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Universal Issues Closure for Popular Toon Lagoon at Islands of Adventure

Toon Lagoon has always been one of those lands that feels like it belongs to a different era of theme park storytelling. Tucked inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the vibrant, cartoon-strip setting has been splashing guests since the park’s opening in 1999. Known for its witty one-liners plastered across speech bubbles, old-school comic characters, and water rides that guarantee you’ll leave soaked, this corner of the park has a loyal fan base that loves its nostalgic charm.

A colorful, Universal cartoon-themed water ride features a steep log flume, playful buildings with "Danger! Explosives" signs, and whimsical decorations set against a rocky backdrop and blue skies.
Credit: Universal

Among its colorful façades, Toon Lagoon isn’t just about the big-name attractions like Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls or Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges. It’s also home to a few tucked-away gems—like the Wossamotta U gift shop. While small, this shop earned a quiet but devoted following thanks to its unique selection of merchandise that couldn’t be found anywhere else in the park.

An Unexpected Closure

Universal has now officially closed Wossamotta U, catching many fans off guard. The shop’s windows have been completely covered up, and the doors are locked tight. There’s no word yet on whether this is a temporary refurbishment, a permanent closure, or a complete retheming. As of now, Universal has remained silent, leaving room for plenty of speculation.

despicable me ride entrance universal orlando resort
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

For longtime visitors, this closure stings a little more than it might for the casual guest. In recent years, Wossamotta U carried niche merchandise, including items from IPs like The Secret Life of Pets—something you couldn’t easily find elsewhere in the park. That uniqueness made it a fun stop for collectors and anyone who liked browsing beyond the usual Minions or Jurassic Park gear.

Toon Lagoon’s Future in Question

This news also reignites long-standing rumors about the future of Toon Lagoon itself. The land is themed to classic comic strips that many modern audiences aren’t as familiar with, and Universal has been steadily updating other areas of the resort as it looks to the future. With Universal Epic Universe now open, many fans can’t help but wonder if Toon Lagoon could be next in line for a reimagining.

Concept art for Epic Universe, specifically the entrance to the large theme park showing guests walking through the gates.
Credit: Universal

Even small changes like a gift shop closure can be a signal of bigger plans brewing behind the scenes. And in the world of theme parks, “quiet” changes are rarely meaningless.

What Comes Next

For now, Wossamotta U’s fate remains uncertain. Some fans are hopeful that the closure is temporary, with a refreshed look and new merchandise on the way. Others worry it may never reopen at all. Either way, the change marks a notable moment in Toon Lagoon’s history—a reminder that even lands that feel “frozen in time” aren’t immune to evolution.

Until Universal shares more, guests will find one less open storefront the next time they wander through Toon Lagoon. And if history is any indicator, this might just be the beginning of something much bigger.

Author

  • Andrew Boardwine

    A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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