Universal Orlando’s overdue Lost Continent overhaul is finally moving forward
After years of standing as Islands of Adventure’s most underused real estate, Lost Continent is being phased out to make way for an entirely new themed area — with Mythos closing in 2027 as part of the redevelopment.
Universal Orlando has confirmed that Lost Continent will be dismantled in phases to make way for a new themed area at Islands of Adventure. Mythos Restaurant — the cave-carved fan favourite that anchored the land for two decades — will close permanently in 2027. Thunder Falls Terrace closes this summer and reopens in 2027 as the park’s primary full-service dining venue. The Horror Make-Up Show temporarily closes on 12 May 2026 for a retooling Universal is calling “shockingly fun.”
Lost Continent has been operating as a near-empty themed area for years, stripped of its headline attractions and serving largely as a walkthrough zone. A full redevelopment is overdue — and the scale of what’s being committed suggests Universal is treating Islands of Adventure with the investment it has long deserved. Over at CityWalk, Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice — co-founded by NSYNC’s Joey Fatone — replaces the Hot Dog Hall of Fame, joining previously confirmed additions Five Guys and Luke Combs’ Category 10.
The crucial detail is missing: Universal has not announced what theme the new area will take, what attractions it will include, or what eventually replaces Mythos. Construction planning is already underway, with further details promised in the coming months.
The TT Take: Good news, plainly. Lost Continent has been waiting for this announcement for years, and the breadth of the commitment — a new themed area, a rebuilt flagship restaurant, a refreshed signature show — points to a genuine investment in Islands of Adventure rather than a cosmetic refresh. Losing Mythos stings, but it stings considerably less when the trade is meaningful redevelopment of a part of the park that has needed it badly. The question worth holding onto: what theme will this new area actually be?
