Islands of Adventure Touring Plan Overview
Take advantage of this 1-Day Islands of Adventure Touring Plan to maximize your time and experience the major attractions and entertainment offerings at the park.
What is a Touring Plan?
For those of you unfamiliar with touring plans, they provide a recommended outline for your day to help reduce the amount of time waiting in line. Overall, the plans list a good order to visit key attractions and shows in, and also recommend places to eat.
About this Touring Plan
This touring plan assumes you visit the park from open to close. Fortunately, we designed this touring plan to limit the amount of walking required for the day to less than two laps around the park, excluding early admission.
Also, this touring plan is geared for adults, teens, and families with kids who meet the height requirement for most attractions. In the future, we plan to release an alternate version of this Islands of Adventure touring plan geared towards families with younger children.
How to Use Our 1-Day Islands of Adventure Touring Plan
- 1.) Use this touring plan in conjunction with our free Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar to find the least crowded dates to visit the park. The plan is designed to help you experience as much as possible, but less crowds always helps! Busy days may require you to skip an offering or two on the touring plan.
- 2.) Download the Universal Orlando mobile app to access a park map, check wait times, and view upcoming showtimes.
- 3.) Scroll through the full touring plan to make sure it includes all the attractions and shows you are interested in experiencing before beginning with the plan.
- 4.) Lastly, on the day of your visit, pay attention to the time. Feel free to skip offerings on the touring plan in order to prioritize offerings listed for later in the day, if those are most important to you, like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Author’s Note: Guests visiting the park with Universal Express passes can also utilize this touring plan to make the most of their skip-the-line access.
Page Contents: Early Park Admission | Morning | Lunch | Mid-day | Dinner | Evening | Offerings Not Included | Explore More Resources
Early Park Admission
On select days of the year, Islands of Adventure opens up to one hour early as a perk for some guests. This Early Park Admission perk is granted to on-site hotel guests, select annual passholders, and included with the purchase of specified vacation packages.
As of 2022, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Ollivanders Wand Shop, and Jurassic World VelociCoaster have reliably been open during the bonus hour of park time. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is sometimes open. Also, you can visit Universal Orlando’s website here to check any Early Park Admission details for the day of your visit.
1.) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Join Harry as you fly around Hogwarts Castle and other iconic locations from the films on this flying simulator dark ride.
Height Requirement: 48 inches
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
2.) Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Located in Jurassic Park
Join the hunt and brave a high-speed chase reaching 70 mph through the park’s Raptor paddock on this multi-launch roller coaster.
Height Requirement: 51 inches
Save Time in Line: Offers a single rider line
After riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Jurassic World VelociCoaster, head back towards the front of the park before the main gate opens to regular guests.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure Opens
For guests without Early Park Admission, we recommend you arrive at the park entrance 30 minutes before open, especially on busier days. This means you should arrive at the parking booths up to 60 minutes beforehand.
1.) The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Located in Marvel Super Hero Island
High-speed roller coaster that flips riders upside down seven times.
Height Requirement: 54 inches
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
2.) The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Located in Marvel Super Hero Island
Join Spider-Man in a web slinging adventure as he takes on the Sinister Syndicate on this 4-D motion simulator.
Height Requirement: 40 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
3.) Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
Located in Marvel Super Hero Island
Launch 185 feet into the sky and drop right back down on this launched drop tower.
Height Requirement: 52 inches
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
4.) Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Located in Toon Lagoon
Join Dudley Do-Right on this part log flume, part roller coaster, water ride that ends with a 75-foot final drop.
Height Requirement: 44 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and occasionally offers a single rider line
5.) Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Located in Toon Lagoon
Sail down the Hurricane River through plenty of rapids and waterfalls on this soaking wet rafting adventure.
Height Requirement: 42 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express
6.) Jurassic Park River Adventure
Located in Jurassic Park
Nearly escape the jaws of a T-Rex and plunge down an 85-foot drop on this water flume ride.
Height Requirement: 42 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
7.) Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Located in Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Hop aboard this 3-D dark ride and journey into a mysterious island to come face to face with King Kong himself.
Height Requirement: 36 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and occasionally offers a single rider line
Lunch Break
After experiencing the attractions and shows above, you should find yourself at a good time for lunch. We’ve listed a couple dining options below towards the back of the park below. Although, if you’re not hungry yet, feel free to continue with the touring plan and eat when you prefer.
Thunder Falls Terrace
Located in Jurassic Park
Thunder Falls Terrace offers a selection of freshly grilled rotisserie chicken, slow roasted pork, rice bowls, and more. Overall, this restaurant is one of the best quick-service options inside the park due to the quality of the food and fresh options.
The Burger Digs
Located in Jurassic Park
Discover a selection of flavorful finds including burgers, chili cheese fries, and milkshakes at The Burger Digs. Plus, this quick-service restaurant offers plenty of indoor seating inside the Jurassic Park Discovery Center and also offers patio seating with a view of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster.
Mid-day
Optional: Camp Jurassic (Includes Pteranodon Flyers)
Located in Jurassic Park
Explore a massive prehistoric play area filled with caves, slides, climbing nets, and even water guns. This play area is also home to Pteranodon Flyers, a gentle suspended roller coaster designed for kids.
Height Requirement: None for Camp Jurassic. For Pteranodon Flyers, riders must be between 36 and 56 inches tall. Guests over the max height of 56 inches must be accompanying a guest in the height range.
8.) Raptor Encounter (Photo Op)
Located in Jurassic Park
Come face-to-face with one of four Raptors, including Blue from the Jurassic World franchise, at this photo opportunity.
9.) Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Located in Jurassic Park
Join the hunt and brave a high-speed chase reaching 70 mph through the park’s Raptor paddock on this multi-launch roller coaster.
Height Requirement: 51 inches
Save Time in Line: Offers a single rider line
Author’s Note: Guests who experienced this attraction during Early Park Admission should skip to The Mystic Fountain below and continue on the touring plan.
10.) The Mystic Fountain (Talking Fountain)
Located in The Lost Continent
Visit this ancient fountain that houses a mischievous water spirit who speaks with and splashes guests with water.
11.) The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
Located in Seuss Landing
Hop aboard this trolley train ride and take in the sights of Seuss Landing from a birds-eye view.
Height Requirement: 36 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express
12.) The Cat in the Hat
Located in Seuss Landing
Take a seat in your couch car and experience the classic Dr. Seuss story brought to life in this kid-friendly dark ride.
Height Requirement: 36 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express
Optional: Experience Other Seuss Landing Offerings
Located in Seuss Landing
Families with kids can take this time to explore the other offerings inside Seuss Landing. In addition to the two rides listed above, the land hosts other attractions including One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, Caro-Seuss-el, and If I Ran The Zoo. Guests can also catch the Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear! show with popular Seussian characters.
13.) Storm Force Accelatron
Located in Marvel Super Hero Island
Spin as fast as you can on this teacups-style ride to help Storm generate enough power to defeat the evil Magneto.
Height Requirement: None – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express
14.) Ollivanders Wand Shop – Hogsmeade
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Witness a young wizard receive their wand in this short show.
15.) Flight of the Hippogriff
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Ride through Hagrid’s pumpkin patch and come face to face with Buckbeak on this family-friendly roller coaster.
Height Requirement: 36 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express
16.) Explore Hogsmeade Village & Cast Spells
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Take this time to explore Hogsmeade Village and catch a show or two on the outside stage near Flight of the Hippogriff. These two shows include the Frog Choir, an a capella singing show, and the Triwizard Spirit Rally, a dance and stunt show. Also, new wizards who purchased an interactive wand from Ollivanders can use this time to cast spells at the marked locations around Hogsmeade Village.
Dinner Break
At this point in the day, dinner is probably on your mind. If it’s not, feel free to continue with the touring plan and eat when you prefer. Although, we’ve listed two dining recommendations below near or inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Mythos Restaurant
Located in The Lost Continent
This popular full-service restaurant offers a selection of Mediterranean, Asian, and American cuisine. Some highlights of the menu include Beef Loin Medallions, Pad Thai, and the Fork, Knife, and Spoon Grilled Cheese. Also, reservations are often required for this restaurant and can be made here.
Three Broomsticks & Hog’s Head
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Three Broomsticks is a cozy tavern, and a favorite amongst Hogwarts students, that serves up popular British pub food including Bangers & Mash and Fish & Chips. Plus, in the back of this quick-service restaurant, guests will find Hog’s Head pub where they can enjoy a selection of drinks.
Evening
17.) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Join Harry as you fly around Hogwarts Castle and other iconic locations from the films on this flying simulator dark ride.
Height Requirement: 48 inches
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
Author’s Note: Guests who experienced this attraction during Early Park Admission should skip to The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle below and continue on the touring plan.
18.) The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle (Offered seasonally)
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Catch this nighttime projection show that lights up Hogwarts Castle with the colors of all four houses. This show is offered on select nights and repeats every 15 minutes after the sun sets until the park closes.
19.) Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Join Hagrid on an adventure through the Forbidden Forest and encounter rare magical creatures on this moderately thrilling roller coaster.
Height Requirement: 48 inches
Save Time in Line: Offers a single rider line
Offerings Not in this Islands of Adventure Touring Plan
Universal’s Islands of Adventure offers hours worth of rides and entertainment which makes it difficult to experience everything on a busier day at the park. The few offerings below weren’t included in our 1-Day Islands of Adventure Touring Plan, but may be great to experience for guests staying more than one day. Also, feel free to substitute in any of the below options to your day!
1.) The Hogwarts Express – Hogsmeade Station
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Hop aboard this train ride that serves as transportation between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village.
Note: Requires a park-to-park admission ticket or annual pass to ride
2.) Me Ship, The Olive
Located in Toon Lagoon
Me Ship, The Olive is an indoor and outdoor play area containing three levels of fun for kids.
3.) Jurassic Park Discovery Center
Located in Jurassic Park
Witness the birth of a baby Velociraptor and explore the prehistoric mysteries of the planet through a variety of interactive exhibits.