Credit: UniversalUniversal Orlando Resort guests have plenty to keep track of over the next several months, especially if a trip is coming before 2026 ends or early in 2027.
Several attractions are heading offline across Universal Orlando. Some will disappear temporarily for scheduled refurbishment work. Others represent bigger changes that will permanently alter areas fans have known for years.
That means Universal Orlando could look noticeably different in early 2027.
Here are seven closures fans need on their radar.
1. Horror Make-Up Show Is Getting Reimagined
Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show entertained guests at Universal Studios Florida for decades before temporarily closing on May 12, 2026.
The closure is part of a major reimagining, with the updated show expected to debut in winter 2026. Universal is refreshing the longtime experience while keeping the attraction’s horror-focused identity alive for a new generation of park guests.
Unlike some permanent closures happening across the parks, this isn’t the end of the Horror Make-Up Show. The attraction will return with changes.
2. Jurassic Park River Adventure Remains Closed
Over at Islands of Adventure, Jurassic Park River Adventure has already been unavailable for much of 2026.
The popular water ride closed on January 5 for an extensive refurbishment, removing one of Jurassic Park’s signature attractions from the lineup.
Fortunately, this one isn’t permanent.
Jurassic Park River Adventure is currently scheduled to reopen on November 20, 2026. Guests visiting before then will have to plan around its absence.
3. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Heads Offline
Jurassic Park isn’t the only Islands of Adventure area undergoing refurbishment.
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is also scheduled for a temporary closure as Universal continues its routine attraction maintenance.
The Toon Lagoon water ride is known for leaving riders completely soaked. While its closure isn’t permanent, losing another major ride can still affect how guests plan their day.
4. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Will Close
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade won’t escape the upcoming refurbishment schedule, either.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is set to temporarily close for refurbishment, taking one of Islands of Adventure’s biggest attractions out of operation.
The ride sits inside Hogwarts Castle and remains one of the area’s centerpiece experiences. Universal plans to reopen it after the refurbishment.
5. Fyre Drill Will Temporarily Close at Epic Universe
Epic Universe is also getting a temporary closure for an attraction.
Fyre Drill, located in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, is scheduled to close for refurbishment from January 25 through February 4, 2027.
The interactive boat attraction lets guests join a Viking water battle by blasting targets and other riders.
While the closure is relatively short, guests visiting during those dates will need to plan around its absence.
6. Animal Actors on Location Is Closing Forever
Not every attraction on this list is coming back.
Animal Actors on Location at Universal Studios Florida is set to permanently close on November 3, 2026, ending the longtime live show featuring trained animals and demonstrations inspired by film and television.
Unlike the temporary refurbishments elsewhere, this closure will be permanent. Once the final performance takes place, the attraction will not return in its current form. That makes the remaining weeks especially meaningful for longtime Universal fans who want one final opportunity to experience the show before it disappears from the park’s entertainment lineup.
Its departure also marks another significant change for Universal Studios Florida as the park continues updating its collection of attractions and live entertainment.
However, an even larger permanent loss is unfolding next door at Islands of Adventure.
7. Lost Continent Will Completely Disappear
The biggest closure involves an entire theme park land.
The Lost Continent is heading toward permanent closure at Islands of Adventure, meaning guests will eventually say goodbye to one of the park’s original themed areas.
The land has already lost several attractions over the years. Its remaining offerings are expected to disappear as Universal prepares the space for whatever comes next.
Rumors have connected the property to possible future lands inspired by The Legend of Zelda or The Lord of the Rings. Universal has not officially confirmed either concept, so those possibilities remain speculation.
What is clear is that the Lost Continent’s days are numbered. By 2027, Islands of Adventure will continue moving away from the park that longtime visitors remember.
What Does This Mean for Universal Orlando Trips?
Guests traveling during the final months of 2026 or early 2027 should pay close attention to Universal’s attraction schedules.
Temporary refurbishments can remove several experiences from a park day, especially when major rides such as Jurassic Park River Adventure or Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey are involved. Knowing about these closures ahead of time could make it much easier to adjust plans and avoid unexpected disappointment.
The permanent closures carry even more weight. Animal Actors on Location won’t return, and the Lost Continent is preparing to disappear as Universal looks toward the future.
For guests, the best move is to check operating schedules shortly before arriving. With several changes ahead, Universal Orlando Resort could look considerably different in 2027.
