Universal Islands of Adventure has long been one of my favorite theme parks in the world and especially in Florida. The rides have historically been more thrilling and engaging than its neighbor before the launch of Epic Universe and even today people visit for roller coasters, a chance to meet characters and heroes, and a delicious cup of cold butter beer.

Islands of Adventure Rides Ranked by Land

Marvel Super Hero Island

Long before Marvel was making billions at the box office and comic books were the main bread and butter for the business, Marvel Super Hero Island was one of the first places where fans could visualize their heroes come alive. Characters such as the X-Men, Captain America, and Wolverine walk around the park and there are plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a great place to find a gift for the comic book nerd in your life and although the land is beginning to show its age, the rides are still charming.

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: Despite the age of this ride, it seems its popularity keeps rising more and more. It’s a reliable way to escape the rain or heat and the ride is entertaining, even if it feels dated. I don’t get sick of riding it, but I’ll wait for the lines to shorten before going on. Score: 8/10
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster: This was my favorite ride at Universal IOA for a long time and when they reworked the ride I noticed it is much bumpier and uncomfortable than it was in years prior. That being said the line to ride is shorter than it was a long time ago and the ride is still worth a ride every once in awhile. Score: 4/10
• Doctor Doom’s Fearfall: This ride brings back memories and is one of the older rides in the theme park at Islands of Adventure. The views are not always the best depending on if you are facing the theme park or are facing the other way and the ride is quite short. The ride is showing its age. Score: 6/10
• Storm Force Accelatron: This is a fun ride for those with younger kids or high school/college age kids. Personally as an adult, I cannot handle the spinning anymore so I avoid it now, but definitely still recommend to those with younger kids. Score: 6/10

Toon Lagoon

This land was built when cartoons were still in their prime and long before a focus on live actions began to take the world by storm. The focus on comic strips and classic cartoons is still fun to see and the water rides here are the big draw, especially on a hot summer day in Florida. These water rides remain my favorites.

• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls: One of my favorite rides at IOA going back to my middle school days. The line to Dudley Do-Right can get quite long, but the ride is an adventure and there is nothing like seeing Hogwarts from this high in the sky. You will get very wet so be sure to have some flip flops handy and perhaps pay for a locker. The drop at the bottom is a rush as well. Score: 10/10
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges: Such a fun ride (just look up some videos on people getting soaked). The interaction with bystanders is always fun and just the general screams as people get wet. The ride is not too short and not too long and certainly better than competitor versions of a river rapid ride. Make sure to bring a change of clothes. Score: 10/10

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

When this land first opened, it was an iconic unveiling. Fans came from around the world to see Harry Potter come to life and to drink a butter beer (or two…or three). This land was one of the main reasons I owned a theme park pass in college. Much effort has been done since the original opening to maintain the park and keep up with the times as the world has evolved. Now with Harry Potter attractions around the world, it might not be as exclusive as it once was, but its still pretty cool.

• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: The best ride at Islands of Adventure but be prepared to wait for hours. The line can be unbearable and clear over two hours or more if you do not have an express pass. The ride itself is a rush and I highly recommend doing the ride early and also at night for a completely different experience. The speeds the ride hits are very enjoyable. Score: 10/10
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: When this ride first opened it was one of my favorites and I still have a nostalgic love for it, but the ride is showing its age and needs to be updated. The lines tend to be shorter nowadays, which makes it still worth the wait. Everyone should experience it at least once and more if you love Harry Potter. Score: 7.5/10
• Hogwarts Express – Hogsmeade Station: The best way to travel between Universal Studios and Islands Of Adventure. The line can get pretty long at times, but when its short, its such a fun way to get to another part of the theme park. You’ll feel like you’re inside the Harry Potter film or book. It’s also a good way to cool off when its hot outside. Score: 10/10

Jurassic Park

In many ways, Jurassic Park often feels like it belongs more in Universal Studios than at Islands of Adventure, but the thrilling rides are certainly not in sync with that park. You’ll get a nice slice into the iconic film series here. My only wish is that they expanded this land even more. It always feels like it ends too soon.

• Jurassic Park River Adventure(currently closed for renovations through November 2026): A classic adventure into Jurassic Park on the water. The ride has a big drop at the end that really makes it quite the journey and is it possible to get wet on the ride, though how wet really varies. The ride is currently being worked on. Score: 9/10
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster: One of the newest roller coasters at Islands of Adventure goes incredibly fast and zips you over the water and loops at high speed. Personally, its not my favorite ride and I feel the force does not provide a comfortable experience. It shakes quite a bit as well. This one can also get really long lines so take advantage when it slows down. Score: 6/10

Skull Island: Reign of Kong

This land doesn’t even feel like it should be recognized as one. The ride is disappointing, especially when you compare it to the iconic King Kong ride that was once at Universal Studios. You can walk right pass this ride and never even know you were in Skull Island. There is hardly any indication you are there.

• Skull Island: Reign of Kong: Maybe one of the worst rides at Islands of Adventure. The issue with this ride is that the show itself is not particularly entertaining and the ride is very short as well. I will hardly wait to ride and when I decide to it always feels like a waste of time. Score: 3/10

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Tickets are available to Islands of Adventure at UniversalOrlando.com.

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.