Universal Orlando Resort has momentum on its side. With Epic Universe finally open and dazzling fans, the resort isn’t looking to coast. Instead, whispers suggest that another significant expansion is already in motion. Universal has found success by pairing its parks with powerhouse franchises, and that playbook is only gaining steam.
Epic Universe proved that when Universal aims high, it can match Disney’s scale and ambition. Now, fans wonder which stories might be following to leap off the big screen and into a theme park.
Epic Universe as the Blueprint
The strategy is easy to spot. Epic Universe brought together a dream lineup: Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk, and more. Each was chosen because of the loyal audiences behind them. The payoff? Opening crowds, viral videos, and soaring ticket demand.
That success set expectations sky-high. Orlando’s competitive landscape could change overnight if Universal can replicate even part of that magic in its other parks.
The Lost Continent’s Last Stand
Fans now point to Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent as the next land ripe for reinvention. Once a vibrant area filled with myths and legends, the land has steadily lost its attractions.
Universal shuttered Poseidon’s Fury in 2023, and Sindbad’s Stunt Show disappeared years earlier. Today, the area offers little more than shops, eateries, and scattered theming.
Construction permits signal demolition, confirming that the land’s days are numbered. Fans eagerly debate which new franchise might rise in its place.
Zelda’s Kingdom
Nintendo is already cemented into Universal’s future, and expanding that partnership makes sense. A Legend of Zelda land could drop guests into Hyrule itself. Imagine exploring castles, forests, and dungeons with Link as your guide.
Attractions might range from a dungeon-crawling dark ride to a fast-paced coaster simulating horseback chases. Merchandising opportunities are endless, with items like the Master Sword or Hylian Shield flying off the shelves.
Middle-earth Magic
Another heavyweight contender is The Lord of the Rings. Licensing obstacles aside, Middle-earth would be a massive draw. Guests could start in the Shire before journeying into Moria or Mordor.
A mix of thrill rides and family-friendly adventures would allow the land to appeal to every age group. Dining would also be part of the fun, from cozy Hobbit feasts to dramatic Orc taverns.
This would be the kind of expansion that instantly lands on bucket lists worldwide.
Seuss Landing Grows
Not every option leans toward epic fantasy. Seuss Landing, which already connects to Lost Continent, could get a major boost. The land currently serves younger families, but it feels limited compared to Universal’s other offerings.
Universal could fill that gap by building out a Grinch-focused section. A How the Grinch Stole Christmas dark ride or interactive Whoville play areas could become must-dos for kids. More family content would also balance Islands of Adventure against its thrill-heavy neighbors.
Rumors That Linger
Other names often surface in fan chatter: Scooby-Doo, Sonic the Hedgehog, Pokémon, Wicked, Percy Jackson, even a nostalgic Nickelodeon island.
None are confirmed, but they show the range of options Universal is weighing.
What Comes Next
Whether it’s Zelda, Tolkien’s fantasy, or the whimsy of Seuss, the Lost Continent looks destined for a bold reinvention. Epic Universe has shown what’s possible, and Universal isn’t about to lose that momentum.
The only certainty is that whatever comes next will keep Orlando’s theme park rivalry burning hot.
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