Universal Orlando Resort has announced that the Hogwarts Express, one of the resort’s most relied-upon attractions, will undergo two upcoming closures. The train is central to the layout and guest flow of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, linking three major lands that have grown steadily over the past 15 years.
The journey began in June 2010 when Islands of Adventure unveiled Hogsmeade, inviting guests into Hogwarts Castle and the surrounding snow-capped village. The land introduced Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, and a mix of shops and dining locations inspired by scenes from the books and films. Just four years later in July 2014, Universal Studios Florida debuted Diagon Alley, featuring Gringotts Bank, the Escape from Gringotts ride, and a full recreation of the iconic wizarding marketplace.
This expansion continued in May 2025 with the arrival of Universal Epic Universe. The Ministry of Magic land became the third Wizarding World area at the resort, blending settings from two separate story eras. Guests can explore both 1920s wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and the familiar British Ministry from the 1990s Harry Potter stories. The land includes Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry as its signature attraction, along with the Le Cirque Arcanus stage production.
Tying the original areas together is the Hogwarts Express, a hybrid between an attraction and a functioning transportation system. Guests board at King’s Cross station in Universal Studios Florida or Hogsmeade station in Islands of Adventure. The route spans about 2,200 feet, and the trip lasts approximately four minutes in either direction. Because the train carries guests between parks, a park-to-park ticket or Annual Pass is required.
What makes the experience especially memorable is that each direction offers an entirely separate storyline. The trip departing King’s Cross depicts students traveling toward Hogwarts, while the return journey features a different set of visuals and events. King’s Cross includes a recreation of the London station, leading guests into the illusion of crossing through the brick wall toward Platform 9¾. Over in Hogsmeade, the station reflects the calm look of the Scottish Highlands. Inside the train’s compartments, window screens display scenes from the Wizarding World, complete with familiar characters and environmental effects.
Universal Orlando will temporarily close the Hogwarts Express for maintenance twice. The first closure takes place on December 3, 2025, with the attraction reopening the following day on December 4. A longer refurbishment will follow from February 9 through February 23, 2026. The resort has not shared details about the work planned for either period.
Guests visiting during these times must walk between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure through CityWalk, as the train is the only direct connection between the two parks for those holding park-to-park admission. Travelers should plan accordingly to navigate the resort during these dates.
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