Credit: Inside The MagicJurassic Park at Islands of Adventure just got more closures announced, indicating that Universal is up to something. Maybe something with more teeth?
Universal Islands of Adventure Blocks Access to Jurassic Park, Closes Down More Parts of 90s-Era Land
There’s something unforgettable about walking into Universal Islands of Adventure for the first time. The music swells, the Port of Entry opens into a world of possibilities, and guests scatter toward their favorite lands—some racing to Hogsmeade, others heading straight for dinosaurs in Jurassic Park.
For many, it’s tradition. A butterbeer in hand before boarding the Hogwarts Express. A daring raft journey through Isla Nublar. A stroll through Camp Jurassic that feels like stepping back into the 1990s.
But lately, something feels different.
Guests visiting Universal Orlando Resort this February have noticed walls where pathways once stood and beloved attractions temporarily unavailable. Fans are heartbroken, and confusion has begun to ripple across social media as multiple closures converge at once.
Guests Have Grown Used to a Certain Kind of Magic at Universal Orlando
Part of what makes Universal’s parks so beloved is their seamless connectivity. The ability to board the Hogwarts Express and travel between parks isn’t just transportation—it’s an attraction in itself. The immersive journey between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley has become a staple of the Universal Orlando experience.
Meanwhile, Jurassic Park remains one of the most nostalgic corners of Islands of Adventure. The towering gates. The John Williams-inspired score. The suspense of drifting past animatronic dinosaurs before plunging down the iconic drop on Jurassic Park River Adventure.
For decades, this section of the park has remained largely unchanged, preserving its classic aesthetic even as newer intellectual properties took center stage elsewhere.
That’s why the recent wave of closures has left so many visitors asking questions.
A Wave of Closures Has Quietly Shifted the Guest Experience
The Hogwarts Express is currently closed for routine maintenance from February 9 through February 23, 2026, with a scheduled reopening on February 24. During this time, no train transportation is available between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
At the same time, Jurassic Park River Adventure is undergoing a major refurbishment from January 5 through November 19, 2026—a nearly year-long shutdown.
Camp Jurassic and Pteranodon Flyers have also experienced ongoing localized work in early 2026, further impacting the area.
And as of February 11, guests discovered something even more noticeable: the bridge connecting Hogsmeade to Jurassic Park has been blocked off with construction walls. Visitors now have to walk all the way around the park to reach the dinosaur-filled land.
The Wizarding World bridge in Islands of Adventure is closed for renovations. Guests must take the Jurassic Park bridge to complete the park loop. – @insideuniversal on X
The Wizarding World bridge in Islands of Adventure is closed for renovations. Guests must take the Jurassic Park bridge to complete the park loop. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/KQe8J17P3D
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) February 11, 2026
The end of an era? Or something else entirely?
Social Media Reacts as Rumors Begin to Swirl
As expected, fans have taken to X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit to voice their concerns. Some speculated that the extended closure of River Adventure meant a permanent retheme to Jurassic World. Others questioned why so much of Jurassic Park appeared to be “taking a hit” at once.
“A shocking development,” one user wrote, pointing to the blocked bridge. “Are they finally replacing River Adventure?”
The timing has fueled speculation, especially following the success of Jurassic World: Rebirth. When multiple closures happen simultaneously in a single land, fans naturally wonder if a larger transformation is underway.
But the reality tells a different story.
The Truth Behind Jurassic Park’s Extended Closure
Despite the rumors, there is no confirmed replacement of Jurassic Park River Adventure.
Recent aerial photos show brand-new boats arriving for the attraction, covered in white tarps. Early glimpses suggest the boats will maintain their classic look, preserving the original Jurassic Park aesthetic rather than transitioning to a Jurassic World retheme.
Aerial photos of new Jurassic Park River Adventure boats staged near Epic Universe. The attraction is in refurbishment until November. – @bioreconstruct on X
Aerial photos of new Jurassic Park River Adventure boats staged near Epic Universe.
The attraction is in refurbishment until November. pic.twitter.com/msIilRDlgX— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) January 31, 2026
Additionally, the construction walls surrounding the ride are adorned with imagery and scenes from Jurassic Park—not Jurassic World—reinforcing Universal’s continued commitment to the land’s original identity.
Inside Jurassic Outfitters, props and scenes from the 30th anniversary Jurassic Park tribute store have now been integrated into the retail space, further emphasizing the park’s celebration of the franchise’s roots.
Taken together, these details paint a clear picture: Universal appears serious about keeping Jurassic Park alive and thriving for years to come.
What This Means for Future Universal Orlando Visitors
For now, guests planning a 2026 trip should expect temporary inconveniences at Islands of Adventure. Without the Hogwarts Express, park-to-park movement requires walking through CityWalk to enter the other gate. Jurassic Park fans will need to reroute around the park to access the land.
But there’s also reason for optimism.
The extensive refurbishment of River Adventure suggests long-term investment rather than removal. Fresh boats, refreshed elements, and enhanced theming could mean the ride returns stronger than ever in November 2026.
Universal’s decision to highlight Jurassic Park imagery throughout construction indicates confidence in the brand’s staying power—even amid the evolving Jurassic franchise.
So while fans may be frustrated in the short term, the bigger picture suggests something hopeful: dinosaurs aren’t going anywhere.
What do you think? Are these closures simply routine maintenance, or do you believe something bigger could still be on the horizon for Universal Islands of Adventure?