A Universal Orlando Resort vacation in the coming months could require a little more planning than usual.
Across the resort, seven attractions and areas are either already unavailable or preparing to close. Some absences will only last long enough for refurbishment work. Others are permanent, including one longtime show and an entire original theme park land.
The closures stretch from Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure to Epic Universe, with changes continuing into 2027.
For anyone planning a trip, here’s what to expect.
Horror Make-Up Show Is Already Behind Closed Doors
One of Universal Studios Florida’s longtime shows is already unavailable.
Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show temporarily closed on May 12, 2026, as Universal began reimagining the experience.
The attraction isn’t disappearing for good. An updated version is expected to debut in winter 2026, allowing the show to continue its decades-long run while introducing changes to the experience.
That makes this closure temporary, unlike some of the bigger goodbyes coming elsewhere around the resort.
Jurassic Park River Adventure Is Still Unavailable
Guests heading to Islands of Adventure will also find a major Jurassic Park attraction missing from the lineup.
Jurassic Park River Adventure closed January 5 and has remained unavailable for much of 2026 while undergoing extensive work.
The long closure does have an end in sight. Universal currently plans to reopen the water ride on November 20, 2026.
Until then, anyone visiting Islands of Adventure will have to experience Jurassic Park without one of the land’s signature rides.
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Will Close
More refurbishment work is coming to Toon Lagoon as well.
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is scheduled to temporarily close, removing another water attraction from Islands of Adventure’s lineup.
The ride is particularly well known for soaking its passengers, and it can provide a welcome break from the Florida heat. Fortunately, Universal isn’t saying goodbye to the attraction permanently. It will return following the scheduled work.
Forbidden Journey Is Also Heading Offline
Another major Islands of Adventure attraction will eventually be added to the refurbishment list.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade is scheduled to close temporarily.
Located inside Hogwarts Castle, Forbidden Journey remains a centerpiece of Hogsmeade. Its absence could be especially noticeable to Harry Potter fans, who consider the attraction one of their top priorities.
Universal plans to bring the ride back after the refurbishment concludes.
Fyre Drill Will Close at Epic Universe
Even Universal Orlando’s newest theme park isn’t avoiding temporary attraction closures.
Fyre Drill in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Epic Universe will close from January 25 through February 4, 2027.
The interactive boat attraction sends guests into a Viking water battle where they can blast targets and other riders.
This closure is considerably shorter than some others on the list, but anyone visiting Epic Universe during that period will still need to plan a day without Fyre Drill.
Animal Actors Is Preparing for Its Final Show
Back at Universal Studios Florida, one closure won’t end with a reopening.
Animal Actors on Location will permanently close on November 3, 2026. The long-time live show features trained animals alongside demonstrations inspired by techniques used in television and film.
Fans still have a short window to see the attraction before its final performance. After November 3, the existing show won’t return.
Its departure will remove another longtime experience from Universal Studios Florida, but an even larger permanent change is coming to Islands of Adventure.
Lost Continent Is Nearing the End
Universal isn’t only preparing to retire individual attractions.
Lost Continent, one of the original themed lands at Islands of Adventure, is heading toward permanent closure.
The area has already lost multiple attractions over the years, and its remaining offerings are expected to disappear as Universal prepares the property for a new future.
Rumors have connected the area to concepts involving The Legend of Zelda and The Lord of the Rings. However, Universal hasn’t confirmed either possibility, leaving the identity of Lost Continent’s eventual replacement a mystery.
What isn’t a mystery is the fate of the existing land. Lost Continent is approaching the end of its time at Islands of Adventure.
Check the Schedule Before Your Universal Trip
With closures spread across multiple parks and months, checking Universal’s operating schedule will become especially important for guests traveling through early 2027.
Temporary closures such as Fyre Drill, Forbidden Journey, and Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges may simply require some adjustments to a park day.
Animal Actors on Location and Lost Continent are different. Those experiences are preparing for permanent goodbyes as Universal continues updating its parks.
For returning guests, the result could be a Universal Orlando Resort that looks noticeably different in 2027.
