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We are huge fans of the theme park called Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort. There are so many amazing things to do, besides the rides. We share some of the top things to do at Islands of Adventure (besides the rides).
Top Things to Do at Islands of Adventure
Hogwarts Castle Tour
One of the coolest must do’s is the Hogwarts Castle Tour at Hogsmeade at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This is a free tour that you can enjoy, even if you do not ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. You can either take a tour with a team member or wander through the castle. It is an amazing experience for any Harry Potter fan.
Butterbeer
While you are visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, be sure you pop into Three Broomsticks or Hog’s Head bar to purchase a Butterbeer. We love the frozen Butterbeers in the Jones Family. You can then sit outside on the patio to watch the VelociCoaster (up close) and get a view of Hogwarts Castle. This is a nice break during your day at Islands of Adventure.
Open the Park
A must do at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is opening the park. Did you know you can get into the park an hour before the gates open to the general public? You can with a free perk called Early Park Admission.
We love opening the park! This is the perfect time to get on the popular rides like VelociCoaster or Hagrid’s. You will be surprised how much of Islands of Adventure you can get through, before the gates open to the general public.
Interactive Wand Spells
Another must do at Islands of Adventure is Interactive Wand Spells at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Our kids loved this activity. You can purchase an interactive wand at a merchandise shop throughout Universal Orlando Resort. With this purchase, you will receive the wand and a map. The map shows interactive wand spells throughout Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. You can use the wand at both parks. You can also bring the wand back during future vacations at Universal Orlando Resort.
We love wandering throughout Hogsmeade creating interactive spells. There is rarely a wait and your kids will love it.
Talk to the Mystic Fountain
Our next must do takes us to the island called The Lost Continent. This is the island that Tim from Jones Family Travels helped build (years ago). If you did not know, he was a Project Manager and helped build Islands of Adventure. Just a little cool fun fact about Jones Family Travels.
In The Lost Continent, you will find a magical fountain called the Mystic Fountain. This fountain is right in front of The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad Stunt Show.
This fountain will actually talk with your kids. Our kids love it and ask to go see the fountain, every time we visit Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Be sure you have your camera ready for fun videos.
Meet Characters
Our next must do is meet characters. You will see some fun characters throughout your day at Islands. You will see Dr. Seuss characters at Seuss Landing, popular cartoon characters like Popeye at Toon Lagoon, and Marvel characters at Marvel Superhero Island. Have your cameras ready and keep an eye out for your favorite characters.
Camp Jurassic
Kids of all ages love Camp Jurassic at Jurassic Park. This prehistoric playground is tons of fun. There are dark caves and amber mines, dinosaur-capture nets, and swaying suspension bridges. Our kids are teens and they still love running around this play area. This is a great spot to let the kids just run and play during your day at Islands of Adventure.
Meet a Raptor
If you are brave, you may want to get up close with a raptor at Jurassic Park. This is a really fun experience at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. It is a fun meet and greet that may have you screaming and then laughing. Be sure you have your cameras ready for a family picture, but keep your eye on the raptor.
Pictures at Toon Lagoon
Another must do at Islands of Adventure are pictures at Toon Lagoon. There are so many fun photo spots throughout this island. Grab the kids and capture some family memories.
Send Mail from the Owl Post
Our next must do takes us back to the island called Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Did you know you can send a letter from the Owl Post? The Owl Post will mail your postcard or letter and even stamp it with an official Owl Post stamp. It is a really fun souvenir to get in your mail box, when you get home. You can either bring your own letter or postcard (along with stamp) from home or purchase it at the Owl Post. This is definitely a must do at Universal Orlando.
Moaning Myrtle
While you are visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you may want to take a bathroom break. Don’t be surprised if you hear strange noises in the bathroom. That is just Moaning Myrtle. Your whole family will laugh at Moaning Myrtle in the facilities!
Holidays
We love Universal’s Islands of Adventure year round. However, this park is extra special over the holidays. Seuss Landing comes live with amazing Christmas decorations. We like wandering through Seuss Landing during the day and evening hours over the holidays.
Even the Wizarding World of Harry Potter gets special decorations for the season. If you are planning a visit to Universal Orlando over the Christmas season, be sure you take some time to enjoy the holiday decorations and activities. Check out the eye in the sky to learn more about the upcoming holiday activities at Universal Orlando Resort.
