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Credit: Universal / edited by Inside the MagicUniversal Orlando Resort has never been shy about making bold moves, but what’s coming next could shake up its parks in ways nobody saw coming. With Epic Universe now open and stealing the spotlight, Universal appears ready to tighten up its existing parks—and that means some areas at Islands of Adventure may not survive the decade.
Two entire lands are now on the chopping block, and while one has been rumored for years, the other would leave fans absolutely stunned.
The question isn’t just if changes are coming. It’s when. And as Universal continues to reshape its Florida resort, it looks more and more like two familiar parts of Islands of Adventure may be living on borrowed time.
Islands of Adventure: A Park of Many Worlds
Islands of Adventure first opened in 1999, and the concept was simple: give guests the chance to walk through different “islands,” each themed to its own world. From the bright colors of Seuss Landing to the prehistoric thrills of Jurassic Park, it has always stood apart from Universal Studios Florida next door.
The lineup today includes The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade, Toon Lagoon, Skull Island, Jurassic Park, Seuss Landing, Marvel Super Hero Island, and The Lost Continent. Each land tells its own story, immersing guests in totally different adventures.
But not every land has stood the test of time. Some have thrived, while others have lagged behind. And Universal has shown it’s not afraid to bulldoze entire sections when the time feels right—just look at how Hogsmeade replaced part of The Lost Continent in 2010.
The Lost Continent: Next to Go
If there’s one land everyone expects to vanish, it’s The Lost Continent. Once home to attractions like Poseidon’s Fury and the Eighth Voyage of Sindbad stunt show, the area now feels like a ghost town.
Poseidon’s Fury officially closed in 2023, and the stunt show bowed out years before that. What’s left today? A handful of out-of-date shops, a restaurant, and the famous talking fountain that entertains kids with its wisecracks.
It’s a charming spot to wander through, but let’s be honest—it doesn’t compare to the immersive rides and environments in the rest of the park. Low crowds make it feel even more deserted, and many first-time visitors skip it entirely without realizing they missed anything.
Universal has poured money into its other lands, leaving The Lost Continent frozen in time. That’s why it’s no surprise that whispers of its removal have gotten louder every year.
What Will Replace The Lost Continent?
The big mystery is what will replace it. Fans have tossed plenty of ideas, some of which could completely change the park’s identity.
One of the most persistent rumors involves The Legend of Zelda. Nintendo already has a home at Epic Universe with SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, but bringing another piece of the franchise into Islands of Adventure wouldn’t be far-fetched. A Zelda-themed land, complete with dungeons, iconic music, and a Hyrule Castle backdrop, could be a massive crowd-puller.
Others believe Universal could finally make a deal to bring The Lord of the Rings into the park. This long-discussed idea would let guests step into Middle-earth, facing orcs and dragons and maybe even walking through the Shire. Fans have been dreaming of this one for decades, and if Universal pulls it off, it could rival the popularity of Harry Potter.
Of course, the more straightforward route is to expand the lands surrounding The Lost Continent. Jurassic Park and Seuss Landing bump against it, and either could use more space. That option may not have the same shock value, but it would be the most practical.
A Shocking Removal
While The Lost Continent’s removal feels inevitable, the bigger shock is that Marvel Super Hero Island could also be on borrowed time. This land has been a fan favorite since day one, bringing classic Marvel comics to life with rides like The Incredible Hulk Coaster, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, and Doctor Doom’s Fearfall. The streets are filled with bright murals, costumed heroes, and that unmistakable comic-book energy.
But here’s the complication—Disney now owns Marvel. When Disney bought Marvel in 2009, it inherited all the characters, but Universal already had the theme park rights in Florida.
That’s why you’ll see Marvel in Orlando’s Islands of Adventure but never at Walt Disney World, where Marvel is still heavily restricted. In California, though, Disney has its Avengers Campus at Disneyland, complete with Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Black Panther.
The contract between Universal and Marvel is complex, and no one knows when or if it will shift. But if Disney ever does gain the rights for Florida, Marvel Super Hero Island could be forced into retirement. And that would mean losing one of Islands of Adventure’s most iconic sections.
A Future Without Marvel
So what would happen if Marvel Super Hero Island had to go? The possibilities are wide open, and fans have already started dreaming.
Some say Pokémon is the most likely candidate. The franchise is bigger than ever, and a land dedicated to catching, battling, and exploring with Pikachu and friends could be a massive success. Pokémon is part of Nintendo, and with that partnership already in place through Epic Universe, it feels like a natural fit.
Others have suggested Sonic the Hedgehog, another gaming icon with plenty of recognition and nostalgia. A Sonic-themed land filled with loop-de-loop coasters and speed-based rides could easily fill the space Marvel leaves behind.
And then there are the more offbeat suggestions. Could Universal build a land around Scooby-Doo and other classic cartoons? It would give the park a lighter, family-friendly space and tie back into Universal’s long history with Hanna-Barbera characters.
Whatever the case, if Marvel Superhero Island eventually disappears, Universal will want to replace it with something equally headline-grabbing.
A Park on the Edge of Change
Islands of Adventure has always been about bold ideas, and if these rumors pan out, the park could look very different in the years ahead. The Lost Continent seems to live on borrowed time, while Marvel Super Hero Island may depend on legal agreements beyond Universal’s control.
Whether it’s Zelda, Lord of the Rings, Pokémon, or something nobody’s ever guessed, Universal Orlando Resort seems ready to swing the axe and reshape Islands of Adventure. For fans, it’s both exciting and nerve-wracking—the end of familiar lands, but also the start of new adventures.
One thing’s for sure: Islands of Adventure won’t look the same forever.