REPORT: Universal to Unexpectedly Close Opening Day Attraction Forever Next Week
The oldest parts of Universal Orlando are disappearing piece by piece.
Universal Orlando Resort opened Islands of Adventure in 1999 with lands built around immersive environments, major franchises, and large-scale themed design.
The Lost Continent quickly became one of the park’s defining spaces, combining ancient mythology, elaborate architecture, roaming performers, and atmospheric walkthrough experiences.
However, that version of Universal has steadily faded over the past several years.
The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad closed in 2018. Poseidon’s Fury followed in 2023 after years of inconsistent operation and has since sat abandoned. Demolition work has since spread throughout the area, fueling speculation that The Lost Continent is approaching a complete transformation.
Another Opening-Day Experience May Be Disappearing
Now, fans believe another original Islands of Adventure feature could be next.
Rumors circulating online claim The Mystic Fountain inside Sindbad’s Bazaar may close as soon as next week, with Friday, May 15 reportedly being discussed as a possible final operating day. Universal Orlando Resort has not confirmed the closure.
The Mystic Fountain has operated since Islands of Adventure’s opening day. Hidden within The Lost Continent, the interactive water spirit became known for joking with guests, holding conversations, and unexpectedly spraying nearby visitors.
Unlike the major rides surrounding it, the fountain became memorable because guests could stumble across it unexpectedly. That unpredictability helped define Islands of Adventure during its early years.
Fan reaction to the rumors has been emotional online.
Last week for the Mystic Fountain! 😢
Last week for the Mystic Fountain! 😢 pic.twitter.com/N76trGR2Tz
— Dean on X (@dean8001) May 9, 2026
Another guest wrote: “This makes me so sad. For all the hot work we had to put in at Sindbad, what made it fun was Mystic Fountain, the kindness of the performers and techs, and the beauty of the gardens around it. Now they’re gone. My favorite big old jasmine bower looks like it’s just gone. 😢”
Universal’s Redevelopment Plans Continue Expanding
Construction activity throughout The Lost Continent has accelerated in recent months.
Aerial footage shared online appears to show clearing work near both the former Sindbad theater and Poseidon’s Fury. Construction walls have also expanded across sections of the land.
Universal has additionally confirmed that Mythos Restaurant will close in 2027 as redevelopment plans continue.
Although Universal has not announced a replacement for The Lost Continent, speculation surrounding the area has exploded online. Many fans believe the land could eventually become part of a Nintendo-related expansion tied to either Pokémon or The Legend of Zelda.
A Zelda-themed area has become one of the most popular theories because of how naturally the franchise’s fantasy environments could fit within the existing architecture.
At the same time, Universal continues rapidly expanding across Orlando following the debut of Universal Epic Universe.
That growth has made the rumored Mystic Fountain closure feel symbolic for longtime fans. Unlike Poseidon’s Fury or Sindbad, the fountain remained operational until now, making it one of the last active pieces of Islands of Adventure’s original 1999 identity.
