If you’ve been eyeing a Universal Orlando trip in 2026, go ahead and pull out a calendar. Seriously, that year is shaping up to be a planning puzzle, thanks to several major attraction closures that are already confirmed. No doom and gloom here — these rides aren’t disappearing forever — but timing your visit will matter more than ever.
Let’s be real. A big part of the Universal experience comes from hitting those must-do attractions you dream about between vacations. You picture the drop on Jurassic Park River Adventure, or the moment the train pulls into Kings Cross Station on the Hogwarts Express. So hearing that several core rides are taking a breather next year can feel like a curveball.
The headliner, and the one stirring the most chatter, is Jurassic Park River Adventure. This dino-filled water ride will be offline from early January until November 19, 2026. Almost a full year. That is a long time without hearing that iconic theme swell before the boat heads into chaos. A closure that long usually means more than just replacing a few lights or freshening up paint. Think major mechanical rejuvenation, new tech, possibly improved animatronics — the kind of work that keeps a 1999 ride feeling like a modern blockbuster.
Then there’s the Hogwarts Express. For two weeks in February 2026, that magical train trip between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure won’t be an option. Not the end of the world, but if you love the idea of walking through Platform 9¾ instead of the front gates twice a day, take note.
Revenge of the Mummy fans will have a small window to work around too. The coaster is going down for about a week in January. It’s short, but worth knowing for those who treat this attraction like an essential ritual.
And, of course, Volcano Bay will take its seasonal break starting late October and reopen before spring break 2027. It’s longer than the usual cool-weather downtime, which hints at meaningful improvements. Water parks need a lot of love, and Universal seems ready to give this one a deep refresh.
So here’s the strategy: if certain rides are non-negotiable for you, time your trip wisely. Want to plunge into prehistoric danger? Book before January or after mid-November. Prefer wand-waving wizard travel? Avoid mid-February. Water park daydreamer? Stick to spring or summer.
Bottom line — don’t panic, just plan. With Epic Universe open and tons of headliners still running, 2026 is far from a bad year to visit. It’ll just be a year where the savvy planner wins.
