Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for some big moves. Lands from 1999 are about to get bulldozed and demolished, to make way for something new, modern, and within the Universal IPs.

A construction worker in a hard hat and reflective vest holds blueprints and talks on a cell phone, juxtaposed with an aerial view of a busy Universal Islands of Adventure amusement park with roller coasters and water attractions.
Image Credit: Inside The Magic

Islands of Adventure: Universal’s Next Big Retheme?

Is Universal about to trade in Spider-Man and Hulk for something new? One subtle closure may be signaling a seismic shift.

A sudden hush fell over Marvel Super Hero Island this month—not because of a villain’s attack, but due to the closure of a fan-favorite attraction. Dr. Doom’s Fearfall, the high-flying, stomach-dropping tower ride, quietly shut down for refurbishment. But while maintenance is common, this specific closure has reignited whispers of something much larger: Could this be the beginning of the end for Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal’s Islands of Adventure?

Universal Orlando has scheduled Dr. Doom’s Fear Fall at Islands of Adventure for refurbishment and will be closed this week. – @insideuniversal on X

As Universal Orlando Resort surges forward with a flurry of development—including the massive new Epic Universe theme park set to open in 2025—the question looms: Is Marvel Super Hero Island still part of Universal’s long-term vision?

Logo of Universal Orlando Resort with a globe in the background. The image showcases exciting attractions at the Universal theme park, including a roller coaster, palm trees, and various themed buildings, all set against a bright blue sky.
Image Credit: Inside The Magic

A Land Trapped in Licensing Limbo

The land in question has been part of Islands of Adventure since the park’s debut in 1999. While beloved by fans for immersive theming and standout attractions like The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Marvel Super Hero Island is increasingly becoming a relic of a different era—one that predates Disney’s $4 billion acquisition of Marvel Entertainment in 2009.

Universal has held onto its rights through a decades-old licensing agreement that predates Disney’s Marvel buyout. The deal allows Universal to continue using many Marvel characters, provided they pay licensing fees and maintain the attractions. But with the Marvel Cinematic Universe dominating pop culture and Disney heavily leveraging those characters across its parks, streaming, and merchandising, the tension is palpable.

Could Disney eventually reclaim the Marvel rights and end Universal’s superhero reign?

An aerial view of an amusement park featuring various rides and attractions around a lake, including roller coasters and themed buildings. In the foreground, a large costumed character resembling Universal's famous Despicable Me minion is playfully holding his gloved hand to his face.
Credit: Inside The Magic

Why Now? A Perfect Storm of Opportunity

Several recent developments point to a potential turning point:

  • The ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Movie: With Marvel Studios planning to spotlight Dr. Doom in an upcoming Avengers film, some fans speculate this could be a “last hurrah” for the villain at Universal—just as his attraction closes for refurbishment.

  • Universal’s Growing Arsenal: Universal has a treasure trove of other intellectual properties, including DreamWorks Animation, Illumination, classic monsters, and even potential third-party collaborations like DC Comics—rumored to be an early contender for the land’s original theme.

  • Epic Universe’s Influence: With Epic Universe poised to shift Orlando’s theme park landscape, now may be the right time for Universal to refresh its older park areas and realign its brand focus.

A wide shot of the Hulk Coaster and Suess Landing inside of Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort
Credit: Universal

So, What’s Next?

Rumors swirl of a full retheme—perhaps a new DC Comics land or even an entirely original concept. While the possibility is exciting, no official announcements have been made. For now, Marvel Super Hero Island remains one of Islands of Adventure’s most popular zones, drawing crowds who grew up with the rides and characters.

But the deeper story isn’t just about one land or one ride—it’s about the long-term battle between Disney and Universal. One company owns the characters. The other owns the theme park magic. As licensing contracts age and cinematic universes evolve, the real question is not if a change is coming, but when.

Dr. Doom's Fearfall at Islands of Adventure
Credit: Universal

Final Thoughts: Islands of Adventure Needs To Be Modernized With New IPs

As visitors continue to swing through the streets with Spider-Man and race through the skies with the Hulk, there’s an undercurrent of uncertainty. Dr. Doom may be down for now, but the future of Marvel Super Hero Island could be one twist away from a dramatic overhaul.

Will Universal quietly phase out the land, or are we on the verge of a major announcement?

Stay tuned.

The post Universal’s Islands of Adventure To Close Legacy Area Open Since 1999 appeared first on Inside the Magic.

You Might Like