Change has been slowly creeping toward the Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure for years. Now, it’s no longer a matter of if — but when. Universal has officially confirmed that demolition is set to begin, marking the end of an era for one of the park’s original themed lands.
A Land That’s Been on Borrowed Time
For longtime parkgoers, this moment has been a long time coming. Lost Continent was once one of the park’s most ambitious areas, themed to myths and ancient legends. But it started shrinking back in 2010 when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade took over a large portion of the space. By 2018, the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad closed, and in 2023, Poseidon’s Fury followed — leaving the land eerily quiet.
Its abandoned theater and crumbling facades became symbols of a land stuck in limbo, wedged between two thriving areas but without an identity of its own.
The Demolition Plan
A newly filed permit confirms that Universal will begin “renovation of an existing commercial use” across seven acres of Lost Continent. But make no mistake — this is no simple facelift. According to reports, at least five acres will be demolished to make way for what’s next. Universal spokesperson Kristen Smith put it plainly: “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.”
This is a foundational move — the kind that signals something much bigger is on the way.
What Comes After?
Fans have speculated for years about what might replace Lost Continent. The most persistent rumor has been a Zelda-themed expansion based on The Legend of Zelda, a franchise with enormous global popularity. But other contenders remain in the mix, including a Pokémon land or even a Lord of the Rings–themed area.
Each option carries major potential. A Zelda land could create an immersive adventure world just steps from Hogwarts, while Pokémon could bring in younger audiences and massive merchandising opportunities. Lord of the Rings, meanwhile, would fit the original mythological vibe perfectly.
A Turning Point for the Park
This move is part of a much larger strategy. Universal has been rapidly expanding with Universal Epic Universe, but executives have been clear that growth isn’t limited to the new park. Every corner of the resort is being reevaluated. Lost Continent’s prime location between Hogsmeade and Seuss Landing makes it a natural expansion site.
Guests will soon start seeing walls go up, familiar structures vanish, and the park’s footprint transform yet again. The Lost Continent has been part of Islands of Adventure since 1999, but its time has finally run out.
Out of those three choices, I’ve been rooting for TLOZ for the longest time. However, I think Nintendo has made it clear they want their major franchises together, not spread across multiple parks (that’s only a problem at Orlando). Also, Eiji Aonuma was spotted touring Epic with Shigeru Miyamoto, and Nintendo quickly ordered Universal to scrub the videos. Sounds like they’re trying to avoid spoiling a big surprise.
Lord of the Rings is simply too big to be confined to such a small space (less that five acres??). I think Universal will do LOTR… but they’re going to save it for the Great Britain resort.
As much as I’d love to see Oak Labs replace Krustyland, I think Pokémon is the only IP that has enough source material for Universal to do just about anything with the land and still keep it on theme. I’m envisioning some combination of Faraway Island and Shinjoh Ruins. Keep the focus of Legendary Pokémon.