Universal Makes New 2028 Move as Major Islands of Adventure Demolition Continues

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Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure Pharo's Lighthouse during the day. Lost Continent Universal Orlando

Credit: Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort is moving quickly to demolish a former opening day land, as a new permit could signal the opening timeframe for what will replace it.

Bird's-eye view of Universal Studios next to thrilling scenes as an excavator tears down one of the park’s classic attractions. Lost Continent demolition Universal Orlando
Credit: Inside The Magic

Universal Extends Islands of Adventure Construction Filing Into 2028 as Historic Land Disappears

Universal Orlando Resort has taken another documented step involving construction at Islands of Adventure, extending an existing legal filing more than 15 months beyond its original expiration date.

The amendment arrives as demolition continues transforming The Lost Continent, one of the park’s original themed lands. Although Universal has yet to reveal the area’s complete replacement plans, the newly amended document provides another development to watch.

And this time, the paperwork carries a date stretching into 2028.

lost continent in islands of adventure universal
Credit: Universal

Universal Orlando Extends Islands of Adventure Construction Notice Into 2028

An amended Notice of Commencement associated with Universal’s Islands of Adventure extends an existing filing’s expiration date from November 17, 2026, to February 28, 2028.

Here is a photo of the permit:

Amended Notice of Commencement for demolition of the Universal property near Islands of Adventure.
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

The document, notarized November 11, 2026, identifies Universal City Development Partners, Ltd. as the property owner and PCL Construction Services, Inc. as the contractor.

The description of improvements remains “Pre-Construction Services.”

Importantly, this is an amendment to an existing notice, not confirmation of an entirely new construction project. The original filing was recorded November 17, 2025, and the latest document specifically addresses its expiration date.

Inside the Magic previously covered the original Islands of Adventure construction filing, which similarly identified PCL Construction Services without naming an individual attraction.

The extension keeps that existing notice legally effective through February 2028. However, it does not establish that construction will continue uninterrupted until then or that a new attraction will open that year.

Still, the timing is noteworthy given the physical changes already unfolding elsewhere throughout Islands of Adventure.

A split image showcases the Islands of Adventure entrance sign on the left, while on the right, a detailed stone sculpture of a face with water flowing from its mouth highlights the park’s incredible theming across entire lands.
Credit: Inside the Magic

Major Demolition Continues Transforming The Lost Continent

Universal’s latest paperwork arrives during one of the most substantial transformations of The Lost Continent since Islands of Adventure opened in 1999.

Much of the area’s original identity has disappeared, including attractions inspired by ancient mythology and elaborate fantasy environments.

The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad closed in 2018, followed by Poseidon’s Fury in 2023. Both former attraction sites have since experienced significant demolition.

Earlier this year, Universal demolished the former Sindbad theater, removing a massive structure that had remained standing long after its final performance.

Construction activity subsequently reached Poseidon’s Fury, with its recognizable entrance features and former show building disappearing.

Additional changes followed as construction walls expanded across The Lost Continent, restricting access to other locations and facilities.

By September, more original themed structures were being removed.

These developments demonstrate the scale of Universal’s ongoing transformation. However, none independently establishes a connection between The Lost Continent demolition and the newly amended PCL Construction filing

The Lost Continent area in Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure theme park, showing a trident near a show building.
Credit: Universal

Why Universal’s Newly Extended 2028 Filing Matters

The distinction between a legal expiration date and a construction deadline is particularly important here.

A Notice of Commencement is associated with improvements to a property. Extending its expiration can preserve the notice’s effectiveness without establishing a new construction schedule.

The amended document identifies Universal City Florida Lot 6A, a property designation associated with a substantial portion of Islands of Adventure.

Because that property encompasses multiple facilities, the filing cannot independently identify the specific location or attraction involved.

The February 2028 date therefore offers insight into Universal’s continuing construction-related administration, but not a definitive timeline for whatever ultimately replaces The Lost Continent.

It also does not reveal a construction budget, attraction concept, or opening date.

For fans following the redevelopment, that leaves an important distinction: Universal has taken another formal administrative step, while the precise purpose of the associated work remains undisclosed.

Concept art for the new logo for Islands of Adventures at Universal Orlando Resort
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Another Islands of Adventure Project Adds to the Changes

The extended notice also arrives alongside other documented construction developments at Universal’s original second theme park.

On November 13, Inside the Magic reported a separate $6 million Islands of Adventure enhancement project, raising additional questions about changes involving existing park facilities.

That project concerns a different construction development. There is currently no established connection between the $6 million work and the amended PCL Construction notice.

Taken together, the reports illustrate how construction and redevelopment activity is affecting more than one portion of Islands of Adventure.

However, the projects should not be treated as interchangeable or combined into a single confirmed expansion.

The exterior of Poseidon's Fury, inside The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure.
Credit: Universal

What Islands of Adventure Guests Should Expect Next

For Universal Orlando visitors planning trips in 2027 or 2028, the amended filing does not announce additional closures, new attractions, or changes to park admission.

It also provides no basis for predicting when construction walls will disappear or when a replacement experience might welcome guests.

Universal has not revealed a complete attraction lineup or opening schedule for The Lost Continent’s replacement.

Until those details emerge, guests should consult Universal Orlando’s official park information and attraction listings when preparing their visits.

The larger question remains unanswered: what exactly will emerge from one of Islands of Adventure’s most significant transformations?

For now, Universal’s newly extended filing adds another documented development to a project landscape that remains partly undisclosed.

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