FeaturedOutside the Disney BubbleParksUniversal

Skip This Orlando Theme Park Next Month as Major Attractions Go Dark

Universal Orlando Resort visitors planning trips in February should be aware of multiple ride closures across all four parks throughout the month. Seven attractions will be unavailable at various times in February 2026.

EPIC Universe

Fyre Drill will close February 1-7 for the park’s first ride refurbishment since EPIC Universe opened. This closure follows the common pattern of water rides receiving maintenance during winter months when cooler temperatures reduce demand.

A large Viking statue holding a sword and shield stands on an island in a theme park’s epic universe, surrounded by water, Viking ships, and colorful buildings under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Credit: Andrew Boardwine, ITM

The one-week closure has minimal impact on EPIC Universe’s overall attraction count, though guests visiting during that specific window will find one fewer experience available.

Islands of Adventure

Jurassic Park River Adventure represents the most significant closure. The attraction closed January 5, 2026, and won’t reopen until November 19, 2026. This nearly year-long refurbishment indicates major work beyond routine maintenance.

Guests visiting Islands of Adventure anytime between January and November 2026 will not have access to this signature water ride that has been a park staple since opening.

The sign at the entrance to Jurassic Park River Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

The Hogwarts Express, which connects Islands of Adventure to Universal Studios Florida, will close from February 9 to 23. During this period, guests must exit one park, walk through CityWalk, and enter the other park rather than using the train transportation.

Universal Studios Florida

The Hogwarts Express closure affects Universal Studios Florida during the same February 9-23 window. Revenge of the Mummy closed on January 27 through February 2 for a brief one-week refurbishment.

revenge of the mummy at universal studios florida, one of four universal orlando resort parks.
Credit: Universal

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast will be closed for just one day on February 5. The single-day closure suggests addressing a specific issue rather than extended maintenance.

Finnegan’s Bar & Grill closed January 12 and will remain closed through Winter 2026. While not a ride, this reduces dining options at Universal Studios Florida.

Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort

Two attractions at Universal’s water park will be unavailable during early February. Both Maku of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides and Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides closed January 5 and remain closed through February 12.

An aerial view of Universal's Volcano Bay water park
Credit: Universal

While February isn’t peak water park season, Florida weather can still produce warm days when guests want to visit Volcano Bay.

Planning Impact

Each individual closure can be worked around by adjusting touring plans. However, seven rides across all four parks closing creates a cumulative effect, resulting in reduced experiences compared to visiting when all attractions operate normally.

Guests with flexible travel dates should consider whether February represents the best time to visit or whether waiting until more attractions reopen provides better value.

Specific Universal Orlando Date Considerations

The closures don’t all overlap completely. Guests visiting before February 9 avoid the Hogwarts Express closure. Those visiting after February 12 find Volcano Bay’s water slides reopened. Revenge of the Mummy reopens February 3.

However, Jurassic Park River Adventure’s year-long closure affects all visitors through November regardless of specific February dates. The Hogwarts Express closure impacts anyone visiting from February 9 to 23.

Value Assessment

Universal Orlando Resort tickets cost the same regardless of how many attractions are operational. Guests paying full price during periods with multiple closures receive fewer experiences than those visiting when everything operates normally.

guests pass Jurassic Park gate entrance in Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure park
Credit: Universal

For guests with non-refundable February reservations, reviewing which closures affect specific travel dates helps set expectations. Those still planning trips should evaluate whether the unavailable attractions significantly impact their priorities.

Alternative Timing for Universal Orlando Resort

March and beyond offer more complete attraction lineups as various February closures conclude. Fyre Drill reopens February 8. Volcano Bay’s water slides return on February 13. Hogwarts Express resumes February 24.

Jurassic Park River Adventure will reopen in November, making spring, summer, and early fall visits equally affected by that closure.

Guests prioritizing complete Universal Orlando Resort experiences should consider timing visits to avoid the concentration of closures occurring throughout February 2026.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles