One of the creative forces behind Islands of Adventure is none other than famed director, Steven Spielberg. Adding his magic to Dueling Dragons and bringing his blockbuster hit "Jurassic Park" to Islands of Adventure was a stroke of genius. This section of the park faithfully recreates the "Jurassic" environment from the film, and offers one of the best attractions you'll find in any theme park, the Jurassic Park River Adventure.

Jurassic Park River Adventure
Universal Express
Height Requirement: 42 inchesTaken from Universals sister park in California, this is a flume ride based on the popular film. You begin by taking a leisurely boat ride through tropical settings, and before long, you are stalked by velociraptor's and a T-Rex. The 85 foot plunge at the end is considered by many to be the best of any flume ride they've encountered. This will have long lines!!! If you want to REALLY get wet, stand alongside the Terrace Falls restaurant. As the boats come down the final plunge, they throw water to both sides, soaking this area.

Triceratops Discovery Trail Universal Express
Here you will get up close and personal with one of the best animatronics ever created. This 24 foot Triceratops looks, feels, acts, and even smells like a real animal. Subtle body movements, breathing motions, blinking eyes, and even excrement are all part of the experience. Open Seasonally

Discovery Center
This exhibit is divided into two areas.  The top floor houses "The Burger Digs" (a fast food restaurant), and the DinoStore (a gift shop).  A large spiral staircase (just like the one seen in the film) winds past two suspended dinosaur skeletons.  These are actual props from the film Jurassic Park.   On the lower floor, you will find several interactive experiences.  One area allows you to look through a view finder to see how a dinosaur would see (the units are actually attached to the sides of full scale model dinosaurs, and the heads move as you move the view finder).  You can also make 'noises' to hear what the dinosaur would sound like.

Another area features a three player trivia game entitled "You Bet Jurassic".  This fast paced, three player trivia game has four rounds that take about 5 minutes to play.  Their are 5 versions of the game, so those standing in line to play won't already know the answers when they get their turn. 

Against the back wall of the lower level of the Discovery Center is the 'hatchery'.  Here you will find a bank of computers for analyzing dinosaur eggs.  You place the egg in an analyzer, and attempt to discover what kind of dinosaur is inside.  In the center of the back wall, you will see several eggs being rotated.  An attendant will come out to check on them, then announce that one of the eggs is starting to hatch (see VIDEO CLIP above for this scene).  It's a remarkable sight, and very well done!!

Pteranodon Flyers
To experience this ride, adults need to be accompanied by a child between 36 to 56 inches in height. Note: Those over 56” tall must be accompanied by a child meeting this requirementThe Pteranodon's sport 10 foot wingspans and fly in a circular pattern with you on their backs.  This is part of Camp Jurassic, and as such is more of  a kids ride than anything else.  These flyers are also fairly high up, so those with a fear of heights may want to avoid this, as the flyers are open air.

Camp Jurassic
An exploration station for kids, complete with caves, lava pits and more. The big attraction here is the Pteranodon Flyers (mentioned above)

• Camp Jurassic Outpost – Closed
• Hair Wraps and tattoos – (located across from Jurassic Park River Adventure
• Dinostore - Dinosaur related souvenirs and toys (located inside the Discovery Center).
• Jurassic Outfitters - Jurassic Park River Adventure merchandise.

• The Burger Digs - The Islands best 1/2 pound burgers and chicken sandwiches.
• Pizza Predattoria - Personal pan pizzas.   Sandwiches, salads, deserts, beer and wine.
• Thunder Falls Terrace - Ribs, Chicken, Salad Open seasonally
• The Watering Hole - Enjoy Island coolers, Rum Runners and Margaritas. Daily happy hour 4pm – 8pm