Long-time Universal fans had it rough in May with the closure of the classic walkthrough attraction and show Poseidon’s Fury. Although it was far from the most popular ride in the park, it was one of the last remaining opening day attractions at Universal’s Islands of Adventure–and the last surviving attraction inside the Lost Continent portion of the park.
After an impressive run of almost twenty five years, Poseidon’s Fury saw its last tour on May 9. Signage has already been removed and for a limited time guests could purchase a limited edition t-shirt to commemorate the occasion.
For those of you who never got to experience the escape from the lost city, Poseidon’s Fury was a walkthrough style attraction with lots of pyrotechnics and other special effects that made the show stand out. Equipped with a mix of live actors and screens, your tour through the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea could be uniquely personal depending on your guide. There, you and your tour guide bear witness to a battle between Poseidon and his age-old enemy Darkennon.
Toward the end of the attractions run, it definitely began to show its age with its distinct late 90s, early 2000s atmosphere, and it experienced a handful of lengthy refurbishments throughout its lifespan. Although this ride never saw heavy popularity, it was regularly praised for its use of practical effects and unique sets.
The Lost Continent has been in a bit of a limbo for quite some time following the closure of the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad show in 2018. With Poseidon’s Fury and the popular Mythos restaurant acting as the two main anchors for the Lost Continent, the area’s future is rather uncertain as it stands.
Speculation has already begun circulating as to what could replace the large spaces formerly utilized by Poseidon’s Fury and the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad. Today, we’ll be taking a look at some of these rumors and discussing what we’d like to see most. It should be emphasized that these are still only rumors and nothing has officially been confirmed as of yet. Regardless, it is still fun to speculate until official details are released.
1. Legend of Zelda
The leading theory as of right now is a potential Legend of Zelda experience to take the Lost Continent area. With the crumbling ruins and grand architecture as well as the overseas popularity of Super Nintendo World after its opening in Universal Studios Japan in 2021, the Legend of Zelda seems like it could be a perfect replacement.
Universal has been following the trend of spreading its popular IPs around multiple parks to encourage guests to buy multiple day, multiple park tickets. The most prominent example of this is, of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Hogwarts and Hogsmeade occupying a space in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios. There will also be a third addition to the Harry Potter roster following the opening of Universal’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, scheduled to open in 2025.
2. JAWS
Another circulating rumor is a possible new Jaws themed attraction. Although this one is rather unlikely, many nostalgic fans have been hoping for a comeback of this iconic Universal IP since its removal in 2014 to make room for the creation of Diagon Alley two years later.
This rumor has gained some traction due to the existing water tunnel used in the former Poseidon’s Fury attraction. This popular effect has been a longtime favorite of many fans, and many hope it continues to remain in place for whatever attraction may utilize the space going forward.
3. Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Yet another rumor is a potential Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion. Due to the Lost Continent’s close proximity to the existing Wizarding World in Islands of Adventure, some Potterheads are hoping for a walkthrough style attraction through the Forbidden Forest or the Chamber of Secrets, since there could be a use for the popular water tunnel.
As of right now it is impossible to tell whether Universal intends to keep the theming of the Lost Continent for now or if there could be a large overhaul on the horizon, but the area does experience a lot of foot traffic for guests crossing through to Hogsmeade. In theory, the bridge connecting the Lost Continent to Jurassic Park could be utilized as a workaround for ongoing construction, but overhauling the entire land would be a lengthy and expensive undertaking.
If a rework of the Lost Continent is on the horizon, what could become of the popular Mythos restaurant that currently calls the area home? Would it be reworked to fit the new theme, left alone, or be removed completely?
Although it is much too soon to tell for certain what may be replacing this classic Universal attraction, speculation has already begun running wild online. Some fans are hoping for a complete overhaul of the Lost Continent area to make way for an entirely new and unique experience while others, charmed by the ancient ruins and mystical intrigue, are hoping for a smooth replacement that leaves much of the existing area intact.
What would you like to see occupying the Lost Continent next? Would you prefer to see the entire area rethemed to something new, or are you a fan of the atmosphere there now? Let us know your thoughts by voting in our poll or by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.
