Theme Parks · Our pick in Florida
Universal Islands of Adventure
Home of Hogsmeade, 1999
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Benoît Prieur · CC0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Universal Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure opened in 1999, alongside Universal’s Portofino hotel and CityWalk, as a ring of themed islands around a central lagoon.
A second Universal park
Islands of Adventure opened in 1999, together with the Portofino resort and Universal CityWalk, according to Comcast’s company timeline. Instead of film sets, it was laid out as a series of themed islands around a lagoon, each with its own story, from comic books to dinosaurs.
The arrival of Hogwarts
The park changed for good on Friday 18 June 2010, when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade had its grand opening. It was the first Harry Potter land anywhere, with Hogwarts castle rising above the snowy roofs of the village.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade had its grand opening on Friday 18 June 2010, the first Harry Potter land (Universal Orlando).
Thrills and gentler rides
Islands of Adventure is known for its roller coasters, but each island also has gentler attractions, so families can split up and meet again by the lagoon.
Planning your day
Hogsmeade is busiest from late morning, so go there first or last. The park is a short walk from CityWalk and Universal Studios Florida.
Our advice: look back across the lagoon from the far side of the park. It is the best view of the castle.
Why it's on our list
- Opened 1999
- Hogsmeade and Hogwarts
- Big roller coasters
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Universal Islands of Adventure before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Universal Islands of Adventure are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Universal Studios Florida0.4 miWalk 8 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Magic Kingdom7.6 miCar or taxi 17 min