Credit: UniversalUniversal Orlando Resort is heading into one of its busiest summers in years, but guests planning vacations may want to pay close attention before locking in travel dates. The resort has now confirmed five major attraction closures across its parks, and several of them are set to occur right in the middle of the summer season.
For many fans, summer at Universal means long park days, nighttime events, water rides, and packed entertainment schedules. This year, though, a handful of notable attractions and experiences will be either temporarily unavailable or unavailable for nearly the entire season.
Universal Orlando Is Entering a Huge Summer
There is a lot of momentum surrounding Universal Orlando right now. Epic Universe has officially reached its first anniversary, and the resort continues expanding with new entertainment, themed offerings, and operational updates across its parks.
Guests are also preparing for the return of Volcano Bay Nights, which has quickly become one of the resort’s most popular limited-time summer offerings. The separately ticketed event gives visitors a chance to experience Volcano Bay after dark with shorter waits, entertainment, exclusive food, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Epic Universe continues drawing major crowds thanks to lands like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
But while there is plenty for fans to look forward to, not every update from Universal Orlando has been positive.
Several Attractions Will Be Missing This Summer
The summer travel season is almost here, and Universal has confirmed that multiple attractions and entertainment offerings will be unavailable for portions of the season.
Some closures only last a couple of weeks. Others will remove experiences for nearly the entire summer. If one of these attractions sits high on your must-do list, it may be worth double-checking dates before finalizing a vacation.
Jurassic Park River Adventure Will Be Closed Most of the Year
One of the biggest closures impacts Universal Islands of Adventure.
Jurassic Park River Adventure officially closed on January 5, 2026, and is not expected to reopen until November 19, 2026. That means the iconic water ride will remain unavailable throughout almost the entire summer season.
The attraction has long been one of the park’s signature experiences, especially during the Florida heat. Its closure removes one of Islands of Adventure’s biggest summer crowd-eaters and could push more guests toward other water attractions nearby.
Horror Make-Up Show Disappearing for Months
Universal Studios Florida will also temporarily lose one of its classic entertainment offerings.
The Horror Make-Up Show closed on May 12, 2026, and Universal expects it to return sometime during winter 2026.
The attraction has remained a fan favorite for years thanks to its mix of live comedy, special effects demonstrations, and Universal horror history. The closure also removes one of the park’s major indoor attractions during the hottest stretch of summer.
DreamWorks Land Takes Multiple Hits
DreamWorks Land is also losing a couple of offerings this summer.
Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp and Po Live! both closed beginning May 18, 2026, and are expected to remain unavailable through July 3, 2026.
The closures impact one of the newer family-focused areas inside Universal Studios Florida. Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp gave kids an interactive play space, while Po Live! delivered a themed entertainment experience centered around the Kung Fu Panda franchise.
Although temporary, the closures still remove a sizable chunk of family entertainment right as summer crowds arrive.
Epic Universe Already Seeing Adjustments
Even Epic Universe is dealing with temporary downtime.
Viking Training Camp inside How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk closed from May 4 through May 22, 2026.
The play area quickly became popular with families visiting the new park. While the closure window is fairly short, it still shows that Universal continues to make operational adjustments throughout Epic Universe after its first year.
Me Ship, The Olive Also Closing Temporarily
Universal is also temporarily closing Me Ship, The Olive at Islands of Adventure.
The Popeye-themed play area will close from May 26 through June 9, 2026.
Although smaller than some of the other closures, the attraction still serves as an important interactive space for younger kids during Orlando’s intense summer heat.
Universal Still Has Big Summer Plans
Despite the closures, Universal Orlando Resort still has major summer offerings planned.
Universal Studios Florida is preparing a large seasonal experience tied to Steven Spielberg’s upcoming film Disclosure Day, which arrives in theaters on June 12. The event celebrates Spielberg’s blockbuster legacy while introducing guests to props, costumes, themed entertainment, and exclusive experiences tied to the film.
The San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida will temporarily transform into a version of Amity inspired by Jaws. Guests can expect exclusive merchandise, themed photo opportunities, limited-time food and drinks, and collectible Coca-Cola souvenir beverages at Chez Alcatraz.
Universal is also preparing special Fourth of July entertainment!
A Busy Summer Comes With Trade-Offs
Universal Orlando Resort clearly is not slowing down anytime soon. Between Epic Universe entering its second year, seasonal entertainment returning, and new offerings arriving across the resort, there is still plenty for guests to get excited about.
At the same time, these five closures could absolutely affect vacation plans depending on which attractions matter most to your family.
As summer crowds begin to build at Universal Orlando Resort, guests may want to pay closer attention than usual to what will — and will not — be operating during their trip.
