Some of the best places to take photos at Universal’s Islands of Adventure are seen all over social media.
I personally love my Instagram-worthy shots, but there are other locations I frequently choose to take my favorite pictures when at the park.
While you’re in the park, let the magic inside this Florida destination whisk you away on an adventurous journey ahead.
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1. The Pharos Lighthouse
Pharos Lighthouse is the epic landmark that greets you outside of Islands of Adventure.
This is one of my favorite theme park icons. It starts your day by letting you know that adventure awaits for you ahead.
Plus, it’s absolutely breathtaking at night making it one of the best places to get your Universal Islands of Adventure photos!
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2. The Incredible HULK Roller Coaster
The Incredible Hulk is a launch coaster that will greet you with a ferocious roar at 67 m.p.h. (miles per hour) when you make it inside of Islands of Adventure.
As you go through the queue, you’ll officially become a volunteer on one of Dr. Bruce Banner’s research experiments.
However, if roller coasters are not your idea of fun, then be sure to snaps all of your pics from the various angles of this EPIC ride.
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3. Truffula Trees in Seuss Landing
Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure is beautiful no matter where you go.
However, the Truffula Trees are a place in the park that you must go to get some of the best photos for your trip.
Not only are they whimsical in nature, they are also so colorful and they can really pop on your photos.
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4. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride (aerial views)
You have to ride the High in the Sky Trolley Train Ride on your Universal Orlando Vacation!
It’s one of the most unique theme park attractions in the world, plus you’ll get some of the most amazing aerial views of Islands of Adventure.
5. In Front of Mythos
Mythos has been voted “Best Theme Park Restaurant” for many years. Fans love the food and the vibe of this enchanted dining spot.
You are transported into a mystical grotto that features majestic rock carvings that look similar to the gods of familiar lore and spectacular, cascading waterfalls.
Plus, the iconic sculpture outside is perfect for a photo memory to add to your solo trip.
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6. Bridge Overlooking Hogwarts
Any view of Hogwarts is a must for your photo album, but the best shot comes from the bridge that takes you from the Jurassic Park area to Hogsmeade.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is one of the most amazing rides in the world because it actually takes you inside of the Hogwarts Castle.
A dream for EVERY Harry Potter fan making it one of the best places to get your Universal Islands of Adventure photos!
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7. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey queue
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has the best ride queue in Islands of Adventure!
If you’re a fan of the books, then you can understand my excitement.
I mean, you’re actually walking though places such as Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor Common Room and so much more!
You’ll definitely want to make sure that you get a few shots while waiting in line.
8. The Hogwarts Train Conductor
You absolutely cannot enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter without taking a photo with the Hogwarts conductor!
He’s always engaging and makes the Hogsmeade experience even more magical.
9. Flight of the Hippogriff Queue and Ride (aerial views)
Join Hagrid in his pumpkin patch and experience the magic of the Wizarding World on Flight of the Hippogriff.
I challenge you to find Buckbeak inside Hogmeade, bow to him, then snap your photo to complete your memory.
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10. T-Rex in Jurassic Park
Before you leave the Jurassic Park section of Islands of Adventure, you have to get a photo in front of the Tyrannosaur Rex and the famous jeep from the film franchise.
This is an iconic photo spot in all of Universal Orlando Resort, so be sure to snap this one on your trip!
11. Under the Many Toon Lagoon Cartoon Quotes
Toon Lagoon is an underrated area of Islands of Adventure and I wish it got more love from the theme park community.
There are so many Instagram-worthy spots for you to discover and fill your feed up with colorful photos.
So, make sure you take a few shots here on your trip.
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12. Outside Queue for Hagrid’s Roller Coaster Ride
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is another underrated photo spot at Islands of Adventure.
It has a gorgeous outdoor queue for you to get some incredible pictures of the Forbidden Forest and the ruins surrounding the Hogwarts Castle.
This makes it one of the best places to get your Universal Islands of Adventure photos!
13. Skull Island: Reign of King Kong
Skull Island Reign of Kong is another Islands of Adventure photo spot that you have to get for your theme park album.
I may not be a big fan of the attraction, but I do enjoy the tropical ambiance of the outdoor queue.
Plus, the entrance to the queue has the most detailed creation of King Kong in rock formation.
That adds such a fun and unique touch the attraction and the storyline.
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14. Photo with a Raptor at Islands of Adventure
Did you know that you can get a photo with a “real life” velociraptor? It’s true!
Over in the Jurassic Park section of the park is the Raptor Encounter.
Here you’ll be able to meet the famous raptor, Blue, with one of the trained professional of Jurassic World.
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15. In Front of VelociCoaster
When you’re done meeting Blue the Raptor, be sure to head over to the titan of roller coasters, VelociCoaster!
You cannot come all the way to Islands of Adventure and not get a picture in front of this Jurassic World inspired roller coaster.
It’s one of the best thrill rides in the country!
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16. Behind the Popeye Ride
Over in Toon Lagoon is one of the best water rides in Orlando, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges.
A hidden gem in located only a few steps behind it and behind the Me Ship, The Olive boat attraction.
It is back there where you can get some of the most EPIC views of Islands of Adventures.
Plus, it’s a photographers paradise and a great place to escape the theme park crowd.
15. Marvel Superhero Island
I added this whole land because it’s simply AMAZING!
There are so many things to look at and so many details across this colorful area of Islands of Adventure.
Not only do you get to experience the attractions with some of your favorite superheroes and villains, you get to create long-lasting memories with the many photo opportunities in this land!
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What to Know Before You Go Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Before you make your way out to Islands of Adventure, you may have a few questions that you need answered to make your trip go perfectly.
Your first question may be:
Can you do Islands of Adventure in one day?
You absolutely can do it in one day if you know where to start!
You can grab your FREE Islands of Adventure itinerary and guidebook here!
What are the Islands of Adventure hours?
Universal’s Islands of Adventure is opened 365 days a year 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the regular season and 9 a.m. until 9 p.m in the peak season.
Hours may change based on the busyness of the park.
How much is an Islands of Adventure ticket?
The cost of admission starts at $119*, but I like discounts so I use Groupon to find cheap Islands of Adventure tickets.
Now that we’ve got the basics of the park down, I want to show you how to conquer Islands of Adventure the right way!
What rides to do first at Islands of Adventure?
- Fly on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Join the Wizards on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Conquer VelociCoaster
- Experience The Amazing Adventure of Spider-Man
- Take a Dive on Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
- Discover Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Hipster Power Tip: If you find a ride or an experience that you’re on the fence about on day one, wait until your second day to try it out.
What is the best time to go to Islands of Adventure?
The best times to visit Islands of Adventure are:
- January
- February
- April
- November
These months are closely followed by March, May, September, and October as still pretty decent visiting times.
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My Final Thoughts on Universal’s Islands of Adventure Photos
I hope I was able to give you a few of the best photo spots to find in Islands of Adventure.
Remember to just have fun on your vacation and enjoy every moment of your journey!
Did I miss any? If so, let us know some of your favorite places to take photos at Islands of Adventure in the comments section below.
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
- First Timer Solo Tips for Universal Orlando Resort
- Universal Studios One-Day Itinerary
- Islands of Adventure One-Day Itinerary
- Diagon Alley Complete Guide
- Best Photo Spots at Universal Studios
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original date March 2018/Updated February 22, 2024)