Credit: Universal StudiosUniversal Orlando Resort has experienced unprecedented growth following the opening of Epic Universe, the company’s most ambitious theme park expansion to date. The new park has not only attracted record-breaking visitor numbers on its own but has also driven increased attendance at Universal’s existing properties, Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.
This surge in popularity has positioned Universal Orlando as a genuine multi-day vacation destination competing directly with Walt Disney World Resort, with many guests now choosing to spend entire weeks exploring Universal’s expanding portfolio of attractions rather than dedicating just a day or two during primarily Disney-focused trips.
The success has validated Universal’s massive investment in Epic Universe and demonstrated that Central Florida’s theme park market can support multiple major destination resorts operating at full capacity simultaneously. However, with increased visitation comes increased wear on existing attractions, necessitating regular maintenance and refurbishment schedules to ensure guest experiences remain at the highest possible standards. Universal has always maintained a commitment to keeping its attractions in top condition, often closing rides and experiences during slower periods to perform necessary updates and repairs that keep everything running smoothly for the millions of guests who visit each year.
Universal Islands of Adventure guests planning visits in late February and April should be aware of several temporary closures affecting popular attractions and experiences. The announcements come as Universal continues managing its properties amid record attendance levels driven by Epic Universe’s successful debut.
Me Ship, The Olive Closing for One Week in April
Me Ship, The Olive, the interactive play area in the Toon Lagoon section of Universal Islands of Adventure, will close from April 19th through April 25th for scheduled maintenance. The attraction recreates Popeye’s ship across three decks filled with interactive elements including passageways, slides, climbing nets, horns, and an interactive piano that younger guests particularly enjoy.
Beyond serving as a play structure, Me Ship, The Olive also functions as an interactive element for Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, the water raft ride located adjacent to the ship. Guests on the ship can operate water cannons to spray riders floating past on the rapids ride below, creating an engaging experience that connects both attractions. During the closure period, these water cannons will be unavailable, though the raft ride itself will continue operating normally.
The one-week closure window suggests routine maintenance rather than any major refurbishment or reimagining of the space. Universal has not announced any changes to the attraction’s theme or features, indicating guests can expect the same Popeye-themed experience when it reopens on April 26th.
Ollivander’s Wand Shop Begins Extended Refurbishment
Starting February 26th, Ollivander’s Wand Shop in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Islands of Adventure will close for refurbishment. Unlike the brief closure of Me Ship, The Olive, Universal has not yet announced a reopening date for Ollivander’s, suggesting the work may be more extensive or that the company is allowing flexibility in the timeline to ensure quality completion.
The Ollivander’s experience recreates one of the most memorable scenes from the Harry Potter films, where the wandmaker helps young wizards find their perfect wands. During each show, one lucky guest is selected to participate in the wand-choosing ceremony, experiencing the magic of having a wand “choose” them through special effects and theatrical presentation. The intimate show takes place in a small room designed to replicate the cluttered, mysterious atmosphere of the Diagon Alley wand shop from the movies.
The closure affects only the Ollivander’s location in Islands of Adventure’s Hogsmeade area. A second Ollivander’s Wand Shop operates in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and is not affected by this refurbishment. Guests visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida can still experience the wand-choosing ceremony at that location during the Islands of Adventure closure.
Wand purchases will still be available at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure through other retail locations even while the ceremonial experience remains closed. Universal’s Hogsmeade area includes multiple shops where guests can purchase interactive wands and other Harry Potter merchandise.
Other Ongoing Closures at Islands of Adventure
The Ollivander’s and Me Ship, The Olive closures join other refurbishments currently underway at Universal Islands of Adventure. Jurassic Park River Adventure, one of the park’s signature attractions, remains closed through November 19th for what Universal has described as an extended refurbishment. The lengthy closure timeline suggests significant updates to the water ride that has been a park staple since Islands of Adventure opened in 1999.
The Hogwarts Express, which connects Universal Islands of Adventure’s Hogsmeade area with Universal Studios Florida’s Diagon Alley, is scheduled to reopen February 23rd following its current refurbishment period. The train experience requires a park-to-park ticket and serves as both a transportation option between the two parks and an attraction in its own right, featuring different experiences depending on travel direction.
Planning Around the Closures
Guests visiting Universal Islands of Adventure during these closure periods should adjust their plans accordingly. Families with young children who particularly enjoy interactive play areas may want to avoid the April 19-25 window if Me Ship, The Olive ranks high on their must-do list, though the brief closure period means most visitors can easily schedule around it.
The Ollivander’s closure presents more significant planning considerations for Harry Potter fans who consider the wand-choosing ceremony an essential part of their Wizarding World experience. Those committed to experiencing Ollivander’s at Islands of Adventure may want to delay trips until Universal announces a reopening date, while others can simply visit the Universal Studios Florida location in Diagon Alley for the same ceremonial experience in a different setting.
The ongoing Jurassic Park River Adventure closure through November means guests visiting before late fall 2026 will miss one of Islands of Adventure’s classic water rides. However, Universal’s expanding attraction portfolio means there are more experiences than ever to fill any gaps left by temporary closures.
What These Closures Signal
Temporary attraction closures for refurbishment represent normal theme park operations, particularly at properties experiencing high attendance levels. Universal’s willingness to close attractions for maintenance during peak visitation periods driven by Epic Universe’s success demonstrates the company’s commitment to maintaining quality standards rather than maximizing attraction availability at the expense of guest experience.
The refurbishments also suggest Universal is investing in keeping its existing attractions competitive and well-maintained even as it pours resources into Epic Universe and future expansions. Rather than allowing older attractions to deteriorate while focusing on new development, these closures indicate ongoing attention to the entire resort portfolio.
If you’re planning a Universal Orlando visit in the coming months, make sure you check the official Universal Orlando website before your trip for the most current information on attraction availability. Nothing’s worse than building your whole day around experiencing Ollivander’s only to discover it’s closed when you arrive, so a quick check of operating schedules before you leave can save major disappointment. And honestly, with Epic Universe now open and pulling crowds, you might find that visiting during these refurbishment periods actually works in your favor since some guests avoid dates when their favorite attractions are down, potentially meaning shorter waits for everything else that’s operating.