7 Top Secret Shortcuts at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

We’ve been spilling some of our most closely kept Universal secrets, and it’s time we let you in on a few more!

With all of the latest news about Universal’s Epic Universe tickets on sale alongside tickets to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay, making sure you’re making the most of your time inside the parks will be more crucial than ever! If you didn’t think there was any way possible to make your day at Islands of Adventure any easier on you, then you’re in for a treat.

Visiting Universal’s Islands of Adventure for the day can be exhausting on your feet if you’re not smart with where you’re walking! We’ve spent countless hours scouring every inch of the park to help figure out the simplest ways to help you have your own perfect day.

Over the years, these shortcuts have become second nature to us when visiting Islands of Adventure and now we’re sharing them with you!

Behind Green Eggs and Ham Through Seuss Landing

You were probably taught in school that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line but have you ever found one in Seuss Landing? Exactly!

Since this entire whimsical land is made of swirls and curves it stands to reason you might feel yourself meandering a bit on the main path through the land. However, if you’ve ever taken a second glance at the side of Green Eggs and Ham closest to the water’s edge, you’ll find that it’s significantly shorter a walk through the land rather than wandering around the winding path.

The Bridge Past Hogsmeade Between The Lost Continent And Jurassic Park

Rope droppers to the parks are probably well acquainted with this next shortcut we have to tell you about — but there are always those few who aren’t as keen on its powers.

It’s hard to ignore the gigantic bridge that runs between lands but even tougher to navigate it efficiently if you don’t know where you’re going. This bridge works several ways and can take you from The Lost Continent up through Jurassic Park where you’ll end up by the Velocicoaster entrance…

…or, if it’s Hogsmeade you’re destined for, you can take a right and keep going past the second bridge that leads out of Jurassic Park and straight into the Wizarding World where you’ll end up closest to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride that’s inside of Hogwarts Castle.

Cut Through Port of Entry Retailers To Enter & Exit

If the desire to get to your ending destination outweighs the wandering eye you might find while walking through the Port of Entry near the entrance of the lands, this next shortcut is for you!

Rather than take the path most traveled and venturing straight up the middle until you hit the “T” in the road to enter your first land, consider strolling up the sides! YES — taking the path through some of the retail stores like Islands of Adventure Trading Company or the opposite side’s Island Market and Export Candy Shoppe will save you on steps and time while coasting you by to get where you’re headed fastest and quickest. Trust us, we’re experts on this as it’s our most used shortcut AND the added bonus here is some wonderful moments of strong AC!

By The Water Through MARVEL Superhero Island

Just like its counterpart in Seuss Landing MARVEL Superhero Island has a trick up its sleeve! This majestic land is full of things to capture your attention but if you’re ready to be laser-beam focused, stick to the water’s edge!

This is another one where you’ll find it pretty bland to walk BUT you’ll come out right by the exit to the land on either side you’re coming from and escape all of the chaos ensuing in the unsuspecting crowd due to your genius.

Through The Discovery Center In Jurassic Park

Most people don’t realize an attraction can be used as a shortcut but we’ve recognized its full potential!

Whether you’re coming or going through Jurassic Park to Velocicoaster you’ve probably noticed a long winding pathway to get to the back of the Discovery Center and vice versa. What do you say to ditching all those extra steps next visit in favor of a few stairs going through the Discovery Center?

Sure, there’s plenty to do inside, but if you can stave off the urge to come back and explore there later, you could be saving a massive amount of time. PRO TIP: If you’re trying to get from one end of the park to the other, try combining this shortcut with the bridge we talked about earlier for maximum efficiency!

Wearing A Fanny Pack IS A Shortcut — Let Us Explain

This incredible shortcut is more of a ride hack that could save you valuable time. Planning ahead for a day at Universal really comes in handy especially if you’ve packed lightly enough to fit your entire day’s essentials into a fanny pack or belt bag.

By opting for this type of bag over a traditional backpack or Loungefly bag, you’ve reduced your need to stop by the ride or attraction’s locker system and the potential to get lost in the crowds renting and ending their locker use simultaneously. Decreasing your need for locker use could dramatically reduce your wait time especially if it feels like you’re fighting upstream just to rent a locker before you actually get in line. However, you may be asked to pull your bag to the side of your hip so the ride restraints are able to come down effectively but don’t let that catch you off guard!

Secret Path Between Parks

Okay — so this one is more of a bonus shortcut because it’s not always available to you but when it is, you’ll be SO glad you knew in advance to use it!

On special occasions, busier seasons, and certain times of the year a new pathway is revealed to visitors. Since you’re typically entering and exiting each Universal theme park through the traditional ways by the front and walking the full length of the trek past Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium and the Hard Rock Cafe, you’ve probably never noticed the pathway that was staring back at you the entire time.

During these times that the path is open, Universal Team Members will scan your park-to-park admission by the side of Circus McGurkus in Seuss Landing before allowing you to continue “backstage” through the parking lot that lies between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.

If you’re having a hard time picturing this area, this is typically the space used to usher visitors during Grinchmas to and from the theater to see How The Grinch Stole Christmas Musical show.

If you’re not just turning right around there and able to keep going to the opposite park, you’ll be brought right across the way and by the entrance queue for Minion Mayhem inside Universal Studios (hence why you needed to scan your park to park ticket before heading on through).

We’re keeping up with all the latest Universal news, updates, and everything in between! Be sure you’re following along with us so you don’t miss a thing!

Tickets Are on Sale NOW for Universal’s NEW Epic Universe Theme Park!

What other shortcuts do you use while visiting Islands of Adventure at Universal? Tell us in the comments below!

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