Major Ride Closures at Universal Orlando Resort Through 2026

If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort in the next year or two, there are some key ride closures to be aware of. Some attractions will be down for short periods, others for much longer — so planning ahead is essential.

What’s closing and when

Here are the headline closures so far:

• Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida will be closed from 15 January to 21 January 2026
• Hogwarts Express will be closed from 9 February to 26 February 2026.
• Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure will be out of action from 5 January 2026 until 20 November 2026
• Volcano Bay (the resort’s water-park) will begin a seasonal closure from 26 October 2026, with a planned reopening by end of March 2027.

Why these closures matter

These closures affect some of the resort’s most popular experiences:

• For thrill-seekers, Jurassic Park River Adventure is a high-drop water ride that many timestamp as a must-do. With it out of service for almost eleven months, you’ll want alternative backup plans.
• The Hogwarts Express is a major link between two parks (Universal Studios Florida ↔ Islands of Adventure). If you’re relying on that connection, it being out for nearly three weeks will impact how you tour the resort.
• The seasonal closure of the water-park means if you’re booking a trip in what would normally be “water-park season”, you’ll lose that option — especially relevant for families with children or trips in the warmer months.

Planning tips for UK travellers

Since you’re based in the UK (and likely looking at long-haul travel + budgeting), here are some tailored pointers:

1. Check dates & build in flexibility — Before you book flights and hotels, cross-check the exact closure windows. These things can shift.
2. Prioritise remaining rides — If your trip falls during a closure period, make sure you schedule time for the other headline rides you might miss.
3. Rework your touring plan — For example, if the Hogwarts Express is closed, you might want to spend more time in each park separately rather than switching mid-day.
4. Expect crowded queues elsewhere — With key rides shut, naturally the remaining big-attractions may see heavier demand. Consider paid “skip-the-line” options or early-park-entry perks.
5. Check if closures affect ticket bundles — Some resort tickets, passes or promotions assume full ride availability. If major rides are missing, there might be compensation or alternative experiences (always ask!).

The next couple of years will see some disruption at Universal Orlando due to these ride closures — notably in early 2026, and with a large chunk of downtime for Jurassic Park River Adventure. If you’re planning a visit from the UK, building in these closures into your itinerary now will help avoid disappointment. Adjust your must-do list, reoptimize your park hops, and pick dates that align with as many operational rides as possible.