Universal Orlando has an unusually long list of closures coming up this fall and winter, including a whole water park. Here's what's closed or closing (as of Oct 14, 2026) and what to do instead.
Closing soon
Volcano Bay: closed Oct 26, 2026 until on or before Apr 1, 2027
The entire water park goes down for the winter (Source ↗). Instead: if you want to get wet, the water rides in the theme parks are your option, but note that Jurassic Park River Adventure doesn't reopen until Dec 17 (below), and Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges closes Jan 4 – Feb 2, 2027 (Source ↗).
Hogwarts Express: closes Nov 4, 2026, reopening TBA
Both stations close (Source ↗). This is the big one for park-to-park ticket holders. Instead: walk between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure via CityWalk. It takes longer, so group each park's rides together instead of crisscrossing. If you only bought a park-to-park ticket for the train, a one-park-per-day ticket may be enough.
Animal Actors On Location!: closing permanently Nov 3, 2026
Last chance is before Nov 3 (Source ↗).
Closed now
- Jurassic Park River Adventure (Islands of Adventure): closed since Jan 5, 2026; reopens Dec 17, 2026 (Source ↗).
- Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show: closed since May 12, 2026, back in winter 2026 (Source ↗).
- Po Live!: closed since Oct 3, 2026, reopening TBA (Source ↗).
Already on the 2027 calendar
- Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges: Jan 4 – Feb 2, 2027 (Source ↗).
- Fyre Drill (Epic Universe): Jan 25 – Feb 4, 2027 (Source ↗).
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Feb 8 – Feb 19, 2027 (Source ↗). If your trip falls in those dates and Harry Potter is the point, consider shifting it.
Florida residents: two offers in the same window
A Special 3-Day Florida Resident Ticket at $255 + tax ($85/day) covers one day each at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe, usable through Dec 23, 2026 (online only, blockouts apply). Florida residents can also save up to 35% on Sun–Thu stays at select Universal hotels through Dec 24, 2026 (Source ↗).
Keep checking: our Universal Orlando closures page and the live tracker are updated as sources change.