Since opening the highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, Universal Orlando Resort has been making major changes across its parks to improve its guest experience and maintain excitement, especially as competition with rival Walt Disney World only gets tougher.  

Now, Universal is preparing for another bold move that will keep fans on their toes by clearing the way for something new.

The company will begin the demolition of The Lost Continent land at Islands of Adventure after officially filing the permits on September 10. The five-acre project will not affect the Mythos restaurant, which will continue operations even after clearing the surrounding land.

Universal Studios’ The Lost Continent’s history

Islands of Adventure opened in 1999 and is one of the four themed parks at Universal Orlando Resort. This park has eight lands, including The Lost Continent, which is themed around “mysterious beasts and mythical gods.”

However, The Lost Continent’s charm has diminished over the years since its signature shows and rides, including Poseidon’s Fury in 2023 and The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad in 2018, have all closed. 

Today, the land has two quick-service dining sites, seven gift shops, The Mystic Fountain, and the iconic Mythos restaurant.

Demolition opens the way for a new land

For Comcast-owned  (CMCSA)  Universal, removing attractions only makes room for new additions.

The company has not yet announced what will replace The Lost Continent. However, rumors have been circulating on social media about what it could be, including The Legend of Zelda, Wicked, or a Nintendo expansion. 

A Universal spokesperson confirmed to the Orlando Business Journal that demolition and construction work will begin in the coming months to prepare the site for “future developments.”

Related: Disney World theme park rival invades a new land

This isn’t the first time Universal has reimagined The Lost Continent. In 2010, half of the land was transformed into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade, which now has two restaurants, five gift shops, four entertainment shows, and four rides. 

Universal Parks and Resorts’ expansion plans

Islands of Adventure isn’t the only theme park getting a revamp. At Universal Studios Florida, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster is also being demolished following its permanent closure in August, making room for a new attraction.

Universal Parks and Resorts CEO Mark Woodberry recently shared ambitious plans at the Bank of America 2025 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference. He revealed Epic Universe has already exceeded expectations, increasing attendance and guest spending, while the rest of its other parks continue to deliver strong performance. 

Woodbury also discussed a future expansion for Epic Universe, developing a new theme park and resort project in the UK, and continued investments across its three existing Orlando theme parks. 

“There are multiple attractions in the works, not just at Epic, but when you have the three parks, the cadence of product delivery across the resort to continue to drive the resort is really a key part of our strategy going forward,” said Woodberry at the conference.

Universal’s park investments and expansion strategy are already showing results. In the second quarter of fiscal 2025, revenue in the Content and Experiences division grew 6% year-over-year, led by Universal Orlando Resort and the successful opening of Epic Universe. The theme parks alone saw revenue increase by nearly 19%.

Related: Popular theme park denies major closure rumors