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. Last month, we saw the short closure of the the popular Hogwarts Express at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for refurbishment. We also saw 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, we see a popular water park close temporarily 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. Jurassic Park River Adventure (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)Image: Theme Park TouristStatus: ConfirmedDates: 8 January–1 February 2024Universal 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. 2. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)Image: UniversalStatus: ConfirmedDates: 5 February–8 March 2024Universal confirmed back in December 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.3. Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts Castle (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)Image: Touring PlansStatus: ConfirmedDates: Now – TBCThe 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.4. Dark Arts At Hogwarts Castle (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)Image: UniversalStatus: ConfirmedDates: TBCIt now states on the official Universal Orlando website that the Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle is “temporarily closed”.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.
