Gian Steinbusch
The Universal Orlando Resort is preparing several major changes across its theme parks and entertainment areas. Alongside new restaurants and an updated show, the biggest transformation will affect the Lost Continent themed area at Universal Islands of Adventure, which will gradually make way for an entirely new land.
Permanent closure of The Lost Continent
Major changes are coming to the Lost Continent area at Universal Islands of Adventure. Universal has now officially confirmed that the land will gradually close permanently to make room for a completely new themed area.
Originally opening with the park in 1999, Lost Continent was inspired by ancient myths and fantasy worlds and was long considered one of the park’s most atmospheric lands. In recent years, however, the area has gradually been reduced in size.
Back in 2010, the section surrounding the roller coaster Dueling Dragons was integrated into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The coaster itself later continued operating as Dragon Challenge before permanently closing in 2017 to make way for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
In addition, several other attractions disappeared from the land over time. The stunt show The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad closed in 2018, while the walkthrough attraction Poseidon’s Fury permanently closed in 2023. Since then, Lost Continent has mainly consisted of a few restaurants, shops and the well-known interactive fountain “Mystic Fountain,” while much of the original themed area has already disappeared.
In September 2025, demolition permits for larger sections of the area first became public. In the meantime, initial demolition and construction preparations have already begun around former attractions. So far, Universal has only referred to the project as a “new themed area” without revealing further details.
Part of the phased closure will also include the popular Mythos restaurant, which Universal says will close in 2027. For many years, the restaurant was considered one of the best theme park restaurants in the world.
What theme will eventually replace Lost Continent has not yet been officially announced. However, numerous fan theories are already circulating online. The most common rumors involve themed areas based on The Legend of Zelda or Pokémon, especially due to Universal’s ongoing partnership with Nintendo. So far, however, there have been no official hints supporting these rumors.
Thunder Falls Terrace to become new signature restaurant
The Thunder Falls Terrace restaurant at Islands of Adventure will close in summer 2026 and undergo a major transformation.
A new full-service restaurant will open in its place and is expected to become the park’s new signature dining location. The new restaurant concept is scheduled to debut in 2027.
Horror Make-Up Show to be reimagined
One of the most well-known shows at Universal Studios Florida is also being updated: the Horror Make-Up Show will temporarily close beginning May 12, 2026 for a major reimagining.
The updated version of the show is expected to debut later this year. According to Universal, the new production will feature both classic and modern horror franchises while maintaining the comedic style guests know from the original version.
New restaurant coming to Universal CityWalk
There are also changes coming to the dining lineup at Universal CityWalk Orlando.
The existing Hot Dog Hall of Fame will close in July 2026. It will be replaced by Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice, a new concept created by *NSYNC member Joey Fatone and his manager Joe Mulvihill.
The venue will offer a variety of creative hot dog creations, Italian ice and additional snacks.
More projects already announced
These latest changes join several previously announced projects currently in development across Universal Orlando Resort.
Among them are new dining concepts such as Five Guys and Luke Combs’ Category 10 at CityWalk, as well as the new roller coaster Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, which is scheduled to open at Universal Studios Florida in 2027.
With these numerous additions and changes, Universal Orlando continues its current expansion strategy, investing in both new attractions and the modernization of existing experiences.
Images: Universal Orlando Resort
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