For years, The Lost Continent has felt like a land waiting for its final chapter.
Once envisioned as a grand, myth-inspired world inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure, it has slowly faded into something very different. Poseidon’s Fury is gone. Sinbad closed long ago. What remains today is mostly restaurants, shops, and wide pathways connecting Hogsmeade to Seuss Landing.
And now, for the first time in a long while, there may finally be a clear answer to what comes next.
With Universal officially announcing immersive Pokémon experiences coming to Universal Studios Japan, a long-standing rumor in Orlando suddenly feels much more real. While no announcement has been made for Florida, many insiders and fans now believe Pokémon is the leading candidate to replace The Lost Continent entirely.
The timing is what makes this moment different.
Universal is in the middle of the largest expansion in its history with Epic Universe. That park will open with SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, bringing Mario, Donkey Kong, and other classic Nintendo characters to Orlando. But for years, the industry rumor has been that Epic Universe was only the beginning of Universal’s Nintendo strategy.
The idea has always been simple: one major Nintendo property in each Orlando park.
Epic Universe already has Mario. Universal Studios Florida has been rumored for years to receive its own Nintendo expansion. That leaves Islands of Adventure as the final piece — and The Lost Continent as the obvious location.
From a practical standpoint, no other area in Islands of Adventure makes more sense.
The land is large. It sits in a prime location between two of the park’s most immersive areas. And replacing it would not require closing a major headliner attraction, since most of its original experiences are already gone.
From a business standpoint, Pokémon is an ideal fit.
It is one of the most valuable entertainment franchises in the world. It appeals to children, adults, longtime gamers, and casual fans. It sells merchandise at a level few brands can match. And it offers endless creative potential for rides, interactive experiences, and themed environments.
Just as importantly, Pokémon is not represented in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
That makes it the perfect companion property.
By placing Pokémon in Islands of Adventure, Universal would create a three-park Nintendo lineup across its resort — something no theme park destination has ever attempted before.
Of course, none of this is official.
Universal has not announced a Pokémon land for Orlando. The company has only confirmed Japan so far. And it is entirely possible plans could change.
But for the first time, the pieces are aligning in a way they never have before.
The Lost Continent has been waiting for a replacement for years.
Now, Pokémon may finally be the land that gives it one.
