Loads of Potential But...
Written: Nov 04 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: incredible roller coasters, creative scenery
Cons: expensive, deteriorating attractions, frequent breakdowns
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| rmgood's Full Review: Universal Studios Islands of Adventure |
The truth is, because of Disney, Universal has to far exceed typical expectations with their theme park designs in order to compete. Universal Studios theme park does an excellent job but it has always been a one-day type of park. Now they are hoping to change that with the introduction of a whole new theme park experience: Islands of Adventure. They are certainly on the right track, but at $46 per ticket, they are falling a little short.
Universal's Islands of Adventure has tons of potential. The park layout and elaborate decorations surpass even Disney's creative flair. Islands of Adventure is divided into 5 different lands: Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, Suess Landing and the Lost Continent. The minute you step into Marvel Super Hero Island or Toon Lagoon, you feel as if you are inside a comic. The exterior of the buildings are colorful and unique. The pictures of the park alone made me anxious to travel to this theme park. And Suess Landing brings the outrageous imagination of Dr. Suess alive and in full interaction for young and old alike to enjoy.
So what's the issue? Well, the park is clearly designed for style and not for endurance. Many of these wonderful creations are crumbling, literally, so that the underlying styrofoam is prominent and distracting. I expected more from such a new park, especially one with such a high admission price. As for the rides themselves, they are split 50/50.
The roller coasters are state of the art. The Incredible Hulk, the Ice Dragon and the Fire Dragon are the best I have ever been on. Even so, 3 rides don't justify the price. Spiderman is another superb ride, however, it broke down 4 times in the one day I was there and from speaking with a few workers I learned this is a frequent occurrence.
In fact, several rides broke down that day. It could be a coincidence that so many attractions broke at once, but the crowds were not heavy and I would venture a guess that the park is still working out many kinks. I did manage to ride almost all the attractions in between their momentary shutdowns and for the most part I was a little disappointed.
Take the Ripsaw Falls, for example. The outside of this attraction is so unbelievable that I couldn't wait to ride this flume ride despite my lack of enthusiasm for water rides. Apparently the Universal staff spent all their energy on designing the outside because the attraction itself was nothing to write home about. If they were trying to rival Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom, Universal failed miserably. As I exited this ride, I didn't even have the satisfaction of a great ride to justify the fact that I was dripping from head to toe.
Poseidon's Fury is not quite as bad, but again a great disappointment. In an uncrowded off-season, I would recommend seeing the attraction because there aren't that many attractions to see really. However, if time is an issue, skip it and you won't be missing anything amazing. And unless you have young kids with you, forget the Unicorn roller coaster which is really nothing more than a place to sit and rest for 30 seconds.
Overall, I would have to say I'm glad I went to this theme park because if I hadn't I would've always wondered. However, I do not believe it is currently worth the admission price, although I do see a great deal of potential for its future. If you are planning a trip to Florida exclusively for Universal parks, I would suggest waiting another year or two to see what kind of additions and improvements they make to Islands of Adventure. And if you are only planning a short vacation to Orlando, I would say skip this park and enjoy Universal Studios theme park or one of the Disney parks instead. But if you are like most families and are planning a week or longer stay in Orlando and money isn't an issue, then Islands of Adventure is worth checking out.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rmgood
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Member: Raquel
Location: Minnesota
Reviews written: 89
Trusted by: 85 members
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