Universal Islands of Adventure Drops Update on the Removal of Jurassic Park From Its Theme Park
Has the Rumor Been Confirmed or Destroyed?
The winds of change have long whispered through the jungles of Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure. Fans held their breath, afraid that one of the park’s most beloved lands—Jurassic Park—was nearing extinction. After all, when Jurassic World VelociCoaster stormed into the scene in 2021, many wondered: was this the beginning of the end for the original 1999 land?
Then came the retheme in California. Universal Studios Hollywood fully transformed its Jurassic Park area into Jurassic World, swapping out nostalgia for glossy modernity. Naturally, fans on the East Coast braced for a similar fate.
But this week, something unexpected has emerged from the underbrush—a modest new food stand with a name that speaks volumes. Could this be the sign Jurassic Park fans have been waiting for?
Universal Islands of Adventure: “Raptor Bites” Snack Stand Brings New Life to Jurassic Park
Recent updates shared across social media reveal a brand-new snack kiosk under construction in the Jurassic Park section of Islands of Adventure. Called “Jurassic Park Raptor Bites,” the stand is styled with the classic aesthetic fans know and love—wood tones, weathered signs, and tropical foliage. But beyond its menu of churros, hot dogs, pretzels, and refreshing drinks lies a bigger takeaway.
The new JP Raptor Bites food stand (across from The Watering Hole) has been installed. We should see it opening soon! – @insideuniversal on X
The new JP Raptor Bites food stand (across from The Watering Hole) has been installed. We should see it opening soon! @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/evCZZkN3aH
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) April 29, 2025
This isn’t Jurassic World Raptor Bites. It’s still firmly rooted in the Jurassic Park brand. That’s significant.
In a park where real estate is precious and every update is a strategic decision, Universal’s choice to develop a new Jurassic Park-branded offering—rather than using the sleeker, newer franchise name—suggests the classic version of the land isn’t going anywhere, at least not yet.
Why This Seemingly Small Addition Carries Massive Meaning
When it comes to theme parks, even minor changes can be loaded with intent. Investing in new infrastructure—whether a full attraction or a simple food kiosk—often signals a commitment to that space.
This move is particularly important given the ongoing fan anxiety surrounding the future of Jurassic Park in Florida. Rumors of a full Jurassic World retheme have persisted for years, and the introduction of VelociCoaster only amplified them. Many assumed it was the first domino in a total overhaul.
But if that were the case, why build something entirely new using the original franchise’s branding? A company like Universal doesn’t spend money on a temporary fix. They plan for long-term returns. That’s what makes Raptor Bites such a hopeful sign.
A Coexistence Strategy? Jurassic Park and Jurassic World Together
Rather than completely replacing Jurassic Park, Universal Orlando may be carving out a new path—one that blends the best of both worlds. VelociCoaster, while using Jurassic World characters and themes, was intentionally integrated into the existing Jurassic Park landscape, not built as a stand-alone land.
This hybrid approach is rare but smart. It appeals to multiple generations of fans: those who grew up dreaming of walking through the original park gates, and those introduced to the franchise through Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard’s newer adventures. It also allows Universal to test the waters, gauging guest response before making any sweeping changes.
Universal Islands of Adventure: So, Is Jurassic Park Safe?
As of now, nothing is ever set in stone—or amber—in the theme park world. Attractions and lands are always vulnerable to retheming in pursuit of newer trends and bigger profits. But what the debut of Jurassic Park Raptor Bites shows is that Universal is still willing to bet on the legacy of the original film.
That small snack stand may be the clearest statement yet: Jurassic Park still matters.
While no formal announcement has been made to confirm or deny a future retheme, this addition injects some much-needed optimism into the conversation. Fans who’ve held their breath may finally exhale—at least for now.
So next time you’re trekking through the jungle trails of Islands of Adventure, keep your eyes peeled for a humble snack stand offering more than just a bite. It might just be the symbol that Jurassic Park, like the mighty T. rex, refuses to be forgotten.
