Planning a Trip

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.

Ticket Prices

A 1-day ticket costs $75 (plus 6.5% sales tax) for adults, $63 for children 3 to 9. When this guide was published, Universal was also offering a 1-day/two-park pass for $83.99 (adults) and $73.99 (kids ages 3-9), as well as a 3-Park Unlimited Admission ticket good for unlimited admission to USF, IOA, and Wet 'n Wild with park-hopping privileges for 7 consecutive days ($99.99 for all ages -- the best bargain by far), among others. Using the print-at-home option, though adding $1.19 to your ticket price, can be a real time saver. Note that the type of tickets offered (and the various special offers associated with them) often come and go, so be sure to check Universal's website (www.universalorlando.com) when planning your vacation -- and, more importantly, your budget.

All multiday passes let you move between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Multiday passes also give you free access to the CityWalk clubs at night. Because the parks are within walking distance of each other, you won't lose much time jockeying back and forth, unlike the situation at Disney. Nevertheless, it's a long walk for tykes and people with limited mobility, so consider a stroller or wheelchair.

Hours

The park is open 365 days a year, generally from 9am to 6pm, though often later, especially in summer and around holidays, when it's frequently open until 9pm, sometimes later. Also, during Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights, the park closes around 5pm, reopens at 7pm (with a new admission), and remains open until at least midnight. The best bet is to call before you go so that you're not caught by surprise.

Making Your Visit More Enjoyable

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.

The Best Days to Visit

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