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Credit: Universal Orlando ResortThe winds of change are officially blowing through Universal’s Islands of Adventure. What began as quiet rumblings about future development has now turned into something far more concrete: Universal has confirmed that demolition is coming to the Lost Continent.
In a newly filed permit, Universal describes “renovation of an existing commercial use” across seven acres of this long-dormant land. And while “renovation” sounds tame, let’s be honest—this likely means we’re seeing the first steps toward a major transformation of one of the park’s oldest areas.
A Longtime Land on Borrowed Time
Lost Continent has been hanging on by a thread for years. Once a sprawling themed land inspired by ancient myths and legends, it began shrinking as soon as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter moved in back in 2010. When the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad show closed in 2018 and Poseidon’s Fury followed in 2023, the land was left in a weird in-between space—not quite alive, not quite abandoned.
The empty theater, partially dismantled but still standing, has become something of a symbol for the land itself. Guests passing through often remark how it feels like a ghost of Islands of Adventure’s past. Now, Universal’s latest filing essentially confirms what many fans have suspected for years: the area’s days in its current form are numbered.
Universal’s Own Words
Universal hasn’t exactly hidden what’s happening here. In a statement to local media, Director of Public Relations Kristen Smith said:
“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.”
That’s as clear as it gets without them actually naming a new land. The permit covers a significant chunk of space—seven acres—and will reportedly include demolition across at least five acres. This isn’t just a light refresh; it’s a foundation-level change that paves the way for something new and big.
Expansion Has Been on the Table
For months now, Universal leadership has teased expansion plans beyond Universal Epic Universe. CEO Mark Woodbury has said multiple times that while Epic Universe is a priority, every Universal Orlando Resort theme park has room to grow—and they intend to use it.
Lost Continent has long been one of the most obvious expansion targets. It’s prime real estate, sitting right between Hogsmeade and Seuss Landing. The infrastructure is already in place, and guests naturally flow through it daily.
For Universal, this isn’t just about refreshing a forgotten corner of the park—it’s about creating a seamless, high-demand experience in one of the most trafficked areas of Islands of Adventure.
The Leading Contender: The Legend of Zelda
For years, one of the loudest rumors about Lost Continent’s replacement has been a Zelda-themed land. The Legend of Zelda is a cornerstone of Nintendo’s library, and many expected this expansion to join the Nintendo lineup at Epic Universe.
But as that park neared completion, it became clear there wasn’t room for everything. Shifting Zelda to Islands of Adventure would give the property its own breathing room while also making Nintendo’s Orlando presence even larger. Guests could visit Mario at Epic Universe and then travel across town to explore Hyrule—a brilliant bit of long-term strategy.
Imagine walking past Hogwarts and into a lush, adventurous world of castles, forests, and familiar faces like Link and Zelda. Themed dining, interactive quests, and a major E-ticket attraction could make this a centerpiece land, potentially rivaling Hogsmeade itself.
But Don’t Rule Out Pokémon
Zelda isn’t the only Nintendo IP on the table. Pokémon has also been a fan-favorite contender for years. The franchise’s global popularity makes it a natural fit for theme park expansion. From character meet-and-greets to interactive “trainer” experiences, the possibilities are endless.
A Pokémon land could also bring in younger audiences in a big way, creating a strong contrast to the darker tone of Harry Potter next door. Imagine a Pokécenter-themed restaurant, walk-around Pikachu, and a headliner ride where guests “battle” in a stadium. It’s a merchandising gold mine and a guest magnet.
The Wild Card: Lord of the Rings
Of course, not all the speculation centers on Nintendo. One persistent theory has been a Lord of the Rings-themed expansion. Rumors of Universal pursuing the rights to The Lord of the Rings for theme park use have floated around for years, though nothing has ever been confirmed.
The sprawling landscapes of Middle-earth—Hobbiton, Rivendell, Mordor—could fit perfectly into the epic, mythological aesthetic that Lost Continent originally embraced. Themed food and drink alone (Lembas bread and second breakfasts!) could make it an instant hit. But licensing hurdles might make this one trickier, keeping it in the “outside chance” category for now.
Universal Is Playing the Long Game
Universal has been on a roll lately. Between the massive investment in Epic Universe and its ongoing efforts to modernize and refresh older areas, the company clearly isn’t slowing down. Demolishing Lost Continent signals a broader shift: Universal wants every inch of Islands of Adventure to be pulling its weight.
What Happens Next
The permit is filed, the statement is made, and the writing is on the wall. In the coming months, guests will likely see walls go up around familiar pathways and structures disappear one by one. Whether this new land ends up being Zelda, Pokémon, Lord of the Rings, or something completely unexpected, one thing’s for sure: Lost Continent as we’ve known it is about to be history.
For longtime fans, that’s bittersweet. This land was part of Islands of Adventure from the very beginning in 1999. But theme parks are living, breathing places—and Universal has made it clear they’re ready to build the next big thing.
And if the speculation is right? Hyrule, Poké Balls, or Middle-earth could soon be right at the heart of Islands of Adventure. Whatever’s coming, it’s going to be big.