Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed that one of Toon Lagoon’s recognizable walk-through attractions will soon be going offline, marking a temporary change for guests visiting Universal’s Islands of Adventure this spring.
Me Ship, The Olive, a multi-level play structure themed to Popeye, is scheduled for a short refurbishment in April 2026. According to the posted schedule, the attraction is expected to close beginning April 19, 2026, and reopen on April 25, 2026, though those dates remain subject to change.
While this closure is not expected to impact the park’s biggest headliners, it still stands out because Toon Lagoon is a land that thrives on atmosphere. It’s one of the most visually distinct areas of Islands of Adventure, with its comic-strip architecture, water features, and classic cartoon themeing that makes it feel completely separate from the rest of the park.
What Is Me Ship, The Olive?
Me Ship, The Olive is not a traditional ride, but it remains one of the most unique attractions inside Islands of Adventure. Built as a large, interactive play area, it allows guests—especially kids—to explore multiple levels of ramps, staircases, and lookout points. It’s also one of the few places in Toon Lagoon where families can take a break without waiting in line.
Because of its open-air design, the attraction has always required occasional maintenance. Between Florida’s constant humidity, intense sun, and frequent rain, Universal has to regularly refresh outdoor structures like this to keep them safe and visually appealing.
Why This Closure Matters
Even though Me Ship, The Olive is not one of Islands of Adventure’s major ticket-sellers, its absence will still be noticeable.
Toon Lagoon doesn’t have an enormous lineup of attractions compared to lands like Jurassic Park or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. That means every closure impacts the land more than it might elsewhere.
Guests visiting in late April may still enjoy Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls and Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, but losing Me Ship, The Olive removes an experience that many families use as a midday reset.
Could This Lead to Something Bigger?
Whenever Universal announces a closure inside Toon Lagoon, the rumor mill immediately starts spinning.
For years, theme park fans have speculated that Toon Lagoon could eventually be modernized with newer animated franchises. Some rumors have even suggested that a major cartoon property like SpongeBob SquarePants could be a natural fit, especially given the land’s water-heavy design and colorful style.
However, nothing at this time suggests that Universal is preparing for a major Toon Lagoon replacement. A closure lasting less than a week strongly indicates routine refurbishment work rather than demolition or reimagining plans.
If Universal ever did pursue a major overhaul of Toon Lagoon, it would likely involve extended shutdowns, large construction walls, and a multi-year development timeline.
What Guests Should Know Before Visiting
Guests planning to visit Islands of Adventure between April 19 and April 25 should be aware that Me Ship, The Olive will likely be unavailable. Families with smaller children may want to plan for alternative play areas such as Camp Jurassic or focus more heavily on attractions in Seuss Landing.
For now, Universal’s message is simple: this is a temporary closure for refurbishment, and Toon Lagoon remains open as usual.
Still, it’s another reminder that even the park’s smaller attractions play a major role in the overall guest experience—and their closures can change the feel of an entire land, even if only for a week.
