If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter this spring, you might need to adjust your itinerary. One of the land’s most iconic attractions, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, is set to temporarily close for routine maintenance.
A Short but Important Closure
According to Universal Orlando’s official website, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey will be closed for a one-day refurbishment on April 9, 2025. While this isn’t an extended closure, even a single day without this headliner ride could impact guest plans—especially for Harry Potter fans eager to step inside Hogwarts Castle.
The attraction, which debuted in 2010 as part of Universal’s original Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, takes guests on a fast-paced, magical journey alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Using a mix of motion-based dark ride technology, physical sets, and high-definition projections, it creates one of the most immersive theme park experiences ever built.
Why the Maintenance?
Universal hasn’t provided specifics on what the refurbishment entails, but these short-term closures are common for highly technical attractions. Forbidden Journey relies on complex ride systems, including robotic arm technology, large-scale projections, and moving sets. Over time, even minor wear and tear can affect the experience, making regular maintenance essential to keep things running smoothly.
What You Can Do Instead
If you were hoping to ride Forbidden Journey on April 9, don’t worry—there’s still plenty of Harry Potter magic to experience at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: This thrilling coaster takes guests deep into the Forbidden Forest on a high-speed ride filled with animatronic creatures and surprise twists.
- Flight of the Hippogriff: A family-friendly coaster with a brief but fun trek past Hagrid’s hut and Buckbeak.
- Explore Hogsmeade: Wander through the shops, grab a Butterbeer, or stop by Ollivanders to see a wand choose its wizard.
For those visiting later in the week, Forbidden Journey is expected to be back up and running by April 10 with no noticeable changes.
What’s Next for the Wizarding World?
Universal is investing even more into its Harry Potter experiences, with an all-new Wizarding World area coming to Epic Universe in May 2025. The new land will focus on the Ministry of Magic, incorporating elements from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
For now, though, the Hogwarts Castle adventure is only taking a brief pause. Be sure to check Universal Orlando’s website for any updates on the closure—just in case the dates shift!
