Universal Orlando Resort has several big changes on the horizon, and guests planning vacations over the next few months could find some of their favorite rides unavailable.
While the resort continues expanding with new attractions and experiences, several existing rides are preparing to close for scheduled maintenance. Some will only be unavailable for a few days, while others won’t return until 2027.
The closures affect Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, and Volcano Bay. Even The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is getting caught up in the changes.
Here’s what guests need to know before planning their next Universal Orlando vacation.
Two Harry Potter Attractions Scheduled for Closures
Harry Potter fans may want to pay close attention to Universal Orlando’s upcoming refurbishment schedule.
The Hogwarts Express, which transports guests between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, is scheduled to close on November 4, 2026.
This closure could affect more than just guests hoping to experience the attraction. Since the train connects Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, visitors will need to walk between the two parks while it is unavailable.
The Hogwarts Express is especially convenient for families planning to visit both Wizarding World locations in one day, making its temporary closure an important detail.
But that’s not the only Harry Potter attraction facing downtime.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, located inside Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure, is scheduled to close from February 8 through February 19, 2027.
The popular attraction takes guests on an adventure through the Wizarding World, combining elaborate sets with immersive ride technology.
Visitors traveling during those February dates will need to enjoy other Hogsmeade attractions while Forbidden Journey remains closed.
Islands of Adventure Losing More Popular Water Rides
Harry Potter isn’t the only area of Islands of Adventure experiencing closures.
Jurassic Park River Adventure has been unavailable since January 5, 2026, as the attraction undergoes an extended refurbishment.
The dinosaur-themed water ride is currently scheduled to reopen on December 16, 2026.
That means guests visiting around Thanksgiving will still miss out on one of the park’s most recognizable attractions.
Another water ride, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, will close on January 4, 2027.
The attraction is expected to remain unavailable through February 2, 2027.
Known for soaking nearly everyone who boards, Bilge-Rat Barges has remained a popular choice for guests looking to cool off during warmer weather.
Fortunately, its scheduled closure falls during Central Florida’s cooler winter months.
Epic Universe Announces First Major 2027 Refurbishment
Universal Epic Universe isn’t avoiding the upcoming maintenance schedule, either.
Fyre Drill, located in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, will temporarily close on January 25, 2027.
The interactive water attraction is scheduled to remain unavailable through February 4.
Fyre Drill allows guests to board Viking-inspired boats and compete using water cannons, making it a fun option for families exploring Epic Universe.
Although the park only opened in May 2025, scheduled maintenance remains necessary to keep attractions operating properly.
Other Isle of Berk experiences are not included in this particular closure announcement.
Universal Studios Florida Faces Extended Closures
At Universal Studios Florida, guests are already dealing with several unavailable experiences.
Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show closed on May 12, 2026, for a reimagining project.
The longtime entertainment offering is expected to return during winter 2026, although a specific reopening date hasn’t been confirmed.
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill has also been closed since January 12, 2026, with a winter reopening anticipated.
Meanwhile, another attraction is preparing to disappear permanently.
Animal Actors on Location will hold its final performances on November 2 before closing for good on November 3, 2026.
The longtime show has entertained generations of Universal guests with trained animals demonstrating their talents in front of live audiences.
Its departure represents another significant change to Universal Studios Florida’s entertainment lineup.
Volcano Bay Closing Until Spring 2027
One of Universal Orlando’s largest upcoming closures involves Volcano Bay.
The water park will temporarily shut down beginning October 26, 2026, for seasonal maintenance.
Volcano Bay is expected to reopen by April 1, 2027, meaning visitors won’t have access to the park throughout most of the winter.
This closure affects every attraction inside Volcano Bay, making it especially important for families who planned to include a water park day during their vacation.
Universal Orlando’s other three theme parks will continue operating during the water park’s shutdown.
With so many closures happening across the resort, guests should check Universal’s official calendar before arriving.
Refurbishment schedules can change, and additional closures may be announced as Universal continues preparing its parks for 2027.
