5 Must See’s at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure

This summer we took a short break from our Walt Disney World Resort adventure to shuffle on over to Universal Studios – Islands of Adventure.  Wizarding World of Harry Potter was the main reason for this Harry Potter lovin’ family and it didn’t disappoint.  Check out our 5 Must See’s (and do’s) at Universal Studios – Islands of Adventure.

1.  Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

This ride allows you to visit Dumbledore’s office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, the Gryffindor™ common room, and the Room of Requirement.  Be prepared to swoop, soar, and stop on a dime as you come face to face with giant spiders and fire breathing dragons.  This has become my favorite ride of all time, mostly because I can’t believe I lived through it.

2.  The Dragon Challenge

The Dragon Challenge ended up being the favorite ride for 2 out of the six of us, and the second favorite ride of another.   Climb on the either the aggressive Chinese Fireball or a ferocious Hungarian Horntail, each is two completely different rides.

3.  The Three Broomsticks

OMG, the food was delicious and filling and you could order Butterbeer with your meal (which is sooooo yummy).  The best part was that you really felt like you were eating in a restaurant that Harry, Ron, and Hermoine would be entering any minute.

4.  Bridge over Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rats Barges

For a quarter you can squirt riders of Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rats Barge.  The kids could have spent the entire day drenching people.

5.  Meet and Greet with Marvel Superheroes

Two of us are huge fans of Marvel superheroes so coming across Wolverine, Rogue, Storm, Cyclops, Captain America, and Spiderman was like seeing Brad and Angie on the streets.  We nearly knocked over small children to get our pictures taken with our favorite heroes.

I’ll be honest.  We didn’t really love our time at Islands of Adventure.  This is a thrill ride heavy park, which doesn’t really work for  a number of people in this family.  In addition, the lines were just too long  and the express pass option was too expensive.  I am glad I was able to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter but I doubt we will ever make it back to this park.