Universal Orlando Resort has started the demolition of The Lost Continent land at its Islands of Adventure theme park. This action clears a five-acre area for future developments. The change comes as Universal Orlando continues to expand and update its attractions, aiming to enhance guest experiences and remain competitive with Walt Disney World.
Key Takeaways
- Universal Orlando is demolishing The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure.
- The five-acre area will be used for future park expansion.
- Mythos restaurant will remain operational during and after demolition.
- This move follows other major park updates and the opening of Epic Universe.
- New attractions are planned across Universal's Orlando parks and potentially in the UK.
Future Development at Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort officially filed permits on September 10 to begin the demolition of The Lost Continent. This marks a significant step in the park's ongoing development strategy. The affected area spans five acres within Islands of Adventure.
The company has not yet announced specific plans for the replacement of The Lost Continent. However, industry rumors suggest possible themes such as The Legend of Zelda, Wicked, or an expansion related to Nintendo. A Universal spokesperson confirmed to the Orlando Business Journal that demolition and construction will begin in the coming months. This work will prepare the site for "future developments."
Fast Fact
The demolition project covers five acres, creating substantial space for new attractions at Islands of Adventure.
The Lost Continent's History and Decline
Islands of Adventure first opened in 1999. It is one of four theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort. The park features eight distinct lands, including The Lost Continent, which was originally themed around "mysterious beasts and mythical gods."
Over the years, the appeal of The Lost Continent has lessened. Its main shows and rides have closed. Poseidon's Fury, a signature attraction, closed in 2023. The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad closed earlier, in 2018. Currently, the land includes two quick-service dining locations, seven gift shops, The Mystic Fountain, and the well-known Mythos restaurant.
"Removing attractions only makes room for new additions," a Universal representative stated, highlighting the company's continuous focus on innovation and guest experience.
Background Information
Mythos restaurant, a highly rated table-service dining option within The Lost Continent, will continue to operate without interruption. Its continued presence indicates Universal's strategy to retain popular elements while redeveloping other areas.
Previous Transformations and Future Plans
This is not the first time Universal has reimagined parts of The Lost Continent. In 2010, approximately half of the land was transformed into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade. This popular area now includes two restaurants, five gift shops, four entertainment shows, and four rides. This previous transformation demonstrates Universal's ability to successfully repurpose existing land for new, highly themed experiences.
Islands of Adventure is not the only park undergoing changes. At Universal Studios Florida, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster is also being demolished. This follows its permanent closure in August. This space will also make room for a new attraction.
- 1999: Islands of Adventure opens with The Lost Continent as a key land.
- 22010: Half of The Lost Continent becomes The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade.
- 2018: The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad show closes.
- 2023: Poseidon's Fury attraction closes.
- 2025: Demolition begins for the remaining portion of The Lost Continent.
Universal Parks and Resorts Expansion Strategy
Mark Woodberry, CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts, recently discussed the company's ambitious expansion plans. He spoke at the Bank of America 2025 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference. Woodberry reported that Epic Universe, a new theme park, has exceeded expectations since its opening. It has led to increased attendance and higher guest spending.
The company's other existing parks continue to perform strongly. Woodberry also mentioned a future expansion for Epic Universe itself. Additionally, plans include developing a new theme park and resort project in the United Kingdom. Universal is also continuing to invest across its three existing Orlando theme parks.
"There are multiple attractions in the works, not just at Epic, but when you have the three parks, the cadence of product delivery across the resort to continue to drive the resort is really a key part of our strategy going forward," Woodberry stated at the conference.
These investments and expansion plans are already yielding positive results. In the second quarter of fiscal 2025, revenue in the Content and Experiences division grew by 6% year-over-year. This growth was primarily driven by Universal Orlando Resort and the successful launch of Epic Universe. The theme parks alone saw their revenue increase by nearly 19% during this period. This data underscores the effectiveness of Universal's strategy to continually innovate and expand its offerings.
Revenue Growth
Universal's theme park revenue increased by nearly 19% in Q2 fiscal 2025, driven by new developments like Epic Universe.
