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Universal Orlando Targets Two Iconic Rides for Closure After 26 Years

If you’ve been following Universal Orlando Resort lately, you’ve probably noticed how quickly things are moving. New additions, shifting experiences, and unexpected closures have become part of the story.

This time, though, the focus isn’t on what’s being built. It’s on what’s temporarily stepping away.

Two attractions that have been around for decades are now dealing with extended downtime, and that’s enough to get longtime fans talking.

A Ride That Turned Guests Into Part of the Story

MEN IN BLACK: Alien Attack has always been more than just a ride.

When it opened on April 14, 2000, at Universal Studios Florida, it gave guests something different. Instead of watching the action unfold, you became part of it. Every ride is a competition, every shot counts, and every score feels like something you earned.

That kind of replay value is rare. It’s why the attraction has stayed relevant for so long, even as newer rides have come and gone.

But now, it’s facing a pause that has people paying closer attention.

guests ride ET ride at Universal Studios Florida
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

What Started Small Didn’t Stay That Way

Originally, the downtime looked minor.

The schedule showed the attraction closing on June 1 and reopening on June 2. For most guests, that’s a non-story. Quick maintenance closures happen all the time.

Then the schedule changed.

Now, the ride is set to be unavailable from June 1 through June 16. That update turned a small note into something much bigger. It’s still a relatively short closure, but the shift itself is what sparked concern.

Some fans are now wondering whether this could extend further or hint at a bigger change in the future.

guests ride Men in Black: Alien Attack in Universal Studios Florida
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Speculation Starts to Take Over

Once the closure window expanded, the ideas started rolling in.

Some guests would love to see Universal revisit its classic films. A new experience tied to Back to the Future or Jaws could bring those stories back into the spotlight.

Others are thinking about Ghostbusters, which could easily fit the interactive gameplay style already in place.

There are also calls for expanding newer franchises like Nintendo, though that idea comes with some pushback. Not everyone feels it aligns with Universal Studios Florida's identity.

At this point, it’s all just speculation. But the volume of ideas shows how much attention this closure is getting.

Four ghostbusters in tan jumpsuits from original 1984 film
Credit: Sony Pictures

Another Attraction Already Facing a Much Longer Downtime

At the same time, another classic attraction has already been offline for months.

Jurassic Park River Adventure has been closed since January 5, 2026, with plans to reopen in November. That’s a significant stretch, especially for a ride that has been part of Islands of Adventure since May 28, 1999.

Because of how long it’s been down, fans have started to wonder what’s really happening behind the scenes.

Universal Studios Hollywood has already made the switch to Jurassic World – The Ride, leading some to believe Florida could follow.

Guests riding Jurassic Park River Adventure in Universal
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

What This Moment Really Means

Taken separately, these closures might not seem like a big deal.

But together, they tell a different story.

Both rides date back to the same era of Universal Orlando Resort’s history, and both are now at a point where extended downtime is necessary. After more than 26 years, that’s not entirely surprising.

This suggests that Universal is continuing to evolve, even with its most recognizable attractions.

With Epic Universe now part of the resort, the focus on the future is clear. And as that future takes shape, even longtime favorites are being pulled into the process.

For guests, it creates a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The parks are changing, and these two attractions are right in the middle of it.

Sarah Larson

Sarah is a theme park enthusiast who loves visiting Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. She enjoys covering the latest attractions, park updates, hotel changes, and industry developments for theme park fans. A dedicated Marvel fan, she never passes up an opportunity to ride her favorite Disney attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. When it comes to Disney classics, Pirates of the Caribbean still holds the top spot on her list. At Universal, she’s a big fan of the thrills of VelociCoaster, but Men in Black: Alien Attack remains a personal favorite, where she proudly considers herself a professional "Galactic Defender."

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