After a 19-year run at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the “Eighth Voyage of Sindbad” stunt show will permanently close on Sept. 15.
A spokesperson for Universal confirmed rumors of its closure to Orlando Rising with no mention of what, if anything, will be taking its place.
“As we continue to evolve our entertainment offerings, we will share updates along the way,” the spokesperson said.
The stunt show, featuring Sindbad and his pals battling the evil witch Miseria on a grotto-themed set, opened along with the rest of Islands of Adventure on May 28, 1999. It did not enjoy a sterling reputation among Universal fans, even after the show was refreshed in 2015. The 2017 edition of “The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando” only recommended seeing it “if it was unbearably hot or grapefruit-size hail was falling from the sky.”
Yet it survived even as the surrounding Lost Continent area was cut down. The medieval-themed Merlinwood closed in phases in 2008 to become Hogsmeade section of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Only one attraction in the land, Poseidon’s Fury, remains standing.
“I think the show has remained so long because it has a great and talented cast and it’s a people eater,” said Bill Zanetti, a professor at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management teaching courses in theme park and attraction management. “It really helps the capacity of the park to handle crowds.”
Zanetti said it’s too early to speculate on Lost Continent’s future. He believes Universal has plans for the space but simply isn’t prepared to announce it.
Universal Orlando has been playing it close to the chest when it comes to upcoming attractions. It has yet to officially announce what will be replacing Universal Studios Florida’s Terminator 2:3-D, which closed last October, though a new show is supposed to open in the same building in 2019.