For years, fans of Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure have watched with unease as one question loomed: Is Jurassic Park about to go extinct? Rumors have swirled like a tropical storm ever since Universal Studios Hollywood rebranded its Jurassic Park land into the slicker, modern Jurassic World.
When Universal Orlando debuted the Jurassic World VelociCoaster in 2021, it felt like the first clue that the winds of change were coming. The ride embraced the new era, complete with characters like Owen Grady and Claire Dearing, sparking serious speculation about a full-on retheme.
Would the nostalgia-soaked jungle paths, the familiar gates, and that iconic score be swept away in favor of the new generation of dino drama? Or could something be stirring beneath the surface—something that signals the classic land isn’t going anywhere?
Introducing Jurassic Park Raptor Bites—A Snack with a Message at Universal Islands of Adventure
According to newly surfaced photos and updates from theme park watchers, a brand-new snack stand is currently under construction in the Jurassic Park area of Islands of Adventure. But it’s not just any snack stand. It’s themed entirely to the original Jurassic Park branding and titled “Raptor Bites.”
The new JP Raptor Bites food stand (across from The Watering Hole) has been installed. We should see it opening soon! – @insideuniversal on X
The new JP Raptor Bites food stand (across from The Watering Hole) has been installed. We should see it opening soon! @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/evCZZkN3aH
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) April 29, 2025
Serving up quick eats like churros, hot dogs, and pretzels—along with cold drinks—the stand is designed to blend into the land’s lush, weathered aesthetic. No Jurassic World logos. No metallic blue accents. Just pure 1990s Isla Nublar charm.
It’s a small addition, sure—but it carries big implications.
A Strategic Choice, or a Symbolic Statement?
In the theme park industry, investments—no matter how small—usually point to broader plans. The decision to open a new food location branded exclusively with the Jurassic Park identity suggests one thing: Universal isn’t ready to let go just yet.
If Jurassic World were set to fully replace Jurassic Park in Florida, building an entirely new Jurassic Park-themed structure would seem counterproductive. Why pour money into an aesthetic you plan to bulldoze?
This kiosk, in many ways, is a quiet but powerful declaration: the original version of the land still holds value, both emotionally and economically.
Can Jurassic Park and Jurassic World Coexist?
Universal might not be choosing between the old and the new—they could be doing both.
The addition of VelociCoaster may have been the studio’s way of bringing in the Jurassic World crowd while keeping the heart of the original land intact. The ride itself is carefully integrated into the existing landscape, positioned near the Discovery Center and framed by Jurassic Park theming.
With the addition of Raptor Bites, the park appears to be reinforcing that blend—signaling a future where both franchises live side by side, offering something for longtime fans and new visitors alike.
The Emotional Undercurrent: Why It Matters for Universal
Jurassic Park isn’t just another land—it’s a piece of theme park history. It opened with Islands of Adventure in 1999, just six years after Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking film roared into theaters. For many, it represents a golden era of theme park storytelling—when physical sets, practical effects, and immersive theming ruled.
To see it potentially replaced by a sleeker, CGI-heavy version would be a major emotional blow to a generation of fans. That’s why something as seemingly minor as a snack stand isn’t just exciting—it’s comforting. It says, “We still see you. We still care.”
Universal has yet to officially confirm any major changes to the Jurassic Park area, but this new development suggests the rumors of a full Jurassic World retheme may have been premature—or perhaps even unfounded.
Whether Raptor Bites is a long-term fixture or a clever piece of thematic maintenance, it seems to confirm that the Jurassic Park identity still has a role to play in the evolution of Islands of Adventure. For now, fans can rejoice. The gates haven’t closed. The river still flows. The raptors still roam.
