Universal Orlando Ride Closures & Refurbishments Through 2026: What You Need to Know

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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What This Means for Guests & Itinerary Planning

1. 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.
2. Mind the 2026 blackout on Jurassic Park River Adventure. In 2026, this headline attraction will be offline for almost the entire year.
3. Prioritize must-see attractions early. When closures are announced, visit them at park open to avoid schedule surprises.
4. Use downtime to explore alternate experiences. When a major ride is closed, crowd patterns shift—take advantage of shorter waits elsewhere.
5. Watch for replacement announcements. Universal typically reveals a new attraction soon after retiring a major one. Keep an eye on official news outlets.

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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

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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.

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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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🎃 Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2025: My Ultimate Guide to the Scares

Halloween Horror Nights 2025 is officially here, and I couldn’t be more excited! Starting August 29 and running for 48 terrifying nights through November 2, Universal Studios Florida transforms into a nightmare-filled playground of horror.

Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Orlando: Haunted Houses, Scare Zones & Tickets

From 10 all-new haunted houses to chilling scare zones and roaming scareactors, every corner of the park promises heart-pounding thrills. I braved the darkness myself, and trust me—this year is not for the faint of heart.

Some of my favorite haunts include stepping into Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria in Five Nights at Freddy’s, escaping Art the Clown’s gruesome Terrifier funhouse, and exploring the eerie wasteland of Prime Video’s Fallout.

Plus, Jason Voorhees is back for vengeance in Jason Universe, and Universal’s Entertainment team has unleashed original nightmares like Dolls: Let’s Play Dead and Grave of Flesh—each house more terrifying than the last.

The horror doesn’t stop at the houses—four new scare zones like Masquerade: Dance with Death and Mutations: Toxic Twenties keep you on edge, while roaming scareactors (including Art the Clown himself!) make hiding nearly impossible.

When you need a break, check out jaw-dropping shows like Nightmare Fuel: Circus of Decay, shop chilling merch in the new Tribute Store, or grab themed bites and drinks like the Clown Café Bloody Popcorn or Radaway from Fallout.

Tickets, vacation packages, and upgrades like Express Passes and R.I.P. Tours are on sale now, and staying onsite comes with amazing perks like Early Park Admission and dedicated entry gates.

If you love horror, this year’s Halloween Horror Nights is a can’t-miss experience. Visit UniversalOrlando.com/Fall for tickets, packages, and all the terrifying details—then get ready to scream!

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Darren spent nearly 20 years as an Orlando travel agent, helping families plan unforgettable vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond. Today, he has transitioned his passion for travel into writing and video production. As a travel writer and producer, Darren shares insider tips, reviews, and in-depth guides through his blog and his travel channel on YouTube, where viewers can explore destinations, resorts, and theme parks with him. You can find his videos here on his Travel Channel.

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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Do You Need to Activate the Universal Orlando Photo Package? Here’s My Experience

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.

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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

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.

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Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.

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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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Epic Universe Ride Guide: Height Requirements for Every Attraction

Planning your trip to Universal’s Epic Universe? Here's your complete guide to every ride in the park, organized by portal with height requirements.

Portal	Ride	Height Requirement
Celestial Park	Stardust Racers	48"
Celestial Park	Constellation Carousel	None
Super Nintendo World	Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge	40"
Super Nintendo World	Yoshi’s Adventure	34"
Super Nintendo World	Mine‑Cart Madness	40"
Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic	Battle at the Ministry	40"
Isle of Berk	Hiccup’s Wing Gliders	40"
Isle of Berk	Dragon Racer’s Rally	48"
Isle of Berk	Fyre Drill	None
Dark Universe	Curse of the Werewolf	40"
Dark Universe	Monsters Unchained	48"
Dark Universe	Darkmoor Monster Makeup	None

Celestial Park

Stardust Racers

A high-speed dual-track coaster that simulates racing through the cosmos. Launches, airtime, and inversions make this a can’t-miss thrill ride.
Height Requirement: 48" (122 cm) or taller

Constellation Carousel

A beautiful, celestial-themed carousel that’s perfect for all ages.
Height Requirement: No restriction

Super Nintendo World

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

A next-generation AR dark ride where you join Team Mario to race Bowser through iconic Mario Kart tracks.
Height Requirement: 40" (102 cm); guests 40–48" must be accompanied

Yoshi’s Adventure

A slow-moving, family ride atop Yoshi’s back that tours colorful Mushroom Kingdom scenery.
Height Requirement: 34" (87 cm); guests 34–48" must be accompanied

Mine‑Cart Madness

A Donkey Kong-themed coaster that uses a unique “boom coaster” design to simulate jumping mine carts.
Height Requirement: 40" (102 cm); guests 40–48" must be accompanied

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

A massive new dark ride featuring magical fireplaces, high-speed lifts, and a showdown inside the Ministry of Magic.
Height Requirement: 40" (102 cm); guests 40–48" must be accompanied

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders

A launched coaster where you soar alongside dragons on a smooth, family-friendly flight through Berk.
Height Requirement: 40" (102 cm); guests 40–48" must be accompanied

Dragon Racer’s Rally

A spinning thrill ride where you control your own dragon flips in midair.
Height Requirement: 48" (122 cm) or taller

Fyre Drill

An interactive water ride where Vikings battle fires with on-board water cannons.
Height Requirement: No restriction

Dark Universe

Curse of the Werewolf

A family coaster that zips through forests and howling hills. Includes launches and spinning motion.
Height Requirement: 40" (102 cm); guests 40–48" must be accompanied

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

A state-of-the-art dark ride using KUKA robotic arms. Face off against Universal Monsters in a gothic laboratory setting.
Height Requirement: 48" (122 cm) or taller

Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience

A walk-through encounter where guests get transformed into classic monsters with theatrical makeup and prosthetics.
Height Requirement: No restriction

Pro Tip: Kids under 48" will have plenty to do—but if your child is exactly 40", this park opens up a lot more options than older Universal parks!

👉 Save this guide or bookmark for your next trip to Epic Universe.

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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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First Look: Universal Orlando's Newest Attraction Villain-Con Minion Blast

I had a chance to experience Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Villian-Con Minion Blast which is set to open at Universal Studios Florida. It was, well, a blast!

In Villain-Con Minion Blast you’ll blast their way to supervillain stardom. This first-of-its-kind attraction puts guests’ villainous skills to the test to see if they have what it takes to become a member of the Vicious 6—a notorious group of supervillains from the hit film “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”

It’s not only hilarious but really fun! It’s one of the most creative and immersive attractions that has come to any Orlando theme park in a long time. As soon as I got off, I wanted to go again.

This attraction is still in “technical rehearsal” or what Disney might call “soft opening” so I cannot show you everything just yet. But here are a few highlights to give you an idea of what to expect when it officially opens on August 11, 2023.

If you recall from the film Minions: Rise of Gru, the characters travel to Orlando, Florida for Villian-Con, an annual convention for villains. As funny as that is, and of course this being the real Orlando, Universal Creative actually made the queue for this attraction, the convention center.

There are posters for exhibitors as you enter the convention center. They are really setting the scene that you’re attending Villian-Con in Orlando.

Just before entering the attraction, you’ll be issued a blaster. IT has a regular trigger and then a front trigger that’s used to deliver an even strong blast.

You begin by standing on a slow-moving conveyor belt that winds its way through different rooms.

In a way, YOU are the ride vehicle here. Your goal is to aim your blaster at as many moving targets as you can to rack up points. There are lots of Minion shenanigans, of course.

This new ride technology is a game-change for Universal, which can sometimes rely too much on motion simulators. This is not a motion simulator thankfully and it’s one of the best new attractions I’ve experienced here in Orlando.

And in true Oralndo-style, all good attractions empty out into a themed gift shop. But that’s not all. MinionLand is a whole new section of Universal Studios Florida.

Bake My Day Minion Bakery

Bake My Day has Minion-themed desserts, candy, and pastries.

Minion Cafe

You can fuel up for the mayhem with a unique dining experience, Minion Café, a new eatery run by the Minions featuring inventive fare for every guest. Pop-A-Nana, a kiosk featuring banana-flavored popcorn; Freeze Ray Pops, a walk-up window serving refreshingly colorful frozen treats;

Minions Cafe is themed to the Minion’s break room. Lots of funny gags everywhere you look.

Where the Minions clock in for their shift.

There are motivational posters on the wall. They were among my favorite details.

The locker room is filled with gags and hidden details. Be sure to look inside.

Minion’s Cafe dining room has penty of seating.

The guitar and teddy bear from the end scene in the animated movie are on the wall in the dining room.

Pap-A-Nana Popcorn

Pop-A-Nana, a kiosk featuring banana-flavored popcorn, Freeze Ray Pops, a walk-up window serving refreshingly colorful frozen treats.

Minion popcorn buckets are available at Minionland as well. Popcorn is banana flavored.

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Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.

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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 Plans New Dreamworks Animation Land at Universal Studios for 2024

Universal Orlando Resort said it will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animations’ beloved animated characters.

As guests step into this new land, their imaginations will run wild as they take in the vibrant colors, sights and sounds that surround them.

Dreamworks Land is coming to Universal Orlando Resort

Guests will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and explore themed interactive play spaces and attractions that bring popular franchises like Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda to life in imaginative ways.

The new DreamWorks land, coming to Universal Studios Florida, is part of a collection of new entertainment experiences debuting at Universal Orlando Resort in 2024 and is a continuation of Universal’s commitment to rich storytelling that places guests of all ages in the most incredible and immersive environments.

This new land will replace the former Woody Woodpecker area of the park.

More details will be revealed in the future. For more information on Universal Orlando Resort packages, click here.

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Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.

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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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Orlando Travel Guides

Universal Orlando Hotel Brochures

Guide to Ground Transfers

Renting Scooters in Orlando

Using Uber/Lyft at the Parks

Tips for Renting a Car in Orlando

How to Save Money on Flights

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