Islands of Adventure Review | Universal Orlando Resort, Florida

[@johnnymacchicago]

Nothing like a Coaster Studios review. Taylor, this is what got me hooked on your channel back in the day!

[@DavidSeymourOfficial]

Amazing video as always Taylor! IOA is definitely my favorite park I've ever been to. Such an incredible variety of experiences, theming and nostalgia. The only thing I didnt agree with you on was the toon lagoon portion. In my opinion, Disney is such a generational mainstay because of their willingness to stick with old school, time tested properties and keeping them updated and refreshed throughout the years. Dont get me wrong I'm definitely not trying to compare the popularity of a Blondie to a Peter Pan, but you can bet that my grandparents would absolutely light up seeing familiar faces like Popeye and Betty Boop in a park of otherwise current characters. Keep up the great videos dude!

[@CoasterStudios]

Thank you!

[@coolbean259]

Wait, dude ur a coaster enthusiast, I thought u just made cooking vids.

[@sofiaquon9931]

I agree, I love toon lagoon and all the comic book references from comics my parents grew up with and I also read as a child. The aesthetic is very comforting and I think it's nice to have some stuff reminiscent of the old.

[@rafiki1017]

Hmmmm, three years later and Disney is getting rid of Splash Mountain, the most iconic ride of all time in the most iconic theme park of all time. And they’ll probably get rid of Frontierland altogether. They’ve ruined the whole experience with Genie plus, and they rely way too heavily on existing IPs. Disney has all those problems and Universal is about to open Epic Universe next year. Crazy to see what can change in three years. Or maybe you hold this opinion despite these changes? Idk which changes took place and which didn’t since then. But if that’s the case, I disagree with this comment.

[@arjunski]

Honestly, this is either best or second best in Florida imo. Such an amazing place and Hulk is one awesome sit down that doesn't get talked about enough. The first launch is crazy!

[@johncurley599]

What’s your favorite

[@arjunski]

@@johncurley599 Probably Busch Gardens Tampa because it's a bit more thrill oriented but idk, after Velociraptor, this might become my favorite!

[@TrevorLoucks]

I just rode Hulk for the first time a few days ago, I had no idea it was a launch on the lift hill. Imagine my adrenaline spike when we started flying up that hill.

[@Titter2]

@@TrevorLoucks Me too!! Except I knew it was a launch but thought it would start earlier and be slower. I'm sitting there thinking, this thing is going to be nuts and then WHAM!!

[@kylebicker7649]

It's a 2-way duel for me. Still here in Florida, and going to both in the next 2 days Islands of Adventure VS Busch Gardens Tampa

[@aaronswords404]

The amount of detail at IOA is insane. When you go to the bathrooms in Hogsmeade you can hear Moaning Myrtle talking to you while you are sitting on the toilet. That is how detailed that place is.

[@CoasterStudios]

love that!

[@paulbunion7058]

WHAAAA?!😅😮

[@starryagent9936]

One of my favorite parks. Very well done with great rides, theming and dining, and I loved my time here

[@tannerd37]

Nice profile pic

[@cillbeast1839]

I love this park I say it’s better than universal studios

[@Uhhhhhhhlri]

100%.

[@ayecay4797]

Def

[@reptidan]

They are kinda one park for me.. but I agree, islands is amazing. Think its actually my favo park in the world.

[@Danrarbc]

I'd almost argue Sea World is better than Universal Studios. They should consider fixing that BEFORE building the next park (hurts to say that - I want Nintendoland). Still miss Jaws.

[@johncurley599]

Easily

[@williamgeorge1120]

Cheeky shot of queue boards at Hollywood instead of Orlando at 15:46. You thought you could fool us Taylor! But seriously great video as always man, loving the content during a U.K lockdown!

[@CoasterStudios]

I didn't have any shots of the wait time boards at Florida, so I just used Hollywoods instead haha. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@BluesCoasters]

I’m sooo psyched for VelociCoaster

[@A.B.3103]

Same

[@TheRealSweedie]

This is definitely my favorite theme park! Love everything about it, and definitely agree with you about Toon Lagoon as well. Man how I wish they'd retheme either it or Lost Continent to Lord of the Rings... it would be SO amazing!

[@Harrys.Truman-fanpage]

That or Zelda for Lost Continent. Keep Mythos, and after a while returns toon lagoon to SpongeBob.

[@Charles_King1]

I’ve been going to the universal parks every summer since I was 5. Im 23 now and I still have the same feeling of excitement every time I go. Islands of adventure has a special place in my heart. The Hulk is an incredible ride. Velocicoaster is a spectacular addition. The wet rides are top tier and I just really love every section and ride at the park. If anyone is on the fence about going to islands of adventure you have to go!!!

[@cobraproductions212]

Islands of Adventure is just amazing, and I love this review! You are so detailed on your experience, and it helps me understand how much you love this park. I love it too, and I rode Ripsaw Falls, and it was a great ride. Hagrid's had a 3 hour wait and I went when the Velocicoaster was just beginning to get built. The first part of the park is amazing, and the dark rides are world-class.

[@SlugJesters]

When I visited both parks, I didn't even know about 1/2 of the areas on islands of adventure, and honestly that kind of soured my visit. I'm glad that this review went more in depth, and i'm feeling pretty convinced to return sometime.

[@dylanrowan6626]

Fun fact: The Hulk archway entrance was made from 2 original track pieces from the first version of the ride.

[@gui2980]

There’s nothing out there like your reviews, Taylor! Best theme park content on KZbin!

[@CoasterStudios]

Thank you, so glad you enjoy them :)

[@tepobori]

I love toon lagoon even if it’s outdated, it’s what makes IoA what it is to me. Very unique and quirky, but well themed and fun.

[@christianortiz-v1l]

My aunt is addicted & obsessed with Betty Boop who's in that area.

[@maddiemediina]

I rode the Hulk and Duelling Dragons for the first time when I was only 8 years old (perks of being tall for my age haha) This park is so nostalgic and special to me :)

[@alliealasia]

Isn’t it so funny that the Hulk breaks everyone’s fear of roller coasters? I was terrefied of them until I rode the hulk fairly recently too!

[@DasNordlicht91]

The launch looks terrifying at first, but once you experience it and how smooth it feels, it just becomes so enjoyable.

[@elizabethramsey4245]

Thank you for your review of the park we are headed to Universal Orlando the end of July and you've made me that much more excited for our trip

[@sedricgranger]

Great memories with my whole family here. I’m so thankful I got to ride dragon challenge fire and ice back when they were around!

[@cancelled148]

The toon area should turned into Glove World.

[@alianningson3829]

Thank you for your great video. I am going to Universal soon and this was the best review I've seen yet. Very thorough but not draggy. I just discovered your channel today and I am binge watching your videos. Thank you!

[@Andrew3455]

It's funny you say that about toon Lagoon. I think that's some of the most creative two-dimensional steaming ever. I would argue next to Harry Potter might be the most interesting and humorous. I absolutely love this area.

[@gvo.luckyy4742]

Hey! I have a school field trip in 8 days. I’m super excited so thank you so much for the quick guide and walk through

[@ThemeParkAvenue]

I love Islands of Adventure even though I don't normally like parks such as Disney or Universal. The rides are great and the theming is fun. My only issue is that Seuss Landing needs refurbishment. This is a great review and I'm happy to hear your thoughts.

[@bonolexington3518]

Haha Love It! Incredible Hulk Coaster was also my „fear-breaker“ coaster and probably at the same time as it was for you!

[@jerseyforhawks]

Just spent a half day with a two park access pass. I really want to return to explore all you just explained. Excellent epi.

[@mikefarristhegamebunny]

Islands Of Adventure combines Disney’s high tech theming with Busch Garden’s thrills. It also has more ride variety compared to Studios. However due to my size there’s not as much for me to do because I can’t fit on many rides. I get done with this park pretty quickly because of this. I end up spending more time in Studios. I view both parks as one instead of 2. That gives me a full day’s worth.

[@RanBelGaming27]

was here in october incredible experience can’t wait to come back!

[@thephenomenalone7982]

Islands Of Adventure is my favorite park I’ve ever been to The VelociCoaster was definitely a once in a lifetime experience for me Simply Phenomenal

[@themeparkenthusiast6892]

I think for the Hagrid’s extended Queue they should have you walk through Poseidon’s Fury! That would be awesome!

[@ariannay305]

Actually fun fact you don’t get to walk through Poseidon’s Fury but for the virtual line, depending how many people were able to get in the queue, they extend it all the way to the amphitheater where sinbad was held and it’s cool to see how nothing has really changed they haven’t done anything to it

[@agentM1991]

Thank you Taylor. A great review of one of my home parks here in Orlando. I am glad you have fun when you find your headed for Orlando for a visit. I hope one day we can meet sometime.

[@aaronroffman3987]

So much good stuff in this park. I always make sure I get out to Islands of Adventure even if I'm staying on Disney property. This is one theme park that truly has something for everyone, from intense coasters to family attractions. Also glad to hear praise for the Cat in the Hat ride. It's an underrated gem, being a near-straight reading of the classic Dr. Seuss book. A dark ride really is a perfect adaptation since it only takes a few minutes to read the book, meaning all the scenes are there and there's no bizarre lore or filler content in horrible taste (looking at you, live action movie!)

[@mvhernandez83]

I went here in 2018 and it was awesome! I mostly came here for Harry Potter but everything else is awesome! I went on The Forbidden Journey, Poseidon’s Fury and Jurassic Park: River Adventure. After I went to Universal Studios, I went to Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot! My trip to Orlando was amazing!

[@timjacoboski751]

Taylor: Gushing over Velocicoaster. Sarah: Am I a joke to you?!

[@DZstudios.]

Soundtrack for this park is Killer

[@lewisjenkins590]

Fantastic video ✌️ Extremely well put together 😁 Thanks!

[@msdukaaa]

Great Video! This is what I was looking for.

[@badmoonrising7795]

I have no idea why people would give a thumbs down for such a well made video!

[@loabenbozz7430]

I love this park! I’ve only been once but I plan to go soon in a few months! Haven’t been since Hagrids opened, it looks amazing

[@furionmax7824]

Good to know this place is still open I was about to call these places today so that way me and my girl can go here and galaxy's edge for our first anniversary

[@NatedamanYT]

1:30 I had I exact same experience, Hulk was THE coaster that got me into roller coasters.

[@shepp1526]

This nigga deserves a job at Universal. I love ur vids keep doin what u doin

[@dianac.1598]

I agree with you! I think it is waaaayyy better then any Disney park! Love island of adventure!

[@keziah5647]

Haven't been here in over a decade but Hulk, Spiderman, and Dueling Dragons were always so fun and memorable. Would love to get here again one day

[@Crisyllis27]

At 4:57, thanks for giving me a shout out! Lol! I actually do share the same name as the guy that portrayed Captain America!

[@cameronbyrd7671]

Tyler, a great review as always sir! IOA is a very well rounded park already, and its only about to get better this year. Its funny you bought up the Incredible Hulk broke your fear of coasters, because I still remember as a young lad being terrified by roller coasters. Just the noise of the Hulk sent me crying. Now, I love the attraction. For an idea of rethemes of Toon Lagoon, I know there was a Hanah-Barbara ride at USF back in the day; I think a land of it would work. Maybe having a Scooby-Doo dark ride or changing one the water rides to The Flintstones would work. I know the cartoons are a little outdated, but at least I think more people would recognize them. Plus, it adds another family section with they do need. Keep up the great content!

[@tjmthegreat4009]

I can totally see them changing toon lagoon theming but the facade for ripsaw is incredible. I love the vibe the area gives gives off and dont mind if it changes.

[@tyokabina2829]

This was very informative. Frankly if I want to go somewhere to look at a screen I'll go to the movies. Or a planetarium. Man Old comics don't get enough love...

[@MrPie]

Lost Continent got the shaft when it lost Dueling Dragons to Wizarding World, and then they made Poseidon's Fury more family friendly. How they haven't added a new attraction is puzzling.

[@sammorris6104]

I think IOA is still my favourite theme park in the world. I've yet to visit with Hagrid's available (or velocicoaster of course) but even before them it was stunning. The themed areas, the simplistic rides like Dr Doom/Storm Force, the laughably sadistic water rides, the excellent simulator rides that add to the lineup, rather than being almost the entire lineup as it is with Universal next door. I like the atmosphere, I've even quite liked the food I had there. That said I do miss the dragons, the enchanted oak and the old evening fireworks show. The first two arguably have suitable replacements now, but I feel like IOA is deserving of its own evening show of some kind.

[@brav141xd2]

12:53 Lost Continent used to be a mega area at the park. There is a sub area called Merlinwood which had Dueling Dragons and Flying Unicorn (now FotH). However, Merlinwood was replaced by the Wizarding World, and it shrunk the lost continent area a lot to just the modern lost continent.

[@ATLSloan]

Can’t believe you’re just now getting to an IOA review! IOA and studios combined, my #2 park behind cedar point

[@CoasterStudios]

I reviewed it back in 2014, this is a re-review!

[@coasterkeychain6852]

I love this park so much! It has really great theming, and the line-up is really good!

[@matthewborne]

Such an amazing park

[@Garwizzle]

I can't wait for my trip next month. I'll be going to Florida for IOA, Universal, and Sea World in the same week.

[@daviddebergh254]

Worked at IOA in 2013 then Diagon Alley at UO in 2014. Port of Entry music hits me in the feelings every time.

[@markreed9146]

Great video bro. I’m a UOAP and I think you nailed everything. Completely agree about toon lagoon. Interested to see what they end up doing with it one day, but first Epic Universe and fixing studios’ screen ride problem

[@ajaybalkaran55]

I 100% agree with everything you said Taylor. It’s one of the best themed parks ever

[@kylebicker7649]

I'm gonna go ahead and do a risky move. This is the BEST theme park in the world

[@coastercar]

11:21 Flight of the Hippogriff voted for best coaster of Universal Orlando Resort. xD

[@AMagicProduction]

Aside from Magic Kingdom, this is the most complete theme park in Orlando- every other park is “lacking” something, not IOA or MK

[@kiwikiwi2483]

Yeah unless you're really into roller coasters or... Killer whales (if that's your thing which is perfectly fine), Disney and Universal is really the only places a family needs to focus on. Two of the best theme parks in the world

[@epson999]

@@Bigrobkerr I mean, you can say that about most things...

[@epson999]

@@Bigrobkerr Well it seems like our national park experiences are quite different hahaha, waiting in line for permits, waiting in line for the shuttle, circling parking lots. Going to springs that are full or crowded, you know, all the things that are happening right with public lands and nps being over ran.

[@Michael-zs1oi]

I haven’t really even watched Harry Potter or have ever been into it but it’s definitely my favorite area in the park

[@Ryan_Playz-hi8sq]

Now I know all the rides at Islands Of Adventure. Thanks for the video

[@DTM1337]

Great review man, its changed a lot since I was last there in 2005 or so, I think I prefer how it looked in early 2000s tho from what I remember

[@The8BitNerd]

I think they should try to get the IP to Percy Jackson, and make a Percy Jackson themed ride in Lost Continent

[@diazatake6462]

That would be hella lit

[@vandersonvalley]

Hot butterbeer is my new favorite 🤩

[@rawhenrnh]

Yes! I always hear people talk about the frozen one. But there is no comparison to the hot one!

[@Herosadvisor]

This is the top tier review to beat

[@Realworldnews247]

i went here in 2000 i was around 12 years old, one of the best memories of my childhood, Peace from London UK

[@boilercoasters8442]

I love this park every time I visit, but I do agree that it looks so much better at night, especially Harry Potter land and dr Seuss land. And I can’t wait to see velocicoaster in person. Last time I was there, it was just cranes and dirt in that plot of land, and it’s crazy how fast they built this thing. Hope I can come back at some point in the next few years! PS... I’m probably one of the few coaster enthusiasts that has ridden pteranodon flyers

[@boblebovidge7049]

Hi-i and my companion did this park at opening year,1999-he had problems walking,so we got a wheelchair,but in the heat,I had to wheel him around,so on the 2nd day,we upgraded to an electric chair,great for both of us,especially as it let us use the much shorter lines for people who were physically challenged. He passed away in 2010,but thanks to you, I was able to re- experience much of the excitement and fun.he did the "hulk coaster" alone,but we both did all the rest of rides together. Thanks again_Btw, I'm now 83 y/o!

[@JbBSSYT]

I'm a Florida resident, I most recently went to this park in July of 2021, Ima be honest. Universal did a outstanding job with this park. the theming is accurate. My favorite ride there is the forbidden journey. Not only the forbidden journey is a masterpiece, its one of the most expensive rides.

[@matthewdhewlett]

I went to a youth conference in Orlando when I was in high school. My group was assigned to the Royal Pacific, and we could see Hulk from our window each night. We had tacked on an extra day to go to IoA anyway, and we got to use our room keys as line-jumper passes.

[@victoriamaier5844]

I love this park ! Thanks for video , it's great !

[@terrongd]

Awesome Video! Although, Dr. Doom fear fall was REALLY thrilling back in 2010

[@scs998]

If they ever get rid of Dudley Do Right's rip saw falls I'll cry

[@thecinematicmind]

Same

[@SynchronicitySequence]

That and Popeye are seriously my favorite rides in the park. It made me sad that he skipped over the rides

[@theonlydime9548]

I went to universal when i was 4. This video gave me a lot of nostalgia

[@queencancerous5332]

One of the greatest theme parks ever made

[@Wandering_Outlaw]

I have a similar feeling about Universal Islands of Adventure, it was amazing getting to ride Dueling Dragons and Incredible hulk definitely made an impact on me as a kid. I'm looking forward to going back and riding HMCMA and Velosicoaster.

[@jonny-b4954]

5:38 Never noticed the 5&Dime sign there next to Spiderman. Huh.... the things you don't notice even after 30-40-50 trips there. And yeah, I definitely love how Marvel is based on comics from back in the day. Late 90's. Nostalgia.... haha I still remember going in like 2002 before they even had the Vekoma family coaster and just being in awe. Don't think I had even hit puberty then hahah.

[@acowwithlegs]

This is my favorite theme park of all time

[@Camdennnn]

I had the same experience on hulk. That and dueling dragons made me love roller costers

[@priscillamarrero7392]

Love the review . 🙏🏼

[@freshtoast8489]

For me this is my favorite theme park. Period

[@jacobwilliams9531]

10:27 lol low key the designer of velocicoaster on the right

[@MrKillerRC]

IOA is awesome. I spent 5 days there in October. Had a blast. Hagrids is amazing.

[@ethanenglebright5872]

A helpful tip you should go to Orlando if you are into thrill rides. Universal Hollywood focuses more on filming. The best rude at Hollywood is the Film ride as it takes you through different sets and the Warner Bros. Studio

[@cursman1289]

Changed it to Jurassic world not long later😂😂

[@coastersandcars]

Rode forbidden journey this past December and got off with the worst headache and completely nauseous. It hasn’t aged well

[@clarkkoford5897]

no you haven't aged well haha jk jk jk most people i know get off that ride with a huge headache so i don't blame you lol

[@blakedorn24]

maybe you had a bad ride? I rode it in feb and it was great

[@noahberlin3953]

It is incredible at night! I also strongly recommend a visit to volcano bay even if you don’t love waterslides it os a magical place

[@CoasterStudios]

I'd love to visit at some point!

[@noahberlin3953]

@@CoasterStudios I highly recommend, even though I am a coaster enthusiast, I consider my time there the best day i have ever spent at a theme park!

[@thegals123]

I loved this video my band is taking a field trip there in a few weeks and my band is doing hogwarts house points win snacks and my besties and I can't wait to go here ❤

[@coastingthrills7297]

Do you think that dragon challenge should have been relocated?

[@CoasterStudios]

I would've loved to seen it get relocated! Its such a shame those rides are gone forever, but I do think Hagrids is the better ride

[@coastingthrills7297]

@@CoasterStudios I can fully agree! But think of the fact that Valleyfair could have gotten them 🥺

[@triple7marc]

@@coastingthrills7297 That’s just setting yourself up for disappointment. There’s no way Valleyfair would’ve gotten them. That’s like saying Gilroy Gardens should’ve gotten Wicked Twister.

[@coastingthrills7297]

@@triple7marc I was just making a joke about it, I know that Valleyfair would never have gotten them

[@jjgillmen]

I'm actually thinking of paying a visit to Universal sometime next month. I hope I can use this review for reference.

[@jessicalynn816]

Love this!! Do you plan to do these for all parks you’ve been to? Please!!

[@CoasterStudios]

I’ll be posting updated reviews for the parks I reviewed starting in 2014

[@sollamander2206]

I think I might prefer the comic book approach to Marvel Superhero Island. The aesthetic of all of the theming is really cool, I grew up buying and reading back issue comic books and it felt like you were walking straight into a panel of a 90's Marvel book. It transitions to Toon Lagoon pretty well stylistically. Your point about Toon Lagoon is interesting, I'm not sure how old you are but in the late 90's everything was marketed with baby boomer nostalgia so in a three year period there were live action versions of Rocky and Bullwinkle, Dudley Do-Right, and Josie and the Pussycats. They were all huge box office flops (although Josie and the Pussycats has gained a cult status) and completely faded from memory so Toon Lagoon seems like a weird relic of that failed microtrend.

[@andybondoir18]

Finally i found a vid thats so helpful..

[@nickcervenka8756]

Dr doom was the last ride I was able to fit into after losing enough weight so I like it for that, but yeah I was super disappointed. Toon lagoon was outdated when it came out. The water rides are awesome.

[@vgexpert20001]

The Lost Continent HAD 2 rides; Dueling Dragons and The Flying Unicorn...which were converted to The Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff when Harry Potter assimilated those parts of the Lost Continent. Lol

[@CoasterStrike]

Awesome Awesome Awesome, keep it up

[@poopydavis1358]

I feel that this park gets so many people in to coaster it did for me

[@michellemckay2420]

You are one of the people that make me want to travel to go to theme parks 😊 and the first one I want to visit A cedar fair park because I have only been to 2 parks Michigans Adventure,and Kings Island.But I want To visit Cedar Point or Kings Dominion any suggestions?