Hollywood Drift is the only official project, but Lost Continent is rubble, Epic Universe has two expansion pads under permit, and Animal Actors closes Nov. 2. Here’s what’s coming and what’s still a rumor.
Universal Orlando doesn’t do big announcement shows. It just starts knocking things down.
Officially, the resort is building exactly one new attraction right now: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Florida. Unofficially, there are at least five more projects in motion, per a Sept. 25 roundup from Disney Tourist Blog’s Tom Bricker, built on permits, construction photos and closures Universal has already confirmed.
“We’ll just tell the Orlando Business Journal, so good luck figuring out what we’re doing if you don’t subscribe to that niche newspaper,” Bricker joked about Universal’s approach. He called that an exaggeration with “a kernel of truth.”
When does Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift open in Orlando?
Universal says 2027. Bricker’s bet is Memorial Day 2027, with a spring soft opening at the earliest.
Track installation wrapped in August. Crews started pulling a mock-up of Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger through the course for clearance testing the week of Sept. 21, and WDWNT reported the test vehicle had reached the halfway point on Sept. 26.
The Orlando version has a 170-foot vertical spike over the edge of CityWalk and replaces Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. It’s a different coaster from the Hollywood Drift that opened this month at Universal Studios Hollywood, even though they share a name. Hollywood finished its track in April 2025 and still didn’t open until fall 2026, which is why Bricker isn’t expecting anything fast.
What is replacing Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure?
Universal hasn’t said, but Pokemon is the widely expected answer.
Poseidon’s Fury and the Eighth Voyage of Sindbad theater are already demolished. Universal announced earlier in 2026 that “World-Class Pokemon Rides” are coming to its parks, and Bricker says insiders line up behind that.
The bigger loss for fans may be Mythos, the Lost Continent restaurant Bricker calls “the best theme park restaurant in the world.” Servers have told guests it will close in March 2027 and be torn down, per DTB. Bricker is still somewhat skeptical it’ll really be torn down instead of rethemed.
What new rides are coming to Epic Universe?
Two, based on permits Universal has filed but not announced.
The first is a new attraction in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Ministry of Magic. The latest permits show a two-story show building of about 96,000 square feet, roughly the size of Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Bricker says he’s heard “pretty credibly” it will be a Harry Potter thrill ride. Oddly, nothing has visibly happened on that site since spring.
The second is in Dark Universe, and it’s moving faster. Permits show a three-story, 93,000-square-foot building with a ride maintenance bay, which rules out a stage show. A crane and pile driver showed up on site in mid-September.
Nobody official has said what it is. Universal insider Alicia Stella of Orlando Park Stop points to a long-running rumor of an indoor boat ride built around the Creature from the Black Lagoon, possibly paired with the Bride of Frankenstein. Bricker floated a 2028 opening as possible given the pace.
When does Animal Actors close at Universal Studios Florida?
Nov. 2, 2026. That one is confirmed.
“Animal Actors On Location! will take its final bow on November 2, 2026, making way for a future experience,” Universal said. The show has been at Universal Studios Florida since opening day, a 36-year run.
Universal hasn’t said what goes in next. Bricker would bet against the building being reused and expects it to be torn down. He’d like to see The Secret Life of Pets dark ride from Hollywood there, and there are rumors of Back to the Future eventually returning to the park.
What happened to Fast & Furious Supercharged?
It closed early, on Aug. 17, about a year ahead of schedule. Universal said the move made “way for the new experience” of Hollywood Drift, even though the two rides are on opposite sides of the resort.
Bricker has called Supercharged one of the worst theme park rides anywhere, for years. He’s not mourning. He also suspects the early closure was about cost, with nothing lined up for the building.
Is Universal Orlando cutting back?
It’s building and trimming at the same time.
Comcast’s CFO warned the week of Sept. 21 that attendance softness is continuing, per DTB, and Comcast plans to spin off NBCUniversal. Bricker expects Universal to keep spending on big projects while cutting operating costs elsewhere.
So the bulldozers keep running. Universal just doesn’t send out a press release first.
Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Disney Tourist Blog (Sept. 25, 2026), Tom Bricker’s roundup of permits, closures and timelines
WDW News Today (Sept. 26, 2026), the Hollywood Drift clearance test
Universal Orlando (2026), the Animal Actors closing statement
Orlando Park Stop, Alicia Stella’s Dark Universe reporting, via DTB
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