Originally Posted By Expo_Seeker40 Hello fellow fanbois, twittergurlz, sweatshirt moms, and tripodphotodads! Next week after everyone has left the Tourist Capital of the World (and hopefully can fly back to open Northern Airports!)...I will be going to Islands of Adventure for........my very first time. Yes.....my.....very.......first....time. The last time I went to Universal was in 1998.........Islands of Adventure was still being built....no hotels...no CityWalk....and plenty of childhood memories of not only old school Universal Studios Florida, but early 90s memories of Nickelodeon. I haven't been to USF since 1998, and have no idea when I will go back. I think it bothers me more than WDW "changing". Nickelodeon Studios is gone (as well as all their good shows), no Alfred Hitchcock, no Kong, and Earthquake, which was my favorite ride, exists in a severely dumbed down SSE state. I'm preparing myself for a "new experience", and I'm seriously asking you folks to help me get ready. Yes they're just theme parks and no I'm not going to sit next my car sobbing with my vintage WDW Bumper Sticker when I'm parked in the Uni Parkinglot, but how do I prepare for the shock and awe of visiting a new theme park?! I've gone to so many theme parks up and down the east coast over and over again, that IoA will be the first new park for me in years...hell, I think ESPN 2 didn't exist when I last visited a new theme park. Not only am I going to IoA for the first time, I'm preparing for a park with true Disney quality, that just may, damage my already damaged views of WDW. Is IoA like the quality of Disneyland or DLP?
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Not only am I going to IoA for the first time, I'm preparing for a park with true Disney quality, that just may, damage my already damaged views of WDW.<<< I don't think it'll damage your views, but it'll certainly expand them. I was a first time visitor to IoA this past summer, too... With the same exact thoughts you were having. A NEW theme park!? That's doing something BETTER than Disney? It's true. WWoHP feels like something Disney would have done in 1994... ....and it's depressing that that don't have it. You'll be thrilled out of your mind that storytelling like this exists, but it's a bit sobering to realize that the underdog did it. The rest of the park has moments like this too. Port of Entry, Seussland, JP... They all have this very wonderful unique and well planned air to them. The thematic are very real. Some areas of the park fall short... but then again, some to areas of the MK, DAK and DHS. In all... it isn't a lesser experience. It's vastly similar in the sense of it's a theme park, but it's a different vibe, feel, and environment. To me, it was like a alternative universe. You'll love it, no doubt. Just go with a open mind.
Originally Posted By brotherdave Yes, IOA is an amazing park. Some areas truly shine (Potter, Jurassic Park), other areas definitely feel "cheap"(er) when compared to most of Disney and the rest of IOA. Marvel Superhero island feels like the super hero section of a Six Flags park (granted, it's much better quality). Incredible Hulk would look more at home at Six Flags than at Universal. Still, it is a decent coaster and the launch is definitely worth experiencing. Spider-Man thankfully doesn't feel like Six Flags. It is a top notch, high-tech dark ride experience and usually doesn't dissapoint. Since I haven't experienced Potter at IOA yet, I really can't give you any advice, but from what I've seen and read, it certainly seems to out-theme most anything that Disney has. (Though the big show building for Hogwarts still is a bit jarring to look at from what I can tell). Here's a quick run-down of "not to be missed" attractions: Marvel Super Hero Island: Amazing Adventures of Spider-man - Yes, it's that good! Be aware it is a little wild. Kind of like riding the Star Tours simulator on a track. Lots of rocking and pitching, but nothing too nauseating. Incredible Hulk - Great ride if you can handle a fairly intense looping roller coaster, but only for coaster lovers. Dr. Doom Fear Fall - Remember Maliboomer at DCA??? Pretty much the same ride. The queue line is pretty cool, though with some decent comic book theming. Definitely not as good as Tower of Terror, but as fun as this type of Free Fall tower ride provides. Doesn't come close to ToT. Toon Lagoon: Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges - Best themed river rapids I've ever experienced! Very cool!!! Dudley Do-Right's Rip Saw Falls - It's not Splash Mountain, but it is definitely fun. Definitely worth checking out. Me-Ship, The Olive - Cute kid's playground themed to Popeye's ship. Worth taking a peek if you have time. Jurassic Park: JP River Adventure - Imagine "Dinosaur" outside for about 2/3 of the ride, except in a boat. Good dino effects and a large wet splashdown finale. T-Rex is downright scary to some! Triceratops Encounter - Never got to experience this, but it does seem like a cool idea to get up-close with a very realistic AA dino. They supposedly present it like it's a live animal in a zoo enclosure. Camp Jurassic - BEST KID'S "PLAY" AREA EVER! (Well, at least that I've experienced). Make sure to get good and lost in the caves. Reminds me of a good mix of the best of Tom Sawyer Island and the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids playground. There's also a fun, mild family suspended coaster here that gives a great view of the Dino Island. Line moves very slowly though and they might require you to have a child to ride. Worth checking out if the line is short, otherwise, just enjoy the excellent Camp Jurassic. Wizarding World of Harry Potter: HP & the Forbidden Journey - Haven't experienced it yet, but this is why you're going to IOA, right??? Many claim this to be the ultimate theme park attraction today! From what I've read and seen, I can't wait to experience it myself! Flight of the Hippogryth - Fun junior coaster (very similar to Barnstormer) with some HP theming based on Hagrid. Dragon Challenge - I've heard that the queue isn't as good as when it was Dueling Dragons (which back then was one of the best themed queues ever created!), but certainly worth checking out, even if just for the queue. The coasters are pretty intense, just slightly less intense than the Hulk. Again, these coasters seem to fit more at Six Flags, Busch Gardens, or Cedar Point, but they're fun none-the-less. Just don't miss the queue (there's chicken exits near the loading area). Hogsmeade Village - I've been told by many try to see the shops if you can as they're every bit the reason to visit IOA. Theming to the max! Just don't wait 2 hours for a wand if you can help it! Lost Continent: Poseidon's Fury - This land truly got "lost" when HP was added. The only real attraction left is PF. It's "ok" with some nifty effects. Theming is great, though, plus a cool water vortex tunnel you walk thru. Story is a bit hard to follow. Sinbad Show - Not one of the best stunt shows I've seen, but not as horrible as some suggest. Worth seeing if you have the time. Mythos - If you eat one major meal outside of Potterland at IOA, be sure to eat here. It's the park's only full service venue (though I think the 3 Broomsticks may offer full service now, not sure) and the theming is excellent, not to mention the food. Seuss Landing - Cat in the Hat - Fun, "Fantasyland" type dark ride with a "twist". When compared to the 3 FL dark rides at the MK, this might be the best in Orlando. Caro-SEUSS-al - Very unusual carousel. Worth checking out if you have time. Trolley/Train Ride - There's 2 different sides, giving two different views of Seuss Landing, each with unique tunnels with minimalistic animated figures telling the story of the Sneetches. If the lines are short, try both sides. Personally, I like the side that goes through the Circus McGirkus eatery. Think of this attraction as kind-of Seuss Landing's TTA Peoplemover, though much shorter. Also, check out the theming at the Port of Entry (park's "Main Street" entrance area). It's definitely some of the best theming in the park. Also, the Jurassic Park visitor Center is remarkably like the one seen in the movie. Definitely take a stroll through it. It has some hands on exhibits and attractions inside, like you might find in a museum. Worth a quick visit. Overall, I think you'll like IOA. It definitely is more thrill ride oriented than what's offered at the Disney parks, but that's part of the "adventure". I hope my guide helps!
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Since I haven't experienced Potter at IOA yet, I really can't give you any advice, but from what I've seen and read, it certainly seems to out-theme most anything that Disney has. (Though the big show building for Hogwarts still is a bit jarring to look at from what I can tell).<<< Not anymore... they themed it!
Originally Posted By brotherdave That's good to hear! What about the side that faces Jurassic Park? That's the side that seemed to stand out most.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Camp Jurassic - BEST KID'S "PLAY" AREA EVER! (Well, at least that I've experienced)*** Not even close...Tom Sawyer's Island and Mermaid Lagoon both blow it out of the water (Disney is still best when they try).
Originally Posted By Expo_Seeker40 Tomorrow I'm going to Islands of Adventure...I can't wait! It's going to be windy and in the 60s...maybe the wind will shred my WDW AP card and magically turn it into a Universal AP card who knows.
Originally Posted By Expo_Seeker40 Alright folks! I went, I saw, I experienced. Just to refresh: IoA was particularly special to me because it was the first theme park in years I have NEVER been to!!!! I've been repeating WDW and other parks for quite a few years. My only other trip to Uni Orlando was in .............1998!! So imagine my shock getting out of the parking garage and where the giant hour glass used to be counting down the days to IoA was a large merch cart fiesta station. I didn't go to the studios...I did walk to the entrance and mourn the loss of Nickelodeon Studios and the original metallic UniGlobe. Watching Nickelodeon back in the day, I always wanted my picture with the UniGlobe and in 1998 with construction everywhere...all my sister and I got was a picture of us with it propped into a temporary planter with green construction walls around it. Let's first start of with what I don't like about Universal Orlando (heh...anyone remember Universal Escape?) It's sort of like Disneyland but with that oh so magical central florida flair...you know....Lakeland,Clearwater.....ok never mind...anyhow I don't like the parking garages and how difficult it is traffic wise to get it and out of Universal. IoA were not busy at all, everything was 20 minutes or less and restaurants weren't packed, but the lack of "blessing of size" really shows at Universal. I don't look having to walk through CityWalk and getting barked at by merch carts and team members trying to sell their goods and the oh so six flaggish "LET ME TAKE YOUR PICTURE" at the entrance gate. I do like...no.....LOVE...the overall theming for IoA. It's above any six flags park, and is on par with disney, my only gripe is how narrow many paths are....this place must suck to be in around xmas and the summer. The weather was overcast and later became sunny, temps floating in the low 60s with a breeze.....hogsmede looked realistic with people walking around with their scarves and jeans on. Ok..fanboy rant............the seuss trolly or as I call it the seussomover.......does that not look like an alternate universe version of the disneyland peoplemover?! I grabbed me some fried chicken in the circus tent at seuss because clearly thats all i want when i go to a theme park, and i smiled with the errr seussomover cruised by. The rides are bad ass, but there really aren't alot of rides. This is no magic mountain or great adventure by any means...but I'll take the theming over those two parks anyday. Loved spider-man, doctor was expected but fun, hulk was very fun, wasn't amazed by poseidon's fury, but it inspired me to wish for an upside down poseidon adventure boiler room you'd have to walk through with fire and pyro shooting out everywhere. Ok so let's talk potter. First off Islands of Adventure sucks at covering their show buildings. I know epcot explorer says they're working on it, but damn you can see the potter warehouse all over the park! Rockwork and faux trees we need those now!!! Yes I got me some chocolate frogs, a ravenclaw scarf, and some beans, and butter beer(but not the 98.00 souvenir cup) Crouching Fanboy Dueling Dragons or w/e the hell it's called was a fun combo of rollercoasters, and also liked seeing the Ford Anglia which looked like a car that drove on 95 through Pompano Beach, was in the queue. The only thing I didn't like was how obvious it was the team member's weren't from the UK. Hi WUT CANNA GETCHA??! Y'ALL WANT SOME BUTTAH BEERUH?! I know it's mentioned in the books that there are wizards from all over the world, but I didn't know the ones from Ocala made it to Hogsmede. Oh and can we please do something about the locker room fiasco for forbidden journey, it's amazing how much bottlenecking is done when the line really isn't that long at all. Ok...Forbidden Journey.......best dark ride and overall attraction experience in my life....but I will always ride the cyclone in coney island anyday for a bit of a more thrill. The theming is something TDO up until 1994 would have funded if it existed in the day. The whole place screams tower of terror on steroids and it shows. I loved the queue and the ride. I waited 75 minutes and then a mere 15 minutes a half hour before closing, and loved the castle lighting, but really...cant they disguise the light poles facing the castle? Potter beats Disney in immersive experience and detail, there's nothing on that level at Disney right now...a few things come close, but just not quite there...again this is Disney in Florida...Tokyo DisneySea would have molested and destroyed WWoHP already if it were a few miles down I-4. So...my only issues with IoA were it's narrow paths, highly visible show buildings, lack of rides, but great theming, park specific merch, and quite good restaurant food. Potter is above Disney in Florida, but lacks some common sense guest flow issues. Please ask me any questions especially about hogsmede or forbidden journey...I know many of you have been there but if u have any questions for me that will help recharge my memory.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 I must have missed other discussions about this, but what is the locker fiasco?
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>Triceratops Encounter - Never got to experience this, but it does seem like a cool idea to get up-close with a very realistic AA dino. They supposedly present it like it's a live animal in a zoo enclosure.<< This has been gone for years, sorry to say. I did get to experience it way back when.
Originally Posted By dshyates They reopened Triceratops Encounter for a brief test run during the Holidays this year. They did a lot of post show serveys and are now tweaking it. It will reopen for Spring Break.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer Great report. Glad you enjoyed yourself. Never had a problem with the lockers... or the walkways... Or the parking situation. I liked that difference about IoA to WDW. But yeah, agreed on pretty much everything else. Potter is a showstopper. Nothing like it. And yes, it's feel to ToT is uncanny.
Originally Posted By barboy2 ///Camp Jurassic - BEST KID'S "PLAY" AREA EVER!/// I most definitely agree. ///Tom Sawyer's Island....... blow(s) it out of the water/// Well Sawyer is much bigger of course but Camp Jurassic has the supreme details in its waterfalls, caves/rockwork and paths. Universal went all out on that play area. If I were a kid and wanted to run wild I'd take Sawyer, maybe. But if I wanted a superior themed environment then Camp J. all the way! As for Mermaid Lagoon Mr. X you must know that that is not an "apples to apples" comparison to Camp Jurassic. Mermaid Lagoon, as you know, is not a "kids play area" but an entire "land" like IOA's Super Hero Island, Dl's Tomorrowland or Animal Kingdom's Asia section. Camp Jurassic is in the same category as: DCA's Redwood Trails Universal Hollywood's Curious George Universal Orlando's Fievel's Playland Animal Kingdom's Boneyard MGM's Honey I shrunk the kids
Originally Posted By leobloom >> The only thing I didn't like was how obvious it was the team member's weren't from the UK. Hi WUT CANNA GETCHA??! Y'ALL WANT SOME BUTTAH BEERUH?! I know it's mentioned in the books that there are wizards from all over the world, but I didn't know the ones from Ocala made it to Hogsmede. << Funny. Thanks for the report, Expo Seeker. I also really like IOA, though I haven't been back since Potter opened. I love the front seat on Dueling Dragons and have ridden Hulk more times than I can count. You didn't mention Jurassic Park. Did you get a chance to ride it? One question that I would be interested in asking anyone who's been to Potter: if I don't follow the Potter novels and movies, will I still enjoy the ride? I saw the first movie, don't remember anything about it. Will the ride still impress me?
Originally Posted By barboy2 ///I do like...no.....LOVE...the overall theming for IoA. It's above any six flags park,/// You might as well have said: I do like...no....LOVE...Malibu mansions. They're above any shanty setups in Tijuana.
