Universal Orlando Ride Closures & Refurbishments Through 2026: What You Need to Know
Heading to Universal Orlando soon? Here’s the 2025–2026 list of confirmed ride closures and refurbishments, including Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’s final season and the year-long Jurassic Park River Adventure overhaul.
When planning a visit to Universal Orlando in 2025 or 2026, it’s crucial to know which attractions will be offline and for how long. In this article, we cover confirmed ride closures, refurbishment windows, and the known reasons behind them—just for the Orlando resort. All information is drawn from Universal’s announced calendars and reputable theme-park news sites.
Major Permanent Closure
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit — Universal Studios Florida
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has permanently closed on August 18, 2025.
- Its final day of operation was August 17, 2025.
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has permanently closed on Aug. 18, 2025, to make way for a new experience.
- The park has not yet disclosed detailed plans for the replacement, but filings suggest a new “Amusement Ride” (Project 830) may be built on the same footprint.
- Demolition and site prep are expected to begin immediately after closure.
Reason / context: This is a full removal, not a temporary refurb. It signals that Universal Orlando is reclaiming prime ride real estate to introduce something new—likely a modern, high-capacity attraction that better fits future guest demand.
Major Refurbishment
Jurassic Park River Adventure (Islands of Adventure)
- Universal Orlando has scheduled a nearly 11-month refurbishment of Jurassic Park River Adventure, from January 5, 2026 to November 19, 2026.
- Universal describes it as “planned maintenance.”
- This will be one of the longest single-ride closures at Universal Orlando in recent memory.
Likely reasons / what may be done:
- Water rides like this endure heavy wear from pumps, hydraulics, and constant moisture exposure.
- Universal may replace or refurbish water delivery systems, control systems, ride vehicles, show elements, and electrical infrastructure.
- The length of closure suggests deep mechanical overhauls and upgraded animatronics or show scenes.
Because this closure is already confirmed, treat it as certain when planning your 2026 trip.
Other Temporary & Short Refurbishments
Universal Orlando periodically shuts down rides for shorter periods for maintenance and technical upgrades. These are usually planned and less disruptive. Current patterns include:
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls (Islands of Adventure): Historically closed in October for maintenance.
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges: Often closed for a month or so from February to March for refurbishments.
- Jurassic Park River Adventure: Minor closures in prior years (e.g., January 2025) for routine work.
These short-term closures usually last from a few days to a few weeks and are intended to keep rides safe and reliable.
Why Rides Close: The Underlying Logic
1. Maintenance & Safety Compliance
All rides need regular inspection, part replacement, and safety system upgrades. Short-term closures let the parks maintain compliance, reduce wear, and catch issues early.
2. Deep Refurbishment & Overhaul
When systems age—especially in water rides—the park needs extended downtime to replace major components. The Jurassic Park River Adventure refurbishment is the perfect example.
3. Redevelopment & Replacement
The Rip Ride Rockit removal is more than just upkeep. Universal is making strategic land-use decisions to improve guest flow and introduce next-generation experiences with stronger intellectual property ties.
4. Operational Efficiency & Guest Demand
Underperforming or maintenance-intensive rides may be retired so Universal can reinvest in attractions that deliver higher throughput and guest satisfaction.
What This Means for Guests & Itinerary Planning
- Ride “last chances” early. If you want to experience Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, plan your trip before August 2025 and ride it early in the day.
- Mind the 2026 blackout on Jurassic Park River Adventure. In 2026, this headline attraction will be offline for almost the entire year.
- Prioritize must-see attractions early. When closures are announced, visit them at park open to avoid schedule surprises.
- Use downtime to explore alternate experiences. When a major ride is closed, crowd patterns shift—take advantage of shorter waits elsewhere.
- Watch for replacement announcements. Universal typically reveals a new attraction soon after retiring a major one. Keep an eye on official news outlets.
Summary Table: Universal Orlando Closures & Refurbishments (2025–2026)
| Attraction | Park / Land | Closure Type | Closure Window | Notes / Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit | Universal Studios Florida | Permanent removal | August 18, 2025 (final ride Aug 17) | Closing to make way for a new attraction; replacement unannounced |
| Jurassic Park River Adventure | Islands of Adventure | Major refurbishment | Jan 5, 2026 – Nov 19, 2026 | Extensive mechanical and show system overhaul |
| Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls | Islands of Adventure | Temporary | Typically mid-Oct (varies) | Routine maintenance |
| Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges | Islands of Adventure | Temporary | Typically Feb–Mar | Seasonal refurbishment |
| Jurassic Park River Adventure | Islands of Adventure | Temporary (past) | Jan 6 – Jan 23, 2025 | Routine maintenance in prior years |
Final Thoughts
Focusing exclusively on Universal Orlando, the key takeaways for 2025–2026 are clear:
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is permanently shutting down in August 2025. Ride it before then if it’s on your list.
- Jurassic Park River Adventure will be offline for most of 2026 for major upgrades—plan accordingly.
- Other refurbishments will be short-term and focused on routine safety and upkeep.
Keeping track of these changes can help you make the most of your visit. Check Universal Orlando’s official refurbishment calendar regularly, and stay tuned for future announcements about new attractions that will redefine the park’s skyline in the years ahead.
About Martin:
Martin is a lifelong theme park and cruise enthusiast—and the proud son of this site’s founder. Bringing a fresh, youthful perspective, he shares his experiences at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. You’ll often catch him in the background of his dad’s travel videos—or even behind the camera, capturing moments himself. Check out some of his contributions on YouTube at Orlando Parks Guy Orlando Parks Guy.
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Do You Need to Activate the Universal Orlando Photo Package? Here’s My Experience
Wondering if you need to activate your Universal Orlando photo package before using it? Here’s my first-hand guide on how activation works, where to go, and how to save time.
When I head to Universal Orlando, I almost always add on the My Universal Photos package—it’s the easiest way to collect all the ride photos, character meet-and-greets, and those candid shots in front of the globe without fumbling with my phone. But there’s one question I get asked all the time:
Photo Shop at Universal Studios Florida
👉 “If I buy the Universal Orlando photo package, do I need to stop at the photo center to activate it?”
The short answer is yes—but it’s not as much of a hassle as you might think.
How the Activation Works
When you purchase My Universal Photos, whether you buy online ahead of time or at the park, you’ll still need to activate the package inside Universal Orlando. This step links your purchase to the physical photo pass cards you’ll use throughout the day.
Here’s where you can activate:
On Location at Universal Studios Florida
DeFoto’s Expedition Photography at Islands of Adventure
Waturi Marketplace at Volcano Bay
Or even the will-call window at the front gate
Once you activate, the team member gives you a lanyard and photo card—and you can request extras if your group is splitting up. Every card links back to your account, so all of your photos end up in one place.
Do You Have to Activate Right Away?
Nope! You don’t need to run straight to the photo center the minute you enter the park.
Here’s a pro tip I’ve learned: you can start using a temporary card that ride photographers hand out at attractions. When you finally stop by a photo center to activate your package, those early photos will be transferred over to your account. That way, you don’t waste rope-drop time standing in line.
My Advice
If you want to maximize your photo package:
Grab a temporary card as soon as you get your first photo taken.
Wait to activate until the middle of the day when crowds are lighter.
Ask for extra cards if your family is splitting up—it keeps everyone’s photos together.
For me, this system works perfectly. I get all my ride photos, family shots, and even those silly green-screen pictures without stressing.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you do need to activate your Universal Orlando photo package—but you don’t need to stress about it. Start snapping photos with a temporary card, then swing by a photo center when it’s convenient. You’ll walk away with a full album of memories without sacrificing valuable park time.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Universal Orlando Attraction Closures & Refurbishments – 2025 & Beyond
Several rides at Universal Orlando Resort will be closing temporarily for refurbishment in 2025, with one major coaster saying goodbye for good. Here’s the full list of dates so you can plan ahead.
Heads Up: A Few Attractions Are Taking a Short Break! 🛠️
If you’re planning a Universal Orlando trip in late 2025 or early 2027, it’s always smart to check which attractions might be down during your visit. While most rides and shows run year-round, the parks schedule short refurbishments to keep everything running smoothly — and sometimes, those closures bring major changes. Here’s what’s on the calendar right now (dates subject to change).
Revenge of the Mummy
📅 Closed August 11 – 13, 2025
Good news — this fan-favorite indoor coaster is only going down for a quick three-day tune-up. If you’re visiting around these dates, plan to ride before or after the closure window.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – PERMANENT CLOSURE
📅 Closing August 18, 2025
This is the big one. The towering music coaster at Universal Studios Florida will be closing permanently to make way for a brand-new experience. Universal hasn’t announced what’s replacing it yet, but stay tuned — we’ll update as soon as details drop.
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
📅 Closed August 20 – September 3, 2025
Kong is taking a short break for maintenance. This dark ride is popular for its massive animatronic finale, so a little TLC will only make it better.
Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls
📅 Closed October 6 – 31, 2025
This cartoon-inspired log flume is closing for a few weeks during the fall. Considering the Florida heat, you may not miss it too much — but it’s still a fun one to ride if you love getting soaked.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
📅 Closed November 10 – 20, 2025
The signature attraction inside Hogwarts Castle will be closed for a short refurbishment. If this is a must-do for you, try to work around these dates when visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade.
Volcano Bay – Seasonal Closure
📅 Closed October 26, 2026 – Reopening on or before March 24, 2027
Universal’s water theme park will be taking its longest break yet for seasonal maintenance. While Volcano Bay usually closes briefly in winter, this extended downtime could mean big upgrades are in store.
Plan Ahead & Stay Flexible
Attraction closures are a normal part of theme park operations, but with a little planning, you can still enjoy an incredible Universal Orlando vacation. Keep checking back here at OrlandoParksGuy.com for updates — especially if more details are released about Rip Ride Rockit’s replacement.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Plan a smooth visit to Universal Orlando with this helpful accessibility guide for guests using wheelchairs and mobility devices. Learn how ride transfer requirements work, what to expect in queues, and how to navigate the parks confidently in 2025.