Jurassic Park Land at Universal Gets More Closures as Walls Go Up, Blocking Guests From Entering
What’s Going On?
For millions of guests each year, walking through the gates of Universal Orlando Resort means stepping into pure escapism. From the towering Hogwarts castle inside Hogsmeade to the roar of dinosaurs echoing through Jurassic Park, Universal’s Islands of Adventure has long delivered cinematic thrills that feel larger than life.
There’s something timeless about crossing that wooden bridge into Jurassic Park. The lush greenery. The distant rumble of a T. rex. The unmistakable John Williams-inspired atmosphere that pulls you straight back to the 1990s. For many guests, it’s not just a themed land—it’s a memory.
But recently, longtime fans have noticed something unsettling. Walls. Blocked pathways. Extended closures. A section of the park that once felt seamless now feels… interrupted. And for those planning 2026 vacations to Universal Orlando Resort, the changes are impossible to ignore.
Universal Islands of Adventure Is Facing an Unusual Wave of Closures in 2026
A lot of things have been closing throughout Universal Islands of Adventure—and not just for a quick refurbishment.
One of the most notable disruptions is the temporary closure of the Hogwarts Express. The iconic train, which connects Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, is down for routine maintenance from February 9, 2026, through February 23, 2026. It is scheduled to reopen on February 24, 2026.
During that time, no train transportation will be available between the two parks, meaning guests with Park-to-Park tickets will need to physically exit and re-enter to travel between lands like Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. For many visitors, especially those expecting a seamless Wizarding World of Harry Potter experience, that’s a significant inconvenience.
But that’s only part of the story.
Jurassic Park Appears to Be Taking the Biggest Hit Right Now
If there’s one land feeling the brunt of the disruption, it’s Jurassic Park.
Jurassic Park River Adventure—one of the most beloved water attractions in Islands of Adventure—is officially closed from January 5 through November 19, 2026. That’s nearly an entire year without the iconic 85-foot drop that has soaked guests for decades.
Camp Jurassic and Pteranodon Flyers have also seen ongoing work and temporary, localized closures in early 2026. The area has felt increasingly segmented.
As of February 11, 2026, even the bridge connecting Hogsmeade to Jurassic Park has been blocked off with construction walls. That means guests wanting to visit Jurassic Park must now travel the long way around the park to reach the land.
Fans are heartbroken. Not necessarily because closures happen—refurbishments are expected—but because of the scale and timing. It’s rare to see so much activity centered in one themed land at once.
Rumors Swirl About Jurassic World Replacing a Classic—But Here’s What We Know
With Jurassic Park River Adventure shuttered through November, speculation spread quickly online.
Some guests began suggesting that Universal Orlando Resort was planning to replace the classic Jurassic Park River Adventure with a Jurassic World retheme. After all, the Jurassic World franchise has been a box office powerhouse, and Jurassic World: Rebirth recently found major success.
However, current evidence tells a very different story.
The Wizarding World bridge in Islands of Adventure is closed for renovations. Guests must take the Jurassic Park bridge to complete the park loop. – @insideuniversal on X
The Wizarding World bridge in Islands of Adventure is closed for renovations. Guests must take the Jurassic Park bridge to complete the park loop. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/KQe8J17P3D
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) February 11, 2026
Recent aerial photos show fresh boats arriving for the attraction, covered in white tarps. The boats appear consistent with the classic Jurassic Park aesthetic, signaling refurbishment—not replacement.
Additionally, the construction walls surrounding the attraction now feature imagery and scenes from Jurassic Park itself, reinforcing the original theme rather than hinting at a franchise shift.
Inside Jurassic Outfitters, guests have also noticed props and scenes from the 30th anniversary Jurassic Park tribute store now incorporated into the retail space—another clear nod to the land’s legacy.
Rather than signaling “the end of an era,” the signs suggest Universal is investing in preserving the classic Jurassic Park experience.
Social Media Reacts as Guests Try to Decode Universal’s Strategy
Over on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, conversations have been nonstop.
Some fans initially panicked at the year-long River Adventure closure, calling it “a shocking development.” Others worried that Universal was phasing out the original Jurassic Park identity entirely.
But as more photos surfaced showing new boats and classic-themed walls, the tone shifted. Many are now speculating that Universal is doubling down on dinosaurs rather than abandoning them.
With Jurassic World: Rebirth reigniting interest in the franchise, some guests believe Universal sees long-term value in maintaining—and refreshing—the iconic land.
What This Means for Future Universal Orlando Travelers
For travelers planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort in 2026, expectations will need to be adjusted.
Between the temporary Hogwarts Express closure in February and the extended Jurassic Park River Adventure refurbishment through November, certain experiences will be unavailable depending on travel dates.
Aerial photos of new Jurassic Park River Adventure boats staged near Epic Universe. The attraction is in refurbishment until November. – @bioreconstruct on X
Aerial photos of new Jurassic Park River Adventure boats staged near Epic Universe.
The attraction is in refurbishment until November. pic.twitter.com/msIilRDlgX— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) January 31, 2026
The blocked bridge between Hogsmeade and Jurassic Park also alters guest flow significantly, requiring more strategic park navigation.
Still, the broader picture doesn’t point to removal—it points to renewal.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure appears to be undergoing a serious refresh, particularly in Jurassic Park. And if the new boats and updated retail experiences are any indication, dinosaurs aren’t going anywhere.
If anything, this could signal that Universal is serious about ensuring Jurassic Park remains a cornerstone of the park for years to come.
The question now becomes: Are these temporary inconveniences worth the long-term payoff?
For some fans, the closures feel disruptive. For others, it’s a promising sign of investment.
What do you think—does this feel like a necessary refresh, or has Universal gone too far by walling off such a major portion of Islands of Adventure?
