Universal Orlando has announced that Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, one of the resort’s most celebrated attractions, will temporarily close this fall for a scheduled refurbishment. The ride will be unavailable to guests from November 3 through November 16, 2025, at Islands of Adventure.
Located inside the towering recreation of Hogwarts Castle, Forbidden Journey debuted in 2010 as the centerpiece of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Its innovative combination of motion simulation, immersive theming, and state-of-the-art ride vehicles earned it critical acclaim and established a new standard for theme park attractions.
Now, 15 years after its grand opening, the attraction is scheduled for a short maintenance period. While Universal has not disclosed the exact nature of the refurbishment, it’s likely to involve updates to ensure operational efficiency and guest experience quality. These periodic closures are standard across the industry, especially for rides that use advanced technology.
The closure comes amid a broader schedule of seasonal refurbishments taking place at Universal Orlando Resort. Attractions like Skull Island: Reign of Kong and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls are also slated for maintenance in the months leading up to the holiday season. The timing suggests that Universal is preparing its most popular rides for the expected influx of guests during Thanksgiving and Christmas travel windows.
Guests visiting the park in early November should be aware that Forbidden Journey will be unavailable during this window. However, the rest of Hogsmeade—including Flight of the Hippogriff and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure—is expected to remain open and operational.
This brief closure will allow Universal’s maintenance teams to address any wear and tear, update technology where needed, and ensure the attraction continues to deliver the high level of immersion and safety guests expect. Past refurbishments have included updates to projection systems and ride vehicle functionality, though no official improvements have been confirmed at this time.
For many visitors, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey remains a must-do, transporting riders through iconic scenes from the books and films, including encounters with a dragon, Quidditch match, and the Dark Arts. While its temporary closure may be an inconvenience for some, it’s a clear sign that Universal is committed to preserving the magic for years to come.
