The 25-Year History of Universal Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure Emerges

With Cartoon World now in the past, Universal was quick to change its plans for a second gate.

By the end of 1993, Universal had the replacement themes and tentative rides for its new park already selected. By 1994, the park was officially in development. The park would, “Take the industry to another level,” according to Mark Woodbury, chief creative officer.

The team of designers, engineers, technical coordinators, show producers, and many more got to work—not to mention a little help from the new park’s creative consultant, Steven Spielberg.

Hold Onto Your Plans

One of Spielberg’s blockbusters was an early keystone theme for the new park. Back in late 1990, Universal in partnership with Spielberg began developing a Jurassic Park attraction—years before the movie hit theaters. The ride was being built for Universal Studios Hollywood, also coming to Universal Studios Florida at some point. However, after Cartoon World fizzled and Universal needed replacements, Jurassic Park was considered for the new theme park.

And so it began: A Jurassic Park land was on the way. Possible attractions were to include the boat ride that was already in development as well as short-lived concepts such as a helicopter simulator and a Jurassic Jeep ride. These attractions were deferred for future expansion.

A Super Idea

Without Warner Bros., Universal was once again looking for new characters to license for the theme park. No Warner Bros. meant no DC superheroes, so Universal sought an alternative by reaching out to another comic book giant: Marvel Entertainment Group. Universal and Marvel came to an agreement, and legendary superheroes such as Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk were headed to Orlando.

Remnants of Cartoon World

Not all of Cartoon World was completely dead in the water; Universal retained the rights to cartoon properties from Jay Ward and King Features Syndicate. Universal also looked into using properties like Hanna-Barbera, Nickelodeon, The Simpsons, and Peanuts—all of which did not last long in development.

Another carryover from Cartoon World was the stories and characters from the mind of Dr. Seuss. One of the land’s Seussian planned attractions was Sylvester McMonkey McBean’s Very Unusual Driving Machines, which was a bumper-car-style attraction on an elevated track.

A Land Where Myths are Retold

Universal’s new theme park was mostly based on existing IPs; however, one of the lands would have original concepts based on ancient myths and legends.

Over the years, this land has been the source of an exaggerated rumor, alleging that a group of former Imagineers created this land by borrowing canceled Disney concepts from the never-built Beastly Kingdom at Animal Kingdom. It’s likely a tall tale—though an interesting one.

Anyhow, headlining the land of myths and legends would be a set of intertwining coasters known as Merlin’s Duelling Dragons (stylized as “Duelling” early on). In a similar theme, a show called The Magic of Merlin was also planned.

Another major attraction was Journey to Atlantis: a special effects show. Guests would enter an astounding nautical drill that emerged from the shores of the park’s lagoon. The name Journey to Atlantis, however, clashed with an upcoming SeaWorld Orlando attraction of the same name. Universal eventually renamed and revamped the show.

Another attraction concept was Curse of Pharos; Egyptian imagery was seen in an early version of the park’s logo.