Universal Islands of Adventure could finally be doing away with a beloved opening day land that has been mostly abandoned for quite some time. Could this mean an entire new land is coming? Will Universal expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?Credit: UniversalIslands of Adventure Could Be Removing Abandoned Land After 26 Years of OperationIt’s not every day that a single piece of paperwork shakes an entire fandom. Yet one newly filed demolition permit has fans buzzing, speculating, and in some cases, bracing themselves for the end of an era at Universal Orlando.At first glance, it might seem like just another routine update—after all, theme parks evolve constantly. But tucked inside this permit is a clue pointing toward a sweeping transformation that could reshape one of Islands of Adventure’s most overlooked lands. And while Universal has remained silent, longtime visitors know: when a land vanishes, it’s never just about demolition—it’s about rebirth.So what exactly is being cleared away? And what does this mean for the future of your favorite park? Let’s break it down.Credit: UniversalWhat Happened: The Permit That Sparked Fan SpeculationUniversal Orlando has officially filed a permit for Universal Project 555, described as:“SPC Demolition of 4.9 acres of theme park site including retail/show/attraction buildings and associated utilities, pedestrian facilities and access roadway app recd 9/10/2025.”Recently filed demolition permit for Universal Project 555. Nearly a 5 acre project calling for the demolition of retail, show and attraction buildings. Could this be for the replacement of Lost Continent/Sinbad/Poseidon? pic.twitter.com/suJLjQKrmI— Behind the Thrills (@BehindThrills) September 10, 2025Behind The Thrills, a well-established theme park outlet, quickly noticed the size of the project lines up almost perfectly with the remaining Lost Continent area at Islands of Adventure. That means iconic but aging attractions—such as the long-closed Sinbad stunt show and the shuttered Poseidon’s Fury—could finally be making way for something entirely new.Notably, the permit does not touch the fan-favorite Mythos restaurant or the First Aid/Health Services building, which explains the oddly precise acreage.Credit: Inside The MagicHow to Experience What’s Left Before It’s GoneIf you’re planning a trip in late 2025 or early 2026, this could be your final chance to walk through the remaining pieces of The Lost Continent. Here are a few practical tips:Dine at Mythos while you can – The award-winning restaurant remains untouched for now, but dining reservations may surge once demolition begins nearby. Book early through the Universal app.Snap photos now – These pathways, facades, and hidden corners could vanish forever. Capture the details while the area is still intact.Visit early in the day – Construction walls will create bottlenecks. Head to Lost Continent in the morning to avoid the worst crowding.Credit: Universal Orlando ResortHidden Hacks and Insider SecretsFrequent visitors know the Lost Continent isn’t just about what you see on the surface:Quiet escape – Even now, Lost Continent offers one of the most peaceful pockets in the park. Use it as a break spot during peak crowd hours.Mythos patio views – Ask for an outdoor table to catch one of the most underrated lagoon views of Hogwarts Castle.Festival snacks – Occasionally, seasonal food stands appear here. Keep an eye out during events for rare treats before they’re gone for good.Credit: UniversalWhy This Matters to FansFor many, the demolition isn’t just about removing old structures—it’s about saying goodbye to a land that once embodied Universal’s early ambition. The Lost Continent, once filled with fire-breathing dragons and ancient myths, has slowly shrunk over the years, overshadowed by The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.Now, its potential removal signals something bigger: Universal’s relentless push forward. Whether it’s new IP-driven lands, a refreshed original concept, or a tie-in with the upcoming Epic Universe, fans recognize this as another turning point in Orlando’s theme park wars.Social media is already abuzz with speculation, ranging from Zelda rumors to other fantasy-themed franchises. Whatever emerges, one thing is certain: nostalgia and excitement will collide the moment the walls go up.Credit: UniversalFinal Thoughts for Islands of Adventure FansUniversal Orlando has always thrived on reinvention. Project 555 may look like a demolition permit, but to fans, it’s a promise. A promise that even the most forgotten corners of the park still hold the power to surprise, delight, and completely transform the guest experience.The Lost Continent may soon fade into history, but its replacement could define the future.So—are you ready to say goodbye, or are you ready for what comes next?The post Islands of Adventure Quietly Prepares To Kill off a 26-Year-Old Opening Day Land appeared first on Inside the Magic.