Islands of Adventure is going through some noticeable changes, and guests don't have to walk very far into the park to find the latest one.
New construction walls and scrim have appeared around portions of Island Market and Export and the Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe. Both locations sit in Port of Entry, meaning guests can encounter the construction almost immediately after entering the Universal Orlando theme park.
The project isn't nearly as large as the demolition happening elsewhere at Islands of Adventure. Still, it adds another construction zone to a park already preparing for some significant changes.
Construction Arrives at Port of Entry
Beige scrim and brown walls currently surround portions of the two Port of Entry stores. One wall features a “Please pardon our dust” message, while another poster uses an “Islands Air” design complete with a plane and Islands of Adventure branding.
The good news is that neither store has closed because of the work.
Both remain open while construction continues.
Universal hasn't announced exactly what is happening behind the walls or how long they'll remain in place.
For guests, though, the location makes this project difficult to miss. Port of Entry establishes the atmosphere for the entire park before guests head toward Marvel Super Hero Island or Seuss Landing.
Now, construction has temporarily altered part of that opening view.
Lost Continent Is Coming Down
Of course, this isn't the biggest construction project happening at Islands of Adventure.
Universal is actively demolishing portions of the Lost Continent as it prepares the area for something new. Recent demolition has removed major pieces of the original land, including the former Eighth Voyage of Sindbad theater, while work has also reached the former Poseidon's Fury attraction.
The Lost Continent dates back to Islands of Adventure's opening in 1999, but the land has been shrinking for years.
Part of its original footprint became The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad closed in 2018, while Poseidon's Fury followed in 2023.
Now, Universal is moving forward with a much more substantial transformation.
And that's where things get particularly interesting.
Is Pokémon Coming Next?
Universal hasn't officially revealed what will replace the Lost Continent, but Pokémon continues to be the leading rumor surrounding the site.
Reports have connected a possible Pokémon land to the Islands of Adventure property, although Universal has not confirmed that Pokémon will occupy the space.
That's an important distinction.
We know the Lost Continent is being removed. We know Universal is preparing for a future land. We don't know exactly what that land will be.
If Pokémon does ultimately arrive, it would represent one of the largest changes Islands of Adventure has experienced in years. It would also give Universal another major gaming property following SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe.
Islands of Adventure's Next Era Is Taking Shape
The temporary walls at Port of Entry may end up being a relatively minor refurbishment.
But they're appearing at an interesting moment.
Universal Orlando opened Epic Universe in 2025, but the company hasn't stopped investing in its existing parks. Islands of Adventure is already undergoing a much larger transformation with the Lost Continent disappearing.
For now, guests can continue shopping at Island Market and Export and Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe despite the entrance-area construction.
The bigger mystery waits deeper inside the park.
Universal hasn't told us what will replace the Lost Continent yet. But with demolition moving forward and another construction project now visible near the entrance, Islands of Adventure is clearly changing.
And its next version is beginning to take shape.
