Credit: UniversalSomething big is brewing at Universal Orlando Resort, and it’s not the kind of change you notice all at once. It’s quieter than a brand new ride announcement and far less flashy than a grand opening. Instead, 2026 is shaping up to be a year filled with closures that will subtly but significantly reshape how guests experience the parks. Several attractions are scheduled to go offline, some briefly and others for long stretches, and taken together, they paint a picture of a resort in transition.
What makes this moment interesting is how spread out and layered these shutdowns are. None of them arrive with a dramatic countdown clock, and most don’t come with clear explanations up front. That uncertainty has sparked plenty of conversation among fans who are already trying to decipher the meaning behind the lines, before diving into what’s closing and when, it helps to step back and look at the resort as a whole.
A Quick Look at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort has grown into a massive destination with four distinct parks, each offering its own personality and pace. Universal Studios Florida leans heavily into movie magic and classic attractions. Islands of Adventure focuses on thrill rides and immersive lands. Volcano Bay serves as the resort’s water park escape. Epic Universe, which officially opened in May 2025, has already begun reshaping how guests approach the entire property.
With Epic Universe now part of the daily operating lineup, Universal’s footprint has expanded in a meaningful way. Crowd flow, maintenance schedules, and long-term planning now stretch across four full parks instead of three. That added complexity makes refurbishments and temporary closures even more critical, especially as Universal works to balance guest expectations across a much larger resort.
Managing four parks simultaneously means that maintenance is a constant and ongoing process. Attractions require refurbishments, restaurants need updates, and seasonal experiences come and go. In 2026, though, the scale and timing of these closures stand out. Some are routine. Others feel unusually long. And a few have fans wondering if something bigger is happening behind the scenes.
With that context in mind, here’s a breakdown of the eight attractions expected to close or pause at some point in 2026, starting with one of the resort’s most intense thrill rides.
1. Revenge of the Mummy
Revenge of the Mummy is scheduled to close for refurbishment from January 15 through January 21. This indoor coaster has built a reputation for combining thrills, storytelling, and practical effects in a way few modern rides attempt anymore.
The short closure window suggests routine maintenance rather than any major overhaul. Still, even a brief shutdown of a fan favorite like this tends to ripple through crowd patterns in Universal Studios Florida. Guests planning January trips will want to factor this one in early.
2. Hogwarts Express
Next up is the Hogwarts Express, which will undergo refurbishment from February 9 through February 23. Because this attraction connects Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, its closure impacts more than just one park.
When the train goes down, park hopping becomes a bit less magical and a lot more logistical. Universal typically schedules this refurbishment annually, but it always forces guests to rethink their approach to moving between parks during that window.
3. Jurassic Park River Adventure
Jurassic Park River Adventure is scheduled for a lengthy closure from January 5 to November 19. That timeline immediately raises eyebrows. This water ride has long been a staple of Islands of Adventure, blending animatronics, suspense, and a classic drop finale.
The extended shutdown has stirred speculation among fans. Some believe Universal may update aging effects and animatronics. Others wonder if the ride could eventually be reimagined into a Jurassic World experience, similar to what happened in California. Universal hasn’t confirmed anything beyond the refurbishment itself, but a closure of this length rarely goes unnoticed.
4. Finnegan’s Bar and Grill
Finnegan’s Bar and Grill will close on January 12 and isn’t expected to reopen until winter 2026. Unlike a ride, this closure affects dining options inside Universal Studios Florida, particularly for guests who enjoy sit-down meals with a live entertainment vibe.
The extended timeline suggests more than a light refresh. Whether this results in a reworked menu, a redesigned interior, or something else entirely remains to be seen. Either way, it removes a familiar spot from the park for most of the year.
5. Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay is scheduled to close for its seasonal break starting October 26, 2026, with a reopening planned for March 24, 2027. Seasonal water park closures are a common occurrence, especially as cooler weather arrives in Central Florida.
Still, Volcano Bay’s absence always changes how guests plan fall and winter trips. For visitors hoping to squeeze in water rides late in the year, this date becomes a critical cutoff.
6. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls will likely close sometime in October or November for its annual seasonal refresh. This classic log flume typically shuts down as temperatures cool and reopens once maintenance is complete.
While Universal hasn’t announced exact dates yet, this pattern has become familiar. Guests planning late fall visits should expect this ride to be unavailable, especially if cooler weather arrives early.
7. Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges
Similar to Dudley Do Right, Popeye, and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges will more than likely close for their usual month-and-a-half refresh, typically from February through March. This raft ride is known for soaking riders, which makes winter an ideal time for downtime.
Because this closure tends to follow a predictable schedule, it’s less surprising than others on the list. Even so, it removes one of Islands of Adventure’s most playful experiences for part of the year.
8. Horror Make Up Show
The Horror Make Up Show remains the most significant question mark. Earlier in December 2025, Universal announced plans for a reimagining that included a January 2026 closure and a reopening later in the year. More recently, Universal walked that timeline back, stating, “The timeline for the planned enhancements and temporary closure of the Horror Make-Up Show has shifted.”
That statement leaves the door wide open. While the reimagining has been delayed, it wouldn’t be surprising if Universal temporarily shut down the show later in 2026. For now, its status remains unconfirmed, but the possibility still looms.
What This Means Moving Forward
Taken individually, each of these closures makes sense. Taken together, they signal a year of adjustment at Universal Orlando Resort. Some shutdowns are brief and expected. Others are long enough to spark curiosity and concern. For guests planning trips in 2026, staying informed will be key.
Universal has proven time and again that it’s willing to invest heavily in updates and improvements, even when that means temporary inconvenience. As 2026 unfolds, these closures may end up feeling less like losses and more like steps toward whatever comes next.