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Universal Orlando Resort is a world-renowned theme park destination located in Orlando, Florida. It is one of the most popular and iconic theme park resorts in the United States, attracting millions of guests from around the globe each year. With its thrilling rides, immersive attractions, and wide entertainment options, Universal Orlando offers an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.
Universal is home to two theme parks: Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Universal Orlando is also in the process of building a third theme park called Epic Universe, which will open in 2025. Universal Orlando is no stranger to closures, updates, refurbishments, and much more. Universal Orlando is also home to a water park called Volcano Bay.
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Universal Orlando has undergone changes due to the closures of the former KidZone, which is currently being redone as a DreamWorks Land, which will open in 2024. Universal Orlando also just opened a new land at the front of Universal Studios Florida, a Minion Land. Minion Land features Bake My Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Villian Con Minion Blast, and many more exciting new features.
Universal Orlando Resort, like many other theme parks around the world, occasionally closes attractions for various reasons. These closures can be planned, temporary, or unexpected, and they are managed to ensure the safety, maintenance, and overall guest experience within the parks.
Credit: Universal
One of the most popular closures that is taking place at both Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida is Hogwarts Express. The Hogwarts Express is scheduled for a brief closure from December 10 to December 16, 2023. This closure is likely for planned maintenance and is expected to reopen as scheduled. Since a previous closure in January due to a snapped pull cable, the attraction has been operating smoothly, reassuring guests that it is in good condition. Any extension of this scheduled downtime is currently not anticipated, so guests can look forward to the Hogwarts Express reopening on December 17.
Credit: Universal Studios
Another popular attraction that is planning a closure later next year is Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, the thrilling river rapids ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, which is confirmed to undergo its annual refurbishment from February 5 to March 8, 2024. This regular maintenance occurs at the beginning of the year and ensures the ride remains safe and enjoyable for guests. Universal tends to do yearly maintenance on water attractions during the colder season.
The good news, though, is that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be reopening a beloved show. Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle is an enchanting spectacle at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, which concluded its season on October 31, 2022. This show is scheduled to return on September 15, 2023. This mesmerizing show, held in Hogsmeade, features a captivating combination of lights and music, transforming Hogwarts Castle with images of Death Eaters, Dementors, and Lord Voldemort as darkness descends. Guests can anticipate enjoying this magical experience until October 31, 2023.
Do these closures affect your upcoming Universal trip?
