The newest member of the Orlando theme park family for many years was Universal’s Islands of Adventure. It opened at the end of the 80s-90s frenzy that gave rise to Epcot, Universal Studios, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it remained our newest addition for 25 years.
With its opulent Marvel rides including Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk, IOA wasn’t simply the newest kid on the block, though. It might have gained a lot of attention as a result of the first Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which was so well-received that its older sister, who lived next door, had to have one as well.
The original Dueling Dragonsroller coaster’s location was transformed into the setting for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure as a result of a self-improvement effort. The construction of the well-known, fast-moving Jurassic World VelociCoaster then appeared out of nowhere.
Everything was going well until Epic Universe, a new sister and attention-seeker, appeared.
Islands of Adventure: 25 recollections for the 25th anniversary of the park
The Islands must agree that this baby is new and entertaining, but isn’t it more Potter, along with a ride that’s reminiscent of Forbidden Jourey and a slower coaster?
Envy is a bad hue for everyone, IOA. Additionally, all ships with bundled ticket packages are lifted by the increasing tide, correct?
It seemed appropriate to demonstrate Islands affection with a leisurely stroll since Epic was only a month old. In addition, there is a lot of excitement about seeing a dragon there.
A dragon is indeed looming in the middle of Lost Continent. It is looking over the archway that separates the deserted Sindbad and Poseidon attractions. There is also a How to Train Your Dragonsign affixed to the structure.
Although it’s not interactive like its Epic Universe cousin, there is a dragon photo opportunity on the ground level with Toothless, the primary dragon in the films. Replica costumes and props from the live-action movie are on display, and additional stuff is available for purchase.
Though it seems more like an epic success tale, you can become excited and believe that additional dragon attractions are planned for IOA. Based on the animated film series, the movie series has a full-fledged land there. Given that the new live-action movie, which stars Mason Thames, Nico Parker, and Gerard Butler, has grossed over $350 million at the box office globally, these Islands additions feel like business synergy.
As an aside, do you recall the rumor that the 2023 closure of Poseidon’s Fury will be turned into a Zelda attraction? Awaiting.
The idea of Cool Zone sounds fantastic. In the former theater for the stage production of The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad, which ended in 2018, the reality at IOA is unimpressive, but it still has entertainment value.
Finding shade is, in my opinion, the most important theme parking guideline, and Cool Zone offers both that and chairs. The park has cordoned off the lowest corner, stage left, and asked guests to take it easy.
What’s present: Six rows of benches, four potted plants, and two water bottle refilling fountains. Use your imagination because it’s the old splash zone and the warning decals are still there. Both music and fans are absent. It is silent. Quite different from the environment of the flamboyant daredevil show.
People can see the cavernous stage and the still-existing scaffolding for the technical team above the barrier, which brings back memories. It is essentially the Lost Continent’s lost civilization. A little anemometer above the fencing was pointed out by one of the team members, and it occasionally signaled a breeze. We didn’t sense it.
Unrelated trivia: A sign at the Cool Zone entrance stated that the Sindbad theater could accommodate up to 1,852 people.
Although this is nothing new, the lack of Islands of Adventure-specific products is astounding, especially when it comes to the standard T-shirt.
Even if there are far more Epic Ts than Islands stuff on the Islands of Adventure Trading Company store, we can’t hold Epic responsible. Heck, IOA has more merchandise from Universal Studios than from Islands.
It is reasonable to believe that research and historical data indicate that IOA Ts do not sell.
On the plus side, VelociCoaster-specific merchandise, including a variety of T-shirt designs, has been spotted in various places. Dinosaurs are in charge.
Due to renovations, the enormous Starbucks store in Universal CityWalk is closed. Coffee drinkers are directed by signs to Universal’s Great Movie Escape attraction, which is a Starbucks. Additionally, IOA and Universal Studios theme parks include Starbucks locations.
Though not completely intact, the Hemisphere Dancer jet has returned to Lone Palm Airport, the bar across from Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant. The bar is open, but some assembly is needed.
I took a brief look at the enlarged Universal Studios Store’s Super Nintendo World section. Prepare for an abundance of products. The placard identifying the unique headgear does make me smile. Don t confuse these poofy Toad caps with your formal, Sunday-go-to-meeting hats.
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