Review: Jurassic Park

So, can you tell us a little bit about this place?
This experience, at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, leads you through Jurassic Park’s iconic gateway and into a jungle landscape, where prehistoric close encounters await. The signature attraction here is Jurassic Park River Adventure, which starts as a deceptively calm cruise before—oops—your boat is guided into a raptor enclosure. The ensuing twists and turns lead to an impressive 85 foot drop with speeds of 50 mph. Let’s just say there’s a reason for those body-size dryer pods outside the exit.

Fun! What are some of the best attractions?
Test your bravery and come face-to-snout with Blue, the super-intelligent raptor from the Jurassic World movie franchise. Blue’s trainer hosts a meet-and-greet where photos and selfies are encouraged—but don’t turn your back on her for too long. Blue has a funny sense of humor, for a dinosaur.

How should we strategize our visit?
Take a break in the Jurassic Park Discovery Center, an interactive play space where you might get lucky and watch a baby velociraptor “hatch” in the nursery. The life-size Tyrannosaurus Rex and Alamosaurus fossils on display inside are actual props from the 1993 film. Dino-obsessed kids will love the exhibits; parents will appreciate the air conditioning.

That sounds cool. Anything else we should know before planning a visit?
Pteranodon Flyers, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the land, is only for guests with children; anyone taller than 4’ 8” must be accompanied by a child between 36 and 56 inches in height.