Universal Orlando fans are in for a roller-coaster of emotions next year, and not just because of the thrill rides. If you already started planning a 2026 vacation, you might want to take a moment and double-check those dates. Several attractions, including a fan-favorite dinosaur blockbuster and a beloved wizarding train, are set to close for refurbishment throughout the year. It is a lot to take in, especially after the excitement of Epic Universe opening in 2025.Credit: Aditya Vyas, UnsplashThis is not one of those years where you can count on strolling into the parks and hopping on every classic experience. Universal is giving a few heavy hitters some rest, and one big one is stepping away for nearly an entire year. Visiting soon? Then it pays to know what is going offline and for how long so your itinerary does not get unexpectedly flipped upside down before you even arrive at the front gates.A Year Packed with ClosuresTheme parks always need maintenance, sure, but 2026 feels different. Instead of one quick tune-up here and there, Universal’s calendar is filled with several scheduled closures. Think of it like spring cleaning, but stretched into a long, carefully timed process. The end result should be better effects, smoother rides, and polished storytelling. Still, that does not help much if you show up and find your bucket-list ride covered in construction tarps.Let’s break them down one by one, starting with the giant. Literally.Jurassic Park River Adventure: Nearly a Full Year OfflineThe closure that is getting the most attention is Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure. This ride will close January 5, 2026 and will not reopen until November 19, 2026. That is close to eleven months without hearing the iconic Jurassic Park theme as your boat drifts through those massive gates.Credit: Universal Orlando ResortThis ride has been around since 1999 and has earned its status as a rite-of-passage attraction. The towering T. rex encounter, the surprising Velociraptor moments, the classic water finale that sends you plunging down into the lagoon… it is the definition of Universal nostalgia mixed with adrenaline. The fact that it is going dark for almost a year suggests something much bigger than basic repairs. Long closures typically mean major system refreshes, animatronic updates, and visual enhancements.If Jurassic Park River Adventure is at the top of your “must ride” list, it is smart to schedule your trip before early January or wait until late fall. Otherwise, you will have to wave to the dinosaurs from across the lagoon and settle for watching guests get soaked from afar.Hogwarts Express: A Quick Pause for MagicNext up is the Hogwarts Express, which connects Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It will close for refurbishment from February 9 to February 23, 2026. This one is short compared to the dinosaur downtime, but it still affects a big part of the experience, especially for Harry Potter fans.Credit: UniversalRiding between parks instead of walking through the turnstiles feels like you have stepped into the Wizarding World for real. Losing that convenience for two weeks means you will be getting your steps in a bit more, unless you plan around it. The good news is that the closure is brief, and the train should be back chugging along with its usual charm by the end of the month.If your vacation falls in February and your dream includes sipping Butterbeer then magically boarding a train to your next adventure, keep these dates in mind.Revenge of the Mummy: A Short DozeRevenge of the Mummy fans can breathe a little easier. The ride will close January 15 through January 21, 2026. Only one week. The attraction had a large upgrade not long ago, and this is likely just routine care to make sure the effects, coaster tracks, and fire-blasting surprises stay in top shape.Credit: UniversalUnless you happen to visit exactly during this window, you will be able to face Imhotep and zoom through dark tombs like usual. For many guests, losing this ride for a week will not wreck the trip, but it is still a date worth noting.Volcano Bay Shuts Down for a Seasonal RefreshUniversal’s water park, Volcano Bay, is taking its usual seasonal break starting October 26, 2026. It is expected to reopen on or before March 24, 2027. This closure lasts longer than typical seasonal downtime, which hints that Universal might be doing enhanced work beyond usual winter prep. Water systems, slides, and safety tech need consistent attention, especially in a park that sees such heavy use.Credit: Universal Orlando ResortIf floating in a lazy river, tackling body slides, or hopping on the Krakatau Aqua Coaster is part of your dream vacation, stick to spring or summer. A winter Universal trip next year means skipping the waves and focusing on roller coasters, butterbeer, and the rest of the resort.Why This Matters for Your TripSeeing this many closures on the calendar at once can be surprising, especially since Epic Universe just opened and brought in huge waves of new excitement. The truth is, these updates are a normal part of theme-park life. Big attractions eventually need deeper attention to stay reliable, exciting, and safe.Credit: Inside The MagicStill, it helps to plan smart. Here is a quick travel cheat sheet:• Visit before January 5 or after November 19 if Jurassic Park River Adventure is essential.• Avoid February 9-23 if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express.• Skip January 15-21 if facing Imhotep is on your list.• Do not count on Volcano Bay between late October 2026 and March 2027.It might look like a long list, yet Universal has plenty of ways to keep the thrills going. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, VelociCoaster, and all the brand-new experiences at Epic Universe will easily fill your schedule.Final ThoughtsChange is part of the theme-park world. Attractions wear down, tech ages, and sometimes rides need long naps so they can return even sharper than before. It can feel frustrating to lose access to favorites, especially classics like Jurassic Park River Adventure, but the long-term payoff tends to be worth it.Planning ahead is the key to making 2026 a solid Universal trip. Check calendars, build a flexible itinerary, and be ready to discover new favorites while your classics take their well-deserved reset. In the end, the parks will come back stronger, and when the dinosaurs roar again, they may look and sound better than ever.For now, pack your patience, grab an extra Butterbeer for comfort, and keep your eyes on reopening dates. Universal might be hitting pause on a few legends next year, yet there is plenty of magic, thrills, and mischief waiting to fill the gaps.The post Jurassic Park Ride Shutting Down Nearly All Year at Universal Orlando appeared first on Inside the Magic.