Universal's Islands of Adventure

Today we visited Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park.  This is the first time we've been in this park.  The objective was to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but we didn't realize that there are actually 6 distinct areas to this park.  After walking through Universal's City Walk, the path splits.  The original Universal Studios Florida park is to the right and the Islands of Adventure park is to the left. As we continued through the entrance gate to the left, the first area was the Port of Entry.  This is a street of mostly shops.  At the end of the road is a lake and the 6 theme areas surround this lake. 

Entrance to Seuss Landing

We started by going around to the right, to Seuss Landing.   This was a fun surprise.   There is a carousel with all Dr Seuss characters instead of horses,  a One Fish, Two Fish ride, a Cat in the Hat ride, and a High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride.   Anyone who appreciates Dr Seuss will love the whimsy.  It made me feel like a little kid.

The Lost Continent was next.  We passed through here at first, but came back at the end of the day for the Eighth Voyage of Sindbad Stunt Show.  It was a typical theme park show, cheesy, but fun.

Hogwarts

The 3rd area was our primary destination - the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  The stores are a combination of Hogsmead and Diagon Alley, with Hogwarts above.   I was hoping they would have simulators, but the rides are all roller coasters and I'm afraid we aren't up to that anymore. It was fun to walk through though, and I got my very own wand, modeled after the one Sirius Black used.  We also got to watch the Triwizard Spirit Rally.

Flight of the Hypogryph

The next area was Jurassic Park, with dinosaurs and water rides.  We had lunch there and watched children on the Pteranodon Flyer ride, where adults are not allowed unless accompanied by a child.  The Jurassic Park River Adventure river raft ride looked like it would be fun on a warm day, but getting drenched in 60 degree weather didn't seem like a good idea.

Popeye

Toon Lagoon was next, an area themed on comic strip characters. Popeye and friends, Betty Boop and the Simpsons were represented.  These were mostly food places, like Whimpey's Burgers, Blondie's and the Comic Strip Cafe. 

The 6th park is Marvel Super Hero Island. We went on the Amazing Adventures of Spider Man, a ride enhanced with a 3-D Movie.  They also have a coaster and a free-fall, as well as a kids ride that is similar to spinning teacups. 

We ended the afternoon with a little souvenir shopping on the way out.  I remember when we were young and could spend a whole day at a park like this, from opening through to closing, but 5 hours of walking around was enough for today.  It's tough getting older.  We came back to our condo, put our feet up, ordered a pizza, and called it a night. 
We have a 3-day pass for Universal, so we'll go back and visit the Universal Studios park tomorrow.