Universal Orlando Confirms Jurassic Park River Adventure Closure in 2026

Jurassic Park River Adventure will be closing down in 2026, Universal Orlando Resort confirms.

Guests ride Jurassic Park River Adventure at Universal Studios — Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Jurassic Park Attraction From 1999 Closing Down in 2026: But for How Long?

It’s the kind of news that stops theme park fans in their tracks. Picture yourself stepping into Islands of Adventure, the air thick with anticipation, only to hear whispers spreading like wildfire: a beloved classic is about to disappear—at least for a while. For die-hard fans, the thought of losing even temporary access to one of Universal’s cornerstone attractions feels almost unthinkable.

Every ride tells a story, but few capture the heart-pounding mix of nostalgia and adrenaline quite like Jurassic Park River Adventure. Generations of guests have braved its towering gates, faced down a roaring T-Rex, and splashed down with wide-eyed wonder. Now, change is on the horizon.

So what exactly is happening? And more importantly—what does this mean for you, the park-goer, the fan, the thrill-seeker looking to plan your next unforgettable trip? That’s where things get interesting.

Guests ride Jurassic Park River Adventure — Credit: Universal

What’s New: The Official Refurbishment Timeline

The rumors were true. Universal Orlando has confirmed that Jurassic Park River Adventure will close for an extensive refurbishment beginning January 5, 2026, with plans to reopen on November 19, 2026. That’s nearly 10 months of downtime for one of the most iconic rides in Islands of Adventure.

While Universal has yet to reveal exactly what changes are coming, speculation is already heating up. Some fans believe the closure could mirror Hollywood’s “Jurassic World” overlay, while others suspect it’s a long-overdue maintenance overhaul to restore the ride’s grandeur.

Jurassic world overlay?

– @TPRBrandon on X

Jurassic world overlay? 🤔 https://t.co/jwI9rjvXB0

— Theme Park Brandon 🎢 (@TPRBrandon) September 16, 2025

What we do know: if you want to experience the original attraction in its current form, you have until January 4, 2026 to make it happen.

A group of people ride in a yellow safari-style boat through a lush, jungle-themed attraction, unaware that this Universal ride shut down shortly afterward, with large rocks and greenery surrounding the water. on this Universal Islands of Adventure. — Credit: Universal

How to Experience It Before It Closes

If you’re planning a Universal Orlando trip before the refurbishment, here are a few tips to make the most of it:

Arrive early: Jurassic Park River Adventure gets busier as the day heats up—literally. Ride it in the morning when lines are shortest.
Use the app: The Universal Orlando app provides real-time wait times and mobile food ordering, helping you maximize every moment.
Bring ponchos: You will get soaked, and buying park ponchos can cost nearly $15 each. Pack dollar-store ponchos in your bag.
Pair with VelociCoaster: Knock out Jurassic Park River Adventure and VelociCoaster back-to-back to save time since they’re in the same land.

Credit: Inside The Magic

A large T. rex roars near the Jurassic Park area at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, with lush palm trees, round buildings, and the park’s red and yellow sign in the foreground at Islands of Adventure at Universal. — Credit: Inside The Magic

Hidden Hacks Only Locals Know

Frequent visitors have a few secrets up their sleeves:

Best splash zone views: Stand on the bridge near the ride’s finale to watch boats drop—it’s one of the best photo ops in the park.
Sneaky snack stop: After your ride, head into the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. It’s often quieter than other dining areas and offers shaded seating.
Midday reride trick: Wait times usually dip around 2–3 p.m. when guests shift to parade routes or shows. That’s your window for a second ride.

A construction worker in a hard hat and reflective vest holds blueprints and talks on a cell phone, juxtaposed with an aerial view of a busy Universal Islands of Adventure amusement park with roller coasters and water attractions. — Image Credit: Inside The Magic

Why This Closure Hits Fans Hard

To many, Jurassic Park River Adventure is more than a ride—it’s a time capsule of the 1990s, tied to the legacy of Spielberg’s original film. It’s a shared memory of family vacations, first visits, and childhood thrills.

Social media has already erupted with reactions, from excitement about potential upgrades to heartbreak over the possibility of losing the original theming. Attendance spikes and viral TikToks prove one thing: fans care deeply about this attraction, and its temporary closure will shape the conversation around Universal for months.

Whether this refurbishment brings a shiny new overlay or simply breathes life back into an aging classic, one thing is clear: Jurassic Park River Adventure isn’t just another water ride—it’s a legend.

Credit: Universal / Inside The Magic

Final Thoughts

Universal Orlando’s decision to close Jurassic Park River Adventure for most of 2026 marks the end of an era—at least for now. Fans who want to experience the ride as they know it should plan their trips before January 4, 2026. After that, the future is a thrilling mystery waiting to be unveiled.

So—what do you think? Will Universal give us a bold Jurassic World transformation, or will it preserve the nostalgia fans hold dear?