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Multiple Closures Revealed for Universal Orlando Resort, Here’s What To Know

For those planning an early 2025 visit to Universal Orlando Resort, some popular attractions will be temporarily offline.

Universal Theme Park
Credit: Universal

Routine refurbishments and occasional ride downtimes are no strangers to large theme parks, yet it can be disappointing to find your favorite attractions out of service after investing in park tickets. With an eye toward the future, Universal Orlando Resort visitors should be aware of upcoming closures to plan their experience accordingly.

A major development on the horizon is Universal’s Epic Universe, the highly anticipated theme park slated for a May 22, 2025 opening. Universal is making waves with this new addition, which will become its third main theme park in Central Florida.

People gather around the iconic Universal Studios globe fountain
Credit: Universal

This new park will introduce exciting lands such as Dark Universe, an area dedicated to How to Train Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk, and a fresh experience for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with The Ministry of Magic. For many Disney fans, Universal’s new park may offer a refreshing change of pace, especially amid recent shifts in theme park loyalty.

Before Epic Universe opens, however, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure will close multiple attractions for brief periods. Among the late 2024 refurbishments is the extended shutdown of Pteranodon Flyers in the Jurassic Park section, adding to the list of early 2025 ride closures.

Wizarding World expansion at Epic Universe
Credit: Universal

Key Closures in Early 2025

One of the more prominent attractions to pause operations is the Hogwarts Express, which will be down from January 28 to February 1, 2025. Known for transporting guests between two parks while immersing them in the world of Harry Potter, the Hogwarts Express is a staple for Potterheads holding two-park tickets.

Other 2025 closures will impact Jurassic Park River Adventure, which will be closed from January 6 to January 23, and Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, down from January 24 to March 15.

Fast & Furious Supercharged, Me-Ship, The Olive, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, and Men in Black Alien Attack are among some of the attractions that are experiencing downtime in late 2024. These scheduled closures are common, and it’s likely that visitors may find at least one ride under maintenance whenever they visit.

Universal Studios Florida archway during Halloween Horror Nights
Credit: Universal

Expanding the Horror Experience

Universal’s seasonal Halloween Horror Nights are well underway, turning the theme park into a realm of fright. In a new expansion for fans of the macabre, Universal will debut a horror-centric attraction in Las Vegas, Universal Horror Unleashed, with a big announcement expected this October 31.

In Florida, Epic Universe’s anticipated May 2025 opening is expected to draw large crowds. Tickets and reservations for its luxury in-park accommodation, the Helios Grand Hotel, went live on October 24, 2024.

What’s your take on the planned ride closures for 2025?

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

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