Celebrating the 25 Year History of Islands of Adventure

In 1999, Universal Orlando Resort opened up their second theme park, Islands of Adventure.
Islands of Adventure was a major expansion and remains to this day the only non studios park built by Universal. Although, this is of course set to change very soon. In 1999, Islands of Adventure was unlike anything we’d ever seen Universal build. It was the earliest sign that the company was capable of creating highly themed immersive fantasy environments. Even after 25 years, parts of this park remain unbeaten in my opinion. From opening day offerings, to later additions, Islands of Adventure has shaped the theme park industry in major ways. So, how exactly did this park come to be and develop into what we know today?
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[@olgagachaphoenix9130]

This park will have a place in my heart. It's my first universal theme park trip from over a decade ago.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

It's so so special! Some of my favourite theme park memories are at Islands of Adventure! Thanks for watching!

[@Fiazco]

So many things have changed in this park.. No Triceratops encounter. No Dueling Dragons. No Poseidon’s Fury. But on the other hand amazing new Rides like the Velocicoaster. I still hope I’ll get there one day!!!

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Lot's of things have gone, but the recent new additions are great! Thanks for watching!

[@Drebe73]

Such a cherished memory following the progress of IOA building. Experienced the preview center and attended soft openings. Oh the simpler days of Universal. Wish I still had my photos from back then. Lost forever on an old flip phone. Though I do have some video footage from 1992.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Wow, that's so cool to have! What a special time to have been a Universal fan! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@StorybookAmusement]

Wonderful work!

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Thank you so much!

[@greatone33j]

Theme paaahh...woth no k...i love it 😂😂...Great video.

[@JuTseT11]

Great summary. Having been going to WDW regularly since when it opened in 1971 I did lose interest in the direction the company was going in the mid 90s thru today. IOA completely restored my love of theme parks and gave me the magic I so much longed for. And 25 years later Universal is still my favorite park and has not let me down. Looking forward to Epic. (By the way being as an American I love your accent and the way your completely ignore the K in park)

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Thank you so much! IOA is just so special! I can't wait to see what Universal have in store for us at Epic Universe! Thanks for watching! (& Haha! The accent thing is so funny, I've never noticed that and will try to remember the K in park in the future 😅)

[@AkiDave]

🔥🔥

[@JustThemeParksYT]

😄

[@maui3551]

This why Universal Studios is not afraid to throw money into their resort to make their guests happy and keep growing 💰

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Very true! It's unbelievably exciting to see a whole new park being built! Thanks for watching!

[@EjHobbs-lc5rr]

Awwesome vid....great job 👍😁

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Thank you!!

[@JAG_158]

Marvel Superhero Island always best

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Such an iconic land! You can't beat walking in as Hulk roars above!

[@djtik4016]

i miss the "Duelling Dragons"

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Me too! They were so good, especially when they actually duelled! Thanks for watching!

[@just-dashin]

WOO

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Woooooo! 🤣

[@topgunjoeicdbko]

Why cant they rebuild dueling dragons. Theres plenty of room for it

[@JustThemeParksYT]

I wish they would! I miss those coasters so much! Thanks for watching!

[@toastpoppin]

They're building a dueling coaster for Epic Universe. Hope that fills your need lol

[@LordRayken]

The Paaahaaaakk.

[@NESJosh64]

I don’t hear a k lol

[@greatone33j]

​@@NESJosh64Me neither 😂😂

[@RaiderNation84]

First. Baba booey

[@CobbleBompster]

😐

[@JustThemeParksYT]

🤣🤣

[@kasperr3043]

Second. Fafa Fooey

[@JustThemeParksYT]

🤣🤣🤣