Universal Bulldozes Hundreds of Trees as Expansion Begins at Longtime Theme Park

The Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure may finally be approaching its last chapter. New developments on the ground—and above it—suggest that Universal is quietly preparing to say goodbye to the long-underutilized area. While the company hasn’t made any official announcements about what’s next, recent activity strongly suggests that something big is coming.

Aerial photos taken just days ago reveal a clear path has been carved through a backstage section of Lost Continent. Once thick with trees, the area behind the closed Poseidon’s Fury show building and the defunct Eighth Voyage of Sindbad theater has been stripped down to bare dirt. It’s a move that signals more than just routine landscaping.

Construction walls have also popped up near Poseidon’s Fury, though no demolition has started at that particular building yet. Scaffolding now lines the bridge connecting the Lost Continent to Seuss Landing, and the themed railings have reportedly been removed—some for refurbishment, others likely for replacement.

The faux wood planks on the bridge have been replaced with fresh pavement. In all, the changes paint a picture of a land in transition.

Universal previously confirmed that it was beginning construction in the area to “ensure the area is ready for any future developments.” At the time, the company didn’t share any specific plans, but the recent filing of a permit describing a “renovation of an existing commercial use” across seven acres says a lot more than they let on.

That same permit includes demolition work on five of those acres, making it clear that Lost Continent isn’t being touched up—it’s being reimagined.

The Lost Continent has felt like a land frozen in time. When the park opened in 1999, the land was home to rich mythological storytelling, epic shows, and elaborate theming. But over the years, its footprint has shrunk.

First came the arrival of Hogsmeade in 2010, carving out a major section of land for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Then the shows began disappearing. Sindbad shut down in 2018, followed by Poseidon’s Fury in 2023. That left only a handful of gift shops and eateries to keep the area alive.

Now, fans believe Universal is gearing up to make use of this valuable real estate. The location couldn’t be more perfect—it sits between two extremely popular areas: Hogsmeade on one side and Seuss Landing on the other. Guests naturally pass through the space, which means whatever takes its place could benefit from guaranteed foot traffic.

So, what could Universal be planning for the space? The leading rumor has long been a land based on The Legend of Zelda. With Epic Universe launching Universal’s Nintendo properties in a major way, some fans expected Zelda to join Mario in the new park. But the addition of Zelda to Islands of Adventure instead would give the property its own spotlight—separate from the chaotic popularity of Epic Universe’s SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

Imagine wandering from Hogwarts into the lush kingdom of Hyrule, with temples, castles, and forests surrounding you. It could easily rival the immersion of the Wizarding World itself.

Of course, Zelda isn’t the only idea being floated. Pokémon is also a strong contender. A Pokémon-themed land could target younger audiences and include interactive features like “trainer” battles, meet-and-greets with characters like Pikachu, and even a Pokécenter-themed dining location. That kind of immersive, gamified experience would fit right in with Universal’s shift toward interactivity and high-tech environments.

There’s also the wildcard: The Lord of the Rings. Rumors have swirled for years about Universal acquiring the theme park rights to Tolkien’s universe. While nothing has ever been confirmed, a land inspired by Middle-earth could blend beautifully with the fantasy themes that Lost Continent once embraced. Guests could visit Hobbiton, venture through Rivendell, or brave the darkness of Mordor.

The challenge here would be licensing, which might explain why this one’s still considered a long shot.

Whatever the plan is, one thing is clear—Universal is serious about refreshing and reinventing every corner of its parks. The tree removal is just the first step in what will likely be a full-blown transformation. With Epic Universe open and drawing massive crowds, Universal has the perfect opportunity to go back and breathe new life into its older lands.

For longtime fans, it’s a bittersweet moment. Lost Continent was part of Islands of Adventure’s original lineup. Its themes of ancient myths and legends gave the park a unique flair. But theme parks evolve, and sometimes that means letting go of what once was.

In the coming weeks and months, expect to see even more visible changes. Construction walls will likely expand. More of the land’s former attractions and infrastructure may be removed. And at some point—maybe sooner than we think—Universal will finally announce what’s replacing Lost Continent.