There’s some big news coming out of Universal Orlando, and if you’ve got a trip planned for 2026, you’re going to want to pay close attention.
Universal Orlando
Universal has officially confirmed that several major attractions across both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will be temporarily closing for refurbishments next year. And that’s not all — the entire Volcano Bay water park is also scheduled for a months-long seasonal closure. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifteenth, these dates might change what your Universal itinerary looks like. Here’s everything you need to know before you start booking that trip.
Jurassic Park River Adventure — Islands of Adventure (Closed January 5th, 2026 – November 19th, 2026)
Let’s start with the big one. The Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure is going down for an extended refurbishment next year — nearly eleven months in total. If this ride is a must-do for you (and let’s be honest, for many fans it is), that’s going to sting.
Jurassic Park River Adventure
This classic water ride has been thrilling guests since Islands of Adventure opened in 1999, and it’s one of the park’s most iconic attractions. The lengthy closure suggests this isn’t just a standard touch-up or maintenance period — it’s likely a significant refurbishment. Universal hasn’t confirmed what exactly will be updated, but based on the ride’s age, it could be getting some major upgrades to its animatronics, effects, or even its queue.
Jurassic Park River Adventure
If your dream is to get splashed by that massive T. Rex drop, you’ll need to either visit before early January or plan for a trip after the fall reopening. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until late 2026 to hear that iconic Jurassic Park theme play as your boat drifts through the gates again.
Hogwarts Express — Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure (Closed February 9th – 23rd, 2026)
This one affects both parks since the Hogwarts Express connects Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The train will be closed for a short, two-week refurbishment in February 2026, and that means you’ll need to plan your park-hopping differently if you were hoping to travel “the wizarding way.”
Hogwarts Express
While it’s a relatively short downtime, it’s still something to note — especially since the Hogwarts Express is such a seamless (and fun) way to move between the two parks. During the closure, you’ll have to exit one park and enter the other through the main gates instead.
Hogwarts Express
It’s not unusual for the Hogwarts Express to go down for maintenance every so often, as it’s a complex attraction that blends real-world mechanics with some seriously advanced digital effects. If anything, this short closure will likely keep the experience smooth and magical for years to come.
Revenge of the Mummy — Universal Studios Florida (Closed January 15th – 21st, 2026)
Revenge of the Mummy fans, take a deep breath — this one’s only a week-long closure. The fan-favorite indoor coaster will be down in mid-January 2026 for what looks like a quick refresh.
Revenge of the Mummy
This isn’t totally surprising, as the attraction recently underwent a major refurbishment in 2022. That project updated lighting, effects, and ride systems, so this upcoming closure is probably just routine maintenance. Still, it’s worth keeping on your radar if you’re visiting that week and want to face the wrath of Imhotep.
©Universal
If you’re heading to Universal later in 2026, you’ll almost definitely still be able to ride — so no need to panic.
Universal’s Volcano Bay — Seasonal Closure (Closed October 26th, 2026 – Planned Reopening on or Before March 24th, 2027)
And now, the biggest park-wide closure of all: Volcano Bay will be completely closed starting October 26th, 2026, for its annual seasonal shutdown. The park is expected to reopen by March 2027.
Universal’s Volcano Bay
Seasonal closures at Volcano Bay aren’t unusual, but this one’s lasting a bit longer than what’s typical. These breaks usually allow Universal to perform extensive maintenance on water systems, slides, and park infrastructure — all things that are essential to keeping the experience safe and enjoyable.
Volcano Bay
If your ideal Universal vacation involves floating through the lazy river, tackling Krakatau Aqua Coaster, or lounging by the wave pool, you’ll need to plan your trip before late October or after March. The silver lining is that by the time it reopens, everything should be in pristine condition for spring break season.
What This Means for Your 2026 Trip
It’s always tough when your favorite attractions take a break, but these refurbishments are a normal part of keeping the parks running smoothly (and looking amazing). If you’re planning a Universal Orlando trip in 2026, double-check these dates before you finalize your travel plans — especially if Jurassic Park River Adventure or Volcano Bay are at the top of your list.
©Universal
On the bright side, closures like these often lead to refreshed experiences, updated effects, and smoother rides once they return. And since Epic Universe already opened earlier in 2025, Universal Orlando has plenty of new experiences to enjoy while these attractions are temporarily unavailable.
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Speaking of planning a trip, if you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!
As always, we’ll be keeping a close eye on any updates or changes to these closures — so stay tuned to AllEars for the latest Universal news.
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Which of these closures are you most bummed about? Tell us in the comments!
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