Looking for ways to beat the heat at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure? Well, you’re in luck! Here’s a quick guide to the best ways to cool off at Universal Orlando Resort.
Islands of Adventure
Wet Rides
Not only are these some of the best rides and attractions in the park, they are guaranteed to cool you off on a hot day.
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls – You will get soaked…AFTER A 75-FOOT DROP!!! (Sound like fun?)
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – Not only are you promised a good soaking on the actual river raft ride, guests will be firing water cannons at you from the bow of Me Ship, the Olive.
Jurassic Park River Adventure – 1.5 million gallons of water are used in Jurassic Park River Adventure…any questions?
Play Areas
If you’re looking to get splashed or just looking for some air-conditioned fun, IOA has you covered.
Jurassic Park Discovery Center – This indoor oasis will have you examining dinosaur eggs, testing your DNA to see what kind of dinosaur you would be and maybe even witnessing a baby velociraptor hatch.
Toon Lagoon – From the water spouts at the entrance of Toon Lagoon to Hagar the Horrible’s water cannon you won’t have to try very hard to cool off here.
If I Ran the Zoo – A cage made of water specially designed for trapping beasts (or my little sister, Lily)?
Shows & Attractions
Both of these are great ways to cool off AND rest your legs.
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride – The queue is completely shaded and the train ride is an entertaining way to rest those tired frog legs.
The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad – This live action stunt show takes place in an open-air amphitheater and not being one of the guys in the exploding pyrotechnics really keeps things in perspective.
Universal Studios
Wet Rides
“Wet ride” rather, but it’s a Universal Studios original and lots of fun.
JAWS – I always sit on the left side of the boat. It seems to get the wettest.
Play Areas
I hope you packed a change of clothes because it’s impossible to fully enjoy these two play areas and not get soaked.
Curious George Goes To Town – Ever used a water cannon to fill a 500-gallon bucket? No? Here’s your chance.
Fievel’s Playland – This play area actually has a twisting, turning 200-foot long water slide!
Shows & Attractions
What Universal Studios lacks in wet rides, it makes up for in attractions that are either indoors or in the shade.
Shrek 4-D – At the very least, Shrek 4-D is a great way to spend 20 minutes in the air-conditioning.
E.T. Adventure – The queue weaves through an indoor forest and it’s always cool and refreshing. Lily loves it!
MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack – If you like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom, you will love MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack. The line (which may be long) is completely air-conditioned.
A Day in the Park with Barney –The show is 20 minutes in the shade and there’s hardly ever a wait. You’ll also be able to meet the big purple fella afterward.
In case you missed it, check out the first installment of this series...
Keeping Your Cool in the Disney Heat
Stay cool!
