Credit: UniversalUniversal Orlando Resort has confirmed another Harry Potter ride will close soon.
Universal Destinations and Experiences is on somewhat of a historic run. Last year, the Florida resort welcomed a third theme park gate in the form of Universal Epic Universe, while Universal Kids Resort opened in Frisco, Texas, earlier this year. Plans are also underway and progressing nicely for the proposed Universal United Kingdom, which is expected to open in the Bedford area of England in the future.
While developments are happening across the globe, there is still a big focus on the two key parks in Central Florida. Both Universal Studios Orlando and Universal Islands of Adventure continue to draw millions of guests each year, with many splitting their time in the Sunshine State between there and the Walt Disney World Resort.
Epic Universe only bolstered that attendance, bringing lands like How To Train Your Dragon–Isle of Berk and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to the East Coast. The major new park also saw the expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with the Ministry of Magic location. Here, guests can help Harry and his friends in the flagship dark ride, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the key draws for Universal guests. Spread across the three parks, the Wizarding World launched with Hogwarts and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure, before expanding into Universal Studios with the Diagon Alley and King’s Cross Station areas, and in May 2025, the Ministry of Magic joined in Epic Universe.
As for the former two parks, the iconic Hogwarts Express connects Studios to Islands (and vice-versa) as long as the guest has a two-park ticket. Onboard, guests will experience the magic of the train, complete with dementors and outside visuals of the Hogwarts grounds.
However, if a post-October trip was on the cards, the Hogwarts Express will be out of action on November 4, 2026. Now listed on the official Universal website, the Hogwarts Express closure joins the upcoming closure announcement of the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction, which is set to go dark February 8, 2027, through February 19, 2027.
While the Forbidden Journey is closed for an extended period of time, the Hogwarts Express has a listed reopening date of November 5, 2026, meaning that guests will only be without the popular transport experience for 24 hours. “The Hogwarts Express™ will be temporarily closed on November 4th, 2026,” the website writes. “The attraction plans to reopen to Guests on November 5th, 2026.”
Of course, as with any refurbishment plans, things can change, so it’s best to check openings ahead of a visit to the park.
What is your favorite part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!
