Toon Lagoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure: Where Timeless Characters Make A Terrific Splash
Toon Lagoon is where nostalgia is literally making waves.
The water-park area of Universal Studios Orlando, Toon Lagoon combines favorite comic-strip characters with water rides, fine dining, and fun carnival games. This section of Islands of Adventure is a trip back to the good old days when the highlight of Sunday morning was going to church and catching up with Heathcliff, Beetle Bailey, and Blondie in the funnies.
An afternoon in Toon Lagoon is like unfurling that newspaper once again or clicking on the television set to your Saturday morning favorites (which were best enjoyed over a heaping bowl of Captain Crunch, of course). Perfect for basking in the glory of well-illustrated humor and introducing classic characters to the next generation, Toon Lagoon is a brilliant retreat from the live-action shenanigans of the modern-day.
Toon Lagoon: Comic Strips Come to Life
(Photo: merri via Flickr)
Pairing up cartoon characters with water might seem strange at first – after all, water and ink don’t really mix well – but when you realize a major star of Toon Lagoon is none other than Popeye the Sailor Man, all of the comic panels fall into place.
In addition to Popeye, you’ll also see references to Betty Boop, Flash Gordon, The Family Circus, and even characters from Rocky and Bullwinkle! With eye-popping colors and exaggerated lines, the architecture of Toon Lagoon will transport you straight into a comic strip. Frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if thought bubbles started appearing over people’s heads.
A lot of them would probably say, “I can’t wait to get on these rides!”
Depending on when you visit Universal, the weather is liable to be hot, which makes these water rides incredibly refreshing. However, if you’re not a fan of getting soaked, you’ll probably want to stick to the games, food, and shopping aspects of Toon Lagoon – it’s nearly impossible to stay dry otherwise!
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Dudley Do-Right of the Canadian Mounties is best known for foiling the hijinks…well, attempting to foil the hijinks…of the villainous Snidely Whiplash (whose favorite pastime is tying defenseless people to railroad tracks). The star of his own segment of the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, Dudley Do-Right is now patrolling the waterfalls at Islands of Adventure!
Join the intrepid Mountie and his horse (named Horse), on this log flume ride as he seeks to save his love interest, Nell, from Snidely Whiplash! As you float along the river which winds its way around the mountain, you’ll get to watch the fun of the chase unfold. You’ll pass by scenes of Snidely tying Nell to a railroad track and Dudley riding backward on Horse, all while experiencing several drops and grand splashes. The big finale involves explosions and a 75-foot flume whose spray will leave you decidedly drenched!
Be sure to take note of an Easter egg right at the end: Jailbird Snidely is trying to coax a beaver to bring him a set of keys.1 Seem familiar? Think Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World…
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Well, blow me down!
Pop open a can of spinach and get ready for a bumpy ride with your favorite sailor as he faces off against his arch-nemesis. If you aren’t already dripping from your adventure with Dudley Do-Right, then Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges will definitely finish the job!
Bluto has made off with Olive Oyl, and it’s up to Popeye (and you) to save her! Load up onto the circular, 12-seater raft and prepare to face raging white water rapids, a giant octopus, and a whole lot of water as you laugh your way past hilarious cartoon gags and funny signs. The raft is prone to spin as it’s buffeted by the current, so no seat is safe from getting soaked on this ride! But that’s all part of the fun!
High and Dry, Fun and Games
Even if you aren’t looking to make a splash with Popeye or Dudley, there are still some fun activities to check out in Toon Lagoon, including a kid’s play area and carnival games. And of course, we can’t forget about the most important part: the food!!
Me Ship, The Olive
This Popeye-themed play area is three stories of interactive fun! Me Ship, The Olive is named after Popeye’s sweetheart, Olive Oyl, and provides kiddos with slides, passageways, rope ladders, horns to honk, and helms to steer. The best part is the water cannons that overlook the Bilge-Rat Barges; kids are sure to get a giggle out of squirting unsuspecting riders!
Toon Lagoon Games
Located between Toon Lagoon and Marvel Super Hero Island, you’ll find a plethora of great carnival games, including the ever-delightful Whack-A-Mole, where you can test your skills to nab special prizes!2 These games are pay-to-play, so be sure to budget a few extra bucks if you plan to stop by. You can wile away the afternoon competing against family and friends, or try to beat your own personal record. (Or maybe, like me, you’re just in it to win a plushie…)
Food for Thought Bubbles
Even cartoon characters get hungry sometimes! If you need something to fuel your creativity or just the rest of your walk around the theme park, you’ve got a few different options!
- Comic Strip Café: Open for lunch and dinner, the Comic Strip Café has a little bit of everything! Cheeseburgers, salads, pizza, and even ramen is served here, so there’s something for everyone in the group. Additionally, you’ll love the larger-than-life comics plastered on the walls!
- Blondie’s: Although this double-decker sandwich shop is called “Blondie’s,” Dagwood is also a star of the establishment! Together, this fan-favorite comic couple creates mouth-watering, made-to-order sandwiches, including the famous Dagwood Sandwich.
- Wimpy’s: Perhaps the most relatable character of the Popeye franchise, Wimpy likes to enjoy life with a hamburger in his hand. Now you can enjoy your time at Toon Lagoon in similar fashion with a cheeseburger or plant-based burger and a heaping mound of curly fries! It’s also worth noting that Dole Whip Pineapple Sorbet is served here. Yum!
- Cathy’s Ice Cream: Looking for a really sweet treat? Join comic-strip character, Cathy, for a scoop or two of delicious ice cream. Or live it up and get a three-scoop sundae doused in gobs of hot fudge!
Shopping at the (Comic) Strip Mall
Find souvenirs of your favorite cartoon and comic characters at one of Toon Lagoon’s shops!
Wossamotta U generally carries merch for more recent, DreamWorks animated characters like Shrek and the adorable animals from Secret Life of Pets, while Gasoline Alley sports vacation garb and necessities like beach towels, sunglasses, and sandals.
For classic character merch, head on over to Toon Extra. Here you’ll find everything related to Popeye, Hagar the Horrible, Beetle Bailey, and more of your favorite ink-and-paper friends! Oh, and Betty Boop is so popular, she’s got her very own store!
Toon Lagoon is a fun place to spend the afternoon for kiddos and adults alike. The kid-friendly attractions and grown-up nostalgia make it a great combo for a family outing at Universal! There are plenty of fun references for fans to spot, as well as cute photo-ops throughout the area. Because Toon Lagoon had water rides, you may want to save it for the hottest part of the day as a way to keep cool or until the very end so you don’t have to explore the rest of Universal in soggy clothes.
Regardless of when you choose to venture through Toon Lagoon, it’s a truly pleasant blast from the past!
What’s your favorite comic strip? Let us know in the comments below! (I personally like Garfield, though my Dad is strictly an Alley Oop man, LOL!)
Cover Image
Photo: Theme Park Tourist via Flickr
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