(All images provided by Universal Orlando Resort)
Why is Orlando a top tourist destination? It’s simple: amazing weather and thrilling theme parks. If you’re planning a visit, you’re probably researching all the best things to do in Orlando — and there are plenty! But if Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ (IOA) makes your list, be sure to remember these insider tips:
1) Buy tickets online or through the Universal Orlando Resort™ app.
Just like at Universal Studios Florida™, you’ll save a significant amount on each ticket and skip the long gate lines. We consider more park time and less money a win-win!
2) Rent a locker right away.
Your day is sure to be filled with tons of walking as well as twists, turns and water. By stashing your stuff when you first arrive, you’ll have fewer things to worry about later. No lost keys, soaked cell phones or missing wallets for you!
3) Have patience with increased security levels.
Security in recent months has been amped up at all Orlando theme parks. At Universal’s Islands of Adventure™, this means that not only will you be screened at the entrance, but you won’t be allowed on rides with anything in your pockets — including loose change or jewelry. Put it all in that locker you just got, or you may have to exit the ride line once you finally get to the front!
4) Don’t go on The Incredible Hulk Coaster® first.
Because this coaster is right near the entrance, the sight of its long line sends many people into a must-get-in-line-immediately panic. Don’t worry — just come back at or after 5 p.m. once the line dies down a little.
5) Opt for the single rider option on Doctor Doom’s Fearfall®.
Single rider — also called “singles” — lines at Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ give guests the option of a (typically) shorter wait time in exchange for not riding the ride beside their friends. Instead, single riders are added to larger, odd-numbered groups to maximize efficiency on some of the most popular rides. We especially enjoy this option for Doctor Doom’s Fearfall®, which has a separate entrance in the arcade next door.
6) If traveling with young kids, utilize the family swap areas.
Most people don’t know that any ride with a height requirement at the Universal Orlando™ Resort parks features a designated room where one adult member of your group can wait with children while the rest ride.
7) Use the interior Guest Services stations.
No one wants to waste time during their adventure-filled day — so just remember that the Jurassic Park or Marvel Super Hero Island Guest Services stations always have the shortest lines.
8) Have a plan to keep cool.
IOA in particular offers many water experiences, including Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls®, Jurassic Park River Adventure™ and Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges® — making it the preferred theme park for beating that notorious afternoon heatwave in the summer!
Pro Tip: If you know you’re going to be getting wet, wear clothes and shoes that will dry comfortably as you’re walking around.