Seven closures are set to reshape Universal Orlando Resort, and guests visiting over the next several months could feel the effects across multiple theme parks.
Some of these closures are simply part of the normal refurbishment cycle, meaning the affected attractions will eventually return. Others are permanent and will remove experiences that have been part of Universal Orlando for years.
The timeline stretches through the end of 2026 and into 2027, making these closures especially important for anyone planning an upcoming vacation.
Here's what Universal fans need to know.
Horror Make-Up Show Is Preparing for Its Comeback
Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show has already entered its extended closure at Universal Studios Florida.
The longtime show temporarily closed on May 12, 2026, as Universal began work on a reimagined version of the attraction. The refreshed experience is expected to debut during winter 2026, keeping the show's horror identity while introducing changes for its return.
Unlike some other attractions on this list, Horror Make-Up Show isn't disappearing permanently. Guests will eventually see it return in an updated form.
Jurassic Park River Adventure Has Been Closed for Months
Over at Islands of Adventure, Jurassic Park River Adventure has been unavailable for most of 2026.
The popular water attraction closed on January 5 for extensive work and remains unavailable heading into the final months of the year.
There is good news for guests with holiday trips planned. Jurassic Park River Adventure is currently scheduled to reopen on November 20, 2026, bringing one of Jurassic Park's signature experiences back to the lineup.
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges Will Temporarily Close
Another Islands of Adventure water ride will also spend time offline.
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges in Toon Lagoon is scheduled to close temporarily for refurbishment.
The attraction has built a reputation for leaving riders soaked, making it a popular option during warmer Orlando days. Its absence won't be permanent, but losing a major attraction can still affect how visitors organize their time inside Islands of Adventure.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Is Going Offline
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade will also lose one of its centerpiece attractions temporarily.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is scheduled to close for refurbishment. Located inside Hogwarts Castle, the ride remains one of the biggest attractions in this section of Islands of Adventure.
Universal plans to reopen it following the work, but guests visiting during the closure will need to plan their time in Hogsmeade without it.
Epic Universe Is Losing Fyre Drill Temporarily
The refurbishment schedule isn't limited to Universal Orlando Resort's older theme parks.
Fyre Drill at Epic Universe will temporarily close from January 25 through February 4, 2027. Guests can find the interactive boat attraction inside How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
Fyre Drill puts riders into a Viking water battle where they can blast targets and other guests. The closure won't last long, but visitors arriving during that stretch won't have access to the experience.
Animal Actors on Location Is Closing Permanently
Other closures carry much more finality.
Animal Actors on Location at Universal Studios Florida will permanently close on November 3, 2026. The long-time live show features trained animals while giving audiences a look at techniques inspired by film and television.
Once its final performance ends, the existing attraction won't return. That leaves fans with only a matter of weeks to experience the show one more time.
Its departure represents another permanent change to Universal Studios Florida's entertainment lineup, but an even larger transformation is developing at Islands of Adventure.
Lost Continent Is Approaching Its End
An entire original section of Islands of Adventure is preparing to disappear.
The Lost Continent is heading toward permanent closure after years of losing attractions and experiences. Its remaining offerings are expected to eventually go away as Universal prepares the area for whatever comes next.
Rumors have linked the property to possible concepts involving The Legend of Zelda or The Lord of the Rings, but Universal hasn't officially announced what will replace Lost Continent.
For now, the confirmed news is significant enough: one of Islands of Adventure's original themed lands is approaching the end of its run.
Universal Trips Will Require More Planning
The next several months will bring a mixture of temporary inconveniences and permanent goodbyes across Universal Orlando Resort.
Guests visiting through early 2027 should check attraction schedules shortly before their trips. A temporary refurbishment could affect a major part of the day, particularly when an attraction such as Jurassic Park River Adventure or Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is involved.
Permanent closures are another matter entirely. Animal Actors on Location is approaching its final performance, while Lost Continent is moving closer to disappearing from Islands of Adventure.
For returning visitors, Universal Orlando Resort could feel noticeably different in 2027 than it did throughout 2026.
