One day only at Islands...any advice?

[drricksullivan]

I will be helping a friend move from Tennessee to Orlando next week. We will arrive in Orlando next Thursday and they close on their home on Friday. They can't move in until Saturday pm....so, I have a day to kill....I am a 39 yo man who has done Disney about 20 times....I've never been to Islands of Adventure...I saw them building it several years ago...anyway, I will be by myself and thought I'd give IoA a run....I would appreciate any advice that anyone could give...I am staying at the Renaissance Airport through Priceline, so staying on property isn't an option. I am up for most rides and thought it would be fun to give Islands a 'warm-up' before bringing wife and kids at another visit.

Thanks

Rick

 

[robvia]

Get there early at 08:00am, park opens at 09:00am, and go clockwise.

Here's a recent thread on Theme Park Insider where people talk about it.

Being by yourself will give you a huge advantage. You can wait in row 2 of the coasters, and go for the front if it's open.

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/news/response.cfm?ID=539

 

[h20jag]

How 'bout taking different paths on your next swing around the park. Some are short-cuts and some can be long-cuts, but you'll always notice something entertaining everywhere you look.
Take a disposable little camera and click a lot of the stuff you don't see in the brochures (take precautions on the wet rides tho: i.e.- Dudley; Popeye; JPRA).
You'll be an IOA expert in no time! I envy your 1st time experience comin' up!!
Jim

 

[MsDisney]

Originally posted by drricksullivan
We will arrive in Orlando next Thursday and they close on their home on Friday. They can't move in until Saturday pm....so, I have a day to kill....I am a 39 yo man who has done Disney about 20 times....I've never been to Islands of Adventure...
Rick

You're going at a GREAT time! The parks are practically dead right now...so you should be able to go and really enjoy all that IOA has to offer! IOA has amazing detail, so be sure to take in the scenery...not just the rides! They really did a wonderful job with the theming in each area!
Keep in mind, though, that the park probably has Halloween Horror night stuff all around, so it's going to be "off" slightly and look a little different than normal...
Anyway, there are 3 wet rides, so if you can, wear a bathing suit and sandals or waterproof shoes of some sort, unless you mind walking around wet! They have lockers you can rent if you prefer to bring a dry shirt/shoes or something. But don't miss the water rides, they're very cool. (literally! )
Treat yourself to lunch in Mythos in the Lost Continent...ask for Kieren, or Joseph they're awesome and will take great care of you! It's a wonderful experience and I think you would enjoy the setting, service and food!

Touring should be a problem...the parks close fairly early so, like Robvia said, if you can get there early, by all means, you should! Be sure to see the Sinbad show...if they're running it, it's entertaining and relaxing (since you have to sit)

And happy hour at the Alchemy (in Lost Continent) and the Backwater Bar (Confisco's at Port of Entry) is usually from 3-5, it's a nice time to go in, cool off and have a 1/2 price domestic draft!
(I find the Alchemy to be a really cool place to go...the theming is really awesome there!)

Have fun!!! I fell in love with the park the first time I went!

Karen

 

[nhrenee]

The park's not all she fell in love with.

Defenitely keep an eye out for single rider lines. Get there early and go to Spiderman and Hulk before they get busy. When you ride Dueling Dragons get in the front row line. It's the best way to experience DD. (Make sure you look up, down and around on your way through DD's looooooong que.)