PHOTO UPDATE: Lost Continent Demolition, New Jaws Props & More

New merchandise and experiences have arrived at Universal Orlando, alongside continued construction and demolition projects. In this update, we’ll take a look at the latest progress on the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster, ongoing demolition in The Lost Continent, new Jaws props and themed additions, recent merchandise releases, and more from around Universal Orlando.

View
TOC

New Minions Merchandise

New merchandise has been released for the upcoming Minions & Monsters movie. Here’s a look at some of the products currently available around the resort, including at the Universal Studios Store in CityWalk, the Super Silly Stuff store inside Universal Studios Florida, and other locations.

In the image above, the left shows a black adult T-shirt priced at $40, while the right shows a white youth T-shirt priced at $35.

There are two white ringer T-shirts with blue trim around the collar and sleeve openings. The one on the left is an adult version priced at $35, while the one on the right is a youth version priced at $30.

There is a breathable cap available for $35. It features a white crown and a black visor.

A reversible bucket hat is available for $35, with one side in a black design and the other in a white design.

You can purchase a shoulder plush of James and Henry for $25 each.

We saw an interactive Henry toy for $45. It features more than 40 sounds and actions.

The Minions cup with a straw is priced at $20.

There are also mystery boxes available for $20, featuring seven different designs.

New KPop Demon Hunters Merchandise

We also spotted new KPop Demon Hunters merchandise. The items were available at a kiosk in CityWalk and inside the MIB Gear shop at Universal Studios Florida.

The Derpy plush in the photo above is priced at $35.

This Squishmallows plush version, however, costs $30.

The Sussie Squishmallows plush is also $30.

Plushes of Zoey, Mira, and Rumi are available for $18, and each includes a loop that can be used to attach them to a bag or for decoration.

This Loungefly mini backpack features Rumi, Mira, and Zoey and is priced at $100.

There is also a Loungefly wallet available for $30.

The mystery pin box shown above is $15, while the mystery bag charm shown below costs $25.

Construction Walls Removed at Confisco Grille

Construction walls have been removed from much of Confisco Grille at Islands of Adventure following refurbishment work on the restaurant’s façade. However, walls and scrims remain in place next door at Croissant Moon Bakery and around a small section of Confisco Grille’s connected Backwater Bar.

Demolition Work in The Lost Continent

Demolition is underway in The Lost Continent, with noticeable work taking place at the former Eighth Voyage of Sindbad stunt show. The land itself has not fully closed yet, as it is shutting down in phases over the coming months to make way for future development, though Universal has not yet announced what will replace it.

Hogwarts Castle Refurbishment Progress

Refurbishment work on Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure appears to be mostly finished, with the castle façade looking complete.

However, some minor work is still ongoing. Scaffolding is slightly visible in the courtyard above for finishing touches.

Here are different angles of the castle.

Crews are still applying themed stonework at the entrance to the castle, which also leads to the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. The process begins with a neutral base coat before different shades are painted onto each individual “stone” to create variation. Afterward, a more uniform layer of paint is applied over the entire surface to give the façade a cohesive, finished appearance. The technique is designed to replicate the look of natural stonework.

Themed stonework is also being added to a section of the ride’s show building. The photos below show the process taking place on the right side of Forbidden Journey’s exit gift shop, where the final uniform color can be seen layered over the varying shades painted onto the surface.

Hogsmeade Bridge Reopened

The bridge connecting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and Jurassic Park recently reopened following a multi-month refurbishment, just in time for the holiday weekend crowds and the start of the summer season.

New Minions Photo Op

A photo op for the new Minions & Monsters movie has been set up in Music Plaza at Universal Studios Florida.

Construction Walls Removed in the New York Area

In April, construction walls were set up in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida, including between Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon and Illumination’s Minion Cafe, as well as directly in front of the Metropolis Tribune façade. The work was tied to utility installations likely connected to the upcoming Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster and resulted in a large portion of walkways being blocked. These walls also interfered with the route for the Universal Mega Movie Parade, which had originally been scheduled to return for the summer season on May 23, but was later pushed to June 5 due to the timing of the work. Both sets of walls have since been removed.

New Track Pieces Installed for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift

Track pieces for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift have now been installed in the area between the Hard Rock Cafe and the Universal Studios Florida entry plaza, with installation taking place over the past few days.

The roller coaster is set to open next year.

Limited-Time Jaws Props Installed at Universal Studios Florida

Jaws props and photo ops have been installed throughout the San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida as part of a limited-time summer movie experience.

Richter’s Burger Co. features Jaws-themed decorations inside the restaurant.

Richter’s Burger Co. also has an updated menu that now includes items inspired by the film: We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat and Shake Attack.

You can also find decorations inside the San Francisco Candy Factory.

Stay tuned to AttractionInsight.com and follow our social media channels for more Universal news and beyond.