It’s The Time Of Year For Major Closures At Universal Orlando. One Reason I’m Especially Bummed One Harry Potter Ride Will Be Down

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The holiday season at most theme parks is almost over, and we’ll soon be taking down the lights and decorations. Unfortunately, once the holidays are done, many parks, including Universal Orlando Resort, close for a period of time.

The Early Part Of The Year Frequently Sees Theme Park Closures

As a big Universal Orlando fan, I know January and February are usually the calmest times of the year for the parks. After the craziness of Christmas, they take advantage of the slower crowds to do some much-needed maintenance. I’ve been checking the Universal Orlando website, and it looks like they have a bunch of rides scheduled for refurbishment over the next few months.

Jurassic Park River Adventure will be closed for most of 2026, starting January 5th and expected to reopen on November 19th. The popular Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster will also be temporarily closed, but for a much shorter period – from January 15th to 21st, 2026. Fans were concerned when Revenge of the Mummy closed for an extended time in 2022, but it has continued to operate successfully since then.

There’s a certain moment of quiet reflection, though brief, that can actually be more powerful than any exciting adventure.

The Hogwarts Express Refurb Removes More Than Just A Ride

If you’re visiting Universal Orlando Resort in February, keep in mind that the Hogwarts Express will be temporarily closed from February 9th to February 23rd.

Although the Hogwarts Express will be temporarily closed for just two weeks – which isn’t a long time – the closure is still disappointing. The train isn’t just a fun ride; it’s how guests travel between the Diagon Alley area at Universal Studios Hollywood and Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure. It’s the only direct connection between the two parks, allowing guests to move between them without having to leave and re-enter, and it’s a fantastic way to travel between parks at any Universal resort.

Adding to the situation, this closure comes only two days into the Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios Florida. The event is designed to attract visitors during a typically slow time of year and offers a fantastic experience for anyone who enjoys music and food. However, getting into a Universal Studios Mardi Gras concert can be quite challenging.

Renovations can sometimes take longer than expected, and I’m hoping that won’t be the case this time. The Hogwarts Express occasionally needs to be taken out of service for maintenance to prevent longer, unplanned outages. When the train is running smoothly, though, it’s much easier to get around Universal Orlando Resort.

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2026-01-03 01:38