Rundown of the current refurbishments at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is starting 2025 with several refurbishments across its parks, ensuring that attractions remain in excellent condition for guests to enjoy for years to come. While temporary closures can affect plans, these updates are a vital part of maintaining the quality and safety of some of the resort’s most beloved experiences. Here’s a detailed look at the current and upcoming refurbishments across Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay to help you plan your visit.
Universal Studios Florida
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One of the standout attractions at Universal Studios Florida, the Hogwarts Express, will be temporarily unavailable from January 28 to January 31, 2025. This iconic train ride connects Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida to Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure, making it a must-do for fans of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. During this closure, guests wishing to explore both areas of the Wizarding World will need to use the park entrances instead of the immersive train experience.
Though this is a short closure, it’s essential for fans planning multi-park visits to take note of these dates, as the Hogwarts Express is a highlight for many visitors.
Islands of Adventure
Several attractions at Islands of Adventure will also see temporary closures for maintenance and updates:
- Jurassic Park River Adventure: This thrilling water ride is currently closed for refurbishment and will reopen on January 24, 2025. Known for its exciting drop and stunning animatronics, this ride is a favorite among Jurassic Park fans, and its updates will likely enhance its immersive experience.
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges: This family-friendly water ride will be closed from February 1 through March 15, 2025. A staple of the Toon Lagoon area, the ride’s maintenance will help ensure it remains one of the park’s best ways to cool off during hot Florida days.
- Pteranodon Flyers: This kid-friendly ride, offering a bird’s-eye view of Jurassic Park, is also temporarily closed. Unlike the other refurbishments, the end date for this attraction is a bit open-ended as the ride is experiencing an extended, unplanned down time. Universal has not yet shared the exact reason for the closure, nor an expected opening date.
As with Universal Studios Florida, the Hogwarts Express will be out of operation from January 28 to January 31, 2025, impacting transportation between the two parks.
Universal Volcano Bay
The resort’s water park, Volcano Bay, is also undergoing significant refurbishments, with the timing coinciding with the cooler Winter temps that often result in the park closing to guests. Two popular attractions, the Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides and Puka Uli Lagoon, are closed for maintenance from January 2 through February 13, 2025. These slides and lagoon areas are highlights of the park’s tropical atmosphere and offer thrills and relaxation for guests.
Additionally, Volcano Bay will be closed on select weekdays through February 2025. These closures are as follows:
- January: 22, 23, 27, and 28
- February: 5, 6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 24, and 25
During these dates, guests planning a visit to Volcano Bay should consider alternative activities at Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure. It’s also a great time to explore CityWalk or take advantage of exclusive dining and entertainment options throughout the resort.
Why Refurbishments Matter
Refurbishments are a critical part of keeping Universal Orlando Resort running smoothly and safely. These closures allow for necessary maintenance, updates, and improvements to ensure that rides and attractions continue to meet the high standards guests have come to expect. In many cases, refurbishment periods also include enhancements that make the attractions even better than before, offering fresh experiences for returning visitors.
While it can be disappointing to miss out on a favorite ride or show, these updates are essential to preserving the magic and excitement of Universal Orlando Resort. Plus, with so much to see and do, there are still plenty of experiences to fill your day, even with a few closures.
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Tips for Planning Around Refurbishments
- Check the Official Universal Orlando App: Stay up to date on ride closures, showtimes, and wait times. The app provides real-time updates that can help you navigate your day.
- Plan Alternate Routes: With the Hogwarts Express closed for several days, guests visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter should plan extra travel time to move between parks via the main entrances.
- Explore Other Attractions: While a favorite ride may be closed, this is a great opportunity to try something new. Whether it’s dining at a unique restaurant, discovering a hidden gem in CityWalk, or taking in a new show, there’s always something to experience.
While these refurbishments may cause slight disruptions, they signal Universal Orlando Resort’s commitment to delivering world-class entertainment. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, the updated attractions will ensure your next visit is nothing short of spectacular. Keep these dates in mind as you plan your adventure, and enjoy all the excitement Universal Orlando has to offer!
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