UniversalParksBlog News for May 10th, 2026
Mythos will permanently close. This is neither a joke nor a prank.
I’ll explain what’s happening in UniversalParksBlog News.
The Lost Continent Indeed
For a while now, I’ve referenced the rumors of big changes coming to the Lost Continent.
I don’t think any of us were fully prepared for Universal’s big announcement, though.
Yes, Universal’s Islands of Adventure is about to change…and in a big way.
Park officials plan to close the Lost Continent, an anchor themed land.
The Lost Continent was there at the start for Islands of Adventure, yet its days are numbered.
Universal will begin a phased closure of the Lost Continent later this year.
In a few months, the first experiences will permanently shut down.
The good news is that the award-winning restaurant, Mythos, won’t be one of them.
Universal likes making money. So, this restaurant will remain open into 2027.
However, Mythos will close in less than a year as well. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Photo:touringplans.com
For many years, Universal has clung to Mythos as proof of its dining quality.
While a competitor, Walt Disney World, objectively serves better food, Universal always had Mythos.
At one point, this place earned the title of Best Theme Park Restaurant in the world.
Therefore, Universal’s decision to close it should prove controversial.
Frankly, we haven’t had anything like this since Disney shut down The Wave… of American Flavors.
Hopefully, that move serves as the blueprint here, as Disney respected its roots.
The restaurant reopened as Steakhouse 71, but it maintained much of The Wave’s menu.
I’m honestly not expecting that strategy for Mythos, although I hope to be surprised.
Universal seems more interested in creating a themed dining experience akin to Minions Land.
You don’t need to serve delicious cuisine if parents will pay a ton for Banana Anything.
The Plan for Islands of Adventure
Photo: Universal
Let me be clear that most people have expected this move for three years.
Once Poseidon’s Fury shut down, the Lost Continent was de facto dead.
Photo: Universal Orlando
However, Mythos has remained open because Universal isn’t stupid.
The closing of this popular restaurant creates a massive void at the park.
Photo:uofanguide.com
Universal has already confirmed that it will fill that void with a new restaurant.
We’re getting a new eatery in the Jurassic Park area, and I really hope people aren’t the main entrees.
I’ve seen the movies, and that’s how it usually works.
We’ll all say goodbye to Thunder Falls Terrace this summer.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Universal will repurpose this restaurant into a Mythos-level replacement.
Yes, it’ll switch to Table-Service dining at that point. So, it’s getting an upgrade.
Photo: Universal
Along those lines, the Horror Make-Up Show closes on Tuesday.
This one’s not permanent, though. Universal will revamp it with a new version.
Photo: Universal
Universal says the updated show will: “showcase a mix of classic and modern horror properties along with shockingly fun surprises.”
Unless one of the surprises is a new Mythos, I’ll still be bummed.
Credit: Universal
Let’s be clear that this is a shocking change at Islands of Adventure.
Lost Continent, Mythos, and Thunder Falls Terrace were all opening day experiences.
Photo: Orlando Informer
Universal typically respects its storied history, but it’s choosing to be bold here.
The new Jurassic dining experience will reside near the splashdown at Jurassic Park River Adventure.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Presuming everything goes as planned, it’ll open just as Mythos closes.
Whether the new restaurant can live up to the old one remains to be seen.
Also, the Jurassic restaurant will have a VERY high bar to clear.
Not many theme parks would close what is easily their best restaurant. I’m just sayin’.
Universal Miscellany
We’ve got sweeping changes happening at Universal CityWalk, too.
For starters, we’re getting a Five Guys, which may not sound like much to you.
However, this is easily my favorite fast food/casual restaurant chain in the world.
So, I’m all for Five Guys franchises on every street corner.
Photo: Westcoaster.com
Universal CityWalk will also add Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice.
In case you didn’t know, this is what passes for a clever name from the mind of Joey Fatone.
This seems like a good time to mention that I was never a fan of boy bands.
Anyway, the objectively charming Fatone is a fixture at Walt Disney World.
Now, his growing hot dog chain will add a spot down the street from another new joint.
Luke Combs’ Category 10, an entertainment venue, is debuting soon, too.
Photo:instagram/universalorlando
Yes, he’s the guy who did the Fast Car cover. Apparently, he’s an entrepreneur now.
I don’t quite know when the pipeline from the Billboard top 40 to Universal CityWalk began, but here we are.
Universal CityWalk In Orlando
Finally, in terms of potential replacements for the Lost Continent, we still don’t know.
The prevailing belief is that Universal will announce a Pokémon or Legend of Zelda project.
Photographer: Yuriko Nakao/Bloomberg via Getty Images
To my mind, Pokémon makes the most sense, as Zelda should go elsewhere.
If I were a park planner, I’d align Zelda at Universal Epic Universe.
I see both projects as inevitable, though. We’ll probably find out for sure soon.
My guess is that Universal is holding off the announcement until Universal Kids Resort debuts.
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Feature Photo: Universal
