This will certainly be an Epic year for Universal Orlando
Another year ending, another wishlist coming up!
Let me tell you right away, Santa Claus was pretty great to us all this year. Not only did we get the official release date for Epic Universe, but Disney Cruise Line also announced a handful of new cruise ships (with Bluey even deciding to take some time off and enjoy a vacation with her family). We're also getting new lands at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, and Beaches is set to launch Beaches Exuma in late 2025. It’s safe to say there’s a lot to look forward to next year!
I (almost) feel bad for asking for even more next year. If I had to write a Christmas wishlist for every travel destination out there, this article would be a billion words long. So, let’s focus on Universal Orlando this time, okay? That’s already plenty to cover, with Epic Universe on the horizon, upcoming changes to Universal Studios, and whatever surprises might be in store for Islands of Adventure.
Let’s dive in.
More Nintendo at Universal
Nintendo is huge. Universal is huge. One of the most anticipated areas in Epic Universe is Super Nintendo World, launching not only with Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge but also the new Donkey Kong roller coaster. It’s awesome that we’re getting more of Shigeru Miyamoto’s work in Florida, but why stop there? Why not bring even more cool stuff?
I’m talking about a Legend of Zelda area in Epic Universe, complete with a roller coaster where you explore Death Mountain or a water ride inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. Zelda has incredible characters and locations that are just begging to be brought to life in a theme park, and let’s not even get started on the amazing soundtrack. Just imagine walking around Hyrule Castle while listening to Zelda’s Lullaby or Gerudo Valley. Awesome.
But let’s not stop at Zelda. Why not bring Pokémon to Universal Studios? There’s a big rumor that Springfield will be leaving Universal Studios sometime in 2025, and if Universal manages to replace it with Pokémon, that would be a huge win. Pokémon is one of the biggest IPs in the world, and Universal Studios could use some fresh blood to elevate its offerings to the same legendary status as Islands of Adventure. Pokémon could definitely do that, drawing millions of visitors eager to experience it firsthand. Oh, and the merchandise? It would $ell like crazy.
Major changes to Universal Studios
Yes, I told you guys already about Pokemon at Universal Studios. That would definitely be great, but there are maybe easier ways to inject new blood at this classic theme park and attract a whole new audience. The easiest way is probably by replacing some rides and opening space for something new and more interesting.
If I had to close down and replace old rides, my first picks would definitely be Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and Fast & Furious: Supercharged. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit just isn’t a great roller coaster - it’s prone to frequent issues and apparently costs Universal a lot of money to keep it alive and running. Replacing it with a new, major mega-coaster to rival the VelociCoaster would be a fantastic move and would certainly put Universal Studios back in the spotlight.
And don’t even get me started on Fast & Furious: Supercharged. Shutting it down and replacing it with a popcorn cart would already be an improvement. This is easily one of the worst rides in all of Universal Orlando, and even Universal’s CEO reportedly dislikes it. So why keep it open? Just close it, free up the space, and bring in something new in the future.
The same goes for other lackluster attractions, like Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon. That ride feels more like a PR stunt than an effort to deliver an amazing guest experience. Universal Studios needs fewer motion simulators and more unique, immersive attractions. Let’s make it happen!
Is the Lost Continent truly lost?
There isn’t much that needs to change at Islands of Adventure. Honestly, it’s already an incredible theme park with so much to offer. From Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure to the VelociCoaster, Ripsaw Falls, and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, this is easily one of the best theme parks in the world, and one of my favorite places to visit in Florida.
That said, one area that could definitely improve is The Lost Continent, especially with the ruins of Poseidon’s Fury still lingering. That attraction has been closed since May 2023, meaning it’s been sitting idle for almost two years! There are plenty of rumors about what could replace it, like a Legend of Zelda area. Just imagine Hyrule Castle rising where Poseidon’s Fury once stood. Yeah, I guess Islands of Adventure can get better after all.
There are still only rumors about what will replace that specific area in The Lost Continent. It’s a sizable space with plenty of potential for something incredible. Sure, Hyrule Castle would be amazing, but another themed area could work just as well. Maybe even something inspired by The Lord of the Rings?
Whatever it turns out to be, I can’t wait to see what Universal has planned. I’m pretty sure we’ll hear more about it in 2025.
