Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida have a long history of making difficult decisions when older attractions stand in the way of what could come next.
That makes the resort’s original two theme parks particularly interesting right now. Epic Universe has been running for over a year, but Universal still has plenty of opportunities for future additions.
Four attractions deserve attention. They aren’t all in the same situation, and Universal hasn’t announced plans to remove them all. One is already permanently closed, another is currently undergoing repairs, and two others remain part of a land filled with characters that may struggle to connect with younger generations.
If Universal eventually decides it’s time for replacements, several major franchises could make sense.
A Massive Attraction Has Entered an Uncertain Period
Skull Island: Reign of Kong has become one of the more interesting attractions to watch at Islands of Adventure.
The ride has remained closed for an extended period after its massive King Kong animatronic sustained damage. The figure appears during the attraction’s finale, making it an important part of the overall experience.
Universal is currently repairing the attraction, so a permanent closure isn’t the company’s announced plan. However, recent problems could eventually create a larger conversation about whether Universal continues investing in Kong or chooses a replacement down the road.
There’s also the question of how the attraction fits into the current Islands of Adventure lineup.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Jurassic World VelociCoaster generate considerably more excitement, potentially making Kong’s long-term position more difficult.
If Universal ever moves on, The Legend of Zelda could offer one possibility. A smaller Zelda area could expand Universal’s Nintendo presence beyond Epic Universe.
Another option could involve expanding the neighboring Jurassic presence with a new Jurassic World attraction.
Neither concept has been confirmed, making both possibilities rather than announced plans.
A Permanent Closure Opens the Door
Fast & Furious: Supercharged presents a much different situation.
Universal doesn’t have to decide whether to close this Universal Studios Florida attraction because that decision has already been made. Fast & Furious: Supercharged permanently closed in August 2026 after a run that never achieved the popularity Universal likely wanted.
Now comes the bigger question: What happens to the space?
Universal could potentially turn toward one of several recognizable franchises.
Ghostbusters has a history with Universal and could provide one option. Universal could also revisit its past by bringing Jaws back in another form or finding a new way to use Back to the Future.
Then there are newer possibilities. Twisters or The Secret Life of Pets could give the location a different identity.
Universal hasn’t confirmed its choice, leaving plenty of room for speculation about what eventually moves in.
This Ride’s Biggest Problem Isn’t the Experience
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges still serves an important purpose at Islands of Adventure.
Florida gets hot, and this Toon Lagoon attraction offers guests one of the most effective ways to cool down. Riders don’t simply get splashed. They can walk away completely soaked.
That popularity doesn’t eliminate questions about Popeye’s future, though.
The character may not have the same connection with younger visitors that newer entertainment properties enjoy. If Universal eventually decides Toon Lagoon needs an update, the ride could become part of those plans despite its appeal.
SpongeBob SquarePants offers one possible direction.
The character connects with younger audiences while also appealing to adults who grew up watching SpongeBob. Universal could keep a major water attraction while introducing a franchise that appeals to multiple generations.
No replacement has been announced, but the possibility becomes interesting when considering Toon Lagoon’s long-term future.
The Neighboring Flume Could Face the Same Question
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls sits in a similar position.
Its large final drop remains one of Toon Lagoon’s most recognizable features, and the log flume provides another way to escape the Florida heat.
The bigger challenge involves the character behind it.
Dudley Do-Right doesn’t carry the same modern cultural presence as many franchises Universal currently uses throughout its parks. That could matter if Toon Lagoon eventually undergoes a larger transformation.
Scooby-Doo could provide an alternative.
Scooby has remained familiar across multiple generations through television, movies, merchandise, and newer projects. A new attraction could use Mystery Inc., monsters, mysteries, and familiar villains to create something with broader recognition.
Universal has not announced plans to close Ripsaw Falls, so this remains a hypothetical possibility.
The Older Parks Still Have Room to Evolve
None of these four rides shares the same future.
Fast & Furious is gone. Kong is being repaired. Popeye and Ripsaw Falls continue to operate without any announced permanent closures.
What they share is potential.
Universal could eventually use these locations to introduce Zelda, Jurassic World, Ghostbusters, SpongeBob, Scooby-Doo, or something nobody expects.
Epic Universe may be Universal Orlando’s newest park, but the resort’s next major transformation could just as easily happen inside the parks guests have been visiting for decades.
