Credit: UniversalA summer trip to Universal Orlando Resort usually means longer park hours, exciting seasonal entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to experience some of the destination’s biggest attractions. July is one of the busiest months of the year, drawing families from around the world while school is out. That also means guests expect as many rides and shows as possible to be available during their vacation.
While most of Universal Orlando’s lineup will be operating throughout the month, several attractions and experiences won’t be welcoming guests. Some are undergoing routine refurbishments, others are receiving larger updates, and a few are expected to reopen partway through July.
If you’re planning a visit this month, it’s worth taking a few minutes to see what’s unavailable before finalizing your itinerary. Here’s every closure you should know about before heading to Universal Orlando in July.
Jurassic Park River Adventure Remains Down for a Major Overhaul
The biggest closure affecting guests this July is Jurassic Park River Adventure at Universal Islands of Adventure.
The popular water ride has been closed for an extended refurbishment and won’t return until much later this year, meaning anyone visiting in July will have to skip one of the park’s signature attractions.
Unlike the shorter maintenance projects Universal schedules throughout the year, this refurbishment is expected to last several months. The attraction is currently slated to reopen on November 19, 2026.
That’s a significant absence for Islands of Adventure, especially during Florida’s hottest season. Jurassic Park River Adventure has long been one of the park’s most popular ways to cool off, thanks to its combination of animatronic dinosaurs, dramatic storytelling, and its famous plunge at the finale.
Universal hasn’t outlined every change being made during the refurbishment, but the lengthy closure suggests guests could notice improvements when the attraction returns later this year. Whether the updates involve show scenes, ride systems, or visual enhancements, fans will have to wait until November to see the finished product.
In the meantime, Jurassic Park still offers plenty to experience, including VelociCoaster, Camp Jurassic, Jurassic Park Discovery Center, and Raptor Encounter.
Pteranodon Flyers Will Be Closed at the Start of the Month
Also inside Jurassic Park, Pteranodon Flyers will remain unavailable during the first two days of July.
The family attraction has been undergoing a shorter refurbishment and is expected to welcome guests back beginning July 3 if everything stays on schedule.
Although it isn’t one of the resort’s biggest thrill rides, Pteranodon Flyers has developed a loyal following over the years because of its unique rider restrictions.
Unlike most attractions, adults cannot ride unless they’re accompanying a child. The ride is specifically designed for younger guests, creating an experience that many families consider a memorable milestone before children are tall enough for Universal’s larger roller coasters.
The gentle suspended ride offers sweeping views over the Jurassic Park area without sudden drops or intense movements, making it an ideal choice for younger visitors.
Anyone visiting Islands of Adventure on July 1 or July 2 should plan on returning later in their vacation if riding Pteranodon Flyers is a priority.
DreamWorks Land Will See Two Attractions Return Early in July
Universal Studios Florida is also beginning July with a pair of temporary closures inside DreamWorks Land.
Both Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp and Po Live! are expected to reopen on July 4 after brief refurbishments.
For guests arriving during the first few days of the month, that means two family-friendly experiences won’t be available immediately.
Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp serves as one of DreamWorks Land’s interactive play areas. Instead of focusing on traditional ride vehicles, it gives children a chance to climb, play, splash around, and burn off some energy between attractions.
Interactive elements inspired by the Kung Fu Panda franchise encourage kids to explore while parents take a break nearby.
Just steps away, Po Live! offers a completely different experience.
Rather than a ride, guests meet the energetic panda through an interactive digital show where Po chats with visitors, shares jokes, and demonstrates his martial arts skills while juggling everyday chaos.
Because both experiences are aimed primarily at younger families, their temporary closures will likely have the biggest impact on parents visiting with small children during the opening days of July. Fortunately, neither refurbishment is expected to last long, with both scheduled to return by Independence Day weekend.
Horror Make-Up Show Continues Its Extended Closure
One of Universal Studios Florida’s longest-running attractions also remains unavailable this month.
Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show continues its extended refurbishment with no confirmed reopening date beyond later this year.
For decades, the live show has blended comedy, audience participation, and movie magic while giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at practical special effects used throughout the horror film industry.
Instead of relying entirely on jump scares, performers explain how monsters, creatures, prosthetics, and special effects come together on screen while keeping audiences laughing throughout the performance.
It’s a unique offering inside Universal Studios Florida because it celebrates the studio’s filmmaking roots rather than focusing solely on rides.
Many longtime Universal fans consider it one of the resort’s hidden gems, making its continued closure disappointing for repeat visitors who enjoy seeing it every trip.
Universal has confirmed the show will return after its refurbishment, but guests visiting in July should expect the theater to remain closed throughout their vacation.
Most of Universal Orlando Remains Open
Although these closures may affect a few vacation plans, it’s important to remember they represent only a small portion of everything available across Universal Orlando Resort.
Guests can still experience major attractions including Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry at Epic Universe, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, VelociCoaster, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Revenge of the Mummy, MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, Transformers: The Ride 3D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Stardust Racers, and dozens of other rides, shows, and attractions.
Universal typically schedules refurbishments throughout the year to keep attractions operating safely and looking their best. While it can be disappointing to miss a favorite ride during vacation, these temporary projects help ensure guests enjoy an even better experience once the attractions reopen.
If you’re heading to Universal Orlando this July, checking the refurbishment calendar before you arrive can help avoid surprises and make planning each park day much easier. With only a handful of attractions temporarily unavailable, visitors will still find plenty to fill their vacation from morning until park close.
