It is important for guests visiting Universal Orlando Resort to know which rides and attractions are closed for refurbishment or for another reason to avoid disappointment. It can be difficult to keep up to date with the changing schedules so we are collating the current list of refurbishments planned for Universal Orlando Resort during October and beyond.
Last month, many Universal fans were undoubtedly still coming to terms with the permanent closure of the iconic opening day attraction, Poseidon's Fury which shuttered on May 10. We see work continuing to be done on the former KidZone area which is now confirmed as becoming Dreamworks land in 2024. As a result of this, The E.T Adventure continues to have a temporary entrance.
This month, a popular water ride continues to be closed for its annual refurbishment and a nighttime show remains paused at Universal's Islands of Adventure. We are including dates where possible for refurbishments and closures but these are subject to change. We will keep you informed of any changes on our news and Facebook page.
1. Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls (Universal's Islands of Adventure)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: 2 October–17 November 2023
Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls at Universal's Islands of Adventure is currently closed for it's annual refurbishment and is set to reopen on November 17.
Every cliché in the book comes out to play on Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls when Snidley Whiplash again tethers the poor Nell on the railroad tracks. But this innovative log flume (part roller coaster) has a few surprises up its sleeves as you float along with the famous Mountie. Watch out for the 75 foot drop at the end of the ride - and prepare to get wet.
2. Hogwarts Express (Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: 10–16 December 2023
The Hogwarts Express has now appeared on the official Universal website refurbishment list for both Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure for a short downtime 10–16 December 2023. We assume as it is planned in the diary that it is for scheduled maintenance and should reopen as expected.
Since the Hogwarts Express was closed back in January when the pull cable snapped and Universal had to wait for a replacement part, the attraction appears to have been running smoothly which has been great to see. We will update you with further news if this scheduled downtime is extended but that currently isn't expected so guests can assume that the Hogwarts Express will reopen on December 17.
3. Jurassic Park River Adventure (Universal's Islands of Adventure)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: 8 January–1 February 2024
Universal has announced that Jurassic Park River Adventure will close for its annual refurbishment 8 January–1 February 2024. It is usual for Universal to systematically work through the refurbishment of its water rides at the beginning of the year.
4. Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges (Universal's Islands of Adventure)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: 5 February–8 March 2024
Universal has now confirmed the annual refurbishment schedule for Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges which is currently set to take place at the usual time towards the beginning of the year between 5 February–8 March 2024.
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges is a popular river rapids ride like none before when you travel along with Popeye into the depths of cartoon adventure. Tangled octopii, leaky pipes, and a few surprising twists await those brave enough to face the rapids.
5. Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts Castle (Universal's Islands of Adventure)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now - TBC
The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle are still currently listed as "temporarily closed" on the official Universal Orlando website.
Usually, on selected nights, against the backdrop of Hogwarts, projections celebrate the four houses through lights and music. We are currently unsure when this nighttime offering will return but will update you when further details are announced. We will update you when this becomes available again.
6. Dark Arts At Hogwarts Castle (Universal's Islands of Adventure)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Select nights in Fall
Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle continues to state on the official Universal Orlando website that it will be performed "Select Nights in Fall".
Located in Hogsmeade in Universal's Islands of Adventure, Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle combines lights and music in an exciting spectacle where images of Death Eaters and Dementors alongside Lord Voldemort cloak the stone walls of Hogwarts Castle as darkness falls.
Comments
I’m glad that your still going to have the mummy ride their you’re just changing the name of it right. I also have something else to tell you in the Kid’s land make sure that you never get rid of the E.T. ride or the Woody Woodpecker ride because I was planning to come to Universal Orlando this month, but then changed plans to go to Walt Disney World instead and I’m really looking forward to getting the chance to ride these rides. There was the Madagascar ride at Universal Studios Singapore that just closed down and a was really looking forward to ride it, so I’m asking you please don’t ever in a million years change these rides.