Universal Orlando visitors have plenty to look forward to in the coming months, but not everything will be open when they arrive.
Several major attractions across the resort are scheduled to shut down between now and early 2027, including popular Harry Potter rides, water attractions, and longtime entertainment offerings.
While some closures are temporary, others mark the permanent end of experiences that have entertained Universal guests for years.
And with the busy holiday travel season approaching, these changes could affect vacation plans sooner than some families expect.
Hogwarts Express Closure Could Complicate Park-to-Park Visits
One of the most notable upcoming closures involves the Hogwarts Express.
The popular train attraction connecting Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure is scheduled to close on November 4, 2026.
For Harry Potter fans, the Hogwarts Express offers more than a convenient ride between parks. It also allows guests to experience the journey between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
However, when the attraction closes, visitors will temporarily lose that transportation option.
Guests hoping to experience both Wizarding World locations will need to walk between the parks instead.
While the closure is currently listed for November 4, Universal visitors should continue checking the resort's schedule for any additional changes.
Another Harry Potter Ride Closing in February
The Hogwarts Express isn't the only Wizarding World attraction preparing for downtime.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure is scheduled to close on February 8, 2027.
The attraction is expected to remain unavailable through February 19.
Located inside Hogwarts Castle, Forbidden Journey is one of the park's signature experiences.
Its combination of detailed environments, familiar characters, and thrilling ride sequences has made it a favorite among Harry Potter fans.
Visitors planning February vacations should keep these dates in mind, particularly if experiencing Hogwarts Castle is one of their main priorities.
Jurassic Park River Adventure and Bilge-Rat Barges Also Affected
Elsewhere at Islands of Adventure, Jurassic Park River Adventure continues its lengthy refurbishment.
The attraction closed on January 5, 2026, and is currently scheduled to return on December 16.
The extended downtime means guests visiting during most of the year have been unable to experience the dinosaur-themed water ride.
Meanwhile, Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges is preparing for its own temporary closure.
The popular raft attraction will shut down on January 4, 2027, with a scheduled reopening on February 2.
Although both attractions involve water, their closures fall during different parts of Universal's calendar.
Guests visiting during the Christmas holiday season may see Jurassic Park River Adventure return, while those arriving after New Year's Day could find Bilge-Rat Barges unavailable.
Epic Universe Attraction Closing Just Months Into 2027
Universal Epic Universe is also included in the upcoming refurbishment schedule.
Fyre Drill, located in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, will close on January 25, 2027.
The attraction is scheduled to reopen on February 5, following its refurbishment through February 4.
Fyre Drill is an interactive boat experience that allows guests to use water cannons during a Viking-themed firefighting challenge.
The ride provides a family-friendly alternative to some of Epic Universe's larger thrill attractions.
Although the park is still relatively new, maintenance closures are a normal part of theme park operations.
Universal Studios Florida Losing Longtime Experiences
Universal Studios Florida is experiencing its own changes.
The Horror Make-Up Show has been closed since May 12, 2026, as Universal prepares a reimagined version of the longtime entertainment offering.
The show is expected to return during winter 2026.
Finnegan's Bar & Grill has also remained closed since January, with a winter reopening anticipated.
However, another attraction won't be returning.
Animal Actors on Location will permanently close on November 3, 2026, following its final performances on November 2.
The longtime show features trained animals performing tricks and demonstrating techniques used in film and television.
Its closure marks another change to Universal Studios Florida as the resort continues updating its entertainment lineup.
Universal has also permanently closed Fast & Furious: Supercharged, with additional development taking place throughout the park.
Volcano Bay Preparing for Extended Winter Shutdown
Perhaps the biggest closure affecting Universal Orlando involves Volcano Bay.
Unlike individual ride refurbishments, this shutdown affects the entire water park.
Guests visiting during the winter months won't be able to experience Volcano Bay's slides, pools, or other attractions.
The extended closure could be especially important for families who purchased vacation packages expecting to include a water park visit.
Fortunately, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe will continue welcoming guests.
Still, the growing number of closures means visitors should pay attention to which experiences will be operating during their travel dates.
Universal Orlando continues making significant changes across its property, and more announcements could arrive as the resort prepares for 2027.
For now, checking the official refurbishment calendar before visiting remains one of the easiest ways to avoid unexpected disappointments.
