Islands of Adventure beefed up the thrill aspect of the Universal parks, and therefore is popular with 'tweens, teens and adults. Nonetheless, it provides for all ages with comic-book motifs, a good selection of rides and blockbuster shows the way only movie studios can do 'em.


Pre-Schooler Favorites

 The best place for small children is "Seuss Landing," where they can take a ride aboard whimsical couches through the pages of the book Cat in the Hat, ride the "Caro-Seuss-el" merry-go-round and another squirt-cooled ride called "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish," watch a street show and get wet in the interactive playground. You can meet the Cat himself at the All the Books You Can Read bookstore. Stop for a bite at Circus McGufkus Café Stoopendous, complete with costumed characters, or Green Eggs and Ham Café, where, besides a green eggs and ham sandwich, they can order burgers and "frings" (a fries and onion rings combo).

Dinosaur fascination begins at an early age and although the "Jurassic Park River Adventure" ride is too much for small kids, they can ride on "Pterandon Flyers" (must be at least 36 inches; no guests over 56 inches unaccompanied by a child), pet a robotic triceratops, learn hands-on at "Jurassic Park Discovery Center" and check in to "Camp Jurassic" playground. "Flying Unicorns" (height restriction: 36 inches or taller) provides another smooth ride.

"Me Ship, the Olive" is a Popeye-themed play yard. To get an eyeful of park characters, stroll down King's Row and Comic Strip Lane in Toon Lagoon. Restaurants and shops here follow the theme with Blondie's, where you can order a Dagwood sandwich, Wimpy's for a hamburger today, Betty Boop Store and WossaMottaU for Rocky and Bullwinkle souvenirs.


Grade-School Winners

When your kids are ready for rides with more wallop, take them on the top pop "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man" (40-inch height requirement); the "Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls" flume ride (height requirement: 44 inches or taller); "Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges" (must be 42 inches or taller to ride); "Storm Force Accelatron," and - the ultimate - wet, wild and hair-raising "Jurassic Park River Adventure" (height requirement: 42 inches).

At this age, kids might enjoy stimulating shows such as "The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad" and "Poseidon's Fury: Escape from the Lost City." "The Lost Continent" may be a little dark - dungeons and dragons - for young grade-schoolers.

Stay for the nighttime pyrotechnic presentation usually held in summer and during major holiday seasons.
Adults traveling without kids will want to explore adjacent CityWalk, with its live entertainment, nightclubs and celebrity chef restaurants.



Terrific for 'Tweens, Teens and Upwards
Around age 10 the dare factor enters in, so it's time for Island of Adventure's top guns: "Incredible Hulk Coaster" (must be 54 inches or taller), "Dr. Doom's FearFall" (52-inch height requirement) and "Dueling Dragons" (height requirement is 54 inches).

Adults traveling without kids will want to explore adjacent CityWalk, with its live entertainment, nightclubs and celebrity chef restaurants. Within Islands of Adventure, Backwater Bar provides a pleasant al fresco area for watching and sipping. Enchanted Oak Tavern serves gnawing fare such as ribs and turkey legs.  Next door, Alchemy Bar brews its trademark Dragon Scale Ale. For fine dining within the park, try Mythos, set in a plushy cave with a menu of new American specialties.


Admission Options

 If you're willing to pay extra, you can save time in line and receive other perks at Universal Orlando parks. Universal Orlando offers two different tiers of VIP tours for its parks, both of which include benefits such as free valet parking, access to backstage areas, complimentary drinks, food and merchandise discounts. For $100-$120, plus park admission, you get a non-private, guided, five-hour tour of either park with priority entrance into at least eight major attractions. The Exclusive VIP Tour Experience lasts eight hours, and provides behind-the-scenes narration and priority entrance into attractions of interest to the group. It can be arranged for any time during regular park hours and costs $1,400-$1,600 per group of up to 12 at each park. One-day, two-park tours are also available for individuals at $125-$150 each or for groups for $1,700-$2,000, both offering eight hours of priority access to the parks' greatest attractions. Guests at Universal Resort properties also receive some additional admission benefits. For information and reservations, call 407-363-8295.

For more general information, log on to www.universalorlando.com.