Sometimes I visit parks without any reason or reason in mind. I recently did an episode of Islands of Adventurea place I have visited hundreds of times since 1999, and it was a mixture of emotion and discovery.

As I walked through the park entrance, I noticed five pieces of stained glass embedded in the walkway. I imagine they’ve always been around – why would Universal add them later, after all – but I don’t remember them. Is it symbolic, like the five original lands of the IOA?

Or are they just beautiful and scene setters? Central Florida’s garden designs are layered so you can walk alongside them or over them.

It reminded me of discovering another port of entry in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was so quiet, it enabled me to hear the pre-recorded Christmas shop jailbreak banter. (Still spinning.)

Other recent entries in my mental IOA notebook:

• The masonry walls disappeared again from The former Poseidon Fury attraction. Although Universal Orlando provided construction Permits had recently been obtained for that area, no announcement had been made, and I could spy no action. Visitors could now walk almost to the front door, and most of the water features were operational. Vegetation is also under control. I took more pictures because one day this view will disappear. (Bigfoot collapsing with Marvel Super Hero Island in the background is an unusual sight.)

She ran into an exploring family who were distracted by lizards. “Look, there’s another one.” I let them enjoy it, but in my mind I said, “You’re not from here, are you?”

• From some angles, Lost Continent is exactly the same as its opening day. But it’s also very different, even if you’ve mentally stopped taking over the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Poseidon Buildings and the “Eighth Voyage of Sinbad” theater are still standing, but empty. The shops on the ground floor have been rearranged, some selling “How to Train Your Dragon” merchandise. The rocky path to nowhere still stands and is a strangely tempting resting place.

There from the beginning: Mythos Restaurant and Fire Eaters Grill.

It also still stands: Mystic Fountain. In the Sentinel’s IOA 1999 preview, it is stated that there is a 1,000-year-old soul trapped inside. In this report we also say trains Dragon Duel Pass “within 12 inches of each other.” Ah, memories.

• One last piece of information about the Lost Continent, I saw it online and double-checked it: The mermaid figure above the entrance to Poseidon’s Treasure Shop definitely has a tail that continues to the ceiling inside.

• Jurassic River Adventure Park It looked even more amazing and reminded me that the attraction will be closed for maintenance from January 5th until November 19th. Again, Universal doesn’t say much, but that might seem like a long time just for regular cleaning, right?

• Remember the purple wall craze at the Magic Kingdom? I was a little longing for those days when I would wander around Dr. Doom Fearfall, where the walls there will make an interesting red and green splashed background. When this trend returns, I’m ready.

Attraction news and nuggets

• The Zoo Boo Bash returns to the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens on Saturday. Includes trick-or-treat trail, animal enrichment, holiday decor and edibles. details: centralfloridazoo.org

• The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex remained open during the government shutdown. details: kennedyspacecenter.com

• Discovery Cove, the day resort at SeaWorld Orlando, is offering 40% off reservations through the end of 2026, but you must book by October 19, 2025. Details: discoverycove.com

• The Museum of Illusions Orlando features several Dia de los Muertos activities, including Family Fun Day on November 1, which turns into an adults-only evening celebration. details: moiorlando.com

• Walt Disney World Reports indicate that her license plate sales throughout Florida have raised more than $5 million for Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida. The design was submitted in 2021.

• Disney World offers cold brew coffee options at all four parks. Eye-catching: The Epic Cold Brew Spectacular at Hollywood Studios, topped with an Indiana Jones-style mini fedora and cold cookie butter foam. details: Disneyparksblog.com

Send me an email at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. Blue Sky: @themeparksdb. Topics account: @dbevil. 0. Sign up for the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.