Original 'Harry Potter' Ride Will Close at Universal Orlando This November

One of Universal Orlando’s most iconic attractions is about to temporarily disappear from the map.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the ride that kicked off the Wizarding World era when it opened in 2010 inside Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure, is scheduled to close later this year for refurbishment.

Universal hasn’t detailed exactly what the refurbishment will entail, but this isn’t the first time Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has undergone maintenance. Given the ride’s intricate blend of motion simulation, physical sets, and massive KUKA robotic arm ride vehicles, downtime like this is essential to keep it running smoothly—and safely.

Beginning November 3, 2025, the ride will shut down for a planned maintenance period that will run through November 16, 2025. While refurbishments like this are standard at theme parks, especially for rides with complex technology like Forbidden Journey, it’s still a big deal when such a flagship attraction goes offline—even for just two weeks.

It’s possible we’ll see some minor tech upgrades or refreshed effects, but there’s no indication that a major overhaul is on the way. That said, fans of the attraction are hopeful that enhancements could improve elements like screen clarity or synchronization, both of which have occasionally received criticism over the years.

Why This Refurbishment Matters for Universal Guests

Unlike newer rides like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure or VelociCoaster, which benefit from more modern ride systems, Forbidden Journey is a technological trailblazer from the early 2010s.

It wowed guests with its groundbreaking mix of physical props and media screens, flying them through the skies with Harry, Ron, and Hermione in a way no ride had ever done before. But 15 years is a long time in theme park years, and periodic updates help keep it feeling fresh.

If this is your favorite Wizarding World attraction, don’t panic—it’s not going away permanently. But if you’ve got a trip planned for early November, you’ll want to adjust your must-do list.

The rest of Hogsmeade will remain open, including Flight of the Hippogriff and the nearby Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure (as long as those rides aren’t experiencing their own downtime), but you should expect longer wait times for attractions around the park as a result.

What You Should Know If You’re Planning a Universal Visit

If you’re visiting during the closure window (November 3–16), here’s the silver lining: fewer people lingering around Hogwarts Castle could mean slightly lighter crowds in Hogsmeade overall. And since Universal usually gives attractions like this a fresh polish during downtime, you might return later in the month to a smoother, more immersive experience.

Also worth noting: other attractions around Islands of Adventure are also getting some love. Skull Island: Reign of Kong and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls have refurbishments scheduled for August and October, respectively, so Universal clearly has a maintenance game plan leading into the holiday rush.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a must-do for Potterheads and thrill-seekers alike, and its closure—even briefly—is sure to be noticed. But Universal has proven time and again that it knows how to preserve the magic while making behind-the-scenes improvements. So while the ride may be taking a break, it’ll be back before you know it—and hopefully flying better than ever.

For now, mark your calendars, adjust your park plans, and maybe start practicing your “Wingardium Leviosa”—just in case Universal adds a little more magic to the journey.