Welcome back to our irregular news series rounding up all the Universal Orlando news from the parks. This post will look at the closure of the Epic Universe Preview Center, demolition of Lost Continent, new construction on Universal Boulevard, and more!

Quick Hits

Big Changes to Early Park Admission at Epic Universe

Could Epic Universe Annual Passes Be Coming?

Halloween Horror Nights 2026 Tickets & Add-Ons Now on Sale

Stardust Racers Reopens

Lost Continent Closures & Demolition

After years of speculation and rumors, work has begun on the demolition of the remaining of Lost Continent in Islands of Adventure. Lost Continent was an opening day land at IoA and was the largest featuring three parts: the Lost City with Mythos and Poseidon’s Fury; Sinbad’s Bazaar with dining, merchandise, and The Eight Voyages of Sinbad; and Merlinwood with The Enchanted Oak Tavern and Dueling Dragons coaster.

In 2010 the Wizarding World of Harry Potter replaced Merlinwood and The Enchanted Oak (now Three Broomsticks). Eight Voyages of Sinbad closed in 2018 and Poseidon’s Fury closed in 2023. Entertainment is rumored to end in mid-May, with food closing over the next year. Universal has not said what is replacing Lost Continent, nor what the fate of Mythos will be. We don’t expect construction to impact guests till later in the year.

Celestial Park Cosmos Fountain Upgrades

The Cosmos fountain at Epic Universe has turned off the water for upgrades in preparation for a new nighttime show. The nighttime “kiss goodnight” light and fountain show still occurs, we suggest watching near the Constellation Carousel or Atlantic Restaurant lagoons instead.

Mass Grading Work on Universal Parcel of Land

A new land parcel is under development near Epic Universe. This 90-acre plot off Universal Blvd is runs from Top Golf Orlando to the Orlando Eye. Universal has not said what this land will be used for, with options ranging from more resort hotels and dining to miscellaneous office space. The 90-acre plot is large for projects, with Volcano Bay around 53 acres in size and Cabana Bay 40 acres in size able to fit into this land.

Epic Universe Preview Center To Close

Rumors suggest that the Epic Universe Preview Center in CityWalk is closing on April 13, 2026. After the preview center closes guests can find Nintendo merchandise in the Super Nintendo Store in CityWalk and Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon, and Harry Potter merchandise in the Universal Studio Store. The store is rumored to return to the Legacy Store featuring assorted vintage Universal Studios and Universal Orlando merchandise.

Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift Construction Updates

The upcoming 2027 coaster is under construction with foundation work and ride buildings under construction. At the front of the park near the Hard Rock Cafe, we see more large concrete cylinders for coaster supports called “footers” are being poured. In the back of the park by Revenge of the Mummy we see two new buildings going up. The larger building will likely be a maintenance building while the second, small building behind the false facades will likely be the load and unload station for the ride with the elevator shafts already installed.

Hollywood Drift track installation has yet to begin and the ride still needs to go through testing before opening in 2027.

That’s a wrap! Leave your thoughts on this month’s news in the comments below!