Universal Orlando Resort has been basking in the spotlight lately, but the shine doesn’t tell the whole story. New attractions and resorts are making headlines, but guests who look closer see a resort in transition, and not in a good way.
For anyone planning a 2026 visit, the reality is this: what you expect and what you’ll actually get could be two very different things.
Too Many Closures at Once
Universal’s lineup is usually its most significant selling point. With Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, the brand-new Epic Universe, and Volcano Bay, it should feel like four parks of nonstop fun. Instead, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of closures.
Jurassic Park River Adventure is scheduled to be closed for nearly the entire year, cutting out one of Islands of Adventure’s biggest draws. Over at Universal Studios Florida, Rip Ride Rockit has been permanently closed, and the area around it has been torn apart by construction.
The Hogwarts Express will be down for a stretch in February, limiting the signature Harry Potter experience. Even Volcano Bay won’t be reliable, as it will close in October and remain closed until March 2026. Guests will pay full price for a resort where too much of the experience is missing.
Safety Issues Add Worry
Ride closures are annoying, but the bigger issue may be safety. Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers coaster was linked to a tragic death that shook confidence in the resort. While the ride itself was found to be functioning correctly, the incident made many second-guess whether Universal is prepared to handle extreme attractions.
Add in the viral TikTok of a Jurassic Park River Adventure boat tipping and leaving riders stranded, and it’s easy to see why some guests are hesitant. These aren’t just minor hiccups—they’re warnings that deserve attention.
Rising Prices Everywhere You Look
Once upon a time, Universal was the “cheaper” alternative to Disney World. That’s no longer true. Ticket prices, hotel rates, parking fees, and even meals are now closing in on Disney’s sky-high costs. With 2026 already looking like a year of reduced offerings, those prices feel harder to justify.
The focus on new hotels like Stella Nova means that while the fresh towers may look impressive, older resorts risk feeling ignored. Guests on tighter budgets may find themselves paying premium rates for outdated accommodations.
The Crowd Crush Won’t Ease
If you think waiting until 2026 means avoiding Epic Universe’s opening-year crowds, think again. New-park hype doesn’t disappear overnight, and the buzz around Nintendo and Classic Monsters will keep visitor numbers high.
That crowd pressure won’t stay in one park—it will spill into Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, both of which are already juggling closures. The result? Long food lines, clogged pathways, and even higher ride wait times.
Postpone or Never Return
Universal Orlando Resort remains a world-class destination, but 2026 is not the ideal year to experience it. With too many closures, unsettling safety headlines, and costs that nearly match Disney’s, the value just isn’t there. Crowds fueled by Epic Universe only exacerbate the situation.
The better move is to wait until 2027 or later, when projects wrap up and the frenzy subsides. If you must go in 2026, aim for spring, budget heavily, and stick to newer resorts where attention will be strongest. But the safest advice? Hold off until the chaos clears.
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