Universal Islands of Adventure

Universal Islands of Adventure has been Orlando's premier thrill-ride park since it opened in 1999, and it still holds that title even as new parks have opened around it. The combination of Harry Potter's Hogsmeade, Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure, and VelociCoaster creates an argument that Islands of Adventure has the best concentration of world-class attractions of any theme park in Florida.

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is frequently voted the best theme park ride in the world. It's a motorbike/sidecar roller coaster that travels through a dense magical forest, encounters magical creatures, and uses a combination of physical environments and special effects that hold up at every height. The 48-inch minimum means school-age kids can experience it, and they will want to immediately get back in line.

The wait is almost always long — plan to arrive at park opening and head here first.

VelociCoaster, which opened in 2021, is faster and more technically demanding — a genuinely excellent steel coaster for teens and adults who want maximum thrill. The Jurassic World area is worth the visit for the soaking water ride (bring ponchos).

For younger or less intense riders, Seuss Landing has the Cat in the Hat dark ride and the Caro-Seuss-El carousel — both fun for 4-7 year olds. Hogsmeade delivers the full Harry Potter immersion: Ollivanders wand shop, Honeydukes candy store, Three Broomsticks for meals, and Flight of the Hippogriff for younger coaster fans (36-inch minimum).

Practical note: bring rain ponchos. Several rides — particularly Jurassic World — will drench you. Open shoes like sandals are not allowed on most major rides. The Universal app tracks live wait times and is essential for real-time planning.