Work continues across Universal Orlando, with fresh ground markings now visible around the rumored site of the upcoming Category 10 venue at CityWalk. Meanwhile, demolition is ongoing in The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure as Universal clears space for a major new development.
Elsewhere, additional painting has been completed at the Universal Studios Florida entrance plaza, bringing more of the new white color palette into view. Plus, new track pieces and supports have been installed for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift as construction continues on the highly anticipated coaster.
Let’s dive into the photo update!
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CityWalk Ground Markings Emerge, Potentially Tied to New Venue
We observed activity in CityWalk between the Cinnabon kiosk and the Lone Palm Airport bar, where markings have recently appeared on the ground. Plus, some trees have been cleared. These are signs of early preparation work, suggesting construction activity could begin there in the near future.
This is potentially tied to the upcoming Category 10 venue, first announced for Universal Orlando’s CityWalk in February. The venue is from country music artist Luke Combs and already operates in Nashville, Tennessee, where the original bar, restaurant, and live music venue opened in 2024. A second location is coming to Las Vegas, with Orlando’s set to become the third. The Orlando venue will span three stories and cover roughly 33,000 square feet. Concept art released during the initial announcement shows the planned design.
That concept art appears to place the venue in the same area where activity is now visible, and Universal has already confirmed it will be located along the waterfront. Several kiosks in this section have also been removed over the past few weeks, likely to clear space ahead of construction. Work is set to begin this summer, with the venue currently targeting a late 2027 opening.
More Demolition Progress Visible in The Lost Continent
The Lost Continent is steadily becoming a thing of the past at Islands of Adventure, as Universal permanently closes the land in phases, with demolition work ongoing. Activity is especially noticeable at the former Eighth Voyage of Sindbad theater, which has remained largely unused since the stunt show closed in September 2018. Since demolition began late last month, much of the structure has already been torn down, marking one of the most visible changes in the land so far.
As for the rest of the area, conditions remain largely unchanged for now. Poseidon’s Fury has had construction walls in place since April, although the show building itself is still standing. The land also remains partially open, with remaining restaurants and a retail location closing in stages. The Lost Continent is ultimately slated for a full redevelopment into a new themed land, though Universal has not yet announced what will replace it.
Universal Studios Florida Entrance Refresh Continues
Crews have removed the advertisements from the walls to the right of the Universal Studios Florida archway, signaling that repainting work should begin soon. The yellow-beige color scheme with maroon accents will be replaced with the new white-and-beige palette. The project is part of the broader entrance plaza refresh that began in January.
In our last update, crews were focused on the left side of the archway, where white paint was being applied. That section now appears to be complete, with the beige accent color also having been added.
It is worth noting that these walls previously matched the current color of the archway itself. With the plaza receiving a coordinated repaint, it is possible the arch could eventually be updated to match the new palette as well, although this has not been confirmed. The archway has not always featured its current color, so another change would not be surprising.
New Track and Supports Installed for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Coaster
Since our last update, additional supports for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift have been installed leading up to the 170-foot vertical spike at the construction site next to the Hard Rock Cafe, with track pieces added to several of these supports. Notice that there are also connection points along the sides. This portion of the layout forms a bunny hill element as the ride speeds up the vertical spike and then descends back down.
As we’ve previously covered, the support connection points for the vertical spike are angled in different directions, indicating the track will twist as the cars climb and drop along the structure. The spike is positioned directly beside the CityWalk walkway that connects the Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure entrance plazas.
Meanwhile, in the New York section of Universal Studios Florida, construction is underway on the ride’s station, located behind the firehouse facade. Looking closer at the track leading into the station, motors have recently been installed along the route. Tire drive systems should be added soon to propel the trains into the station.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will feature 360-degree drifting and high-speed maneuvers. The coaster is slated to open in 2027, and if Universal follows a timeline similar to other recent major attractions, an opening in summer 2027 could be possible.
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