Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
287
Fun Facts
Score One for the Park
Music at Universal's Islands of Adventure was composed specifically for the
theme park, much like a score for a movie. It's the first time such a large-scale
musical effort was mounted for a theme park, and it truly adds to the feeling of
total immersion in whatever land you happen to be in at the time.
TOON LAGOON
More than 150 life-size sculpted cartoon images—characters range from Betty Boop and
Flash Gordon to Bullwinkle and Cathy—let you know you've entered an island dedicated
to your favorites from the Sunday funnies.
Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls
Frommer's Rating: A
Recommended Ages: 8-adult
The setting and effects at WDW's Splash Mountain are better, but the adrenaline rush
here is higher (and so is the splash factor). The staid red hat of the heroic Dudley can be
deceiving: The ride that lies under it has a lot more speed and drop than onlookers sus-
pect. Six-passenger logs (they're pretty uncomfortable, especially if you have long legs)
take you around a 400,000-gallon lagoon before launching you into a 75-foot drop at
50 mph. At one point, you're 15 feet below the surface. Though the water is contained on
either side of you, you will get wet. Note: Once again, expectant mothers and folks with heart,
neck, or back problems should do something else. Riders must be at least 44 inches tall.
King's Row & Comic Strip Lane
Frommer's Rating: C+
Recommended Ages: All ages
Dudley Do-Right, Woody Woodpecker, Popeye, and other favorites from the Sunday
comics will have you rockin' and rollin' in the streets as they sing and make you laugh
during this several-times-a-day show. It's one to skip if you're on a tight schedule, but it's
a nice respite from the madness.
Me Ship, The Olive
Frommer's Rating: B+
Recommended Ages: 4-adult
This three-story boat is a family-friendly play land with dozens of interactive activities
from bow to stern. Kids can toot whistles, clang bells, or play the organ. Sweet Pea's
Playpen is a favorite of younger guests. Kids 6 and older as well as adults will love Cargo
Crane, where they can drench riders on Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges (see below).
Tip: The second and third decks of the good ship offer great views and photo ops of the
Incredible Hulk Coaster and some of the rest of Islands of Adventure.
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges
Frommer's Rating: A
Recommended Ages: 6-adult
This is the same kind of ride with the same kind of raft as Kali River Rapids at WDW's
Animal Kingdom, but it's a bit faster and bouncier. You'll be squirted by mechanical
devices as well as the water cannons fired by guests at Me Ship, The Olive (see above),
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