harry Potter world too.
The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit looks CRAZY! I would so have to do this one! Great suggestions. I’d love to go to Universal.
I have been to Islands of Adventures 2 times and from what I remember their rides are scary. I would love to go to Harry Potter land. When we went it was super crowded.
this makes me want to plan a vacation soo badly!!! i am def a thrill seeker!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
That roller coaster looks like so much fun! I am a big time thrill seeker and love Universal! I can’t wait to visit next week!
You are so much braver than I am lol. I’m so scared of heights and roller coasters.
It’s been so long since I went to Universal that I haven’t been on any of these… looks like I need to take another trip 🙂
You did such a good job on this post. You are making want to go to universal studios with my family. Awesome post.
In all my years vacationing in Florida, we’ve never been to Universal Studios. We’re planning a return trip to Orlando late this year. Would you say it’s a good spot for a younger child (my youngest would just have turned 7 when we’re planning to go)?
They are all great rides. I think Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is my favorite. Both Harry Potter rides are pretty awesome too.
Seriously though, I haven’t been to Orlando since I was 8 year old.. that seems like ages ago. We plan to go this December and will definitely check out those attractions you mentioned. I love roller coasters so much like those horror and high rides. I have no favorites (yet!)
This would be a dream destination for any kid — or kid at heart!
I want to go so bad! My family just moved to Florida and we aren’t quite ready to be hanging out at amusement parks but these two are for sure on my list!
My kiddos (11 yr old especially) love rollercoasters- and so do I! We have never been to these parks before, but will definitely need to put them on a bucket list!
Oh wow, I love your photos, thanks for sharing. I don’t really have a favorite ride but my sisters love the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. I’ve never been on it and it’s pretty safe to say, I’m too chicken to ever ride it lol.
Gringotts was my favorite! I could spend the entire trip in just the Harry Potter parts- they paid such close attention to detail when building them that it’s exciting for a HP fan! We’re doing VIP next time and I can’t wait!
Now you have me wanting to see this place even more. I want to ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster!!
This looks like an adventure packed vacation that I would love! All of the attractions look amazing and fun! I want to take my family here.
I really LOVE Spiderman! That’s the first ride I rode when I was a kid and visited! I don’t go to Universal often but Spiderman will always be a favorite. As for my favorite parts of the park, I love Seuss Landing, Springfield, USA and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I wasn’t really a fan of butterbeer but I did like Duff Beer form Moe’s Tavern over in Springfield <3
OMG Harry Potter has been one of my favorite movies since it came out. ( lol yep I can honestly say that I love it) . I have not been to Universal Studio’s but would love to go to see the Harry potter area!
I have got to get back to Universal Studios. It has been many years and now they have so many great attractions!
Those rides look like soooooooo much fun!!! This has me really excited to go, I will definitely be stopping at all of these!!
No roller coasters for me, but I’d LOVE to try the 3D rides. They sound amazing!
I would love to visit all the Harry Potter attractions. We are really big fans of his.
we LOVE the Mummy too – such a fun coaster, other faves are Transformers and Spiderman.
I think my boys would love the mummy. They always enjoy spooky films and attractions.
I never really hear about much of the rides and I love that you included them in the post! I can not wait to start planning (and saving for many years) our trip to Universal Studios in Orlando. Thanks for the awesome facts 🙂
I have never been there but unlike you can not go on a roller coaster!! I could take the 3-D rides or any of the other attractions. Would love to taste that Butterbeer and get myself a magical wand!
I can’t do roller coasters, either. I am a big chicken. They have some dooseys at Universal and IOA, too…..
The food at Mythos is SO good. I was so stuffed by the time I left and wished that I had room for more!