Piece of theme park history vanishes as Universal demolishes a cherished attraction

Demolition work has started inside the aging land. Footage from a local station's news helicopter showed an excavator positioned next to a pile of rubble, according to multiple reports.

"This will include the closure of Mythos Restaurant in 2027," a statement also noted.

The area was also home to several fan-favorite attractions.

They were famous for their intertwined layouts, synchronized dispatches and near-miss elements, per Universal Orlando and Wizarding World history pages.

Poseidon's Fury was another signature attraction, drawing crowds with dramatic water tunnel effects, bursts of fire and live actors.

But over the last 15 years, Universal has steadily chipped away at the land.

In 2010, the Dueling Dragons coasters were re-themed as Dragon Challenge as part of the neighboring Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, according to Universal Orlando.

That attraction ultimately closed in 2017 to make way for Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, now one of the resort's most popular rides.

The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad, a stunt-heavy live show, said goodbye in 2018. 

Poseidon's Fury closed in 2023, according to Universal Orlando's retired attractions page.

Universal announced the resort's Horror Make-Up Show at Universal Studios Florida is temporarily closed to prepare for what the company calls a "reimagined experience."

Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure has seen ongoing maintenance and refurbishment work in recent years, according to Orlando Informer.

Universal Orlando will debut Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift in 2027, a high-speed roller coaster based on the blockbuster movies, the press release noted.

The demolition drew mixed reactions from Universal visitors.

"Glad it's finally happening because it's needed it. I mean, the two attractions have been closed for 8 years and 3 years," one Reddit user said.

But many fans were sad to see Lost Continent go.

"Goodbye, Lost Continent, you will always be my favorite show," said one TikTok user.

"RIP, Lost Continent. Thank you for everything," another said.

A third TikTok user chimed in with these words: "The end of an era."