It’s the one that brought the magic to life. When Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey opened in 2010 inside the stunningly detailed Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure, it changed the game for theme park attractions. Now, Universal Orlando has announced that this fan-favorite ride will be closing for a short but important refurbishment this November.
The closure is set to begin on November 3, 2025, with the attraction reopening on November 16. That’s just two weeks of downtime, but for die-hard Wizarding World fans—or anyone planning a bucket-list trip to Universal this fall—it’s definitely worth knowing about.
This kind of refurbishment isn’t new for Universal or this ride in particular. With so many moving parts, from the advanced KUKA robotic arm ride vehicles to the mix of practical effects and on-screen moments, keeping the attraction in top form is no small task. These quick closures are how Universal makes sure guests still get that “wow” moment when they soar past a Whomping Willow or dodge a Dementor.
What’s a little surprising is the timing. November is when the crowds start to swell again for the holiday season, so this brief maintenance window might be the last chance Universal has before things really pick up. It’s also worth noting that this closure follows a string of other refurbishments across the park—Skull Island: Reign of Kong in August and Ripsaw Falls in October. Clearly, Universal is prepping its parks for something big.
So what can guests expect during the downtime? Universal hasn’t released any specific details about what’s being updated, but fans are hopeful for tweaks that improve projection quality or ride smoothness. Don’t expect major changes to the storyline or layout—this is more about preserving the magic, not reinventing it.
If your visit falls during those closure dates, don’t worry—Hogsmeade will still be open, complete with Butterbeer, Ollivanders, and the thrilling Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. But if Forbidden Journey is your go-to, you may want to adjust your travel dates or plan a return visit.
Because let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like flying with Harry through the halls of Hogwarts. And if Universal is taking a little time to make it even better? That’s a journey worth waiting for.
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