Universal Orlando Resort is entering another major transformation era, and fans are already beginning to feel the impact across the destination. Between permanent closures, refreshed attractions, new restaurants, and temporary refurbishments, nearly every corner of the resort is seeing some sort of evolution.
From the future of The Lost Continent at Universal Islands of Adventure to updates at Universal Studios Florida and continued expansion around Universal CityWalk Orlando and Universal Epic Universe, Universal is clearly not slowing down anytime soon.
Universal Islands of Adventure
The biggest news coming out of Universal Orlando is the upcoming phased closure of The Lost Continent, one of the original lands that opened with Islands of Adventure back in 1999.
For longtime fans, this marks the end of an era.
The land once featured massive mythology-inspired environments, interactive walkthrough attractions, and some of the most atmospheric pathways in the entire resort. However, over the years, much of the land slowly disappeared.
The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad closed in 2018. Poseidon’s Fury followed in 2023, leaving behind construction walls and endless speculation from fans.
Now, Universal has officially confirmed that the remaining venues and experiences inside The Lost Continent will eventually close to make way for a brand-new themed land.
One of the biggest surprises was the announcement that Mythos Restaurant will permanently close in 2027. Mythos has consistently ranked among the best theme park restaurants in the world and became a must-do experience for many visitors over the years.
Universal has not yet revealed what will replace The Lost Continent, but construction activity near the former Poseidon’s Fury site suggests major work is already underway.
Jurassic Park is also preparing for changes.
Thunder Falls Terrace will close this summer and eventually reopen as a new signature full-service dining location. While details remain limited, Universal says the new restaurant concept is expected to debut next year.
The park will also experience several temporary closures throughout 2026, including the lengthy refurbishment of Jurassic Park River Adventure.
Universal Studios Florida
Over at Universal Studios Florida, one of the resort’s most beloved classic attractions is preparing for a refresh.
The Horror Make-Up Show will temporarily close beginning May 12 for a reimagined version of the show. Universal says the updated experience will blend classic and modern horror properties while introducing new surprises for guests.
For many fans, the attraction has always been one of Universal’s hidden gems thanks to its mix of comedy, practical effects, audience interaction, and horror movie history. The hope among longtime guests is that the updated version keeps the spirit and humor that made the show so memorable.
Additional temporary closures are also planned throughout the park.
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill is currently undergoing a long refurbishment expected to last through Winter 2026.
Meanwhile, MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack will temporarily close in June for scheduled maintenance.
Universal CityWalk Orlando
Outside the parks, Universal continues expanding and modernizing CityWalk’s dining and entertainment lineup.
Fat One’s Hot Dogs and Italian Ice, created by *NSYNC member Joey Fatone and Joe Mulvihill, will replace the Hot Dog Hall of Fame later this year.
The addition joins several other upcoming CityWalk projects, including the previously announced Five Guys location replacing the former Burger King Whopper Bar and Luke Combs’ upcoming Category 10 venue.
Universal appears focused on turning CityWalk into an even stronger standalone entertainment destination as Epic Universe begins attracting even more guests to the overall resort.
Universal Epic Universe
Even Universal’s newest park destination is seeing temporary operational adjustments ahead of its continued expansion and guest demand.
At Universal Epic Universe, Viking Training Camp is temporarily closed through May 22, 2026.
While Epic Universe remains the major centerpiece of Universal’s future, the resort’s broader strategy is becoming increasingly clear. Universal is evolving every part of the property simultaneously rather than focusing on one isolated project at a time.
That means fans should expect constant change across the resort over the next several years.
Looking Ahead
Universal Orlando Resort feels like it is entering one of the most ambitious periods in company history.
For longtime fans, the closure of classic areas like The Lost Continent brings plenty of nostalgia and mixed emotions. At the same time, Universal has repeatedly shown a willingness to reinvent itself faster than nearly anyone else in the theme park industry.
With Epic Universe expanding the resort footprint, CityWalk continuing to evolve, and major attraction refreshes already underway, Universal Orlando in 2030 may look dramatically different from the resort guests know today.
And honestly, that unpredictability is part of what makes following Universal so exciting right now.