Florida Tourist Attractions - Islands of Adventure, Orland

Considered by some to be the best theme park in Orlando, Islands of Adventure has better characters than the Magic Kingdom, better rides than Universal Studios, better food than Holy Land and better architecture than Gaudi's cathedral in Spain. OK, maybe that's going a little overboard, but just wait until you get on that Spider-Man ride.

Island of Adventure is the sister park of Universal Studios Florida, and most information, including admission prices, is identical. However, Guest Services (407-224-6350), disguised as the Open Arms Motel, does not exchange foreign currency, Lost & Found can be reached at (407-224-4245) or by calling them directly.

Some of the rides include:

- Marvel Super Hero Island

This is a thrill-lover's paradise, with 2 of the most unforgettable rides in Florida. Comic book heroes and characters patrol this area, so keep an eye out for your favorites.

- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

After the space shuttle, this ride may be the coolest thing in Florida. Hop onto the combination roller coaster/motion simulator quickly - Spider-Man needs you now! Super villains rendered in state-of-the-art 3-D are on the loose (jumping on your car and chasing you around with giant electrical plugs), and it's up to you and your favorite web sling-er to stop them. I don't want to give too much away, so just know that this is a spectacular experience. You must be at least 40 inches tall and children under 48 inches must be accompanied by an adult.

- Doctor Doom's Fearfall

This is less scary than it looks, which is great for timid folk but a bummer for adrenaline junkies. You'll be shot up in the air, which will take your breath away, and then dropped - but gently, and not very far.

- Incredible Hulk Coaster

One of those coasters with a surprise twist, which might turn you Hulk green if you're just eaten! Watch that first hill, Dr Baxter!

- Storm Force Accelatron

Another barf-o-rama, this one's on par with Walt Disney World's Mad Tea Party - only in the dark. Good luck with keeping down your last meal.

- Toon Lagoon

Continuing the theme of superhero-comics, old cartoon favorite come into life here with spontaneous shows, midway games and a truly soaking water ride. There's just something indescribable about seeing Popeye busting a move in the streets.

- Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls

The confused Canadian Mountie has his hands full keeping logs jam-packed with tourist from hurtling over the edge of - oh no - a massive waterfall! Be warned - you will get soaked on this boat ride, which probably has the best design of anything like it

The Adventure Of Adventure Map

 

So we all need a vacation at some point of the year, yes? And we all need to plan this vacation, right? But, is this not all an aggravating chore? I mean, firstly you need to find a location, secondly, you need to find the accommodation and after all of this, what do you do for fun there? Where do you take the kids? After all, you might think it’s your vacation, but let’s be honest; you go to where your kids can have a great time and give you the well deserved rest you have been seeking all year.

This, my friends, is the dilemma I have sat with year after year with. And being the good soul that I am, I thought I would help you with making this tedious task a simple and maybe even fun one.

Yes, that’s right. There is hope out there!

This hope I’m referring to has a name. It has the places all over Africa you are searching for. It has the accommodations you are looking for. It even has all the activities in the regions you are visiting. But best of all, it has all this and more on one website. Wait for it....wait.... here it is: Adventure Map!

I discovered this as I was searching and searching through countless sites. Sites that want subscriptions, credit card details and endless masses of redundant information. The beauty of Adventure Map is that there are none of these nuisances.

Of course, if you wanted to, you could create an account to get their news feeds and even write reviews. Obviously I did this. It really is brilliant. Simply log on, check out the area you want to holiday in, and there you have it. From there on it’s as simple as buttering bread. The area you plan on visiting will have activities for you and your kids, as well as attractions in the area...imagine that. No hassle, no dreading planning the vacation, just simply logging onto a site that has all of these options at your disposal. And my fellow planners, it’s so simple to use.

So next time, when you would rather plan to go to the in-laws because there is less hassle involved, remember to take this information to bed with you!