July is one of the most popular months to visit Universal Orlando Resort, and for good reason. Summer brings extended park hours, seasonal entertainment, and plenty of excitement across Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, and Volcano Bay. But even during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, not every attraction will be available.
Universal routinely schedules refurbishments to keep rides and shows in top condition, and this July is no exception. While most of the resort will be operating as usual, a handful of attractions will either remain closed for the entire month or reopen after the first few days.
The biggest closure is Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure. The classic water ride is undergoing an extensive refurbishment that will keep it unavailable all month long. Since the attraction isn’t expected to reopen until November, anyone visiting during July should plan to spend extra time exploring the rest of Jurassic Park instead. Fortunately, VelociCoaster, Camp Jurassic, and the Discovery Center remain open, giving fans plenty to enjoy while the river adventure receives its makeover.
Families with younger children should also note that Pteranodon Flyers won’t be available on July 1 or July 2. The suspended attraction is wrapping up a refurbishment and is expected to reopen on July 3. Because adults can only ride when accompanying a child, it has become a unique experience that many families make a point of visiting.
Universal Studios Florida also starts the month with a pair of temporary closures inside DreamWorks Land. Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp and Po Live! are both expected to reopen on July 4.
The play area gives younger guests a chance to climb, splash, and explore, while Po Live! lets visitors interact with the lovable panda during a fun digital experience. If you’re visiting during the first few days of July, you’ll want to plan around those temporary closures.
Another attraction remaining unavailable throughout July is Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show.
For years, the show has entertained guests by revealing the movie magic behind horror film effects while mixing in plenty of comedy. It has become a favorite among longtime Universal fans because it offers something completely different from the resort’s rides and roller coasters. Although Universal has confirmed the show will return later this year, guests visiting this month should expect it to remain closed.
Even with these refurbishments, there’s still no shortage of things to do around Universal Orlando Resort.
Epic Universe continues drawing huge crowds with attractions like Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, and Stardust Racers. Islands of Adventure still offers favorites including Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and VelociCoaster, while Universal Studios Florida remains home to Revenge of the Mummy, MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, and plenty of other experiences.
Checking refurbishment schedules before your trip is always a smart move, especially during the busy summer season. A little planning now can help you avoid surprises once you arrive and make the most of every day at Universal Orlando.
