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Credit: UniversalBig changes are no longer just a rumor at Universal’s Islands of Adventure—they’ve officially begun. One of the park’s oldest areas, The Lost Continent, is now showing the first visible signs of its transformation, starting with the removal of a directional sign that’s been part of the land for years. What was once a quiet corner filled with ancient myths is on the verge of a major overhaul that will reshape the park’s layout and possibly its identity.
A Small Sign with Big Implications
Guests visiting the park recently may have noticed something missing near Treasures of Poseidon: the well-known sign pointing the way toward The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade has been taken down, according to reports by UPNT. The totem pole it hung from remains, but the absence of that sign says a lot.
Lost Continent Directional Sign Removed From Universal Islands of Adventurehttps://t.co/VV9nRTlDep
— Universal Parks News Today (@UniNewsToday) October 22, 2025
This may seem like a small change, but it comes at a time when Universal is preparing the Lost Continent for heavy construction. The company has filed permits covering seven acres of land, signaling something far bigger than just a cosmetic update. While it’s possible the sign was removed for refurbishment, it’s far more likely this is the first piece of a larger dismantling process.
An Iconic Land That’s Been Fading Away
The Lost Continent has been part of Islands of Adventure since the park opened in 1999. But over the years, it’s slowly been chipped away. Much of its space was taken over in 2010 when Hogsmeade debuted. Its major attractions, The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad and Poseidon’s Fury, closed in 2018 and 2023, respectively.
What remains today is largely an empty shell of a once fully themed land—an area many guests walk through without stopping. That “ghost town” feeling has made Lost Continent a prime target for redevelopment.
Universal Confirms Construction Is Coming
Universal isn’t hiding its intentions here. In a statement to local media, PR Director Kristen Smith said construction activity would be happening in the coming months to prepare the area “for any future developments.” According to permits, the planned work will involve demolishing at least five acres, clearing the way for a completely new land.
The location is a strategic one—it sits right between Hogsmeade and Seuss Landing. That’s prime real estate, and Universal clearly wants to make the most of it.
What Could Be Next at Islands of Adventure
The big question now is: what’s replacing Lost Continent?
For years, one of the strongest rumors has been a Zelda-themed expansion based on The Legend of Zelda. Fans have imagined walking from Hogwarts straight into the world of Hyrule, complete with themed dining, interactive quests, and a headliner attraction.
Other possibilities on the table include a Pokémon land or a Lord of the Rings–themed expansion. While nothing has been confirmed, Universal has made it clear this is not just a refresh. It’s a foundational transformation designed to bring a massive new IP to the park.
For longtime fans, watching The Lost Continent disappear will be bittersweet. It’s one of the last remaining pieces of the park’s original lineup. But Universal has shown time and time again that it’s willing to retire aging areas to make way for major new attractions.
With sign removals already happening and demolition expected to ramp up soon, this truly feels like the beginning of the end for Lost Continent. Whatever comes next—Zelda, Pokémon, or something entirely new—will likely redefine a huge section of Islands of Adventure.
And in typical Universal fashion, they’re not just clearing land. They’re setting the stage for their next blockbuster experience.