ORLANDO -- Universal Studios Escape's Islands of Adventure theme
park offers rides that aim to incorporate cutting-edge technology
with live-action thrills.
The 110-acre park, which opened last May, is divided into five
islands, each of which could easily take a day to explore,
depending on crowds.
The islands are Jurassic Park, the Lost Continent, Marvel Super
Hero Island, Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon.
Parents with young children may find themselves drawn to Seuss
Landing and Toon Lagoon, but there are attractions at each island
appropriate for various ages.
Jurassic Park island, for example, which was in the spotlight
during pre-opening advertising, is an incarnation of Steven
Spielberg's hit films.
Here, little children can pat a 24-foot-long, 10-foot-high
animatronic triceratops, while kids made of sterner stuff can
experience the finale of the Jurassic Park River Adventure.
Other Jurassic Park attractions include the Pteranodon Flyers,
the Jurassic Park Discovery Center and Camp Jurassic.
Arguably the hit ride of the park is the Amazing Adventures of
Spider-Man in Marvel Super Hero Island.
Called a "threshold attraction" by park officials, the ride
combines high-speed moving simulators and new 3-D technology,
putting a new slant on the term "in your face," as forces for good
and evil battle in terrifying proximity to guests.
During our visit, even our 10-year-old was overwhelmed by the
ride and confided that it was "too scary."
The waiting time, which can be 90 minutes, is mitigated by video
and audio effects that set the stage for the adventure.
The same child, however, loved the two other hair-raising rides
on Marvel Super Hero Island: Doctor Doom's Fearfall, during which
riders are yanked up a 200-foot tower, and the Incredible Hulk
Coaster, which shoots out of the starting gate from zero to 40 mph
in two seconds.
Younger children can enjoy tamer fare at the 10-acre Seuss
Landing, which features a twisting Cat in the Hat ride, a
Caro-Seuss-el carousel and the very wet One Fish Two Fish Red Fish
Blue Fish ride.
Also fun for younger children is Toon Lagoon, where all but the
youngest kids can have fun on the Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls
water flume; Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, a very wet
white-water raft, and Me Ship, the Olive, an interactive playland
with whistles, bells and water spouts.
Children who like mythology can find plenty of entertainment at
the Lost Continent island, which features Dueling Dragons, a roller
coaster with two intertwined tracks that loop and turn at up to 60
mph, with cars narrowly missing each other.
Poseidon's Fury: Escape From the Lost City offers a
special-effects battle between Poseidon and Zeus, involving some
350,000 gallons of water and 25-foot exploding fireballs.
Stunt show fans can take in the Eighth Voyage of Sindbad, which
offers six water explosions and 50 pyrotechnic effects, including a
22-foot burning wall of flame.
Dining options include the Green Eggs and Ham Cafe -with real
green eggs. (Parsley paste is used for coloring.)
Universal Studios Orlando
Phone: (800) 837-2273
Web: www.universalstudios.com