There’s never a dull moment at Universal Orlando Resort. Just when you think things might slow down a bit after the grand opening of Epic Universe this past summer, the resort goes ahead and proves us wrong with even more changes already in motion. From refurbishments to demolitions, and even the whispers of brand-new lands, let’s dive into what’s happening right now across the resort.
Jurassic Park River Adventure Refurbishment
After months of speculation, Universal has finally confirmed what many fans had suspected: Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure will be closing for an extended refurbishment. The closure begins on January 5, 2026 and is set to last nearly the entire year, with a tentative reopening date of November 19, 2026.
Now before the rumor mill runs wild—no, this isn’t going to be a “Jurassic World” conversion like the Hollywood version. Universal has made it clear that there are no plans to retheme Orlando’s version into the Jurassic World aesthetic. Instead, this is shaping up to be a much-needed long refurbishment to keep the ride roaring for years to come.
Lost Continent Walls and Demolition
Photo Courtesy by
Attraction Insight
Meanwhile, across Islands of Adventure, change is coming to a section many longtime fans are sentimental about: The Lost Continent.
Universal has confirmed that demolition is on the way for what remains of this land, including the buildings for the former Eighth Voyage of Sindbad and Poseidon’s Fury. Mythos, the park’s award-winning restaurant, is safe—but the rest is on its way out.
This is a big deal, because it’s one of the first times Universal has truly wiped out an entire “island” at Islands of Adventure to make way for something brand new. While nothing is officially announced, rumors keep circling back to possible concepts like The Legend of Zelda or even One Piece. Zelda, in particular, has had multiple concepts floating around for years—ranging from a walk-through live show to a hybrid flume-and-flying ride that would pit guests against Ganon himself.
Work walls are already popping up around the area, so expect to see visible progress in the months ahead.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Demolition Progress
Over at Universal Studios Florida, things are moving fast. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit closed just a month ago, and already much of the coaster has been dismantled. In fact, sections of track and supports are vanishing so quickly that it’s opening up new sightlines in the park.
Demolition has started inside the former Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit station.
• Access stairs and part of the load platform removed at left.
• Track removed at right, with walls partially removed at the service bay. pic.twitter.com/l38TuODJlK— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 19, 2025
So what’s replacing it? That’s still up in the air. Fans are torn between the possibility of another big coaster, or a brand-new dark ride to balance out the park’s thrill-heavy lineup. Whatever it is, this is prime real estate right in the heart of the Studios park, so expectations are high.
Fresh Updates Around the Resort
It’s not just the big projects that are changing—there are smaller updates happening all over:
- Port of Entry at Islands of Adventure is getting a facelift, with fresh paint and façade work making the entryway pop once again.
- Epic Universe signage has gone up along Kirkman Road, proudly showing off the upcoming themed lands like How to Train Your Dragon, Minions, DreamWorks, and Jurassic World.
- The Tribute Store just celebrated its 10th anniversary with special collectible medallions… which, in true Tribute Store fashion, sold out almost immediately.
Looking Ahead
Between Epic Universe settling into its first season, Jurassic Park River Adventure prepping for a massive refurbishment, Lost Continent facing the bulldozers, and Rip Ride Rockit vanishing from the skyline, Universal is clearly laying the groundwork for its next chapter.
It’s bittersweet for fans to say goodbye to old favorites, but if history tells us anything, it’s that Universal doesn’t hold back when it comes to replacing the old with something bold. And that’s exactly what makes following these updates so exciting—we know the best is still yet to come.
