Universal Orlando Resort has never been afraid to retire an attraction when it sees a bigger opportunity ahead.
That approach matters even more now. Epic Universe is open, giving Universal Orlando Resort its newest theme park while raising questions about what could happen at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Four rides stand out for very different reasons. One has already permanently closed. Another is undergoing repairs after a major figure sustained damage. Two others remain longtime parts of a land built around characters that may not have the same connection with younger visitors.
Universal hasn't announced that all four are leaving. Still, each presents an opportunity for the resort to introduce something different.
A Current Repair Could Become a Bigger Question
Skull Island: Reign of Kong isn't going anywhere immediately.
Universal is repairing the Islands of Adventure attraction after damage to its enormous King Kong animatronic, which appears during the ride's finale. The attraction has remained closed for an extended period while Universal addresses the problem.
For now, the plan involves repairs. The longer-term question is whether recent issues could push Universal to consider a permanent replacement.
Kong also competes for attention in a park containing Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Jurassic World VelociCoaster, two attractions that generate considerable excitement.
If Universal eventually decides to move on, the location creates some interesting possibilities.
A smaller area based on The Legend of Zelda could expand Universal's relationship with Nintendo. Universal could instead build on an existing Islands of Adventure franchise by adding another Jurassic World experience.
Neither idea has been confirmed, and Universal is currently repairing Kong. But the attraction's recent problems make its future one to watch.
One Closure Leaves Plenty of Possibilities
Universal doesn't have to wonder whether Fast & Furious: Supercharged will survive.
It's already gone.
The Universal Studios Florida attraction permanently closed in August 2026 after struggling to achieve the popularity Universal likely hoped for. Its departure now leaves valuable space available for whatever eventually comes next.
Universal could take several directions.
Ghostbusters would bring a familiar property with Universal history into the space. Jaws could return in a new form, while Back to the Future could give another former Universal attraction a modern revival.
Universal could also look toward newer properties. Twisters and The Secret Life of Pets represent two other possibilities for the location.
Nothing has been confirmed, leaving Universal with a major decision about whether to embrace nostalgia or introduce something different.
A Beloved Water Ride Has a Character Problem
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges presents almost the opposite situation.
The ride remains popular, particularly when Florida temperatures make getting drenched feel more like a benefit than a problem. The concern isn't necessarily the experience itself.
It's the characters surrounding it.
Popeye doesn't necessarily connect with younger visitors in the same way that many newer franchises do. That could become increasingly important if Universal eventually decides Toon Lagoon needs a larger transformation.
SpongeBob SquarePants could offer an interesting solution.
SpongeBob reaches younger audiences while also carrying nostalgia for adults who grew up with the character. Universal could potentially maintain the appeal of a major water attraction while introducing a franchise with broader generational recognition.
There's no guarantee Popeye is leaving. But a fun ride doesn't automatically become a permanent one.
Another Toon Lagoon Favorite Faces a Similar Challenge
Just nearby, Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls could encounter the same problem.
The log flume remains easy to recognize thanks to its massive final drop. Yet Dudley Do-Right doesn't have the cultural reach of Universal's biggest modern franchises.
If Toon Lagoon ever receives a larger overhaul, Ripsaw Falls would naturally become part of that discussion.
Scooby-Doo could provide one possible answer.
The character has remained visible across generations through television, movies, merchandise, and newer projects. That longevity could give Universal plenty of material for an attraction involving Mystery Inc., monsters, villains, and mysteries.
Universal has not announced plans to remove Ripsaw Falls. For now, the idea remains entirely hypothetical.
Four Rides Could Help Shape What Comes Next
These attractions aren't all facing the same situation.
Fast & Furious is permanently closed. Kong is undergoing repairs. Popeye and Dudley Do-Right continue operating without confirmed replacement plans.
But all four show how Universal could reshape its older parks over time.
Zelda, Jurassic World, Ghostbusters, SpongeBob, and Scooby-Doo are only possibilities. Universal could ultimately choose completely different properties.
Still, with Epic Universe operating and Universal continuing to look ahead, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure offer plenty of room for the resort's next generation of attractions.
