I Let Internet Strangers Plan My Day: Universal Islands Of Adventure | Best & Worst Reviews Orlando

We Theme Park Nerds all have our picks for the best and worst in Universal Orlando -- but what do the folks on the internet think? Molly is headed to Islands of Adventure, and will be doing the best & worst rides, shows, and eats at the park -- all according to online travel reviews. And things turn out...well...different than we would've plan.
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[@SimplelilSteph]

I can understand parents getting frustrated over not every kid getting a wand at the Ollivander's show but for me personally, I get teary eyed seeing any kid going up there and getting to be "the one". I just think of that kid and how special they must feel and it brings me back to my personal nostalgia surrounding HP. I wish there was something like that around when I was a kid reading HP lol

[@laurenali2930]

If every kid got a wand it wouldnt be special though. Parents just need to manage expectations.

[@MrGibbo9876]

I think most people don't realize you still have to purchase the wand, you don't get one for free if you get chosen! 😂

[@sav6989]

I literally was just thinking about how beautiful that moment is and how it should be about the magic. The value is in the incredible cast members providing an unforgettable experience, everyone in the room is gifted in that experience.

[@candidwings5609]

I'm fine with it being random. Better than having to pay extra money and make a reservation 6+ months in advance

[@kellmeister2k]

Our twelve year old daughter got chosen for the experience. You do of course have to buy the wand, which we didn’t do because we already had one. She wasn’t expecting it at all, which I guess is part of the magic. It would have been a cool experience in any case. Just luck of the draw I guess.

[@nicolepags5]

7:03 .. it was meeee lol. I felt bad for the 15 other kids staring at me with daggers as I was chosen for the wand demo 😂

[@chantellecampanini6411]

My daughter got chosen for Ollivanders. It was our first time experiencing it, her first time at Universal, her birthday week and she’s had just gotten into HP. It was so so incredibly special, we got the wand for her btw lol was her birthday present. She cherishes that wand and it is going to be a core memory for her. Which makes my mom heart happy!

[@sarahcrowe8283]

Oh my days, 'POPEYE'S OVER HAGRID'S' had me guffawing 🤣

[@MicheleKlinger]

I WAS SO EXCITED TO SEE ANOTHER ONE OF THESE! I truly think the funniest and most amusing things sometimes just come from people being people, and diving into reviews like this totally proves why.

[@bediliarodriguez9632]

Agreed! LoL

[@casablancachica]

I wonder if Hagrid's scored lower because it breaks down a lot, and also because it is very book reference heavy, which movie-only fans may not easily follow

[@kates7277]

And the crazy line could make people perceive it as overrated.

[@thevanillaflourette]

The wand experience is amazing! My husband and I hit it at just the right time and it was just the 2 of us alone for the whole experience! Core memory formed that day! It was so magical!

[@lorienders1017]

Love the Ron Swanson reference! So True!!

[@honeysuckle754]

Kong got rid of its 3D glasses a couple weeks ago. Now if they fixed the door so we can do the outdoor portion that score could bump up to a 2.9.

[@courtc926]

I was lucky enough to be able to do the wand experience and it was awesome! We pretty much “rope dropped” it unintentionally and my husband went and asked a cast member if I could do the experience. They allowed us and it was only us doing it! Could be a tip, if it’s something you really want to do, maybe go early and ask!

[@christinabroeker6798]

I LOVED meeting Blue! I keep asking for a raptor but my hubby says we have enough pets. lol The green eggs and ham are the best snack. I almost got the Mr. DNA shirt for my daughter but she opted for the mug since it was easier to bring into her lab (and you wouldn't be able to see the shirt under her lab coat). Love these videos!

[@gr8vbplaya18]

Molly out here defending sharks from a dad joke l0l I love it. I love this series.

[@MissMyMusicAddiction]

molly in her Mr. DNA shirt throwing sharp shark facts hagrid's is really good. is it better than popeye's? fine. whatever.

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

Me, about to get on the Step machine: "Ugh, I wish there was something to wa........OH YEAH, NEW MAMMOTH CLUB!"

[@Issykle]

I (a 30 year old woman) went to the wand experience once with a friend (also 30 year old woman) who desperately wanted to be picked. There were children around with other groups and yet the wizard choose me for the experience. Seeing the disappointment on my friend's and the kids' faces made the whole thing so awkward. I definitely understand why it would be ranked low. I wish there was a way for the team member to be given a heads up on who actually wants to be picked vs not.

[@prezhenz6969]

I for one ALWAYS do the Olivander’s show because it’s just such a fun experience to share with a bunch of strangers. Plus I figure the more times I do it, the more of a chance I might get chosen (even though I know that’s not how it works 😂)

[@PinkGoldAbby]

My jaw literally dropped when I saw that Popeye's was considered one of the best rides. Like, don't get me wrong, it's got a very cute theme, a cute story, and I'm a sucker for cartoon theme park architecture, but like... It's just Kali River Rapids except it's always guaranteed to absolutely drench you. (I left a comment on your AK viewers choice video about how my shorts got ruined after riding Popeye, so y'know-)

[@heathertd]

“I know more than you” clip 😂❤ you’re the best. Can’t wait to visit my second home of Orlando in a few weeks.

[@meglf2234]

I died laughing with Ron Swanson cut away. 100% accurate!

[@PrincessMeggala0913]

Ah yes. Coffee and MAMFam. It’s the best way to spend a morning ❤

[@kates7277]

The mid-week magic we all need! 💙🦅

[@heythereimshel]

I was chosen for the wand ceremony on my honeymoon and it healed my inner child more than they will ever know. I was not expecting to be chosen as an adult and I cried the entire time 😂 also to note: if you are chosen you still have to pay for your wand at the end. Just a heads up

[@swine59238]

TECHNICALLY ramen is Chinese, not Japanese - it is considered a type of foreign food in Japan (Chūka in this case). Ramen (Ramyeon) is super common in Korea too.

[@disneynutd1609]

Molly you make these reviews hilarious. Keep them coming 😂😂💐

[@jennifereddleman6656]

I really needed this today!

[@thesneakyjawa]

Love the new merch! Love you guys and all the content you put out!

[@dashkataey1740]

I think one of the most underrated places to eat in IoA is Confisco Grille. I think most people skip over it due to its location at the entrance to the park but I've never had a bad experience in there.

[@alanirons]

❤I love your videos and your personality. Thank you for "taking" us" with you on your adventures!😊

[@lizlandes500]

I’m so glad I have seen your review of the Popeye’s ride. It’s thanks to you that I will NOT be riding it….. EVER 😊

[@Liz-nz7wv]

Love your content! ❤

[@chelswalsh]

I was the chosen kid at Ollivanders on one of my trips. There was truly nothing like that experience and as a huge Potterhead I still get chills and teary eyed every time I think back to that moment!! A core memory I will never forget.

[@jennlock1809]

FINALLY!! I don't do Disney do been waiting on another Universal video.

[@rratedburrito]

More. This was great! I went for the first time last year and this was great to compare to my experience and see what I missed ❤

[@simoncook5701]

Utterly amazing! Superb!Its so obvious from your little facial expressions just how much you love playing!I could listen to your playing all day!Thank you!

[@joshwing779]

I love this series of videos (and any Parks and Rec references)!

[@Scarlettsreputation]

It was so nice meeting you this week at Universal Studios. My family was stoked when they saw you. Plus the “Go Tigers” made our entire day!

[@XenaNemyt]

I loved the frog choir!!! So cute and they sounded great 💚😁

[@stephaniee.2103]

Yeah! A cup of coffee and a MamFam video! 💙🧡💗

[@TobyRunsick]

Had no idea who you were until yesterday when I saw you filming super cool to meet you never the less!

[@karennovak7810]

Also, Hagrids is EPIC. I’m not a crazy HP fan, I like it but I’m not obsessive. But Hagrids is AMAZING.

[@winnie5873]

While the King Kong ride isn’t amazing, I still think it’s fun and worth seeing the giant Kong animatronic at the end…. As for first spot well… Hagrids Magical Creature Motorbike TM is my favorite ride ever, but maybe I’m biased because I love Harry Potter. And I just love hitting that purple dragon fire button during the ride and screaming Lumos Solem at the devil’s snare. Tears of joy every time 🥹

[@junedunne]

Molly, I love your videos! You are so entertaining even when enduring soggy egg rolls..."I don't need this." 😂😅

[@shelle340]

Molly I love you so much. It doesn't matter what I'm going I drop it all to watch your videos ❤❤❤

[@marija9547]

As an adult, I think I was 28, I was chosen for the Ollivander’s experience! I was so surprised. I really thought one of the kids in our group would be picked but they chose me! It was an incredible experience to be chosen and would definitely recommend doing it at least once, even if you are not chosen.

[@MrMadshepherd]

Hagrid’s is inarguably the best ride for me. My only guess is that people gave it poor reviews because of how long the lines were in early days. I bet that tanked it.

[@user-wt8en6lj1k]

I think that whole comic strip area should be re-themed. Surely Universal has more relevant and interesting IP's to use.

[@nessavthatsme3424]

I've never gotten to ride Hagrids but I too am blown away that it wasn't even in the top 5.... TOTALLY agree with Green Eggs and Ham!!

[@kimgrod]

Fun vid! Thanks, Molly.

[@brittanysleesman9328]

The time we went on kong in November we were evacuated off it and didn’t even get half the ride

[@Jdub1005]

I was picked for the wand on my very 1st visit. I'm sure some little kids were pissed off

[@emiliec24]

Making a sick woman feel a bit better with your magic! Thank you Molly!

[@christinabutcher4297]

YES!! Green Eggs and Ham is our favorite restaurant too!

[@alanarapacz1882]

The original Kong ride was cool 😎 Missed Jaws, it was broken the time we were there in the 90's

[@Allison-ij9ye]

Looks good!

[@mmh290]

I think since it’s soooo hot in FL, any chance to get wet and cool off overrides a thrilling motorcycle spin with Hagrid🤷🏻‍♀️

[@justinpatrick7899]

I love these videos. The Parks and Rec clip lol. How did Hagrid's not make the top 5???? Hagrid's (my personal favorite) and Velocicoaster (next favorite) are the two best rides at Universal Resort imo. I like Popeyes but it got ranked over Hagrid's???? Was there a glitch in the matrix? Rip Saw Falls is one of my favorite rides but you will get soaked on it lol. For IOA restaurants I go 1. Mythos 2. Three Broomsticks. The tots are fantastic but those two restaurants are better all in imo.

[@debbiejacobs7417]

I love Kong!

[@chapaj]

Love the Mr DNA t-shirt. I'm thinking of wearing one to Universal.

[@baxtergirl319]

I agree that VelociCoaster is the best thrill ride! But the theming and the ride at Hagrid’s are just fantastic!

[@lissaforrest33]

Those water rides get you totally soaked, even with a rain poncho on you. I love watching you do these reviews, thank you

[@KristinBarron-js5xc]

I went in October 2023 with my best friend … she got picked and she is 37 years old. She got picked over kids … we are both school teachers and I have to say that felt like a win! I will also say she was very deserving, this was her dream come true !!! We came over from Denmark where we Iive with our partners , I’m from the USA but she is from Argentina and home girl cried . So I think it’s really luck of the draw and to the parents that get mad about stuff like this … good luck at the school talent show .

[@ScootersbabygirlMors]

I LOVE your channel but I have a challenge for you: what about "selective" (re: picky) eaters? Ones who don't want to eat just chicken fingers or hamburgers. For example, if it goes in a salad (lettuce, onion, tomato) it makes me gag, but I like cooked side-dish veggies (broccoli, carrots, etc) and all meats. Can you do a video for those of us who are selective eaters but still want to experience some fun interesting food at the parks?

[@ScootersbabygirlMors]

AND/OR explain if it's possible to take things out of dishes - like the green eggs and ham, I like all of that but the green onions - can you request to have ingredients removed? How do you go about that? Is it a total pain for the cast members/staff?

[@kit975]

Sometimes they choose two people for the wands. Okay it might have had something to do with my brother and i being an obvious set of twins and both wearing robes. It might have had everything to do with that.

[@Tara-cv2kz]

I was chosen over my younger brother. I bet he was not too pleased.

[@CarolHeney]

I've never been on any of these coasters, but the Velocicoaster, is right up my alley!! I'm not a Harry Potter fan, because I've never read the books, or have seen any of the movies, but I'm sure the coasters are amazing. I LOVE raft rides!! , when I'm so hot, I need cool relief!!

[@ninaburruss2909]

I can’t believe Popeyes beat out Hagrids!! Shocking!!!!

[@Hermyoni33]

How did Popeys beat Hagrids?? That's like saying Ripsaw beats Jurrasic Park. Insanity.

[@kimgrod]

I like the Wand experience. It's fun.

[@NisaNJames]

You should do this at SeaWorld!

[@liviasoro1959]

I have to admit: I pointed and laughed at Kong last time I was in the park

[@JerriFox]

It would be cool to see a best/worst video hotel addition since universal allows pool hopping. Ranking like best/worst restaurants, pools, and overall ambiance. Not sure if you could find reviews structured like that though

[@FebreGundam]

I have to agree with the person on the thumbnail, King Kong is just super boring and not even a giant animatronic can save it.

[@jenisedai]

My kids and I walk past Kong and point and laugh, so I can verify it happens. I miss Kongfrontation!

[@elizabethvanvliet2380]

The problem with the T. Flyers is there are only 2 ride vehicles, so it is a fun ride….just not worth the 45 minute wait.

[@miranimal]

Here's the deal, you do all the dry rides during the day and then near the end you do all the water rides and shower back at the hotel. Just six more months till my vacay, I can't wait

[@ToliLand]

I get why people may not like Popeye’s but my son and I plan our “wet” day to ride that 2-3 times in a row and he rides Jurassic River Adventure and then spends almost an hour seeing how many times he and the other people get drenched in that little area by the restaurant at the bottom of the Jurassic ride. It has become our tradition.

[@kingofswing3000]

Just going off the thumbnail, we love King Kong. And "we" being me, Mrs., ma n pa. It's one my folks' fave rides.

[@eeveeongirl]

I went to universal towards the end of covid times, so had to where a mask, the benefit was that everyone got to do the experience at olivanders! So i was the chosen one haha. Also green eggs and ham cafe is amazing and i tell all my coworkers when they go to head that way for breakfast, brunch or lunch

[@KW48890]

My bf and I went in February 2021 and because of the covid protocols, were lucky enough to do the Ollivanders experience by ourselves. Totally amazing, and probably the best part of the panini tbh

[@sallymakes]

I cannot believe that Hagrid's wasn't number 1! Or at least a close second! It makes me want to go leave many 5 star reviews so that people don't miss out!!

[@davidarturoroa3719]

Hello, which restaurants on Adventure Island sell the best burgers?

[@todayisanewday7]

Velocicoaster is the best ride at universal/islands of adventure.

[@m00gal]

Have to agree with most of these. Velocicoaster is world class, Green Eggs and Ham is delicious, and I'll generally skip Kong. I suppose with Popeye you know what you're getting - if you want to get wet, you ride it, and it rarely has huge queues.

[@alyssam2602]

I love Ollivanders! We went 3 times on our trip in 2016 and not every one gets chosen i didnt get chosen the first 2 times and we decided to see it one more time on our last day when I was feeling home sick and didnt wanna be there truthfully, and I odd enough got chosen. Its still a fun experience if you didnt get chosen, but you should expect not to get chosen going in knowing there are othere people then just you and your kid. Its an AMAZING show and my favorite part besides the castle ride and gringotts at harry potter

[@kimm5313]

Disappointing to see the Asian food selections weren't good. Bravo Molly for knowing bulgogi is Korean and ramen is Japanese! 👏🏻

[@marygreen4993]

Please do this at the parks in Ca!😊

[@noahhammerman878]

I’m not even a huge Harry Potter fan and found myself in the same boat as Molly about Hagrid’s. I actually love both Hagrid’s and Popeye’s, but the fact that Hagrid’s didn’t even make TOP 5, while Popeye’s made top 3, is completely ludicrous to me.

[@alyssiashaw7469]

Are you doing a video on Port Orleans Riverside? I’m from the UK and i’m staying there this year! 🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@stevephillips3253]

You're the best Molly.

[@ClassyCrustatio]

I got to ride Pteridon flyers recently. I will say, it is legit scary. Not like, velocicoaster scary but like, I'm gonna fall out of the seat scary. It was a cool experience but after riding it once, I don't have any want to ride it again. Kong is also no longer 3D and also never goes outside anymore.

[@ga3bee9]

Hagrids is my #1

[@Zebradonut009]

Shout out to Molly for blurring the face of the young girl in the wand show.

[@jeffs2149]

My personal challenge for Molly. Ride Dudley Do-Right WITHOUT protective rain gear. lol. 😈😈😈

[@TipoftheMitt69]

NOOO!!!! Molly! Orcas AKA the “killer”whale will kick a sharks tail fin..Also wifey-loves your haircut!

[@karennovak7810]

I get motion sick, but I think Kong was great. Just close your eyes if it’s too much. But it’s a great ride. I think Ripsaw falls was the worst. Not very strong theming honestly and very anti climatic. Velocicoaster is 💯 BEST coaster I’ve ever been on. Such a thrill! My face hurt from smiling so much.

[@kristihicks9549]

Molly and Alan loving these videos. These are so interesting and funny at the same time. I am a HUGE HP fan and i agree with Molly ……. Popeyes over Hagrids what in the actual H***. 😩😩🤯🤯🤬🤬. Was Shocked 😳 over that one… Keep up the great work ❤❤

[@mrs.tempelsstorytime]

I agree! Popeyes better than Hagrids??? What world do they live in?? 😂 and I'm not even a roller-coaster person! For the record, I absolutely hated ride inside hogwarts 🤢

[@MrMadshepherd]

It’s wild that review talks about how terrible Kong is as if nothing comes close to being as bad when the Fast & Furious ride is almost the same thing.

[@kimgrod]

Have not eaten @ Comic Strip Cafe, Cafe Four or Caption America Diner. May have tried Burger Digs, don't recall would've been years ago.

[@dalerose3500]

The 3D screen portion of the Kong ride is the same of the tram ride in Universal Hollywood which is a lot better. The animatronics are cool though.

[@courtneyceasar7878]

I agree with everything except Kong being the worst ride in IOA. In my opinion, it's Rip Saw Falls. The queue is long and it stinks, the ride vehicle is uncomfortable, and the theme is outdated.