Credit: UniversalThe Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed multiple closures for its beloved Harry Potter-themed attraction.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spans across Universal Orlando Resort, creating an immersive experience that brings J.K. Rowling’s magical universe to life. The original land, Hogsmeade, opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in June 2010, featuring the iconic Hogwarts Castle and charming village.
Four years later, in July 2014, Diagon Alley debuted at Universal Studios Florida, showcasing the famous wizarding shopping district and the towering Gringotts Bank.
Major attractions include Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a dark ride through Hogwarts Castle, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a thrilling coaster journey into the Forbidden Forest. Other highlights include the Escape from Gringotts ride and the family-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff coaster. Both lands also offer extensive shopping and dining experiences.
In May 2025, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter expanded significantly with the opening of Universal Epic Universe and its Ministry of Magic land. This third Harry Potter area features both 1920s wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and the 1990s British Ministry of Magic.
The land includes the flagship Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride and Le Cirque Arcanus stage show, adding an entirely new dimension to the Universal Orlando Harry Potter experience.
The Hogwarts Express
The Hogwarts Express stands out as one of Universal Orlando’s most unique attractions, functioning as both a ride and inter-park transportation.
This cable railway runs approximately 2,200 feet between Hogsmeade station in Islands of Adventure and King’s Cross station in Universal Studios Florida, with the journey taking about four minutes each direction. Guests must have a park-to-park ticket or Annual Pass to ride since it connects two separate theme parks.
What makes the experience special is that passengers enjoy two completely different videos depending on their direction of travel, essentially creating two attractions in one. The journey from King’s Cross to Hogsmeade depicts students traveling to school, while the return trip features an entirely different storyline.
The queues add to the immersion—at King’s Cross, guests walk through a quarter-scale replica of the famous London station before stepping through the brick wall to Platform 9¾, while the Hogsmeade station reflects a rustic Scottish Highlands setting.
Inside the train, passengers sit in authentic compartments and view the passing countryside through window screens that use special effects to show familiar characters. Its attention to detail and hidden Easter eggs throughout both stations have made it a beloved part of the Universal Orlando experience.
Hogwarts Express Closures Scheduled
The Hogwarts Express will undergo two refurbishments in the coming months. The first closure is scheduled for December 3, 2025, with the attraction reopening the following day on December 4. Universal has not disclosed what maintenance work will be completed during this single-day closure.
A longer refurbishment is planned for early 2026, running from February 9 through February 23. Again, specific details about the work being performed have not been announced.
During both closures, guests with park-to-park tickets who wish to travel between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will need to exit their current park and walk through CityWalk to enter the other park. The Hogwarts Express typically serves as the only direct connection between the two parks, making it accessible exclusively to those holding park-to-park admission.
If guests are traveling to the resort during this time, then alternative travel arrangements between the parks must be made.
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