Universal Orlando Delays Coaster Construction After Major Announcement

Universal Orlando has quietly adjusted its construction schedule at Universal Studios Florida, and while it may look minor on paper, it’s the kind of change that usually signals something bigger happening behind the scenes.

The resort has now confirmed that Revenge of the Mummy will close from January 27 through February 2, 2026, with a reopening date set for February 3, 2026. That’s a shift from the attraction’s previously scheduled closure window of January 21 through January 26. In other words, the refurbishment hasn’t changed in length, but it has been pushed back nearly a full week.

On its own, that might not sound like a big deal. But coming just minutes after Universal’s blockbuster coaster announcement, the timing is raising eyebrows.

A Small Delay That Feels Bigger Than It Looks

Universal rarely changes the dates of attraction refurbishments unless there’s a logistical reason to do so. These schedules are usually locked in months ahead of time, coordinated around crowd calendars, staffing, special events, and larger construction projects happening around the park.

So when a major E-ticket like Revenge of the Mummy suddenly slides its closure window forward, it’s fair to wonder what triggered the change.

The updated dates mean the ride will remain open through more of late January, a period that still sees solid attendance thanks to holiday spillover crowds and winter travel season. For guests planning trips during that stretch, this is good news. More people will get a final ride before the doors close temporarily.

But operationally, it suggests Universal is trying to keep as many attractions running as possible, potentially due to crowd levels this week.

The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Connection

On Tuesday, January 20, Universal officially revealed that a brand-new outdoor coaster called Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027, replacing the now-demolished Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The new ride will feature high-speed launches, 360-degree drifting maneuvers, and a dramatic 170-foot vertical spike that sends riders nearly 17 stories into the air.

The timing here is hard to ignore.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is already gone. The announcement is now public. And that entire corner of the park has already become one of the most active construction zones Universal has had in years.

Shifting Revenge of the Mummy’s closure back by six days could be Universal’s way of easing pressure on park capacity while crews start more visible groundwork for the new coaster.

Why Universal Might Be Spacing Out Its Closures

Universal Studios Florida isn’t exactly overflowing with thrill rides compared to Islands of Adventure. So when a headliner like Revenge of the Mummy goes down, guests feel it immediately.

With Rockit already demolished and Fast & Furious construction about to dominate the skyline, Universal may simply be trying to avoid stacking too many operational disruptions on top of each other.

Keeping Mummy open longer:

• Helps distribute crowds
• Keeps wait times from exploding at other attractions
• Preserves one of the park’s biggest crowd-eaters during a busy travel window

In short, it buys Universal a little breathing room.

What’s Actually Being Done to Revenge of the Mummy?

Universal hasn’t released details about what this short closure will involve, but the ride has a history of brief refurbishments tied to routine but critical work.

That can include:

• Track and ride-vehicle inspections
• Show lighting and projection updates
• Animatronic maintenance
• Safety system recalibrations

This won’t be anything like the massive year-long rebuild the ride underwent in 2022. This looks more like routine—but important—maintenance timed carefully around everything else happening in the park.

The Bigger Picture: Universal Is Entering a Heavy Construction Era

Between:

• Epic Universe now open
• Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift entering development
• Major changes underway at Universal Studios Florida
• Ongoing infrastructure upgrades across the resort

Universal is clearly in a transitional phase.

When a company reaches this stage of long-term expansion, even small ride closures start getting moved around like chess pieces. Every operational decision affects guest flow, staffing, park hours, and guest satisfaction.

So while this Mummy delay looks tiny, it fits a pattern: Universal is actively reshuffling its short-term plans to support its long-term vision.