Universal Orlando Could Say Goodbye to 4 Major Rides as Huge Replacements Take Shape

Universal Orlando Resort has spent the last several years proving that very little is untouchable.

Older attractions have disappeared, entire sections of the resort have changed, and Universal continues looking toward its next generation. With Epic Universe now open, attention can increasingly turn back toward Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

Several attractions across those parks are either already gone, dealing with serious problems, or showing their age. Some still have fans, but Universal also has to consider whether these experiences make sense for another decade.

Nothing guarantees all four will disappear. However, there are reasons to watch each one, especially when their potential replacements could bring much bigger franchises into the parks.

One Troubled Attraction Has a Difficult Road Ahead

Skull Island: Reign of Kong is one of the biggest attractions at Islands of Adventure, but its future has become increasingly interesting.

The ride has been closed for an extended period following damage to its massive King Kong animatronic. That figure serves as the attraction’s finale, meaning it isn’t a small piece of scenery Universal can simply ignore.

Even before the incident, Reign of Kong occupied an unusual place in the park.

It doesn’t generate the same excitement as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure or Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Universal is currently repairing the attraction, but its recent issues could eventually lead the company to consider a permanent closure and replacement.

One intriguing possibility involves Nintendo.

Universal could potentially use the area for a smaller land inspired by The Legend of Zelda. Another possibility sits closer to Kong’s current home, with Universal expanding its Jurassic presence through another Jurassic World attraction.

Neither replacement has been confirmed, but Kong’s current problems make its future worth watching.

An Empty Ride Building Creates a Massive Opportunity

Universal Studios Florida already has a replacement question it eventually needs to answer.

Fast & Furious: Supercharged permanently closed in August 2026, ending a run that never reached the popularity that Universal likely hoped for.

Its closure leaves Universal with valuable space for another attraction, and there is no shortage of franchises that could potentially take over.

Ghostbusters has emerged as an intriguing possibility, especially considering the property’s history with Universal. Other ideas include bringing Jaws back in a new form or reviving Back to the Future for a new generation.

More modern possibilities include Twisters or The Secret Life of Pets.

Each option could give Universal something with a stronger connection to fans. The question is whether Universal wants nostalgia, a current franchise, or something unexpected.

A Popular Ride Faces a Different Kind of Problem

Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges doesn’t have the same problem as Fast & Furious.

People actually enjoy it.

The Islands of Adventure water ride can be especially appealing during Florida’s hot weather, when getting completely soaked doesn’t sound so bad.

The bigger issue could eventually become Popeye himself.

Younger visitors don’t necessarily have the same connection to the character that previous generations did. As Universal invests in franchises with strong modern audiences, Toon Lagoon could become increasingly difficult to justify in its current form.

That’s where SpongeBob SquarePants becomes interesting.

SpongeBob has a stronger connection with younger audiences while carrying decades of nostalgia for adults. A SpongeBob replacement could preserve the idea of a major water attraction while introducing a character with broader generational appeal.

Popeye may remain popular on a hot afternoon, but popularity doesn’t guarantee permanence.

Another Classic Could Face the Same Decision

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls presents Universal with a similar challenge.

The log flume remains a recognizable part of Toon Lagoon, and its enormous final drop makes it easy to spot. Yet Dudley Do-Right doesn’t carry the cultural relevance of Universal’s biggest modern properties.

That could make the attraction vulnerable if Universal eventually rethinks Toon Lagoon.

One possible replacement would be Scooby-Doo.

Scooby has remained relevant through multiple generations, with animated series, movies, merchandise, and new projects keeping Mystery Inc. in front of audiences.

A Scooby-Doo attraction could also give Universal plenty of creative freedom, potentially building an experience around mysteries, monsters, and familiar villains.

There is no confirmed plan to remove Ripsaw Falls. But if Toon Lagoon eventually receives a major overhaul, both signature water rides would naturally become part of that conversation.

Universal’s Next Era Could Look Very Different

Universal doesn’t need to replace all four attractions at once for its parks to look dramatically different a few years from now.

One ride is already permanently gone. Another faces uncertainty after reported damage. Meanwhile, two longtime Islands of Adventure attractions occupy an area built around characters that may not connect as strongly with younger guests.

That gives Universal four very different replacement opportunities.

Whether the answers eventually involve Zelda, Jurassic World, Ghostbusters, SpongeBob, Scooby-Doo, or completely different properties remains to be seen.

But as Universal looks beyond the opening of Epic Universe, its older parks could provide the setting for the resort’s next wave of huge replacements.