25 years of adventures: Here’s a look at how Universal Orlando’s 2nd park has changed over time

ORLANDO, Fla. – Just months before Y2K, Universal Studios Flordia ushered in a new era of thrill.

That thrill has stayed consistent, as Islands of Adventure often tops best theme park lists.

Before it came along, Universal Studios Florida was a standalone park. On May 28, 1999, Islands of Adventure transformed Universal Studios into a resort. Offering a variety of rides, shows and attractions. The park layout is exactly the name, as every island is an easy hop for the eager adventurer.

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When the park opened, the attractions set the standard for innovation and creativity. So much of it still holds up.

Initially, the park featured six islands:

• Port of Entry
• Marvel Super Hero Island
• Toon Lagoon
• Jurassic Park
• The Lost Continent
• Seuss Landing

Home to primarily shopping and dining, Port of Entry is the first land guests see upon entering the park.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk Coaster were the park’s anchor attractions on its opening day, and both have been overhauled since.

Marvel Super Hero Island is the only theme park in Orlando where you can meet superheroes like Captain America and Spider-Man due to Universal’s license of the characters that came to be before the Walt Disney Company acquired Marvel Entertainment.

Sunday Comics is based in Toon Lagoon, where guests can enjoy two top-tier water rides: Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls and Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges.

Much like E.T. Adventure at Universal Studios, Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure has the stamp of Steven Spielberg. In addition to helping create the concept for the park, Spielberg also consulted on the creation of several attractions.

Spielberg attended opening day ceremonies at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

Perhaps no island has seen more changes since the park’s opening than The Lost Continent.

Besides Port of Entry, it’s an island that does not have any intellectual properties as part of its theme. Heavily inspired by Greek mythology, it’s divided into two sub-sections; Sindbad’s Bazaar and The Lost City.

The Lost Continent lost its medieval section Merlinwood, as the majority of that area was re-themed for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And in May 2023, the walk-thru attraction Poseidon’s Fury closed its doors for good.

True to Seussain style, Suess Landing is something straight out of the mind of a children’s book author.

Dr. Seuss was known for not drawing straight lines in his work. Seeing that the island’s palm trees are curved (bent by Hurricane Andrew and then replanted) developers paid a lot of attention to detail.

The seventh island addition forever changed amusement parks as a whole.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade opened to the public on June 18, 2010. To this day, Hogsmeade is first and foremost for Harry Potter fans who want the ultimate wand selection experience at Ollivander’s as well as sipping on Butterbeer in front of the picturesque backdrop of Hogwarts castle.

On July 13, 2016, the islands grew to eight as Skull Island: Reign of Kong opened.

In June 2014, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure flew into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade.

The ride combines a new level of storytelling and innovative coaster technology.

VelociCoaster’s addition in June 2021 quickly launched Islands of Adventure’s reputation into a thrill-ride mecca.

As part of the park’s 25th anniversary celebration, Universal Orlando has rolled out a new merchandise collection. Items are only available for purchase in person.

Islands of Adventure was the last large-scale theme park that opened in Orlando and Universal will claim the next one with Epic Universe’s opening in 2025.

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