Universal Orlando is officially moving forward with long-anticipated changes inside Islands of Adventure, with the resort confirming that construction work will soon begin in the long-dormant Lost Continent area. This ultimately paves the way for what could be the next big themed land inside the park.
The End of a Lost Era
Once a showcase of original mythology-themed attractions, the Lost Continent at Universal has been shrinking for years as new intellectual properties took priority.
The entrance to The Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure – YouTube, CityPedia
The land lost its first major draw in 2010 when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter absorbed a significant portion of its footprint. The closure of The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad stunt show in 2018 and the fan-favorite walk-through Poseidon’s Fury in 2023 left the area with little more than restaurants and facades to represent its theme.
Today, the remnants of the Sinbad theater still stand unused, and the elaborate temple from Poseidon’s Fury sits abandoned. Guests pass through the land more as a corridor to Hogsmeade than a destination of its own. For many, it’s felt like only a matter of time before Universal decided to repurpose the space.
Universal Confirms the Next Chapter
That time has now come. Kristen Smith, Director of Public Relations for Universal Orlando, issued the following statement to local media outlets:
“In the coming months, there will be construction activity in Lost Continent as part of site planning to ensure the area is ready for any future developments.”
People walk through The Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure – YouTube, CityPedia
While short on details, the admission is the clearest sign yet that Universal is preparing to officially retire the Lost Continent and replace it with something new. Permits filed earlier this month reportedly include a demolition plan covering more than five acres of land inside the park.
Why It Matters
The Lost Continent at Universal is one of the last untouched corners of Islands of Adventure. With Epic Universe opening earlier this year, Universal clearly doesn’t intend to let its two original parks stagnate. New lands and expansions will be necessary to keep crowds balanced across the resort.
The entrance to Poseidon’s Fury in The Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure – YouTube, CityPedia
By revitalizing an underused space, Universal can continue to add capacity and excitement without having to build an entirely new park. For fans, the news signals a long-awaited end to the “dead zone” that the Lost Continent has become. For Disney, it’s one more reminder that Universal is hungry to compete on every front.
The Road Ahead for The Lost Continent and Universal
So far, no construction walls have appeared, and no demolition has begun. But with permits filed and Universal confirming site work, the days of the Lost Continent are officially numbered.
The lost fountain in The Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure – YouTube, CityPedia
Whether guests will one day walk into the kingdom of Hyrule, the land of Oz, or an expanded Jurassic Park area entirely remains to be seen. What’s certain is that a new chapter is about to be written for Islands of Adventure.
How do you feel about Universal getting rid of Islands of Adventure? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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