Universal Studios Islands of Adventure

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Theme Park:	Universal Studios Islands of Adventure (since 2001)

Address:	6000 Universal Blvd
	32819 Orlando
	https://www.universalorlando.com

Operated by:	Universal Parks and Resorts

Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida, opened in 1999 as the second theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. Rather than following the movie studio concept of neighboring Universal Studios Florida, the park was designed as a journey through a series of themed islands, each built around its own stories, characters and adventures.

Today, Islands of Adventure is home to some of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade features Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey as well as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, while Jurassic World VelociCoaster dominates the neighboring Jurassic Park area. Marvel Super Hero Island, Seuss Landing and the water ride Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls add even more variety to the park.

With its detailed themed areas and an excellent collection of roller coasters, dark rides and water rides, Islands of Adventure offers plenty to explore beyond its headline attractions. Even after more than 25 years, the original idea of traveling from one completely different island to the next remains a big part of the park’s appeal.

Reviews

Going back to Hogwarts

Highlights of the Theme Park

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls

A surprisingly wet log flume

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Probably the best roller coaster with a very long name

Harry Potter and the forbidden Journey

Flying through the air on robots

Incredible Hulk Coaster

Tyre driven madness

Jurassic Park River Adventure

A great water ride

VelociCoaster

The awesome launch coaster

TKathke January 20, 2024 August 15, 2026 Universal Studios Islands of Adventure

SeaWorld Orlando

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Theme Park:	Sea World Orlando (since 1973)

Address:	7007 Sea World Drive
	32821 Orlando
	https://aquatica.com/san-antonio

Operated by:	United Parks & Resorts

SeaWorld Orlando in Orlando, Florida, has been part of Central Florida’s theme park landscape since 1973. Originally focused on marine life, aquariums and live shows, the park has changed considerably over the decades. Roller coasters and other rides have become an increasingly important part of SeaWorld, adding a new dimension to the experience while the park has retained its focus on marine life.

Mako, Manta, Kraken and Pipeline: The Surf Coaster are now among SeaWorld Orlando’s major attractions and give the park an impressive roller coaster lineup. Animals remain just as much a part of SeaWorld, with sharks, penguins, dolphins, sea lions and many other species found throughout its aquariums and exhibits. Live shows, family attractions and additional rides round out the park’s offerings.

SeaWorld Orlando has evolved considerably over the years, adding major new attractions while staying connected to its original focus on the world’s oceans and marine life. The result is a park that feels quite different from the other major theme parks in Central Florida.

Reviews

Christmas at SeaWorld

Highlights of the Sea Mammal Amusement Park

Ice Breaker

The first quadruple launch coaster

Infinity Falls

A modern approach of a true classic

Journey to Atlantis

The first water coaster

Kraken

A very intense looping coaster

Mako

A very solid hyper coaster

Manta

Flying like a manta

TKathke January 14, 2024 August 9, 2026 SeaWorld Orlando

Parc Astérix

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Theme Park:	Parc Astérix (since 1989)

Adress:	Parc Astérix
	60128 Plailly
	https://www.parcasterix.fr/en

Operated by:	Compagnie des Alpes

Parc Astérix directly located at the A1 motorway between Paris and Lille nearby the Charles-de-Gaule airport of Paris is one of the largest theme parks in France. Along with the long forgotten theme parks Mirapolis and Zygofolis, as well as Big Bang Schtroumpf (Walygator Parc), Parc Astérix is one of the major French amusement park projects of the late 1980s. It was founded by a group of investors, including Barclays, Dumez, Accor, Compagnie générale des eaux, GMF and Union des assurances de Paris. With the fusion of the Musée Grévin-France Miniature group in 1999, Parc Astérix SA became Grévin & Cie. In 2002, the group was acquired by the Compagnie des Alpes.

The park based on the well-known comic book series Astérix by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny houses a large number of interesting roller coasters and family-friendly rides, shows and attractions. Due to its theme, the park is very immersive – especially for longtime fans of the comic books. In every corner of the park, there is something new to discover.

Fun Fact #1: There is a well-known phrase in the roller coaster community whereas Parc Astérix is either crowded or closed. It is therefore very advisable to check for opening times first.

Fun Fact #2: In addition to the typical theme park dishes and according to the theme of the park, Parc Astérix offers a wide range of wild boar dishes and other delicacies.