Universal Orlando Resort visitors should take note as they plan their September trips: Islands of Adventure will close at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, and Thursday, September 18. The company has not publicly disclosed the reason for these early closures, though speculation points to private events or company buyouts — a common occurrence at Universal properties.
This information is particularly important for guests planning to visit Universal Studios Florida in the same timeframe. Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) officially begins on Thursday, August 28, 2025, and will bring significantly reduced daytime hours for regular park guests. On HHN nights, Universal Studios Florida will close at 5:00 p.m., making Islands of Adventure a natural alternative for park hoppers looking to extend their evening. The September early closures, therefore, could disrupt those plans for day-ticket holders who expect to continue enjoying attractions later in the evening.
What Happened Today
Today, August 14, 2025, Universal Orlando guests encountered a sudden and unexpected challenge: the resort’s parks faced temporary disruptions in several areas, including construction zones and ride closures. Guests strolling through the resort reported that parts of Universal Studios Florida were abruptly cordoned off with construction walls, leaving previously open walkways blocked without prior notice.
These temporary closures are part of an ongoing series of updates and refurbishments across the resort. The entrance to Universal Studios Florida, for example, saw construction walls rise near the soon-to-close Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. The closure of this signature ride, along with visible work near CityWalk entrances, suggests that Universal is preparing for a period of significant operational transition. While no official details were provided, many visitors speculate that these areas are being readied for smoother guest flow, themed enhancements, or entirely new experiences.
Islands of Adventure Early Closures
Islands of Adventure is one of Universal Orlando’s most popular parks, featuring a wide array of attractions that draw guests of all ages. From immersive lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, home to Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, to high-speed thrills like Jurassic World VelociCoaster, the park consistently ranks as a must-visit destination.
Closing the park at 6:00 p.m. on September 16 and 18 limits the options for guests who may otherwise expect to enjoy evening rides or entertainment. While the reason for the closures is not officially confirmed, company buyouts are a likely explanation. Universal has frequently hosted corporate events, private celebrations, and promotional gatherings that temporarily close park areas to the public.
For day-ticket holders or those relying on park hopping, it’s especially crucial to monitor these dates. Guests should plan to start their day earlier, prioritize must-see attractions, and remain flexible in case of additional schedule adjustments.
Reduced Hours at Universal Studios Florida
With HHN starting on August 28, Universal Studios Florida will operate under modified schedules:
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HHN nights: Day guests will only have access until 5:00 p.m.
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Non-HHN nights: The park will close at 7:00 p.m.
This shift leaves many guests seeking alternative options for evening activities, making Islands of Adventure a logical choice. The early closures on September 16 and 18, however, reduce that flexibility, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead.
Construction and Refurbishments Across the Resort
Today’s unexpected closures are part of a broader wave of updates across Universal Orlando. Several attractions have upcoming scheduled refurbishments:
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Skull Island: Reign of Kong: Closed for maintenance from August 20 to September 3, 2025.
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Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls: Scheduled for October 6 to 31, 2025.
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Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Planned closure from November 10 to 20, 2025.
Guests should also note that the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle projection show, last performed in May 2025, does not yet have a reopening date. Combined with the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit closure on August 18, these adjustments contribute to a complex operating environment that can catch visitors off guard.
CityWalk and Guest Flow Considerations
Construction isn’t limited to the parks themselves. Universal CityWalk, the resort’s main hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment, is also undergoing changes. Today, walls and barricades were installed to improve traffic flow between CityWalk and the park entrances, possibly in response to the anticipated increase in guests during HHN season.
The timing of these updates — particularly during the transition into Halloween season — has left many visitors adjusting their plans on the fly. Photos circulating online show unexpected bottlenecks and detours, making real-time awareness essential for guests hoping to maximize their experience.
Planning Ahead for September
Guests visiting Universal Orlando in September should take several precautions:
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Check operating hours in advance: The Universal Orlando website and My Universal App provide real-time updates that can prevent surprises.
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Start your day early: Prioritize major attractions before early closures begin.
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Allow flexibility in park hopping plans: Early closures at Islands of Adventure may limit evening options.
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Monitor construction and temporary ride closures: Keeping an eye on updates ensures smoother navigation and less frustration.
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Book dining and special experiences ahead of time: Reservations can help offset lost time from early park closures.
The early closures at Islands of Adventure on September 16 and 18 highlight the fluid nature of scheduling at Universal Orlando Resort. Between HHN, ride refurbishments, and construction projects, guests need to plan strategically to ensure a full and enjoyable visit.
While the closures may inconvenience some, they are part of a larger effort to refresh the resort and improve overall guest experiences. From smoother walkways to potential new attractions or updated park flow, these changes set the stage for a resort that continues to evolve.
Visitors should approach their September plans with flexibility and preparedness. By keeping an eye on app notifications, adjusting touring strategies, and prioritizing must-see attractions, guests can still enjoy the thrills and immersive experiences that make Islands of Adventure a staple of the Orlando theme park scene.
Even amidst early closures, refurbishments, and construction walls, Universal Orlando Resort remains a dynamic destination where strategic planning ensures visitors can make the most of every moment.
