Every time I enter Islands of Adventure (IOA), I can’t help but notice the sound of the Incredible Hulk Coaster as it roars nearby. It’s a feature of IOA that is especially exciting to me. With that in mind, on this month’s visit to IOA I thought I would focus on the sounds that enhanced my experience. I was surprised to realize how much the sound, especially the music, played an integral role throughout each island and attraction at IOA.
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Arriving in the Port of Entry, not only could I hear the roar of the Incredible Hulk Coaster nearby but the music and sound effects reminded me of a far-away island from long ago. Birds chirping and the upbeat, adventurous island music even enhanced the visual impact of the buildings and props located throughout the entrance.
After leaving the Port of Entry, I headed to Seuss Landing. I noticed the seasonal Green Eggs and Ham counter service restaurant was open and several guests were waiting to purchase food.
The whimsical music playing throughout Seuss Landing was notably fun and helped set the entertaining atmosphere. The posted wait times for the standby lines at the Cat In The Hat ride was 20 minutes, 40 minutes for One Fish, Two Fish and 10 minutes for the Seuss Trolley Train Ride.
Transitioning over the bridge into Lost Continent, the music and atmosphere became exotic and majestic. The sound of the water throughout the various landscapes and attractions in the Lost Continent, especially Poseidon’s Fury, played a significant role in the experience of this island. Kids giggling at the Mystic Fountain and the sound of the bazaar workers enticing guests to play the games amplified the authenticity of this section.
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Because of the construction wall, I didn’t notice any changes in the construction area next to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — however, I know that Dan just updated his Harry Potter expansion of IOA page today if you’d like to learn more. Walking into WW0HP, not only did I transition visually into this magical world, but the sound of music from the Harry Potter series of movies immediately swept me into this great adventure. Entering the Dragon’s Challenge queue, music from the fourth Harry Potter movie featuring the Tri-Wizard tournament surrounded me. Not only does the incredible authenticity of the décor charm park guests but the sounds of the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey queue, including the talking portraits, would thrill any Harry Potter fan. Where else outside of the movies can you hear Dumbledoor, Ron, Hermoine, Harry and the Sorting Hat speak to you?
Other auditory experiences I had unique to WWoHP were Moaning Myrtle in the bathroom, the owls and clock in the Owlery and the Mandrake plants squealing while on display in a shop window. And don’t forget the live Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally performances on the stage throughout the day.
While I was inspired by the sounds of WWoHP, I noticed the posted wait times for the standby lines at Forbidden Journey and Dragon’s Challenge were only 45 minutes, and just 20 minutes for Flight of the Hippogriff. These wait times were pleasantly surprising considering how busy the WWoHP section was that day. Lines for butterbeer carts were considerably long.
Servers were even taking orders from guests in these lines, going into the Three Broomsticks and returning with their drink orders to serve guests more quickly.
Walking over the bridge from WWoHP into Jurassic Park is another transition from one world into another. Music from the Jurassic Park movie is heard throughout this area. I bought lunch from Pizza Predattoria and ate inside the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. After lunch, I walked along the jungle-like path, listening to the music and noticed that Jurassic Park River Adventure had a posted wait time of only 10 minutes.
Sound plays a major role in this attraction, from the dinosaur sounds and roars to the waterfall and the big splash at the end of the ride. In Camp Jurassic I realized that sounds were everywhere, making me feel like I was back in pre-historic times with hidden dinosaurs roaring, birds chirping and other primitive jungle sounds surrounding me as I made my way through the camp.
Crossing over into Toon Lagoon, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls was open after being closed for refurbishment during my last trip. The posted wait time was 30 minutes for the standby line. This attraction is chock-full of fun sounds including the explosions of water as you race down the steep hill in your log car.
Throughout this section of IOA the comical sounds and music give support to the fun attractions of Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, Me Ship, The Olive and the shops and photo opportunities. Even the squishing of guests’ very wet shoes enhances the humorous sounds heard as I walked through this section of IOA.
The last adventure, Marvel Super Hero Island, incorporated loud rock-n-roll music throughout the streets and the attractions. This music makes your heart pump faster which in turn helps you prepare for the thrills of the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, Storm Force Accelatron and the headliner ride, The Incredible Hulk Coaster.
Posted wait times for the standyby line for Spider-Man, Fearfall and Hulk were approximately 30 minutes each with Accelatron’s posted wait time listed as 15 minutes.
Returning back to Port of Entry, I could still hear the roar of the Incredible Hulk Coaster as the island music became the primary sound. I really enjoyed my trip to IOA this month, especially experiencing the park with a different perspective. I trust you will soon get to experience first-hand the sounds and thrills of IOA!
To learn how you can get the Islands of Adventure soundtrack for yourself, visit this blog post.
I hope you enjoyed this trip report. If you’d like to catch up on all our trip reports, click here.
Islands of Adventure trip report – photo gallery
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Very very nice article! Make me want to go back and do it all over again! Thank goodness when i go back i will have the chance to take my time to here the bathroom, get to eat at each lands food place! 😀 I say the contruction will be ready by next by christmas 2015! but the structure will already be built by this upcoming christmas! For the potter expansion! 😀
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!