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 February and beyond. Last month, a popular water ride closed temporarily for its annual refurbishment and we 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 another 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. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)
Image: Universal
Status: ConfirmedDates: 2 February– 15 March 2024Universal announced back in December that the annual refurbishment for Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges was set to take place at the usual time towards the beginning of the year between 5 February–8 March 2024. We have now had confirmation on the official Universal Orlando Resort calendar that Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges will close 2 February– 15 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.2. Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts Castle (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)
Image: Touring Plans
Status: 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.3. Dark Arts At Hogwarts Castle (Universal’s Islands of Adventure)
Image: Universal
Status: ConfirmedDates: TBCIt 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.4. Parts of KidZone (Universal Studios Florida)
Image: Universal
Status: ConfirmedDates: January 15, 2023 – TBA Construction walls were erected in mid-April 2023 meaning that The E.T Adventure has currently got a temporary entrance with guests being rerouted through the pre-show room to access the attraction meaning there is currently no pre-show and the exit shop has also been closed. We will update you on this when further details are announced.A number of attractions in the KidZone area of Universal Studios Florida have been closed since January 15, 2023. This decision was made in order to be able to bring exciting new family entertainment to immerse guests in beloved animated characters.The attractions that are now closed include Fievel’s Playland, the Woody Woodpecker family coaster, Curious George wet and dry play areas, DreamWorks Destination and Meet Shrek & Donkey. The E.T. Adventure, Animal Actors on Location!, SpongeBob StorePants – including meet and greets with SpongeBob SquarePants and friends and the KidZone Pizza Company will remain open.In August, Universal officially announced details of the new land coming to Universal Studios Florida to replace the former KidZone area, Dreamworks Land. To check out everything this new land will offer, head to our news article, Universal’s Immersive New Land is Set to Open in 2024 With a Roller Coaster, Character Experiences and More.
