Planning a Trip

You can get information before you leave by calling tel. 407/224-4233 or 407/363-8000. Ask for information about travel packages, as well as theme-park information and discounts (Universal sometimes offers additional days free or at a deeply discounted price). You can also write to Guest Services, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819-7601.

Online -- Find information about Islands of Adventure at www.universalorlando.com. Orlando's daily newspaper, the Orlando Sentinel, also produces Orlando Sentinel Online at www.orlandosentinel.com. Additionally, there's a lot of information about the parks, hotels, restaurants, and more at the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau's website, www.orlandoinfo.com. Additional sites worth searching through include www.travel-insights.com and www.allearsnet.com.

Getting to Islands of Adventure by Car

Universal Orlando is a half-mile north of I-4 Exit 75B, Kirkman Road/Highway 435. There may be construction in the area, so follow the signs directing you to the park.

Parking

If you park in the multilevel garage, make a note of the row and theme in your area to help you find your car later. Parking costs $11 for cars, light trucks, and vans. Valet parking is available for $18.

The Best Days to Visit

Like Universal Studios Florida, it's best to visit Islands of Adventure near the end of the week, on a Thursday or Friday. The pace is somewhat fast Monday to Wednesday, with the heaviest crowds on weekdays and during summer and holidays.

Some Practical Advice for Island Adventurers

1. The Shorter They Are . . . -- Some 13 of the 14 major rides at Islands of Adventure have height restrictions. Dueling Dragons and the Incredible Hulk Coaster, for instance, deny access to anyone shorter than 54 inches. For those who want to ride but come with kids, there's a baby or child swap at all of the major attractions, allowing one parent to ride while the other watches the tykes. But sitting in a waiting room isn't much fun for the little ones. So take your child's height into consideration before coming to the park or at least to some of the islands. Think about splitting up for a while, then meeting up again a bit later.

2. Cruising the Islands -- If you hauled your stroller with you on your vacation, bring it with you to the park. It's a very long walk from your car, through the massive parking garage and the nighttime entertainment district, CityWalk, before you get to the fun. (Universal, however, does a good job of disguising just how long it is thanks to all of the covered walkways near the parking area.) Carrying a young child and the accompanying paraphernalia, even with a series of moving sidewalks, can make the long trek seem even longer -- especially at the end of the day.

3. The Faint of Heart -- Even if you don't have children, make sure you consider all of the ride restrictions. Expectant mothers; guests prone to motion sickness; and those with heart, neck, or back trouble will be discouraged -- with good reason -- from riding most primo attractions. There's still plenty to see and do, but without the roller coasters, Islands of Adventure is far less adventurous.

4. Beat the Heat -- Some rides require that you wait outside without any cover to protect you from the sizzling Florida sun, so bring some bottled water (freeze it the night before) with you for the long waits (a 75¢ free-world bottle costs $2.50 or more if you buy it here), or take a sip or two from the fountains placed in the waiting areas. Also, beer, wine, and liquor are more available at the Universal parks than the Disney ones, but booze, roller coasters, and hot weather can make for a messy mix.

5. Cash in on Your Card -- You can save 10% on your purchases at any gift shop or on a meal at Islands of Adventure by showing your AAA (American Automobile Association) card. This discount isn't available at food or merchandise carts. And tobacco, candy, film, collectibles, and sundry items aren't included.