Universal to demolish an original Islands of Adventure land

"A large portion of an original land in Universal Orlando 's Islands of Adventure is headed for demolition: After years spent sitting empty, the Lost Continent will soon be extinct. A demolition permit was filed with the city of Orlando last week, requesting permission to raze 4.9 acres of retail, show and attraction buildings in the theme park. A Universal spokesperson confirmed to the Orlando Business Journal that "construction activity in Lost Continent" will begin in the "coming months" as the area makes way for "future developments.""

"The Lost Continent was one of the original lands that opened with the park in 1999. Based on myths of antiquity, the land featured a stunt show called the Eighth Voyage of Sindbad and an ancient temple walkthrough called Poseidon's Fury. An area called Merlinwood was the first to be annexed, turning into part of the Hogsmeade village of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Sindbad show closed in 2018, and Poseidon's Fury shuttered in May 2023, leaving a handful of restaurants and one interactive fountain in the land. In 2023, Universal said the closures would make room for "new offerings," but the large temple structures have stood dormant ever since."

A demolition permit was filed to raze 4.9 acres of retail, show and attraction buildings in Islands of Adventure's Lost Continent. Construction activity in Lost Continent is slated to begin in the coming months as the area clears for future developments. The Lost Continent opened with the park in 1999 and housed attractions like the Eighth Voyage of Sindbad and Poseidon's Fury; Merlinwood was annexed into the Wizarding World Hogsmeade area. Sindbad closed in 2018 and Poseidon's Fury closed in May 2023, leaving several restaurants and an interactive fountain. Speculation about replacements includes possible Nintendo-related offerings; restaurant futures remain unclear, including award-winning Mythos.

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