The Future of Lost Continent

[TheUniC6]

Personal speculation on LC:

I think it boils down to IP selection and what options they had considered for the sake of this land. Regardless if it's Zelda, Wicked, or any other IP. Part of me wonders if they've finally inked something out to be able to move forward in general on plans that have been sitting for a while as a result of a potential "Waiting Period" to ensure they were confident on a specific option.

My thinking is Wicked, if only because I think the Emerald City would be an amazing vista to have alongside Hogwarts Castle, Jurassic World: Velocicoaster and The Incredible Hulk. I honestly think Zelda probably requires more than what they can do for IOA in general, and that retooling and relooking at the concepts for something else down the road (like at Epic) would be a better means of bringing that IP forward.

Wicked feels like a more "Logical" choice, that could capitalize off of the iconography of both the original MGM film and of Part One and For Good, in a way that'd make it a magnet for the park like how Hogwarts is.

LC to me has always felt like the existing structure could be retrofitted to be something from OZ easily.

 

[Stitch_101]

LC to me has always felt like the existing structure could be retrofitted to be something from OZ easily.

LC also lends itself well to be easily retrofitted to LoZ. At this point, it's anyone's guess. I for one don't really care what they put here as long as they finally do something with LC. Its the one major blemish on an otherwise fantastic park. I really hope these permits are for LC.

 

[Skipper Justin]

Turn Mythos into Zora Lagoon!

 

[Mike S]

Personally, I'd prefer almost anything besides Wicked. That said, agree that it's more likely we get a ride and a show in that spot if it's Wicked than if it's Zelda.

Instead of a show Zelda could get an interactive Dungeon/Lost Woods area.

 

[belloq87]

I 100% approve of the prospect of the Lost Continent area no longer being dormant...

... but I wish the resources to do it were going to USF first.

 

[TheUniC6]

I 100% approve of the prospect of the Lost Continent area no longer being dormant...

... but I wish the resources to do it were going to USF first.

Probably because if USF is on the docket next for the new coaster Universal feels why not have IOA have the next addition after that. And it creates more capacity at IOA when construction work starts on whatever the post coaster addition to USF will be.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Personally, I'd prefer almost anything besides Wicked. That said, agree that it's more likely we get a ride and a show in that spot if it's Wicked than if it's Zelda.

I'll do you one better - I'd prefer anything over Wicked AND Zelda lol

 

[Mad Dog]

Out of leftfield thought, though the area is smallish, but it's close to the theme.........Since it's sounding like Potter has been negotiated
for the Universal UK park, that probably leaves LOTR out of the equation there. I'm 'guessing' that LOTR had some Creative development
for UK if Potter didn't materialize. And the timing with a 'rumored' Potter agreement at the same time as the LC permits......Hmmm.......
It's a crazy idea , but I'm going to throw LOTR out there in an abbreviated size. Yes, I know it's a wild thought
..............But, if I was putting money on a bet.....I would bet "Wicked'...since it's current success, a Universal owned IP....and Woodbury has been
talking about it for the past year.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I 100% approve of the prospect of the Lost Continent area no longer being dormant...

... but I wish the resources to do it were going to USF first.

I'd agree, however looking at the timeline it makes perfect sense for IOA to get something after Rockit's replacement.

Universal would need to hold the Simpsons IP until 2028, meaning a future replacement isn't likely to open up in it's place until 2030 (at the earliest). That puts a gap between the Rockit replacement in 2027, and Pokemon in 2030.... BTTF retheme of F&F is doable for 2028.

If Lost Continent is in fact demo'd next year, that puts it in a good position to open sometime in late 2028 or 2029.

If Epic Universe where to have a SNW expansion fast-tracked, it could land somewhere in 2028 as well.



In summary,
2027: (USF) F&F Coaster
2028: (USF) BTTF/Hill Valley & (EPIC) SNW Expansion?
2029: (IOA) The Lost Continent
2030: (USF) Pokemon

While I'd like TL rethemed to SpongeBob, I doubt that gets touched with so many other priorities in the parks. JPRA Refurbishment likely next year and could open in the same year? This timeline is assuming BTTF is in fact happening and is a simple retheme of Supercharged. If that's not in the cards, USF needs something.

 

[Alicia]

I think most of us are going to be surprised.