• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

Islands of Adventure

August 19, 2013 | family, Travel

I was provided with a mobile device and 3 months of free service from Verizon, however all opinions are my own.

When I was in Florida in July, I got the opportunity to go to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure which includes the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

islands of adventure

I am going to do a separate post on Harry Potter because there is so much to it, but today I want to tell you a quick overview about Islands of Adventure in general.

DSC_0735

While I did head to Harry Potter first, let’s skip that for this post and briefly touch on the rest of the park. I got sick the second time I rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, so my stomach was a little “off” the rest of the day, so I mainly did some picture taking and not much riding. I was also glad I had my new Blackberry Q10 from Verizon, I was able to sit and relax and check e-mails and get online to check on a few things while I waited in line for rides. (it also came in handy at the hotel with it’s mobile hot spot when I was using my laptop!)

I really loved the theming of Islands of Adventure. They had really cute shops and restaurants. Again, it’s a big plus to stay on property because you get an express pass (kind of like a fastpass) so you have much shorter lines than everyone else. Highly recommended!

DSC_0737

Seuss Landing was a fun kids area that brought me back to my childhood. I rode a little train ride that goes up in the air over the whole area, and the Cat in the Hat ride. All very cute, fun area for kids.

DSC_0738

DSC_0809

There is also a fun looking Popeye raft ride that looks similar to Kali River Rapids in Disney. I didn’t ride as I didn’t have my poncho and everyone looked soaked, but it looks fun and plan to ride next time!

DSC_0842

DSC_0845

I also liked the Jurassic Park area. Again, I didn’t ride, everyone was drenched, but I loved watching everyone come down the big drop at the end, soaking wet.

DSC_0791

DSC_0792

Yet ANOTHER water ride, this was over in Toon Lagoon.

DSC_0798

I walked through the comic area and past Spiderman.

DSC_0800

DSC_0803

There was a lot of screaming and I knew it was coming form this bad boy: The Hulk.

DSC_0806

You couldn’t pay me enough to ride this thing. No thank you.

DSC_0847

There are several other rides and cute things, but I just wanted to give an overview and not spoil all the fun for you. Smile  I enjoyed this park a lot more than I thought I would, and would love to have ore time to do more exploring (and bring a poncho!) Be on the lookout for my Harry Potter post!

universal

I would love to book your Universal vacation for you at no extra cost to you! Email heather@travelwiththemagic.com for a free quote!

QOTD: Have you been to islands of Adventure? Favorite ride?

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Miz says

    August 19, 2013 at 5:20 am

    again
    I want your job 🙂
    OOH or to be your ASSISTANT! Sherpa??

  2. Lauren says

    August 19, 2013 at 6:08 am

    The Hulk is my and my dad’s favorite roller coaster! SO much fun!

  3. Bonnie says

    August 19, 2013 at 5:10 am

    We went last year. I also got sick on the Harry Potter ride. The kids loved everything in Seuss Land. And my hubby and son loved the raft ride.

  4. Michelle says

    August 19, 2013 at 6:58 am

    I wore a poncho on the river raft ride and still got wet! It was fun though!

  5. Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly's says

    August 19, 2013 at 8:11 am

    I love Islands of Adventure, the Hulk and Double Dragons are my two favorites! Last time we went the Spiderman ride broke down while we were on it, and it was so weird to see the set with the lights on haha

  6. Kierston @candyfit says

    August 19, 2013 at 8:47 am

    Seriously, I need to spend a weekend with you!

  7. Frank@The Fat Runner says

    August 19, 2013 at 9:14 am

    If you don’t like Hulk (the roller coaster, not the character) then Islands of Adventure might not be one of your Orlando favorites. I mean, it’s mostly thrill rides (which I love) so people who don’t like that sort of thing could find themselves not doing a lot there. And you were wise to not try Popeye’s ride. You finish totally drenched!

  8. Pamela says

    August 19, 2013 at 10:27 am

    We were pass holders before kids and loved going there. My husband and i love all the thrill rides. You were wise to stay off the water rides. They get you drenched. Well, Jurassic Park isn’t that bad, but the others you look like you just came out of the shower fully clothed. I don’t think I could pick a favorite. I really love that park and the theming. Can’t wait until the kids are older so we can start going there again.

  9. Karen :0) says

    August 19, 2013 at 3:20 pm

    Looks like a lot of fun!! So many water rides…I wouldn’t have gone on them without a poncho, either!

  10. Beth Barbara says

    August 28, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    Sorry you felt sick after the HP ride-makes me nervous about going on it. I’ll tell you while the Hulk looks scary it’s over so fast you don’t even know what has happened! (Although it’s been 10 years since I’ve been so maybe I blocked it out). I do know from experience that Juraissic Park and Popye rides get riders SOAKED!

  11. engine optimization says

    October 13, 2014 at 12:51 am

    If you do not have interactive online forms.
    Stick to simple, it is also important that it does, search engine optimization then take
    that video and animation. Or does your website a place to go for a website?
    Sitehatchery is a great ideain their mind and bring targeted leads to more detailed subjects, attending face-to-face networking opportunities, public relations efforts.
    Merged chat as well as obtaining a great picture of
    why you must remember that copying and pasting can be used carefully and perfectly represent your business website for your
    business.

  12. search engine marketing services says

    October 13, 2014 at 7:44 pm

    But business was teaching Pilates, and send an item of
    data, memristors are also used to emphasize your company’s idea and value the user friendliness is vital to the challenge
    of lead generation creating website design. Beginner courses look at their portfolio and finding the
    best web design consultant. With GIFBuilder
    you can embrace this technology has lead generation been produced using readable fonts.

Trackbacks

  1. runningwithsass says:
    August 21, 2013 at 10:09 pm

    Islands of Adventure

    I was provided with a mobile device and 3 months of free service from Verizon, however all opinions are

  2. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter | Through Heather's Looking Glass says:
    September 11, 2013 at 7:32 am

    […] Back in July when I was in Orlando for work, I spent one night at the Hard Rock Hotel on Universal’s property and visited both parks. I already posted about Universal Studios, and it’s time for me to post about Islands of Adventure, specifically Harry potter (you can read abut the read of Islands of Adventure here). […]

  3. katy custom landscaping says:
    June 16, 2014 at 6:02 am

    katy custom landscaping

    Islands of Adventure | Through Heather’s Looking Glass

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Family Fun in Tuscaloosa: Your Ultimate Getaway Beyond Game Day
  • 5 Reasons to Try a New Way of Travel
  • Experience Superhero-Sized Fun at Gaylord Opryland DC Summer
  • Digital Nomads: Safely Working Remotely While You Roam
  • Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) as a Travel Ball Mom

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
🌴 GIVEAWAY ALERT!🌴 Ready to escape to para 🌴 GIVEAWAY ALERT!🌴 

Ready to escape to paradise? I spent a few dreamy days at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers, and I’m giving YOU the chance to win 2 FREE nights at this beachfront oasis! 😍☀️ #margaritavillepartner

Here are 5 things I didn’t expect to love so much (but totally did):
1️⃣ Fins Up Beach Club — live music, great drinks, and cabana vibes for days!
2️⃣ The Rooms — bright, coastal decor and ocean views that make you feel like you’re living inside a vacation postcard.
3️⃣ The Spa — a total hidden gem. My massage was next-level relaxation.
4️⃣ The Restaurants — from casual beachfront bites to more elevated dining, the food alone is worth the trip.
5️⃣ The Vibe — laid-back luxury with the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. It’s always 5 o’clock here! 🍹

✨ Whether you’re staying overnight or popping in with a day pass, Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach is pure island bliss.

🎉 Now YOU could win a 2-night stay!

🏖️ Prize: Complimentary Two-Night Stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach
⚠️ Blackout dates apply.

How to Enter:
✅ Like this post & follow both @HeathersLG and @margaritavillefortmyers
✅ Tag at least 2 friends in the comments (extra comments = extra entries!)
✅ Comment: Are you a pool or beach person?

🌟 BONUS (not mandatory) for 5 extra entries: SHARE this post on your stories and TAG me so I can see it!

Good luck — and remember, it’s always island time somewhere! 🌊🍹

Redemption Details:
Winner must book by August 31, 2025
Valid for travel between August 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway closes midnight July 25, 3025. Not sponsored by Instagram. 

#MargaritavilleResort #FortMyersBeach #BeachClubVibes #CabanaLife #SpaDay #BeachGetaway #ResortGiveaway #FinsUp
I’ve had an interesting first few days of being I’ve had an interesting first few days of being in my 40’s. A bit of a nerve wracking medical week I guess you could say. 

Have you ever had an MRI? Do you suffer from hearing loss? 👂 

#thisis40 #hearingloss #mri #inmy40s #40andfabulous
✨ This is what radiance looks like ✨ #ad Sin ✨ This is what radiance looks like ✨ #ad 

Since turning forty, I’ve been all about simple changes that help me feel strong, healthy, and confident — inside and out. 

Adding Organixx Collagen to my coffee each morning has been one of the easiest ways to support my skin, hair, and joints while juggling busy mom life. It blends right in and makes me feel like I’m doing something good for myself every single day. 

Because for me, it’s not just about looking good — it’s about feeling my best, staying active, and showing up for the people and moments that matter most. 
Radiance starts from within, and @organixxco helps make it part of my everyday routine.

🤩Use code HMONTGOMERY to save 10%! Link is in my bio.

 #organixx #organixxcollagen #CollagenRoutine #GlowFromWithin #BusyMomLife #ThisIsWhatRadianceLooksLike
I LOVE @disneyphotopass photographers! We have met I LOVE @disneyphotopass photographers! We have met some of the kindest most fun cast members while getting our pictures taken. 

If you don’t get pics taken with them often you probably won’t get this reel, and that’s ok. IYKYK. It’s all in good fun! 💚

What did I miss/forget?😆

#disneyphotopass #photopassphotographer #disneypics #disneyfunny #disneymeme
Follow me for more parenting hacks. 💁🏻‍♀ Follow me for more parenting hacks. 💁🏻‍♀️

#backtoschool #parentinghack #backtoschooltips #backtoschoolshopping
I turned 40 today. 🎉 Hitting a milestone like t I turned 40 today. 🎉 Hitting a milestone like this has me reflecting—not just on what I’ve accomplished, but on who I’m becoming.

I’ve always been driven to achieve, to push, to prove. But lately, I’ve been learning to celebrate presence over performance, connection over perfection.

Today wasn’t about checking a box or hitting a goal—it was about pausing, feeling grateful, and eating a ridiculous amount of cake with people I love. And honestly? That feels like growth.

Here’s to 40: more aligned, more grounded, and still a little extra. 😉

#thisis40 #40andfabulous #thankyoujesusfor40years #birthdaygirl❤️ #40andoverclub
Turning 40 tomorrow. 🎂 Big milestones always Turning 40 tomorrow. 🎂 

Big milestones always make me pause and ask:
What am I proud of?
What needs to shift?
Am I becoming the woman I want to be?

💡 As an Enneagram 3, I’ve always been wired to achieve — and for a long time, that meant shaping myself into whatever version I thought people would like best.

There are tables where it’s clear I’m not welcome — and that used to wreck me.
But at 40? I don’t do cliques. I don’t do shrinking or contorting to be accepted. 👀

I’ll always be kind. I’ll always be respectful. But I’m done dragging a chair to tables that were never built for me.

I’m moving over. Making space.
Creating my own table.

✨Who’s in?

#ThisIs40
#OwnYourStory
#ReelTalk
#Over30Club
#ChristianWomen
#PersonalGrowthJourney
#enneagram3

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d