Poseidon’s Fury is Island of Adventure’s hidden gem – DePaoli on DeParks

For a theme park that’s been around for over twenty years, Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort still has some spectacular attractions that have been a part of the park since opening.

When most people think of this theme park (voted #1 Amusement Park in the World by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2015-2019), they most likely think of the popular intellectual properties like Dr. Seuss, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, King Kong, famous comics and cartoons, and even the Disney-owned Marvel. But one attraction that is often overlooked is Poseidon’s Fury. This day-one attraction isn’t based on a movie, and therefore, is often skipped by first-time guests as perhaps not being a priority. If that sounds like something you might do, I beg of you, please don’t make this mistake.

Although Islands of Adventure still features an island (or land) called The Lost Continent, as it has since opening, this island location has shrunk since The Wizarding World of Harry Potter took over a good portion of its footprint. Luckily though, my favorite attraction in The Lost Continent is still around for guests to enjoy.

Universal Orlando’s website describes the current version of Poseidon’s Fury this way:

With the help of an archeologist guide, you’ll venture through the darkened ruins of the ancient Temple of Poseidon, Greek god of the sea. But once you’ve journeyed far beneath the ocean, you’ll find it’s too late to turn back.

Feel the fury as you’re caught in a colossal battle between Poseidon and the evil Lord Darkenon. Fireballs burst, lasers flash, and water erupts around you in this spectacular special effects experience. Will you make it back to the surface before the temple comes crashing down?

The best way to experience Poseidon’s Fury is by not knowing too much about it. Avoid watching this experience on YouTube before seeing it in person first. You’ll be grateful you did. Without giving too much away, I’ll say that you’ll get to walk through a water vortex, feel the heat of fire, witness large-scale water projection up-close and—one of the most surprising effects—stand in one location and seconds later, find yourself in a new, grand-sized environment. It’s an effect that, even though I now know how it’s done, I still love to experience. I can honestly say that the first time I witnessed it, it was among the most surprising and shocking experiences I’ve ever had in a theme park.

So why am I trying so hard to convince you to check out Poseidon’s Fury? Because the reality is that we now live in a world where theme parks rely heavily on IP-driven attractions. It’s very rare to have a big attraction that takes up a large footprint unless there’s some big box office property attached to it. For this reason, who knows how much longer Poseidon’s Fury will survive in Islands of Adventure. It’s the main attraction in the only non-IP themed island in the park. If you’re in Islands of Adventure, think twice before just walking by the Temple of Poseidon or you may regret missing the chance some time in the future.

If you’ve experienced Poseidon’s Fury, what do you think? Would you be sad if it went away? Would you rather The Lost Continent be taken over by a popular franchise? Do you have a preference between the various Poseidon’s Fury storylines?

---

Jeff DePaoli is a producer and voiceover artist living in Los Angeles. He can be heard as the voice of Disney Trivia on Alexa as well as the host of “Dizney Coast to Coast,” the ultimate, unofficial Disney fan podcast. Get your FREE gifts of “America’s Hidden Mickeys,” “On the Rohde Again,” “Theme Park Comfort Kit” and more at DizneyCoastToCoast.com.