When Epic Universe opened in May 2025, it was clear Universal wasn’t just adding another theme park. This was a massive declaration: a sleek, modern park full of cutting-edge technology, immersive lands, and some of the biggest franchises in entertainment. From SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Epic Universe feels polished, ambitious, and futuristic.
The problem? That shiny newness has made the cracks in Universal’s older parks more obvious than ever—especially Islands of Adventure.
A Tale of Two Parks
Walking through Epic Universe and then heading over to Islands of Adventure is a jarring experience. Islands, once celebrated as Universal’s boldest move back in 1999, now shows its age. Marvel Super Hero Island was groundbreaking at the time, but the colorful facades and ride systems are starting to look dated. Seuss Landing, while whimsical, feels like a throwback from another era.
And then there’s the Lost Continent. Once a land of myths and legends, it’s become more of an afterthought. Restaurants and shops keep it alive, but without major attractions, it has lost the spark it once had. Now, with demolition permits and rumors swirling, fans know change is inevitable.
Rumors of the Future
The whispers about what could replace Lost Continent are loud and constant. Some fans believe a Legend of Zelda land is on the horizon. Others think Universal might swing for something as massive as Lord of the Rings. Either would be a colossal upgrade, pulling Islands of Adventure into the modern era alongside Epic Universe.
Even Marvel Super Hero Island could be in danger long-term, depending on how licensing deals shake out. Universal knows it can’t let these lands sit still when Epic Universe is setting new standards right down the road.
What It Really Means for Universal
Epic Universe wasn’t just about new attractions—it was about changing guest expectations. People now see what Universal is capable of in 2025. That means every chipped facade, every aging queue, and every land without a blockbuster IP feels like a glaring problem.
Universal has put itself in a position where Islands of Adventure either needs serious reinvestment or risks becoming the “forgotten middle child” of the resort. Guests don’t want to walk from the future back into the past.
The Takeaway
Universal didn’t intend to embarrass Islands of Adventure with Epic Universe. But by creating a park that feels like tomorrow, they revealed just how much yesterday still lingers in one of their most iconic spaces. If Islands is going to keep up, it’ll take more than just small updates—it needs a bold reinvention.
