Credit: UniversalUniversal Orlando Resort is one of the best places to get your thrill fix, but even thrill machines need some downtime. A handful of attractions will be temporarily or permanently unavailable this fall and winter, and if you’re planning a visit, it’s good to know what might be off the table. Here’s a quick rundown of the closures coming to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.
1. Skull Island: Reign of Kong – Short Refurbishment
Location: Islands of Adventure
Closure Dates: August 20–29, 2025
Kong is taking a brief break. Skull Island: Reign of Kong—an intense dark ride that takes guests through a monster-infested jungle—will be down for routine maintenance for over a week in late August. This one tends to close occasionally for upkeep, so don’t panic. It’ll be back before September rolls in.
2. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls – Classic Water Ride Update
Location: Islands of Adventure
Closure Dates: October 6–31, 2025
This log flume ride with a splash of cartoon comedy is undergoing refurbishment in October. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls will be closed for most of the month, so guests hoping to cool off with a watery plunge will have to find another option—at least temporarily. This kind of maintenance is typical heading into the cooler season.
3. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – Magical Pause
Location: Islands of Adventure
Closure Dates: November 3–16, 2025
One of the most immersive rides in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is going offline for two weeks this November. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey will undergo maintenance during the first half of the month. While Hogsmeade and the rest of the Harry Potter areas remain open, this headlining attraction will be unavailable.
4. Volcano Bay – Extended Seasonal Closure
Location: Universal Volcano Bay
Closure Dates: October 26, 2026 – On or before March 24, 2027
Looking further ahead, Volcano Bay will enter its seasonal closure beginning October 26, 2026. While it’s normal for the water park to shut down on select days during cooler months, this time it’s taking a more extended break, with reopening planned by spring 2027.
5. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – Saying Goodbye for Good
Location: Universal Studios
Closure Date: Permanently closing August 18, 2025
This one’s a big deal. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, known for its towering vertical lift, customizable music, and heart-pounding drops, will close for good after August 17, 2025.
Universal confirmed that the ride is being removed for a brand-new experience. No word yet on what’s replacing it, but this marks the end of one of the park’s most iconic thrill rides. If it’s been on your bucket list, now’s the time to ride it before it becomes part of park history.
Plan Around the Schedule
With so many fan-favorite rides temporarily unavailable—and one major coaster going away for good—fall 2025 is shaping up to be a season of transition at Universal Orlando Resort. Just make sure to check the calendar before your trip, especially if you’re hoping to hit specific attractions.