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 December and beyond.
This month sees Me Ship, The Olive reopening and we expect to see MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack at Universal Studios Florida reopening after its refurbishment on December 16. Pteranodon Flyers remains closed at Universal Islands of Adventure following its unexpected closure in mid-April.
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. MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack (Universal Studios Florida)
Image: Universal
Status: Confirmed
Dates: 4 November – 15 December
MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack closed beginning November 8 and is expected to remain closed through December 15.
2. Pteranodon Flyers (Universal Islands of Adventure)
Image: Universal
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Present – TBC
Pteranodon Flyers at Universal Islands of Adventure has been unavailable since mid-April when it experienced an issue which forced it to close unexpectedly. It continues to be listed on the official Universal Orlando Resort calendar as being closed.
It appears that Universal are still waiting for a part for this attraction and so far there doesn’t seem to be an estimated time frame for when we will likely see Pteranodon Flyers reopening. We will keep you posted on this.
3. Hogwarts Express (Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure)
Image: Theme Park Tourist
Status: Confirmed
Dates: 28 January – 1 February 2025
It has now been confirmed that the Hogwarts Express will see another short temporary closure from November 28 January – 1 February 2025.
4. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)
Image: Universal
Status: Confirmed
Dates: 7 November 2024 – 19 December 2024
The temporary closure of Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls has now begun at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and according to the official Universal Orlando refurbishment calendar it is set to last through 19 December 2024.
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.
5. Jurassic Park River Adventure (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)
Image: Universal Orlando Resort
Status: Confirmed
Dates: 6 – 23 January, 2025
We now know that Jurassic Park River Adventure at Universal’s Islands of Adventure will be closed for its annual refurbishment in January.
6. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)
Image: Universal
Status: Confirmed
Dates: January 24 – March 15, 2025
Universal has announced that Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges at Universal’s Islands of Adventure will close for its extended annual refurbishment from January 24 – March 15, 2025.
7. Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts Castle (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)
Image: Touring Plans
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.
8. Dark Arts At Hogwarts Castle (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)
Image: Universal
Status: Confirmed
Dates: TBC
It still states on the official Universal Orlando website that the Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle is “temporarily closed”. It specifies that this offering should take place on “Select nights in Autumn” so we hope to see this popular entertainment returning to Universal’s Islands of Adventure later this year.
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. We will update you with further information when it is announced.
We will keep you up to date with any changes to this refurbishment schedule on our news and Facebook page and we will post our next Universal refurbishment article at the beginning of January 2025!
