Universal Orlando Resort is preparing for another major attraction closure at Islands of Adventure.
The park is already in the middle of several significant projects, with construction, refurbishments, and permanent closures changing what guests can experience. That work will continue into 2027, and Universal has now confirmed another attraction will temporarily disappear from the lineup.
This time, the closure is coming to Toon Lagoon.
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges Is Closing
Universal has confirmed that Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges will close beginning January 4, 2027.
The popular water attraction is scheduled to remain unavailable through February 2, 2027, giving it a closure of nearly one month.
Fortunately, this isn't another permanent removal.
Universal lists the shutdown as an annual refurbishment, which isn't unusual for water attractions during Orlando's cooler winter months.
Still, guests visiting throughout most of January will lose one of Islands of Adventure's signature water rides.
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges takes riders through raging rapids as Popeye attempts to rescue Olive Oyl from Bluto. And unlike some water rides where guests might escape relatively dry, getting soaked is a major part of this experience.
Islands of Adventure Is Already Facing Changes
The timing is particularly interesting because Islands of Adventure is already going through a period of major change.
Jurassic Park River Adventure remains closed for an extensive refurbishment after being unavailable for nearly the entire year. The attraction is currently expected to reopen in November.
That means it should return before Bilge-Rat Barges closes in January, avoiding a situation where both major water rides are unavailable at the same time.
Elsewhere, Universal is preparing for a much more permanent change.
The Lost Continent is closing permanently, and demolition has already started in portions of the land.
Mythos is expected to be the final major location to close there, with that shutdown anticipated sometime in 2027.
Universal hasn't revealed exactly what will eventually replace The Lost Continent, but the work means Islands of Adventure could look noticeably different over the next few years.
Another Closure Is Coming in 2027
Compared to what's happening with The Lost Continent, the Toon Lagoon closure is much more straightforward.
There is currently no indication that Universal plans to permanently remove Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges. Instead, this appears to be routine maintenance with a defined reopening timeline.
However, it still adds another closure to the calendar for guests planning 2027 vacations.
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges is expected to reopen following February 2.
With Jurassic Park River Adventure undergoing lengthy work, The Lost Continent beginning to disappear, and another major attraction scheduled for refurbishment, Islands of Adventure is heading toward a busy 2027.
