The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort continues to evolve, and upcoming plans now include two scheduled refurbishments for one of its signature experiences: the Hogwarts Express. Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed that the attraction will close twice over the next several months, marking temporary pauses for a ride that has become essential for guests exploring both theme parks.
Long before the upcoming closures, the resort introduced fans to a fully realized magical world beginning with Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Opened in June 2010, the land brought Hogwarts Castle, shopfronts, and themed dining locations into a fully walkable environment inspired by J.K. Rowling’s stories. Four years later, Universal Studios Florida introduced Diagon Alley in July 2014, expanding the experience with the towering Gringotts Bank, the Escape from Gringotts attraction, and an entire network of wizarding shops and eateries.
Universal’s commitment to the franchise continued to grow, leading to the debut of a third land in May 2025 when Universal Epic Universe opened its gates. The new Ministry of Magic area merged two eras of the Wizarding World: the 1920s wizarding Paris featured in the Fantastic Beasts films and the 1990s British Ministry from the Harry Potter series. The addition includes the large-scale attraction Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, along with the live Le Cirque Arcanus show, offering guests even more ways to interact with the stories.
Connecting the original lands is the Hogwarts Express, one of Universal Orlando’s most distinctive attractions. More than a themed ride, the train serves as functional transportation between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Covering roughly 2,200 feet of cable track, the experience lasts about four minutes each way, with guests required to hold a park-to-park ticket or Annual Pass to board.
Each direction of travel features a completely different onboard storyline, ensuring that the route from King’s Cross to Hogsmeade is not the same as the journey back. At King’s Cross, guests pass through a detailed London station—complete with the illusion of walking through the brick wall toward Platform 9¾—while Hogsmeade station evokes the remote Scottish Highlands. Inside the train compartments, window screens and special effects reveal scenic countryside views, passing characters, and small details designed to surprise returning visitors.
As Universal prepares for upcoming maintenance, the first refurbishment will take place on December 3, 2025, with the Hogwarts Express returning to normal operation on December 4. A second, longer closure is set for February 9 through February 23, 2026. Universal has not released information regarding the specific improvements planned during either downtime.
During both closures, guests wishing to travel between the parks must walk through Universal CityWalk since the train is the resort’s only direct link between the two theme parks for those with park-to-park admission. Visitors arriving during these windows are encouraged to allow additional time when planning movement between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
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