Universal Orlando Resort is undergoing some big closures in 2026. Now, another location is rumored to be going down as well.
Universal Orlando Seeks To Close Yet Another Location in 2026
Something major could be on the horizon for Universal Orlando Resort, and it has longtime fans on alert. According to new reports from trusted sources in the Universal community, some of the park’s most beloved locations—including Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, Mythos Restaurant, and even Jurassic Park River Adventure—are expected to close for extensive refurbishments in 2026.
While Universal hasn’t made any official announcements, the talk among fans suggests that next year could mark one of the park’s biggest waves of change yet.
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill Rumored to Close for a Full-Year Refurbishment
In a recent YouTube update, Rix Flix, one of the most reliable Universal Orlando content creators, shared that Finnegan’s Bar & Grill is expected to “close down for renovation for almost all of next year (2026).”
Located in the New York section of Universal Studios Florida, Finnegan’s has been a cornerstone for parkgoers—offering Irish-American comfort food, live music, and a lively pub atmosphere that feels like stepping off the streets of Manhattan and into an authentic neighborhood bar.
If the report holds true, the restaurant could be closed for the majority of 2026, which would mark its most significant downtime in decades.
Mythos Restaurant and The Lost Continent’s Future in Question
The rumors don’t stop at Finnegan’s. Longtime Universal visitors know that The Lost Continent has slowly been shrinking over the years, and now, insiders believe the land could be preparing for demolition. The biggest clue? Mythos, the award-winning Mediterranean-inspired restaurant often called “the best theme park restaurant in the world,” might be facing permanent closure.
If The Lost Continent is cleared, Mythos would likely go with it—potentially making room for a new expansion that could rival the immersive worlds of Hogsmeade or Super Nintendo World.
Jurassic Park River Adventure Set for Major Overhaul
Meanwhile, Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure is confirmed to undergo a massive refurbishment starting January 5 through November 19, 2026.
The closure period is unusually long—sparking speculation that the attraction may receive updated effects, new animatronics, or a full storyline refresh similar to the one given to its counterpart at Universal Studios Hollywood.
That means 2026 could be the year Universal resets some of its longest-running and most iconic attractions to align with the next phase of its resort-wide evolution.
How to Plan Ahead Before the Changes
If these reports are accurate, 2025 will be a crucial year for Universal fans wanting to experience the parks before the transformations begin.
A few tips for smart planning:
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Make reservations early for Finnegan’s and Mythos before potential closures.
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Use the Universal Orlando app to monitor official refurb updates and ride closures.
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Take advantage of park-to-park tickets to enjoy both parks in one day while you still can.
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Keep an eye on passholder news, as Universal often hosts “farewell events” or sneak previews before big changes.
The Bigger Picture: Universal’s Transformation Era
With Epic Universe now open and major refurbishments already in motion, these rumored closures point to an even broader transformation across Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal has made it clear that it’s investing in long-term growth—introducing next-generation attractions, updated dining experiences, and immersive storytelling on a new scale.
Still, for fans who’ve shared countless meals and memories at Finnegan’s or Mythos, the idea of saying goodbye (even temporarily) hits hard.
As always, these details remain unconfirmed until Universal Orlando releases an official statement—but change seems inevitable.
And if history is any guide, Universal rarely tears down something beloved without building something unforgettable in its place.
