Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
290
may be part of its charm—a couple of thrill junkies (after riding this one for the third
time in a day) revealed to me that this is where they head when they want the city's
ultimate adrenaline rush. For the best ride, try to get one of the two outside seats in each
of the eight rows. If you want to get into the front seat (for that extra jolt), there's a
special (yes, longer!) line near the loading dock so that daredevils can claim the first car.
Note:
Expectant mothers and those with heart, neck, or back problems shouldn't ride.
(Why aren't you surprised?) Riders must be at least 54 inches tall.
Eighth Voyage of Sindbad
Overrated
Frommer's Rating:
C+
Recommended Ages:
6-adult
The mythical sailor is the star of a stunt demonstration that takes place in a 1,700-seat
theater decorated with blue stalagmites and eerie, gloomy shipwrecks. The show has
water explosions and dozens of pyrotechnic effects, including a 10-foot circle of flames.
Younger kids may find some of the characters too scary, so a seat in the back may be in
order if you have tots in tow. Although it offers a rest for park-weary feet, it doesn't come
close to the quality of the Indiana Jones stunt show at Disney's Hollywood Studios
(p. 290).
Mystic Fountain
Kids
Frommer's Rating:
B+ for kids
Recommended Ages:
3-8
Located just outside Sindbad's theater, this interactive “smart” fountain delights younger
guests (and often amuses adults, too). It can see and hear, leading to a lot of kibitzing
with those who stand before it. But if you want to stay dry, don't get too close when it
starts “spouting” its wet wisdom. On the other hand, if you need a quick cool-off—go
for it.
Poseidon's Fury
Frommer's Rating:
B+
Recommended Ages:
6-adult
This is the park's best show—though with a lack of competition (there are only two
productions at Islands), that's something of a backhanded compliment. The story line
revolves around a battle between Poseidon, god of the sea, and the evil Darkenon. The
highlight is when you pass through a small room with a 42-foot vortex where 17,500
7
Tips
The Spell Is Cast
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is coming to Universal.” This announcement
(made back in 2007) sent fans of Happy Potter into a tizzy, and with good reason.
Interactive rides and attractions combined with themed entertainment, restau-
rants, and shops (think Diagon Alley), will recreate Harry Potter's magical mystical
world in meticulous detail. It's currently slated to apparate (that's debut for those
not familiar with wizarding lingo) late in 2010. At press time, the $200 million-
plus 20-acre park-within-a-park remains under construction (small sections of
which are quite visible from the Lost Continent), but it promises to bring Hog-
warts Castle, the Village of Hogsmeade, and the Forbidden Forest to life in signa-
ture Universal fashion.
