One of Universal Orlando Resort's oldest attractions will remain closed longer than expected.
The Florida resort has introduced several major attractions in recent years, including Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and an entirely new theme park, Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025.
However, some of Universal's original attractions have survived decades of development. Islands of Adventure, which opened in 1999, still operates several rides from its opening year, including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, The Cat in the Hat, and Jurassic Park River Adventure.
The latter has been a fixture of the park's Jurassic Park land for more than 27 years. Inspired by Steven Spielberg's original Jurassic Park (1993), the attraction combines animatronic dinosaurs, elaborate sets, and a dramatic drop into the water below.
Unlike the newer Jurassic World VelociCoaster, which reaches speeds of 70 mph, Jurassic Park River Adventure moves at a relatively leisurely pace for much of its journey. Guests board large boats and encounter several dinosaurs before their tour takes a dangerous turn.
After entering a restricted section of the park, riders come face to face with a Tyrannosaurus rex before plunging 85 feet into the water. At the time of its debut, the final drop was the largest ever constructed for a theme park water attraction.
Unfortunately, guests visiting Universal Orlando in 2026 have been unable to experience the ride, and its absence will now extend into the winter.
Universal Orlando Pushes Back Jurassic Park Reopening
Universal Orlando closed Jurassic Park River Adventure on January 5, 2026, for an extensive refurbishment. The shutdown was scheduled to last more than 10 months, with the attraction originally expected to welcome guests again on November 19.
Now, Universal has changed its plans.
According to the resort's official operating calendar, Jurassic Park River Adventure will remain closed through December 16, 2026. The attraction's individual webpage confirms that it is now expected to reopen on December 17.
The revised date adds another four weeks to the refurbishment, bringing the total closure to nearly a full year.
Universal has not explained the delay or detailed the work taking place inside the attraction. It has also not announced any changes to the ride experience, which has remained largely faithful to the original Jurassic Park film since opening.
A similar attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood underwent a much more substantial transformation in 2019. Formerly known as Jurassic Park: The Ride, it reopened as Jurassic World — The Ride, introducing new scenes and dinosaurs inspired by the more recent films.
Universal Orlando's version has retained its original identity, even following the opening of Jurassic World VelociCoaster in 2021.
The extended refurbishment means Jurassic Park River Adventure will now reopen just days before Christmas, traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year at Universal Orlando.
December also brings cooler weather to Central Florida. Average daytime temperatures typically reach the low 70s, while overnight temperatures can fall into the 50s, making water rides considerably less appealing than during the summer.
Despite River Adventure's continued absence, guests can still explore the rest of Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure. Attractions include VelociCoaster, Pteranodon Flyers, Camp Jurassic, the Jurassic Park Discovery Center, and Raptor Encounter.
Universal Prepares for More Theme Park Shutdowns
The latest Jurassic Park River Adventure announcement comes as Universal Orlando prepares to remove another longstanding attraction from its lineup.
Animal Actors On Location! will permanently close at Universal Studios Florida on November 3, 2026, with its final performances taking place the previous day.
The live show dates back to the park's opening on June 7, 1990. Originally called Animal Actors Stage, it has undergone several changes over the years but continues to feature trained dogs, cats, birds, and other animals performing alongside human trainers.
Universal has confirmed that the attraction will make way for a new experience, although it has not yet revealed what will replace the show.
Elsewhere, several temporary closures are scheduled for the coming months.
The Hogwarts Express, which connects the two original Orlando locations of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, will close on November 4, 2026. Guests ordinarily need a Park-to-Park ticket to board the train between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges will then close from January 4 through February 2, 2027. Located in Toon Lagoon, the river rapids ride is another of Islands of Adventure's original water attractions.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is scheduled to close from February 8 through February 19, 2027. The popular attraction takes guests through Hogwarts Castle before sending them on a simulated flight through scenes inspired by the Harry Potter films.
Epic Universe is also affected, with Fyre Drill in How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk scheduled to close from January 25 through February 4, 2027.
Universal's water park, Volcano Bay, faces an even longer shutdown. The resort has confirmed that the entire park will close for seasonal maintenance beginning October 26, 2026, with reopening planned on or before April 1, 2027.
Are you disappointed by Jurassic Park River Adventure's extended closure?
