Planning a September getaway to Universal Orlando Resort might not go exactly as expected. Guests hoping to ride every attraction could be disappointed, as several rides will be off-limits.
Some are only down for quick refurbishments, while others are gone for good. Here’s what you need to know before heading into the parks.
Universal Orlando Resort: Three Parks, Endless Experiences
Universal Orlando isn’t just a single theme park—it’s three.
Universal Studios Florida delivers movie magic with attractions that bring Hollywood blockbusters to life.
Islands of Adventure is the thrill-seeker’s paradise, home to Marvel Super Hero Island, Jurassic Park, and Hogsmeade.
Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, pushes theme park design to the next level. From SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to Dark Universe and Isle of Berk, this new addition has set the bar for immersive experiences.
Together, they create a resort that can easily fill multiple days. But even a destination this big isn’t immune to closures.
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Over at Islands of Adventure, Skull Island: Reign of Kong has been closed since August 20. The dark ride takes guests into the jungle for an expedition filled with oversized creatures and King Kong himself. Fortunately, the closure is temporary. The ride returns on September 3, allowing most visitors to experience it.
Hogwarts Express
The Hogwarts Express is more than just a train—it’s an attraction that connects two parks while delivering a different story in each direction. But between September 15 and 19, this guest favorite will be paused for refurbishment. It’s a short closure, but anyone visiting those five days must use the traditional park entrances instead.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Not every closure is temporary. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, the towering roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida, shut down permanently on August 18, 2025. Known for letting riders choose their soundtrack as they looped and twisted through the sky, the ride offered thrills with a personal twist.
Sadly, September marks the first whole month it won’t be available ever again.
Volcano Bay
Although not one of the three main theme parks, Volcano Bay deserves a mention; this water park offers everything from relaxing rivers to near-vertical plunges, but it often reduces its operating schedule as the weather shifts. September can bring unexpected off-days, so guests planning water adventures should always check the calendar first.
What’s Next
The closures don’t stop with September. Universal has already announced several more refurbishments and downtime periods:
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls: Closed October 6–31, 2025.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Closed November 10–20, 2025.
Volcano Bay: Extended seasonal closure October 26, 2026 – March 24, 2027.
September Will Be Tricky
Between temporary shutdowns and the loss of Rip Ride Rockit, September won’t be the easiest month to check everything off your Universal bucket list. But with Epic Universe now open and plenty of headliners still running, the resort offers more than enough to keep your trip memorable.
Closures may be frustrating, but they make way for what’s next—and Universal’s future looks brighter.
