Universal Orlando guests planning a spring trip to Universal’s Islands of Adventure may want to take note: a popular Toon Lagoon attraction is expected to temporarily shut down later this April.
Me Ship, The Olive, the walk-through Popeye-themed play structure, is currently scheduled for refurbishment from April 19 through April 25, 2026. While the closure window is short, it still marks a noticeable change for Toon Lagoon, an area that doesn’t see frequent updates compared to Universal’s newer expansions.
Universal has not announced major changes to the attraction, but short refurbishments are typically scheduled for routine maintenance, safety checks, and cosmetic repairs.
A Small Closure With a Big Presence
Me Ship, The Olive is not a thrill ride, but it’s one of Toon Lagoon’s most recognizable structures. Sitting directly along the main pathway, it’s hard to miss. Many guests pass it on their way to Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges or Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, and plenty of families stop to let kids explore the ship’s ramps, staircases, and viewing areas.
It’s one of the few “no wait” experiences in Islands of Adventure where kids can burn off energy without being tied to a queue, which makes it especially useful during busy travel seasons.
Because it plays such a supporting role in the land’s pacing, its closure will likely be felt even by guests who don’t necessarily consider it a must-do.
Why Universal Refurbishes Attractions Like This
Toon Lagoon is one of the most weather-exposed areas of Islands of Adventure. Between the water rides, splash zones, and Florida’s constant sun and storms, Universal has to stay on top of maintenance in order to keep structures safe.
A week-long refurbishment often points to repainting, resurfacing walkways, fixing worn stairways, replacing damaged elements, and refreshing themed details that take a beating over time.
Even if guests don’t always notice the work being done, these refurbishments are one of the reasons Islands of Adventure continues to look polished compared to many other theme parks.
Rumors Continue to Follow Toon Lagoon
Anytime a Toon Lagoon attraction closes, even temporarily, it tends to revive a rumor that has been circulating for years: the idea that Toon Lagoon could eventually be replaced with something more modern.
Toon Lagoon is built around classic comic-strip characters like Popeye and Dudley Do-Right. While longtime theme park fans appreciate the nostalgia, younger guests don’t always connect with the properties the same way.
That’s why fans have speculated that Universal could one day swap the land’s theme to something more current. SpongeBob SquarePants is often the most common suggestion, largely because of the character’s ongoing popularity and the fact that the land already has a bright, water-focused design.
Still, there is no current evidence Universal is moving in that direction. A closure lasting only from April 19 to April 25 strongly suggests this is simply standard maintenance.
That's that Me Ship The Olive 🎶 pic.twitter.com/uh50Hity2l
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) July 15, 2024
What Guests Should Do If They’re Visiting in Late April
If you’re visiting Islands of Adventure during the closure dates, this is unlikely to ruin your day—but it may slightly change your Toon Lagoon experience, especially if you’re traveling with children.
Families who rely on Me Ship, The Olive as a mid-day break spot may want to plan for alternatives, such as Camp Jurassic in the Jurassic Park area or the interactive spaces in Seuss Landing.
For now, Universal’s schedule indicates that Me Ship, The Olive will return quickly. But for guests visiting in late April, it’s still worth knowing ahead of time.
Because even a small Toon Lagoon closure can make the land feel a little less alive—and at Islands of Adventure, the atmosphere is half the experience.
