Universal Orlando Resort is making significant changes to Islands of Adventure, but guests visiting during October might notice something unusual about one of the park's original attractions.
While the theme park continues welcoming visitors into the evening, a popular water ride is shutting down hours earlier.
The adjustment comes amid Columbus Day week, when families are visiting Orlando for fall vacations.
And with another major water attraction already closed for refurbishment, the reduced operating hours could make planning a full day at Islands of Adventure more complicated.
Universal Cuts Hours for Classic Islands of Adventure Ride
Located inside Toon Lagoon, the attraction sends guests through a whitewater rafting adventure filled with waterfalls, splashing water, and plenty of surprises.
It's also one of the wettest attractions at Universal Orlando, making it especially popular during Florida's warmer months.
However, guests visiting during October may need to ride earlier than expected.
Universal has listed a 6:00 p.m. closing time for Bilge-Rat Barges on multiple dates, even when Islands of Adventure remains open until 8:00 p.m.
The nearby Me Ship, The Olive interactive play area has also been scheduled to close at 6:00 p.m.
That creates a two-hour difference between the park's overall operating schedule and these individual experiences.
Universal hasn't confirmed why the attractions are closing early.
Toon Lagoon Construction Adds to Universal's Changes
The reduced operating hours come as Universal continues updating portions of Toon Lagoon.
Construction walls have appeared around the land's carnival-games area, affecting the normal walkway connecting Toon Lagoon with Marvel Super Hero Island.
Guests have been redirected through an alternate path near the Toon Lagoon Amphitheater.
Although Universal hasn't announced a complete replacement for Toon Lagoon, the construction marks another change to one of Islands of Adventure's original lands.
Elsewhere, The Lost Continent is undergoing demolition work as Universal prepares the area for future development.
Jurassic Park River Adventure also remains closed following the beginning of its lengthy refurbishment in January 2026.
The attraction is currently scheduled to reopen December 16, leaving guests without that popular water ride throughout October.
Meanwhile, Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges has another temporary closure scheduled for January 4 through February 2, 2027.
For guests visiting Islands of Adventure, these changes make checking individual attraction hours especially important.
While the park may remain open until 8:00 p.m., not every ride will necessarily operate until closing.
And with construction continuing across Universal Orlando, visitors should expect more adjustments as the resort moves forward with its ongoing improvements.
