Universal Orlando Resort is going through another major period of transformation, and guests visiting Islands of Adventure are already seeing the effects.Construction walls have appeared throughout the resort, familiar attractions remain unavailable, and several longtime areas are preparing for significant changes.While some projects involve major redevelopment, others focus on refreshing existing locations that have entertained visitors for decades.Now, another original section of Islands of Adventure is getting attention.But there’s an interesting twist. Even as Universal works to improve the area, one of its most popular attractions is closing earlier than the rest of the theme park.And with Columbus Day week bringing visitors to Orlando, the timing could leave some guests disappointed.Credit: UniversalUniversal Orlando Continues Major Construction Across Its Theme ParksUniversal Orlando has several projects underway, with some of the biggest changes happening inside Islands of Adventure.The Lost Continent, one of the park’s original themed lands, is gradually disappearing as Universal prepares the property for future development.Demolition work has already begun in portions of the area, following years of closures that eliminated several familiar experiences.Poseidon’s Fury permanently closed in May 2023, while other locations, including The Mystic Fountain and Treasures of Poseidon, have also shut down.Mythos, the land’s longtime table-service restaurant, is expected to remain operational into 2027 before eventually closing.Meanwhile, Jurassic Park River Adventure remains unavailable following its closure on January 5, 2026.The popular water attraction is undergoing an extensive refurbishment, with Universal currently scheduling its reopening for December 16, 2026.That means guests visiting during October won’t have access to one of Islands of Adventure’s signature water rides.Construction is also part of the conversation at Universal Studios Florida, where the resort continues developing new experiences, including its Fast & Furious coaster project.However, those aren’t the only changes affecting the resort.Toon Lagoon Gets a Much-Needed Facelift as Universal Replaces Existing AreasToon Lagoon has been part of Islands of Adventure since the park opened in 1999.The colorful land celebrates classic newspaper comic-strip characters, including Popeye, Olive Oyl, Betty Boop, and Dudley Do-Right.Its oversized decorations, playful storefronts, and cartoon-inspired buildings have made it one of the park’s most recognizable areas.However, after more than 25 years of operation, portions of Toon Lagoon are receiving attention.Credit: Andrew Boardwine, ITMConstruction walls have appeared around the land’s carnival-games section, affecting the normal walkway connecting Toon Lagoon with Marvel Super Hero Island.Guests have been redirected through an alternate route near the Toon Lagoon Amphitheater courtyard while work continues.The project is changing how visitors move through the area, although Universal hasn’t publicly detailed everything being replaced or provided a completion date.Importantly, the construction doesn’t mean Toon Lagoon itself is permanently closing or receiving a confirmed new theme.For now, the work appears focused on portions of the existing land rather than an announced replacement of its major attractions.Still, the improvements come at an interesting time, especially considering another operating change affecting Toon Lagoon.Universal Closes Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Before Islands of Adventure Shuts DownWhile Toon Lagoon receives its facelift, guests are also encountering an earlier-than-expected closing time for one of the area’s signature attractions.Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges has been listed with a 6:00 p.m. closing time on multiple October operating days, even when Islands of Adventure remains open until 8:00 p.m.The nearby Me Ship, The Olive play area has also been listed as closing at 6:00 p.m.That creates a two-hour difference between the attraction’s scheduled operating hours and the park’s overall closing time.For visitors who prefer experiencing water attractions toward the end of their day, that could be frustrating.Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is known for sending guests through a turbulent whitewater rafting adventure filled with waterfalls, splashes, and plenty of opportunities to get soaked.Unlike some water attractions where riders might escape relatively dry, Bilge-Rat Barges practically guarantees a soaking.Me Ship, The Olive offers a different experience, allowing families to explore a multi-level ship with interactive elements and views overlooking the surrounding area.Both experiences have remained recognizable parts of Toon Lagoon for decades.The early closures are particularly noticeable during Columbus Day week, when many families are visiting Central Florida for fall vacations.With Jurassic Park River Adventure already unavailable, losing access to another major water attraction before the park closes further limits guests’ options.Credit: UniversalUniversal hasn’t publicly explained the reason for the reported 6:00 p.m. closing times. The schedule could reflect operational decisions, staffing, seasonal demand, or other considerations, but no specific explanation has been confirmed.Guests should check the Universal Orlando app for the latest attraction hours, since individual operating schedules can change.Another Toon Lagoon Closure Is Already Scheduled for 2027The October operating adjustments aren’t the only changes ahead for Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges.Universal has confirmed that the attraction will temporarily close on January 4, 2027, for a scheduled refurbishment.The closure will continue through February 2, 2027, with the attraction expected to return afterward.Unlike the ongoing construction around Toon Lagoon, this project has a defined maintenance window.Seasonal refurbishments aren’t unusual for water attractions, particularly during Orlando’s cooler winter months.However, the closure means visitors planning January vacations will need to account for another unavailable Islands of Adventure attraction.The good news is that Jurassic Park River Adventure is currently expected to reopen before Bilge-Rat Barges begins its refurbishment.That should give guests another major water attraction to enjoy while the Toon Lagoon ride undergoes maintenance.What Guests Should Expect at Islands of AdventureUniversal Orlando’s ongoing construction is gradually changing the experience of visiting Islands of Adventure.The Lost Continent is moving toward permanent closure, Jurassic Park River Adventure remains unavailable until December, and Toon Lagoon is receiving improvements to portions of its existing layout.Meanwhile, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges and Me Ship, The Olive have been subject to earlier closing times, potentially cutting two hours from guests’ opportunities to experience those attractions.For families visiting during the busy October holiday period, planning around individual attraction schedules is becoming increasingly important.Visitors hoping to experience Bilge-Rat Barges should consider riding earlier in the day rather than assuming it will remain available until Islands of Adventure closes.Universal hasn’t announced a permanent replacement for Toon Lagoon, and its two major water rides remain part of the park’s attraction lineup.Still, with construction continuing and additional refurbishment dates already confirmed for 2027, the changes around this longtime section of Islands of Adventure are far from finished.The post Universal Confirms Toon Lagoon Replacement, Early Closure in Islands of Adventure appeared first on Inside the Magic.